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Unexpected Flat Tracker – 1962 Ducati Diana 250

In Italy, Race by Abhi1 Comment

Post Listing Update: This Diana flat tracker did not meet reserve with 19 bids up to $3,050. According to the seller, this Ducati Diana was at one point a dirt track racer – though there’s unfortunately no proof of it in the listing. How awesome would it be to see some vintage photos of this thing sliding around? It has …

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1972 Bultaco Astro 250

In Off-Road, Race, Spain by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Astro was Bultaco’s factory flat tracker – ready to race from the dealership floor. Exported solely to the US to satisfy the American obsession with flat track back in the day, it was available in either 250cc (Model 163) or 360cc (Model 164) options. The bike was named after Houston’s Astrodome, which often hosted the opening short dirt track …

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1956 Norton Manx 350

In England, Race by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

To say that Norton dominated the 350 and 500 class at Isle of Man TT for the 10 years immediately following WWII would be putting it mildly. Norton Manx singles had their way with the field time after time.

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Repli Racer in Belgium – 1967 Bultaco TSS 350

In Race, Spain by AbhiLeave a Comment

Between 1960 and 1970, Bultaco offered a series of road racers called TSS in displacements varying between 125 and 350. According to Mick Walker, when the 125 was released in 1960 it was the first production road race bike to be sold to the public. Near the end of the production run, Bultaco offered a ‘350’ using the new 360 …

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Production Racer – 1956 Matchless G45

In England, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

1-29-17 Update: 2 years later, this G45 is back up for sale. Bidding is up to $10,000 with the reserve not yet met here on eBay. 1-14-15 Update: Though it did not sell for a BIN of $55,000 last time, this G45 is back up for sale with a BIN of $58,000 or best offer here on eBay. Post-Listing Update: …

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A Racing Legend – 1954 BMW Rennsport

In Germany, Race by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

After WWII, BMW’s return to racing started slowly. In 1951 their first effort, called the Mustang, was a basic rework of their 1938 racing motor without the supercharger. They were not competitive. By late 1953 BMW brought out the 500 CC Rennsport (Racing Sport), a bevel gear driven dual overhead cam high compression racing motor that was very fast. Walter …

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Dresda Framed – 1979 Honda CB750 Formula Racer

In Japan, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

In the 1960s, a gentleman named Dave Degens started building frames under the brand name of Dresda. He initially had success with Tritons, and then big companies started to approach him. One of the most notable was Japauto, Honda’s importer in France. They had Degens build a racing frame for Honda 750cc and 900cc motors, and the team ended up …