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1995 MZ Skorpion Replica

In Germany, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

The MZ Skorpion was the result of an international partnership between a British design firm, an East German manufacturer (MZ), and Yamaha. Weighing just 380 pounds and packing 48 horsepower, this is a rare sportbike that has become quite the cult classic.

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2002 Yoshimura Tornado S1

In Custom, Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

In 2001, Suzuki unveiled the all-new GSX-R1000, and journalists felt it was the first bike to compete with Yamaha’s revolutionary R1 of 1998 because Suzuki was able to top the R1 with less weight and more power (374 pound dry weight, 160 hp/81 lb-ft at the crank). Yoshimura then took the already-impressive Suzuki to the next level by creating their …

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No Reserve – 1983 Suzuki XN85 Turbo

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Of all the Japanese turbo wonder bikes of the 80s, Suzuki’s effort was the rarest. Just 1,153 examples of the XN85 Turbo were built, and it had the distinction of being the first production motorcycle with a 16″ front wheel. When paired with the Full Floater rear suspension, that resulted in a machine that Motorcyclist magazine described as such: “Nothing …

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1982 Honda CB900F

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

In the late 70s, Honda offered both a CB750F and a CB900F, but per their marketing department the US only got the 750 and Europe only got the 900. Both markets were upset about this because humans always think the grass is greener on the other side. It took a few years, but Honda eventually satisfied the US by bringing …

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#265 – 1972 Kawasaki Z1

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

9-6-2022 Update: Four years later, this bike is back up on the auction block. Normally when I share a bike years later and it’s in a different state, it’s because the bike has sold a time or two. But this time it’s in a different country (England) because the owner himself moved! Regardless, this is an incredible example of a …

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1983 Moto Guzzi Le Mans III

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

In 1983, the Moto Guzzi Le Mans III was brought back after MG was able to get the smaller engine certified under US emissions – for a few years the US was stuck with a 949cc engine. With the arrival of the Mark III, Guzzi created approximately 80 technical changes of varying severity from the Mark II model.

All The Extras – 1984 Honda Nighthawk CB700SC

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Also known as the CB700SC, the Nighthawk S was an interesting bike designed to avoid the 45% tax imposed on imported bikes of 700cc or bigger. Despite the ‘smaller’ engine, this bike was faster than many of its 750cc competitors, and the press loved it. Honda killed this bike after only a couple of years, leaving it to become a …