Batavus is a long-time Dutch manufacturer of bicycles and mopeds. They produced several stylish moped models and began importing to the U.S. in the 1970s, including the HS-50 and this more sinister sister model, the MoBat. Like most Batavus models, these are powered by a 48cc Laura 2-stroke engine and sport motorcycle styling with large wheels and between-the-knees fuel tank. …
Cute Project – 1963 Bridgestone Surfrider Model 7
Imported through the Rockford Scooter company, Bridgestone sold a variety of motorcycles in the US, ranging in displacement from 50cc from 350cc. Here’s one of the babies, a 50cc BS7-D, sometimes called the Surfrider. For some reason, the seller calls this NOS, even though it has 1,562 miles, doesn’t run, and is missing a few parts. Still, this looks like …
0 Miles – 2004 Honda Dream 50R
Post-Listing Update: This Dream did not get any action at the BIN of $4,699. In 2004, Honda sold 440 examples of the CB50R. Also called the Dream, it was a non-street-legal tribute to the RC110, Honda’s first 50cc Grand Prix racer which competed in 1962. This example has all of zero miles on it.
125cc MX’er – 1972 Carabela Caliente
Post-Sale Update – This Caliente sold for the BIN of $2,600. File this under ‘bikes I’ve never heard of before.’ According to a period review from Cycle Guide magazine, the Carabela Caliente was Mexico’s first MX bike. They said the engine power was competitive, acceleration was surprising, and the handling was excellent. Cycle World said “Mexico’s first small bore motocross …
1958 Harley-Davidson Hummer
Post Listing Update: This Hummer was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. Between 1948 and 1966, Harley-Davidson produced a series of two-stroke, three-speed small displacement thumpers that were based on the DKW RT125 (blueprints were obtained as part of reparations for WWII). The Hummer was built between ’55 and ’59, but that name has somehow evolved to encompass …
Restored Mini Bike – 1970 Ruttman Wild Goose
Post-Sale Update: After 36 bids on eBay, this Ruttman sold for just $800. Based out of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, Ruttman offered a variety of mini bikes called the “Uglys”, named after “the world’s ugliest little creatures all ready to unleash a whole pack of fun.” You could get a Pak Mule, Horny Toad, Vulture, Spyder, Grasshopper, or the Wild Goose …
In Belgium – 1956 NSU Tandem Moped
Well, I’m not entirely sure what we’re looking at here, but the seller calls it a “double-decker” motorcycle with a NSU tank and a 98cc 2-stroke motor.
Suitcase Cycle – 1969 Honda CT90
The CT90 is so common/easy to find that I typically don’t feature many on this site. Yet I had no hesitation writing this one up because it’s one of the ~1,000 Suitcase Cycles that were built in the 60s and 70s.
1965 Montgomery Wards Riverside 150-D
Montgomery Wards offered two versions of this moped during the mid-60s, both of which were produced by Benelli. Riders had the option of the deluxe 250-D, which came with a steel leg shield, passenger pegs, tool pouch, and other features, while the base 150-D was a bit more frugal. Here’s an example of the latter that’s claimed to be in …
1948 Sokol Falcon 125
Post-Listing Update – This Sokol Falcon was pulled off of eBay due to an “error in the listing.” After WWII, the designs for DKW’s RT125 were given to the Allies as part of reparations. America’s version was the Harley-Davidson line of 125s like the Pacer and Bobcat. Poland had a rare version version made by Sokol, which was built between …
“Panty Dropping Machine” – 2004 Kawasaki KLX110
I’m not entirely sure what I can say to add to this listing, so I’m just going to paste the text and share some images. Enjoy the laugh.
Rare in the US – 1964 Honda CZ100
Post-Listing Update: Despite bidding up to $12,600.01, this CZ100 did not meet reserve. Honda’s first monkey bike was the Z100 – this CZ100 was its’ replacement. This is one of the later models, as it’s equipped with a red tank. It’s got such a distinctive look, but the CZ100 was never imported to the US for Americans to enjoy. Here’s …
3 Interesting Projects in Michigan
A seller in Michigan has three cool bikes, all of which have no known history and weren’t stored particularly well. Still, these motorcycles are quirky enough that someone will want to snap them up! We’ve got a Harley-Davidson Z90, an Indian ME-100, and a MZ Trophy ES250/2 – let’s get into more details, in order of how much work they’re …
1973 Auranthetic Charger
Post-Sale Update: This Auranthetic sold for $920 after 14 bids on eBay. When I say ‘electric motorcycle’, you’ll probably think of Zero or Victory, now that the latter has acquired Brammo. If you’re passionate about the dirt, you may even have heard of Alta Motors and the Redshift MX. But what if I asked you for an electric motorcycle from …
1972 Speedway Scorpion Minibike
Like a Speedway Scarab but with lights and an alternator, the Scorpion minibike packed a 172cc Tecumseh engine that put out 4 horsepower, and “almost 100 miles of fun per gallon.”