All hail small classic Italians! Unfortunately, this one hasn’t run in several years but the engine does have compression – time to open up that toolbox.
1970 Indian Mini Bambino MM5A
The Indian MM5A, also known as the Indian Mini Bambino, was a mini bike designed for little children (4-5 year olds) to become familiar with motorcycles and the Indian brand. There were two marketing goals with this bike – encourage older riders to share the Indian experience with their children, and also prime the pump for the next generation of …
37 Years New – 1978 Indian ME-100
Here’s a basically brand new example of a 40 year-old Indian ME-100 – one of the classic examples of Indian’s flirtation with tiny displacement off-road bikes. The ME-100 featured a Fuji F500K engine, which displaced 97cc. In 1974, the ME-100 got upgraded to a 22mm carb, and power went through a 5-speed transmission. If you’re curious, here’s a digital scan …
2014 Honda Grom Custom
Remember the Honda Motocompo? Built as a ‘trunk bike’ to fit into the Honda City, it was a quirky take on personal transportation. I bring that up because the name parallels well with ComposiMo, a company that has turned this Grom into a custom that fits inside of a Honda Fit.
Rare Project – 1965 SIS V5 Sport
The country of Portugal isn’t well-known for producing motorcycles, but the SIS V5 Sport was one of the most famous – the Portuguese government even made a stamp of it as part of a series they did on motorcycles of their home country.
Museum Restoration – 1976 Yamaha YZ125
Introduced in 1974, the YZ125 is still in production (and has won 5 AMA National MX championships over the years). In the first year of production, the bike had dual shocks, but Yamaha quickly switched to a monoshock design. Here’s one of the early models that was given a full restoration and has not been ridden since.
Tiny Racer – 1969 Suzuki Stinger
View Post1962 Puch DS50
This cute little scoot was produced between 1959 and 1981 – the DS refers to “double seater shell frame” and the 50 represents the approximate displacement.
1982 Honda MB5
View Post1967 Puch M125
The Puch M125 was built between ’66 and ’71 (though only 2 were made the first year, so this is one of the first example). In the United States, it was offered by Sears, who called it the Sears Lightweight SR125. Worldwide, just shy of 9,000 were produced.
1974 Yamaha YZ125
This first year example of the YZ125 was featured in the Legends & Heroes traveling motocross exhibit and it looks to be in great shape.
13 Miles – 1974 Zanella 125
Post Sale Update: This Zanella sold for $500 after 2 bids on eBay. Founded in 1948, Zanella is an Argentinian motorcycle manufacturer that makes motorcycles, mopeds, and ATVs. When they started, they licensed Italian designs from Ceccato – this bike is an example of the arrangement.
Daily Rider – 1966 Gilera 106SS
Post-Listing Update: This Gilera got up to $1,005 without meeting reserve, was then relisted and then only got up to $640. Currently enjoyed on a daily basis by the seller, this 106SS (Speciale Strada) might be perfect for you as a classic in-town runabout. It’s claimed to be in excellent shape mechanically and is complete except for the original tool …
1966 Wards Riverside 450SS
Post-Sale Update: After 13 bids on eBay, this Fireball sold for $1,700. Despite the name, this bike (a rebadged Benelli Fireball sold out of Montgomery Wards stores) has a 49cc engine. Maybe the name translates to “4” – number of gears in the transmission and “50” – displacement?
1984 Honda CB125S
In the seller’s words, “you will not get anywhere fast. Half the speedometer is for show.” But as long as you don’t mind a general lack of speed, her’s your chance to get a rare, tiny Honda that’s waiting to become a classic.