Motorcycle racers are all aware of the NSR50, Honda’s beginner race bike that has started plenty of careers and passions. But for one year, just 50 examples of the Honda NSF100 were also imported to the states as one of the best ways to get into road racing.
Boxer Bicycle – 1949 Jack and Heintz Twin
Based out of Cleveland, Jack and Heintz was a motor manufacturer that, among other products, built engines for drone airplanes in WWII. This engine was utilized in a kit called the Marman Twin (based on a purposed built Schwinn MP97), as well as other frames for one-off bikes like this Shelby framed example. The engine is a two-stroke boxer with …
1966 Honda S90
In a weird alternative reality that I dream about, every motorcycle rider has a Honda S90 in the garage, so I’ve got to share them with the world when good examples come up for sale. This beauty has been restored both cosmetically and mechanically – you’ll get new paint, seals, fork springs/boots, tires/tubes, and much more. In addition, the top …
1976 Kawasaki KV75
In the world of minibikes, the Honda Z50 has pretty much reigned supreme. But if you’re looking for something a little bit different, this Kawasaki KV75 might be just the ticket. Thanks to the slightly larger engine and three-speed transmission, you’ll be able to hit about 40 mph on this very original example. The only known problem is that the …
Electric Wonder – 1973 Auranthetic Charger
Long before Zero and Brammo, there were very few options for an electric motorcycle. The Auranthetic Charger was a small electric bike (though not, as I originally guessed from the photos, a minibike) built in the 70s in sunny California. Using a 1 horsepower, 24 volt DC motor, this 200-pound bike was able to hit 25-30 miles per hour, with …
1947 Schwinn Whizzer
Post-Listing Update: After 6 bids on eBay, this Schwinn Whizzer did not meet reserve at $1,225. First produced in 1939, the Whizzer bicycle engine was built by Breene-Taylor engineering, an airplane part manufacturer based out of Los Angeles. Three years later, the engine production was sold off and it continued on until the mid 60’s. If you learn anything from …
Derbi Senda 50
In production since 1998, the Derbi Senda is a 50cc motorcycle that was barely brought into the US. This is basically a tiny supermoto with excellent components – 6 speed transmission, liquid cooling, and a top speed over 50 miles per hour. You’ll get plenty of extras like a 24mm Mikuni carb, Arrow Ti exhaust, Rox 2″ risers, and more. …
1955 Toyomotor TB
4-14 Update: This Toyomotor is back up for sale with bidding up to $1,526 and the reserve not yet met or a BIN of $15,000. I don’t see it hitting reserve or the BIN price, so this is the last time I’ll update this bike for the immediate future. Find it here on eBay. Post-Listing Update: This Toyomotor TB did …
1965 Parilla Wildcat 125
5-22 Update: Factual errors corrected, see comments below. Post-Sale Update: After 14 bids on eBay, this Parilla Wildcat 125 sold for $2,150.
1966 Ducati Monza Junior 160
Post-Sale Update: This Ducati Monza Junior 160 sold for $1,800 after 34 bids on eBay. The Ducati Monza Junior was the baby of the Ducati lineup at the time, with a tiny 160cc engine that earned a reputation for durability and dependability. Today we’ve got an example for sale from loyal reader Jeff Z!
Hello There – 1981 Piaggio Vespa Ciao
An adorable moped that was impressively produced from 1967-2006, the Piaggio Vespa Ciao was built to be cheap transportation for youngsters. Now I guess it’s a retro-mobile with style. You didn’t get much – rigid suspension, no battery, not even turn signals. But this specific model (VIN: ZAPC7EKT1BP513661) is claimed to be in excellent shape – everything runs and it …
1969 Moto Guzzi Stornello Scrambler 125
Also known as the American, the Moto Guzzi Stornello Scrambler was the off-road variant of the lovely 125cc Stornello, and it was one of the last four-stroke singles that Guzzi ever built.
1956 Suzuki Colleda ST-II
Post-Listing Update: This Suzuki Colleda ST-II did not meet reserve at $5,100. From the same seller as the Toyomotor TB from a couple of days ago comes this Suzuki Colleda (which roughly translates to “this is the one”, or something similarly special). The first motorcycle from Suzuki, the Colleda was introduced to the world in 1954. Several changes came in …
7 Lovely Italians
Reader John K. has just tipped me off to someone on eBay who’s selling off 7 rare small to medium Italians that have all spent the last 10 years in a museum, so they’ll need varying amounts of work. Most are about 50-60 years old, and some of these bikes, I’ve never even heard of! All bikes available in Englewood, …
Mini Enduro – 1988 Yamaha DT50 MX
This bike always made me think of Thomas the Tank Engine, with its baby blue paint scheme and the “little engine that could” possibilities. I think I was just stunned that it could actually get around in the dirt. Sold unchanged for nearly 15 years, the Yamaha DT50MX is a baby motocrosser that might be one of the best campground …