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1949 Panther Model 100

In England, Standard, Vintage by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

Established in 1904 Phelon & Moore’s first effort was a single cylinder four stroke that not only used the motor as a stressed member of the frame but was a two speed and was the FIRST completely chain driven motorcycle. Their first Panther was launched in 1924, but the Brand became Panther in 1930. The Panther model 100 was launched …

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1955 BSA Bantam

In England, Small Displacement, Standard by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

12/11/16 Update – Well, looks like the sale did not go through because this Bantam is back up for sale. Now it’s got a BIN of $4,500 here on eBay. Post Sale Update: After being relisted multiple times, this Bantam sold for $4,000. Between 1948 and 1971, BSA produced between 250,000 and 500,000 Bantams making it a very iconic British …

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1968 Kawasaki W1

In Japan, Standard by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

Spoiler Alert: I think this is a W1SS which isn’t so rare as the seller seems to think. There has been a great discussion on the W1 here on Bike-urious. 1968 was the beginning of the end for the Kawasaki W series. Part of the Kawasaki takeover of Meguro motorcycles was a licensing agreement with BSA that resulted in the …

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1964 Royal Enfield Bullet 350

In England, Standard by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

The first Royal Enfield was built in 1901, the last one built in England was in 1970 but a direct descendent of the company builds them today in India. The Bullet was introduced in 1948 as a 350 CC single, with a 500 CC single added in 1950. From 1964 to 1970 the Bullet was produced both in England and …

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Sitting for 2 Years – 1968 BSA B25 Starfire

In England, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

The B25 (known as the Starfire) was basically BSA’s twin to the Triumph TR25. They weren’t revolutionary, but the classic British style has aged nicely and it has now evolved into a pretty vintage runabout. This example has been sitting for two years, but the cosmetics are great (minus the sidecover decals) and it won’t take much to get it …

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1964 Velocette LE Mk3

In England, Standard by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

Introduced in 1948 the LE contained all sorts of new technology. Swing arm rear suspension with shaft drive, coil ignition, water cooled, aluminum shields for weather protection, trip odometer, floorboards, sound and heat insulation, a glove box, adjustable rear suspension and detachable panniers. It was also expensive and heavy. One member of the British Motorcycle press said “The odd looks …

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1962 Matchless G80

In England, Standard by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

If you wanted to buy a new touring bike (or maybe lug a sidecar) in 1962 your choices were really quite simple. European or Harley Davidson? Single or Twin? The Japanese were a few years from market impact, and the English really bullied the market at the time. Associated Motorcycles Matchless brand (and the identical AJS Model 18) were players. …

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1956 Triumph 6T Blackbird

In England, Standard by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

In 1949 Triumph stunned the motorcycle world by introducing the 6T. A bored and stroked 650 CC version of their ultra successful 500 CC Speed Twin. The 6T used the same frame, brakes, suspension and even engine cases as the Speed Twin but with significantly more power it may have been the fastest MC made in 1949. Triumph got a …

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Last of the Breed – 1965 BMW R27

In Germany, Standard by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

Bavarian Motor Works was prohibited making motorcycles after WWII until 1948 when it brought out the single cylinder R24. It was followed in 1950 by the R25, which added rear suspension. The R26 was introduced with an new motor and many frame and suspension changes. The very last of the BMW shaft driven singles, the R27 introduced a rubber mounted …

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Restored – 1970 BMW R75/5

In Germany, Standard by Ted CloughLeave a Comment

This one is for Abhi, as we all know he has a soft spot for BMW’s. This is a completely restored 1970 R75/5. I’m not a BMW expert, but this was early in the run, so I assume it is the short-wheelbase model, which supposedly had some handling issues, especially if heavily loaded in the rear. The /5 models ran …