The modern Aprilia Tuono is a perennial shootout winner, but one of my favorites of the model goes back to the beginning – the limited production Tuono Racing.
1988 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10
Built between 1988 and 1990, the ZX-10 (known as the Ninja in the US as well as the Tomcat in some other markets) was the fastest production motorcycle in the world when it was first released. It was able to hit 165 thanks to the 135 hp, 997cc inline four engine and improved aerodynamics in the bodywork. This example (VIN: …
1951 Vincent Black Shadow
The Black Shadow might just be the most famous motorcycle ever built, with an iconic history thanks to moments like Rollie Free’s bathing suit speed run on the Bonneville Salt Flats. Black Shadows were handmade, and less than 1,700 were built in total. In the words of Hunter S. Thompson, “If you rode the Black Shadow at top speed for …
Street Tracker – 1967 Bridgestone 350 GTR
“Bridgestone’s 350 GTR was undoubtedly the finest of the 1960s mid-sized two-stroke motorcycles in both quality and innovation and as a testament it created one of motor-cycling’s greatest myths – that the big four Japanese motorcycle companies forced Bridgestone to stop manufacturing motorcycles.” That’s how Old Bike Australasia opens up their description of the 350 GTR, a bike that all …
GSX-R1100 Paint Job – 2000 Suzuki Hayabusa
Also known as the GSX1300R, the Hayabusa was an instant legend when it was introduced in 1999 thanks to a top speed between 188-194 miles per hour. That made it the fastest production motorcycle in the world, and thanks to a gentleman’s agreement among manufacturers to keep top speeds under 186mph in 2000, it held that title until 2007 when …
#132 of 300 – 2015 MV Agusta F3 800 Ago
New for 2014, the F3 800 was more than just an evolution of the F3 675 – Cycle World said, “the 800 simply feels like a completely different animal.” Some of this was due to refinements to the engine management software, but the bigger motor was less peaky and made more power (148 hp at the crank compared to 126).
2002 Ghezzi-Brian Furia
Today’s become an unofficial “Guzzi Day” on Bike-urious, though this one did not come directly from Mandello del Lario. Ghezzi-Brian is an interesting shop that produces Guzzi-powered specials. Their debut model was the SuperTwin, a production version of the racer they won the 1996 Italian SuperTwin championship with. Their second model was what you see in front of you, a …
2004 Moto Guzzi V11 Coppa Italia
One of the rarest versions of the V11, the Coppa Italia was built to commemorate Guzzi’s challenge for the National Naked Bike Championship of the Roadster Cup in their home country of Italy in 2003. To properly pay tribute to a racer, this Coppa Italia was adorned with top of the line components like Brembo Gold Line brakes, Ohlins forks, …
1983 Kawasaki GPz1100
In 1983, Kawasaki gave the GPZ1100 a serious redesign with new bodywork, anti-dive forks, and the Uni-Trak rear suspension. Power output was also bumped to 120 horsepower (104 at the rear wheel), though this was gained at the expense of low-end torque.
#168/400 – 2008 Ducati Monster S4RS Tricolore
Over on the auction site we’ve got a well-preserved example of my favorite Ducati Monster of all time – the S4RS Tricolore!
1981 Ducati Pantah 600SL
The Ducati Pantah 600SL (actually a 583cc) was the first Ducati to use a hydraulic clutch. Other upgrades included Bosch ignition, Paoli forks, and a tougher gearbox. The engine was good for 57 horsepower at 8,500rpm and it was paired with a 5 speed transmission and Dell’orto carbs.
In Japan – 1983 Laverda RGS 1000 Custom
The Laverda RGS 1000 is one of the last versions of the big triple, which tamed the “peaky” Jota engine, isolated the rider from vibrations with rubber mounts from the engine, and added the half-fairing. It was a true sport tourer, best on fast roads with long sweepers, taking you from city to city in style and with ease. This …
2001 Moto Guzzi V11 Sport
An evolution of the incredible V7 Sport, this Moto Guzzi V11 Sport was a heavy (546 pounds wet weight) bruiser of a sportbike that was distinctive and rare.
1980 Kawasaki Z1R
The Kawasaki Z1R was the brainchild of Wayne Moulton, known as the “Father of the Japanese Cruiser.” His belief was that a solid motorcycle could be moderately tweaked to form four versions, one of which is a sport-tourer. So he took the KZ1000 and turned it into this! The first year of production was 1978, and all the bikes were …
“NorStar” – 2004 Norton Manx Frame with BSA Goldstar Engine
We’ve shared all kinds of hybrids with fun names here on Bike-urious beyond the usual “Triton” – Norvin (Norton frame, Vincent motor), Esquire (Norton frame, Ariel Square Four motor), a Narley (Norton/Harley) and even a Burton (Norton/Buell). But here’s a first on these pages – a combination of a Norton frame and BSA Gold Star engine called the NorStar.