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1972 Alsport Steen Hodaka

In America, Japan, Off-Road, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Listing Update: This Steen did not meet reserve with 12 bids up to $1,706. In 1967, John Steen discontinued the first run of his Taco mini bikes and started selling Hodakas. On the side, he also created custom dirt bikes using Hodaka engines like the 100cc Alsport Steen. Conveniently, John didn’t just sell Hodakas – he was also an importer …

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1987 Honda Aero 50

In Japan, Scooter, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Aero was Honda’s first modern scooter in North America, where it was introduced in 1983. A second generation was introduced in 1985, and these have served as reliable in-town runabouts ever since. The ’85-’87 models had a 49.3cc two-stroke enigne that produced 3.9 horsepower and 3.5 pound-feet of torque. The entire package weighed 121 pounds dry. Realistic top speed …

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1962 Polaris Trail Tractor

In America, Off-Road, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Polaris was founded in 1954 by some partners and employees of Hetteen Hoist and Derrick Shop who wanted to create a vehicle capable of traveling through snow. Two years later, their first production snowmobile was released – called the Sno Traveler. A few years later, management decided that they could diversify a bit so they built the Trail Tractor.

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397 Miles – 1969 Moto Guzzi Stornello Scrambler 125

In Dual-Sport, Italy, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Sale Update: This Stornello Scrambler sold for $3,350 after 13 bids on eBay. Also known as the American, the Moto Guzzi Stornello Scrambler was one of the last four-stroke singles that Guzzi ever built. The Stornello (which translates to Starling) was produced in many varying models, all of which were powered by a 124cc engine. The Scrambler was specifically designed …

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1965 Honda S90

In Japan, Small Displacement, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: AFter 34 bids on eBay, this S90 sold for $2,280. I think one of the rules of this site is that I have to feature a S90 every month or so – it’s in the bylaws or something. I adore mine and it still gets me to work once a week, no problem (even if I can’t …

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1972 Rockford Chibi Deluxe

In America, Dual-Sport, Less than 5k, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Rockford Motors was the American importer for the wonderful Bridgestone motorcycles that occasionally dotted US roads. In ’71, Bridgestone stopped selling bikes, leaving Rockford with a gap in their product portfolio. They decided to take over manufacturing rights for the tiniest Bridgestones, specifically the 100cc “Taka” and two 60cc bikes – the “Tora” and the Rockford Chibi which you see …

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1984 Honda Motocompo

In Japan, Scooter, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This Motocompo sold for $2,025 after 2 bids on eBay. Sold for only 3 years, the Honda Motocompo was a tiny 50cc folding scooter designed to fit into the trunks of the subcompact cars Honda was making at the time, like the City. In fact, the City’s trunk was designed specifically to house the Motocompo. Nowadays, they’re …

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120 Miles – 1966 Cimatti 160

In Italy, Small Displacement, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Listing Update: Despite being relisted, this Cimatti did not meet reserve with bidding up to $2,600. Two years ago, a reader let me know that a motorcycle museum in Denver was letting go of seven small Italian bikes. One of them was this 1966 Cimatti 160, which had just 10 miles on the odometer. Since then it’s gone through two …