Sold between in 2000 and 2006 in two different versions, the RC51 has gone down as one of the most legendary motorcycles to ever come out of Honda, well-deserving of the “RC” designation that’s graced other famous Hondas like the RC30, RC40, and RC45. It was Honda’s take on the V-Twin replica racer, beating Ducati at it’s own game with …
1973 Ducati 750 Sport
A highlight of Ducati’s historical lineup, the 70s 750 Sport was a primary inspiration for the ahead-of-its-time 2006-2010 Sport Classic 1000 line up. Here’s one that’s been on display for years and has been recently serviced so it’s ready to ride.
1989 Suzuki RGV250 SP VJ21
Last week I shared a fun VJ22 SP that we had over on the auction site, and I think this predecessor from the same seller is visually even better. I guess I like soda over cigarettes?
1 of 21 – 2003 Cannondale S440
In the late 90s, Cannondale (the well-known bicycle manufacturer) tried to move into motorsports, with an off-road bike, a supermoto, and an ATV. Long story short, it was a disaster. $80 million later, the company declared bankruptcy, having left behind an interesting story of what happens when you can’t live up to the hype. Most people know about the dirt …
“Team Suzuki” – 1991 Suzuki RGV250 VJ22 Lucky Strike
Tobacco advertising has led to some of the greatest liveries in motorsports, but some countries were quick than others to ban advertising from cigarette companies. One such country was Australia, which stopped allowing such advertising in the early 90s. In response, race teams and advertisers often came up with alternatives that swapped out certain words but tried to keep the …
2 Kilometers – 2002 Ducati MH900e
Over on the auction site, we’ve got a never-ridden example of one of the most visually-extreme Ducatis in the last 30 years. Originally a sketch from the legendary Pierre Terblanche, the design got Ducati plenty of positive feedback so they decided to post a survey on their website to see if their passionate fans would actually buy a production version. …
1975 Kawasaki Z1
The Z1 was Kawasaki’s “bigger is better” counter to the Honda CB750, and it was a legendary motorcycle that Team Green has recently tried to recapture the magic of. The 903cc motor was so big that Kawasaki couldn’t even sell it in their home country of Japan, which had a 750cc displacement cap at the time.
Custom Paint – 1985 Suzuki RG500 Gamma
With a custom paint job and lots of modifications (such as a 555cc big-bore kit), this Gamma isn’t for purists. But it was built by Rick Lance and should make for a very fun rider!
1994 Bimota DB2
One of the few 100% Italian Bimotas of the 90s, the DB2 featured a 900cc 2 valve Ducati engine (best known for its usage in the 900SS).
2007 Benelli TnT 1130 Sport
One of the most unique-styled motorcycles in recent memory, the Benelli TnT 1130 was a factory supernaked dominated by a torquey triple that produced 130 hp and 86 lb-ft.
CA Plated – 1992 Yamaha TZR250 RS
The Yamaha TZR250 was manufactured and sold from 1986 until 1995 in three main iterations exclusively for the Japanese market, never being officially imported to the United States. Born out of the RD250, the model evolved from the more modest parallel twin 250 two stroke of the 2MA and 3MA variants to the 90-degree v-twin 3XV. This 3XV that stands …
First Ride Review – 2022 Yamaha MT-10 SP
View Post218 Miles – 1978 Bultaco Streaker
The Bultaco Streaker is a little jewel of a cafe racer that’s hard to find in the US as (rumors suggest) just 28 of them were imported before the EPA changed emissions regulations in ’79.
No Reserve – 2000 Ducati 996 SPS #1496
Designed to be the ultimate 996 at the time, the SPS (Sport Production Special) combined performance and beauty. The limited edition SPS was an uprated version that featured a modified engine and chassis. Nearly all the specifications were improved, such as the lighter Marchesini 5-spoke wheels and Ohlins rear shock. In 2000, Ducati upgraded the Showa forks to Ohlins units, …
1986 Kawasaki Ninja 1000R
An evolution of their popular Ninja 900, the Ninja 1000R was the fastest production motorcycle that Cycle World had ever tested at the time. From their January 1986 review: “One hundred fifty-nine miles an hour! We’re talking fast, here, as in the fastest production streetbike ever. Tucked-in and wrist locked, a Ninja 1000 rider with little regard for his driver’s …