“I’ve had a NT700V Deauville for the last three years,” wrote reader Luke Rogers in response to my offhand comment about the model in a post on the NTV600 Revere. “It’s everything everyone says: boring, underpowered, utterly bulletproof… It’s the most boring motorcycle I’ve ever owned. It’s the best form of transport I’ve ever owned.”
1978 BMW R100RS
The BMW R100RS was the flagship of BMW’s late 70s lineup. With the world’s first full factory fairing, it was Germany’s answer to Japan’s big tourers like the Goldwing.
123K Miles, One Owner – 2001 BMW K1200LT
BMW’s marketing department would tell you that the “LT” in K1200LT stands for Luxury Touring. My favorite BMW mechanic would always tell me it stood for “Light Truck.” This isn’t a bad thing, though he (and I) do prefer bikes that weigh less than ~850 pounds. But as our buddy Greg Shamieh of Rolling Physics Problem would tell you, “nothing …
2017 Motus MST
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 …
2005 BMW R1200ST
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 …
Flying Fortress – 2017 Moto Guzzi MGX-21
Not so many years ago, I got a chance to visit Moto Guzzi’s factory in Mandello del Lario, Italy, where the iconic brand has been producing bikes for more than 100 years. As we were being shown around, our factory guide pointed to a gated opening in a nearby cliff.
2008 Victory Vision Tour
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 …
2006 Kawasaki ZG1000 Concours
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 …
1981 Kawasaki KZ550 LTD
That Windjammer fairing is chef’s kiss, and an iconic story in and of itself. Before the days of full-dresser Gold Wings and the like, entrepreneur Craig Vetter was producing aftermarket fairings that allowed long-haul riders to go further, more comfortably.
1998 BMW K1200RS
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.”
1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing
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.
9.2 Gallons – 1996 Honda PC800 Pacific Coast
I will never not click an ad for a Honda PC800 Pacific Coast. It is the Joe Biden of motorcycles ─ the reliable stalwart that nobody wants. But if you take the time to really look at a PC800 some part of you ─ the sensible dad that’s deep down in your soul ─ will fall in love with it.
2002 Moto Guzzi V11 LeMans
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 …
Solvang Motorcycle Museum – 1921 Mars A20 Replica
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 …
Interesting Project – 1993 Yamaha GTS1000
If you’ve been looking for an interesting platform for your next custom (or maybe you just want to restore a rare bike), there’s a Yamaha GTS1000 sitting around in New Jersey that has some potential…