Yamaha introduced the TX line (4 stroke parallel twins) in 1973 to generally great reviews. The 500 was really a tech marvel, with lots of innovations-such as dual overhead cams, 4 valves per cylinder, counter balance shaft, an electrical system designed to support the electric starter and front disc brake. But, like all new technology, some inherent bugs appeared. By …
Another Rare German – 1952 Tornax V175
Tornax was a German motorcycle company that was in business from 1925 to 1955. Prior to 1934 they imported motors and some components from England, but the National Socialist Party made those sorts of imports illegal. Unlike most German manufacturers, Tornax stayed in business by utilizing motors made in Germany.
4 or 6? 197x Benelli Quattro and Sei
Post Sale Update: The Quattro did not meet reserve at $4,850, but the Sei sold for $15,050! A seller in New York has two beautiful Benellis for sale – but you’ll have to wait a little bit as they’re both on exhibit at The Stony Brook Museum Educational and Cultural Center and they’re tied up until September 5th.
1948 Scott Flying Squirrel
The Scott Motorcycle Company started producing the Flying Squirrel in 1925 and continued right through to the last one produced in 1949. It was originally offered with a 498 cc or a 596 cc water cooled 2 stroke twin.
1992 BMW R100R
I bought a 1995 GSPD Classic a few months ago. I bought it because I wanted to learn to become a better mechanic. To me, these 90’s airheads give you the best of both worlds. You get the simple design of the aircooled engine with a bike that’s only 25 years old instead of 40 or 50. There’s no doubt …
Ex-Police? 1982 BMW R45
On one hand, the BMW R45 is already a super rare find in the US, and that makes it cool to me. On the other hand, this is claimed to be an ex-police bike from Belgium but the listing isn’t overwhelming me with evidence. Is it a police bike? Maybe. Is it just a regular R45 with two blue lights …
1957 Maserati 160 T4
I found this bike for sale and didn’t know it existed. Maserati made a motorcycle? The answer is an unqualified yes, but not only are the bikes extremely rare, but information on them is also very hard to come by. It seems that when Andolfo Orsi (an industrialist who owned many companies including Maserati) died his sister Ida Orsi inherited …
Restored SWB – 1973 BMW R75/5
Post Listing Update: Despite 23 bids up to $6,580, this BMW did not meet reserve. The recipient of a recent “full restoration”, this short wheelbase slash 5 is said to start, run, and ride like a dream.
New in Crate – 2009 Triumph Bonneville 50th Anniversary
Post Sale Update: This special Bonnie sold for $11,253.53 after 25 bids on eBay. The Bonneville has been around since 1959, and since that time there have been a few limited edition runs like the Silver Jubilee I’ve previously featured. In 2009, Triumph released 650 examples of a 50th Anniversary bike, and this one stands out as it’s still in …
2001 Kawasaki W650
Want a classic Bonneville that doesn’t leak? Check out this Kawasaki W650.
1992 BMW K75
I have to first apologize to Abhi. I volunteered to write for Bike-urious back in December and after a few posts got so busy with work that I was unable to continue. He was kind enough to allow me to come back though. Thank you, Abhi. I noticed when I was doing this the first time, I seemed to have …
1965 Yamaha YDS3
In the early 60’s Yamaha was widely considered to have the best mannered 2 stroke motors, but in 1964 they broke new ground with the YDS. A parallel twin two stroke with the first direct injection oil pump – and it worked!
1975 Suzuki GT380
Introduced in 1972, the GT380 was one of several legendary two stroke Suzuki triples. As opposed to the Kawasaki triples of the day, the Suzuki models were well mannered and very road worthy. The GT380 (and the GT550) were air cooled with a “Ram Air” head that allowed increased cooling air flow. One other strange fact of the Suzuki GTs. …
1978 Yamaha SR500
Here’s a nice example of Yamaha’s classic SR500. It spent years in a collection and the seller bought it hopes that he could replicate a SR500 from his youth. After he cleaned it up, he decided it was too nice to modify, so now it’s your chance to pick up a well-preserved, original bike.
1971 Honda CB500 Four
Over the years, Honda has put out more than 70 ‘CB’ models from the CB50 to the CB 1300. Probably the most famous of these are the 4 cylinder in-line models as typified by the CB750 that turned the motorcycle industry on it’s ear in 1968.