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2017 Motus MST

In America, Touring by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

So many things need to go right to succeed in the motorcycling world. Motus Motorcycles is an example of the truth that simply having a good idea is not enough. Motus was a Birmingham, Alabama, outfit that produced the unique MST and MSTR from 2016 to 2018. The (arguably) good idea that Motus had was putting a powerful and snarling …

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2005 BMW R1200ST

In Germany, Touring by AbhiLeave a Comment

The BMW R1200ST was the short-lived successor to the R1100RS/R1150RS. It’s a very impressive sport-touring machine but it was an absolute commercial failure in the US. I’d pin that on two factors: first, this bike overlapped too much with the RT and the GS. Second (and more importantly)…it’s not very good looking. Just 554 were sold in the United States …

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2008 Victory Vision Tour

In America, Touring by Chris Cope1 Comment

Post Listing Update: this Victory did not get any action at the $6,500 BIN on eBay. Speaking of underappreciated touring bikes, the Victory Vision is a motorcycle that I feel never really got the love it deserved. Perhaps that’s because it looks like a spaceship. Or, perhaps that’s because it weighs about as much as a spaceship. But if you …

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2006 Kawasaki ZG1000 Concours

In Japan, Less than 5k, Touring by Chris Cope1 Comment

Post Listing Update: This Kawasaki originally sold for a Best Offer under $1,800 but that deal fell through. The bike was relisted and then pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. The Kawasaki Concours (aka Connie) has always been one of those “if you know you know” bikes: really awesome motorcycles that inspire an almost fanatical devotion from those …

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1998 BMW K1200RS

In Germany, Touring by AbhiLeave a Comment

MCN summarized the K1200RS by saying it “carved its own niche as a superb high-speed distance bike that could carry a pillion and luggage too without breaking a sweat…build quality remains a strong point so big mileages are very possible.”

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1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing

In Japan, Less than 5k, Touring by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

In its modern iteration, I wholeheartedly believe that the Honda Gold Wing ─ relative to its intended purpose ─ is the greatest motorcycle in the world. It is very hard to find another bike that does what it’s supposed to do as well as the Wing. So, this (somewhat suspiciously) affordable first-gen model speaks to me.

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2002 Moto Guzzi V11 LeMans

In Italy, Touring by AbhiLeave a Comment

Back in 2001, Moto Guzzi introduced the V11 LeMans as a spiritual successor to its iconic 850 racer. The bike featured the marque’s tried-and-true transverse 1100cc V-Twin – per MCN, “If you want an old-school Italian heavyweight with 21st century components, finish and style, look no further than the Moto Guzzi V11.” Here’s an interesting one that comes with all …

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Solvang Motorcycle Museum – 1921 Mars A20 Replica

In Germany, Touring by AbhiLeave a Comment

Founded in 1873, the Mars company (not the one that makes chocolate) got their start building tools and bicycles. They expanded to motorcycle manufacturing in 1903 but their most famous machine came in 1921. Called the “White Mars” by some, it featured a 986cc Maybach boxer twin engine good for 7 horsepower. They were built to a high standard and …

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2013 KTM 990 SMT

In Austria, Sport, Touring by AbhiLeave a Comment

For the second time this week, a prolific commenter on Bike-urious is letting go of one of his bikes. This time it’s Walter Barlow, who not only frequently contributes to the community via comments – he also shared a history of the Norton Commando and his thoughts after riding a Motus MST.