Alchemy was a medieval attempt at science that was all about the attempt to convert base metals into gold. That, presumably, is the inspiration behind Alchemy Motorcycles, a San Diego based firm that specializes in the restoration and customization of vintage motorcycles. Here they’ve worked their magic on a Honda CL160, a relatively rare bike that shared the engine from …
Semi Senna – 2002 Ducati 748S
Post Listing Update: This 748S did not meet reserve with 22 bids up to $4,100. Ever since Ducati officially partnered with the estate of Ayrton Senna for the 916 Senna and established the distinctive grey body on red wheels paint livery, Ducati fans have been adding the Senna name to any bike that came from the factory in similar colors. …
1994 Honda VFR400R
Post Listing Update: This VFR got no interest at the BIN of $9,000. Just a few days ago, I featured one of the greatest 400cc sportbikes ever built – the Honda RVF400. Seems like a lot of you enjoyed that one, so here’s another example of the breed, though this one (VIN: NC301107468) offers two distinct features: it has plenty …
1974 Ducati 750GT
Ducati’s first V-Twin, the 750GT featured a 60 horsepower 748cc twin, which was good enough to push the 407 pound (dry) bike up to 125 miles per hour. Original MSRP was $1,995. Want to learn more? Check out a lengthy write-up here on Motorcycle Classics about what makes the 750GT special. This specific bike (VIN: 753616) is quite clean and …
1989 Kawasaki KR-1S
In the late 80’s, Kawi had some success with their KR250 road racer, and released the Kawasaki KR-1 as a wonderful little two-stroke race rep. It was quite successful, triggering increased competition from the big 4, and it set off a 250cc 2-stroke war among the Japanese – unfortunately us Americans didn’t get to enjoy these little demons. Well, 25 …
1977 Seeley Honda CB750
I’ve featured a Colin Seeley bike before, but here’s as close as Seeley got to a ‘production’ bike. Certain estimates suggest that 300-500 were built, and they’re delightfully 70s. Unfortunately, there isn’t much information on this specific bike, but if you want more information on the general bike, check out this review from an unnamed source that’s been rehosted on …
1970 Norton Commando S
In 1969, the second year of production, Norton introduced the S model of its instant-classic Commando. Designed primarily for the United States, the S came with scrambler pipes and is one of the more collectible models of the breed. Check out Silodrome for a wonderful buying guide/summary on the Commando. This specific Norton Commando S (VIN: 132902) has just 6,102 …
2012 KTM RC8-R
KTM does not have much of a street presence in the United States – but with bikes like the RC8-R it’s hard to understand why that’s the case. This distinctive-looking Superbike is full of high-end components and it makes around 175hp.
For Hugh – 1981 Moto Guzzi V50 Monza
Two weeks ago I got a new subscriber named Hugh, who wanted me to keep my eyes open for a V50 Monza. Well, here you go, Hugh!
The Baby RC45 – 1995 Honda RVF400 NC35
Post Sale Update: This NC35 sold for $5,150 after 30 bids on eBay. The RC45 is a bike of legend, but it’s also out of the financial reach of most motorcycle enthusiasts. That’s why I’m excited to feature the RC45’s baby brother, the Honda RVF400 NC35. Only officially sold in Japan, grey market imports occasionally made it out the UK …
1 of 500 Race Replica – 1989 Suzuki GSX-R750RR
Post Sale Update: This GSX-R750RR sold for $22,000 after 47 bids on eBay. A limited run of 500 models, the Suzuki GSX-R750RR was a race replica, just like the Honda RC30. Changes were plentiful but the end goal from designer Takahiko Kawaguchi was to have a “straight out of the crate racer” that would be easier to tune by racing …
2013 Ducati Monster 1100 EVO “Diesel” Edition
When reader Zack B. sent me a tip on a “Ducati Monster Diesel”, I freaked out, thinking had someone had made quite the improbable engine conversion on Ducati’s naked bike. Sadly, it’s actually the result of a partnership between the Italian firm and the fashion company, Diesel. Still, it’s a nice break from the usual red you expect to see …
2008 Ducati Monster S4RS Tricolore
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. The S4RS was already special as it got the 998cc superbike L-Twin that put out 130 horsepower, fully-adjustable Ohlins suspension, Termignoni exhaust, and more. …
1977 Rickman Kawasaki Z1
Post-Listing Update: Despite 25 bids on eBay up to $8,600, this Rickman Kawasaki Z1 did not meet reserve. Rickman made kits for the Kawasaki Z1 (also known as the Z900) Super Four, which was the most powerful Japanese 4-cylinder 4-stroke ever built, at the time. 82 horsepower yielded a top speed of 130 miles per hour, but companies like Rickman …
1973 Triumph Trident 750 T150V
In the early 60s, twins ruled the world. Triumph saw an opportunity for a 750cc triple that would have been a world-beater. However, the British firm couldn’t get the bike out until ’68, at which point Honda was just months away from releasing the instant classic CB750. Here’s a well maintained example of the Trident (which is a great name …