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1978 Kawasaki KZ1000 A2

In Japan, Sport by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

It’s probably the Kawasaki owner in me that loves these bikes so much. Back in November, I drew your attention to a customized 1978 KZ1000 A2. But here’s an example that’s much more in line with what the manufacturer originally intended. The bike has been restored, but the seller says that it’s been kept “as stock as possible.” Without question, …

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3 KM in Germany – 2006 Bimota DB4

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Bimota DB4 Tricolore followed the Italian firm’s modus operandi of taking a well established engine from another manufacturer and surrounding it with beautiful Italian bodywork. Using a frame similar to the Bimota Mantra, this successor wasn’t much of a technological advancement. Think of it instead as a moving piece of art.

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1987 Yamaha SRX250

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

For decades, Kawasaki ruled the 250cc ‘sport’bike market – though Honda has recently taken a chunk of the market with their CBR250R. Honda also challenged the little Ninja in the 80s with the VTR250, though it did not have much commercial success. For one year in the States, even Yamaha threw their hat into the ring with the Yamaha SRX250.

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2003 Suzuki SV650S

In Custom, Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Other models have surpassed it since but the SV650 has been a favorite of many riders for over two decades – it was introduced in 1999 and is still offered in showrooms today! In 2003 and 2004, Cycle World praised the SV650 and the SV650S as the Best Standard Bike, noting that “SV” could have stood for “Suprisingly Versatile.” This …

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1974 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport

In Italy, Sport by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

The V7 remains as Moto Guzzi’s most iconic platform, with a history stretching back to 1964, when it was initially created to serve as a motorcycle for Italy’s Polizia Stradale (highway patrol). Two years later, in 1966, Moto Guzzi started producing models for foreign markets. Interestingly, it didn’t produce V7s for Italian riders until 1967. Back then, the V7 was …

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2006 Ducati Paul Smart LE

In Italy, Sport by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

The last time a Paul Smart LE appeared on Bike-urious ─ roughly six years ago ─ Abhi summed up the model as “a cult classic that’s arguably better to look at than to ride.” I’ve never ridden one of these (and probably never will), but maybe that’s not the backhanded compliment it seems to be. Maybe it’s a “Wichita Lineman” …

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1997 Honda RVF400 NC35

In Japan, Sport by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

Oooh, pretty thing is pretty. And somewhat unique. The RVF400 NC35 is one of those bikes that, if mentioned in the company of sport-riding men of a certain age, causes their eyes to go all funny and voice to crack.

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1985 Moto Morini 500 Sport

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Most riders think of the 3 1/2 when they hear Moto Morini, but the firm was also known for their 500 Sei-V that was produced a decade later…to very little fanfare. What was once a classically beautiful motorcycle got a bit fatter and more angular as the Italian company tried to compete with bikes coming out of Japan.

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11 Miles – 1993 Moto Guzzi Daytona 1000

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Dr. John Wittner made a name for himself in the late 80’s thanks to his ability to modify the hell out of MG’s – his bikes won consecutive US Endurance Championships, among other racers. Due to his success, the Guzzi factory asked him to come to Italy and help develop a superbike unlike anything the Italian firm had produced before. …

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1973 Triumph X75 Hurricane

In England, Sport by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This Hurricane did not meet reserve despite 25 bids up to $37,100. Behold: a unicorn. Less than 1,200 of these were ever made. Designed specifically for the American market but inherently unable to succeed there, this bike is, in a way, an encapsulation of the weird and tumultuous period of British motorcycling history in which it was …

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1969 BSA Rocket 3

In England, Sport by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

If you’re thinking this bike looks a little like a Triumph Trident of the same era, that’s because they were basically the same machine; Triumph and BSA were, at the time, basically the same company.

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1967 Bultaco Metralla 250 MKII

In Spain, Sport by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

Sometimes in life you’ll encounter something that will befuddle you, that you’ll look at and think: “What was the starting point for this? Surely this wasn’t the original idea.” An example of this phenomenon is the seat on this 1967 Bultaco Metralla MKII. Surely what they ended up with is not what they initially had in mind. How did this …

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1972 Ducati 750 GT

In Italy, Sport by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This Ducati did not meet reserve with 3 bids up to $15,000 on eBay. I’m not sure I’d want to touch its $20,000 Buy It Now asking price, but there’s no question this iconic Ducati is a beauty. The first of the L-twins, the 750 GT was manufactured from 1971-1974. Designed by Ducati legend Fabio Taglioni, its …