The BMW R60US was a 30 horsepower classic that typically included telescopic forks and higher handle bars as part of the “US” designation. US models also came without sidecar lugs, one of the few distinctions that separated it from the Euro models.
1972 Yamaha RD250
From early 2011 until late 2019, I crisscrossed the lower 48 in search of weird, wonderful and rare motorcycles that were destined to head overseas. If Abhi abides, maybe Bike-urious will feature a longer story on a grey-exporters experiences in the future. I learned a lot not only about buying bikes during those eight years and 400,000 miles, I also …
Rare in the US – 1993 Yamaha SRX400
While Yamaha offered the SRX in the US as a 600 and a 250 (one year only for each), they also sold an in-between version in their home market of Japan to compete in the highly-contested (due to license restrictions) 400cc market.
1990 Suzuki VX800
The Suzuki VX800 is an interesting cult bike that was discontinued in the US after 3 years after disappointing sales, though the European market saw production run from 1990-1997. A classic looking naked bike, it had comfortable steering geometry and a torquey engine that helped make this bike a fantastic all-arounder, despite its 500+ pound curb weight.
1990 Moto Guzzi Mille GT 1000
Moto Guzzi’s Mille GT was a short-lived hybrid that fused the 948cc motor from a California with the bodywork, frame, gearbox, and many other parts of the unloved T5. On paper, it was an improvement from the T5 thanks to a bigger motor, the removal of the horrible front fairing, and the switch from 16″ to 18″ wheels. Despite that, …
1960 Zundapp Citation
The Zundapp Citation is an interesting motorcycle that started as a Horex Imperator. The latter’s 400cc engine had the displacement increased to 452cc, and it was then named after the Triple-Crown winning horse.
One Owner – 1966 BMW R50/2
BMW produced 2,557 examples of the R50/2 in 1966 – the second most popular year of production. The 494cc engine was good for 26 horsepower (so add a few more for this larger engine), and the bike could hit almost 90 miles per hour.
1938 Zundapp DB200
7-28-21 Update: 17 months later, this Zundapp is up for sale again. Based on the photos and the fact that it’s for sale in the same city, I’m guessing the original sale did not go through. Find it with bidding up to $2,125 with the reserve already met here on eBay. Post Sale Update: This Zundapp sold for $4,276 after …
1973 BMW R75/5
When BMW introduced the R75 as part of the /5 lineup, it was the biggest bike they offered. The /5 gained an electric start, coils, and an alternator to complement the reliable motor and 100+ top speed. Here’s a “slash 5” with the lovely toaster tank.
1979 Honda CX500
Honda’s CX series of bikes were ahead of the time when they debuted in 1978, with liquid cooling, shaft drive, the first wheels on a production bike to use tubeless tires, and electronic ignition that was isolated from the rest of the electrical system so that you could still bump start the bike if necessary. It was Honda’s first V-Twin …
1964 Moto Guzzi Falcone Policia
Intorduced in 1950 as Guzzi’s flagship model, the Falcone was a popular purchase for Italian military and police. That was one of three variants Moto Guzzi offered – the others were the Turismo and the Sport. The Sports are often cloned by “restorers” who start with Turismo or Policia models, but this offering proudly displays its civil service beginnings (despite …
2001 Honda FTR223
Nowadays, the “FTR” model is heavily associated with Indian and the FTR1200. But Honda beat them to the punch with a motorcycle that was never officially sold in the US, their own Flat Track Racing inspired FTR223! Here’s one that’s made it to the US and is currently titled in Texas.
1972 IZH Jupiter 3
IZH, also known as Izhevsk Machinebuilding Plant, has been making motorcycles since 1928. But that’s not why you know them. You know them as the manufacturer of the ubiquitous Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle.
1966 Motobi Imperiale
After some disagreements with his family, Giuseppe Benelli created Moto ‘B’ Pesaro in 1949. He soon changed the name to Motobi, and the company quickly became known for small bikes with competition pedigree as well as the distinctive “Power Egg” motor.
2007 BMW R1200R
For the 2007 model year, BMW updated the R1150R with a significant improvement in the R1200R. The new motor featured four valves per cylinder and (obviously) a displacement bump to 1,170cc. That increased power to 109, but BMW claimed that the new bike saved 44 pounds over its predecessor – resulting in a 40% increase in power-to-weight!