One of my favorite liveries of all time is the Marlboro McLaren F1s of the early 90s – probably in part due to my obsession with Ayrton Senna. Nowadays, a livery featuring a tobacco company is pretty much out of the question. I don’t even smoke, but I have a soft spot for the cigarette liveries that we will never …
RC51 – 2001 Honda RVT1000R
The Honda RVT1000R, also known as the RC51, was Honda’s take on the V-Twin replica racer, beating Ducati at it’s own game with multiple World Superbike Championships and a AMA Championship. It all started back in 1988, when rule changes allowed for V-Twin engines up to 999cc in a time when 750cc 4-cylinders were dominating races. Ducati took over with …
2001 Ducati MH900e Evoluzione
There are multiple motorcycles out there inspired by Mike Hailwood, but the Ducati MH900e Evoluzione might be the most visually extreme. Originally a sketch from the legenedary Pierre Terblanche, Ducati got plenty of positive feedback and decided to post a survey on their website to see if its passionate fans would actually buy a production version. 300 people said yes, …
Motion Ducati – 2010 Ducati 1198M SBK
Brad Miller of MOTION DUCATI has made a name for himself by taking stock Ducatis to the next level. There isn’t much information out there about MOTION DUCATI, but the work done to this 1198 has to be seen to believed.
2008 Ducati Monster S4RS Tricolore
Post-Sale Update: This Ducati Monster S4RS Tricolore sold for the opening bid of $9,000. At the time of its release in 2008, the S4RS Tricolore was the ultimate expression of the Monster. Just 400 were produced in the beautiful “Three Color” scheme, and only 250 made it to the US.
Wes Cooley Replica – 1979 Suzuki GS1000S
Post-Listing Update: This Suzuki GS1000S sold for a best offer under $3,699. Suzuki shocked a lot of people with the GS series, particularly with their 997cc-engined entrance into the liter bike market. It was fast, it had great handling and brakes, and over time it’s proven itself to be one of the most reliable engines in history. In 1978, Yoshimura …
2000 Bimota SB8R
It’s one of the more easy to find Bimotas, but in the world of exotic Italians, that doesn’t mean much. The Bimota SB8R was powered by the wonderful V-Twin from a Suzuki TL(but then pumped up to 133 horsepower by the Italians) and was capable of hitting 170mph.
Peacock Gray – 1970 Kawasaki Mach III
Known as the ‘Widowmaker’, the Kawasaki H1 series were a range of triples famous for being incredibly fast, without the handling to match. This bike ended up setting a standard for how dangerous a motorcycle could be – motorcycle reviewers of future years would often remark about how a certain bike handled like “an early Kawasaki triple” when they wanted …
Ending Soon – 2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
The ultra-exclusive (500 produced), even-better version of the Panigale R, the Ducati 1199 Superleggera was claimed by the Italian company to have the best power-to-weight ratio of any production motorcycle ever. With the fuel tank full, this bike weighs just 393 pounds, and you’re looking at about 186 horsepower. Unfortunately, I only found out about this auction with 6 hours …
Reader Ride – 1973 Honda RC166 Replica
One of the greatest Honda 2-wheelers of all time, the RC166 won every race in the ’66 World Championship, won the Isle of Man TT, and was an absolute legend that was piloted by Mike Hailwood. It had a inline-6 250cc engine with a 7 speed transmission, and as you might expect, it’s nearly impossible to get your hands on …
2000 Ducati 996 SPS
Post Listing Update: This SPS was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. I still find the 916/996 to be one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever made, so I feel obligated to feature the limited edition Ducati 996 SPS (Sport Production Special),an uprated version that featured a modified engine and chassis. Nearly all the specifications were improved, with …
1975 Colorado Norton Works Commando
Post Sale Update: This CNW Commando sold for $18,999 after 7 bids on eBay. In the world of Norton Commandos, there’s very few modern legends that owners will trust to hop-up their bikes. Kenny Dreer and his VR880 is high up there, as is the firm of Colorado Norton Works, one of the best restorers out there. Here’s your chance …
2005 MZ 1000S
Once the world’s biggest producer of motorcycles, MZ went bankrupt in May of last year. The last decade of its history was full of financial troubles, but the varying ownership had MZ constantly trying new things. In 1996, a Malaysian group took over and resolved to build MZ’s first superbike. The MV 1000S was born – a 140 mph parallel …
Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts
A sought-after collectors bike in the US, the Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts probably needs no introduction. Only sold in the states from 84-85, these were the first bikes in the US to come equipped with catalytic converters and the first Yamaha street bike in the US to use a perimeter frame.
New York Steak – 1973 Kawasaki Z1 900
8-8 Update: Despite 38 bids on eBay up to $61,100, this Kawasaki Z1 900 did not meet reserve. It’s been relisted with an opening bid of $25,000 (and better photos) here on eBay. Before Honda released the instant classic CB750, Kawasaki was also working on a a four-cylinder, 750cc sportbike – except Kawi thought it was going to be first …