Kawasaki model ZG1200. This example is the first year of the 4 cylinder inline engine. A full dress touring bike, the Kaw was highly regarded for it’s speed and value. MSRP was significantly lower than any other tourer available at the time.
Bates Clipper – 1980 Honda Goldwing
View PostCheap Tourer – 1986 Kawasaki Concours ZG1000
For less than 2 grand, here’s a tourer that’ll take you around the country for minimal dollars.
1977 Kawasaki KZ400 Deluxe
Introduced in 1974, the KZ400 was marketed as fuel efficient transportation with ads stating “Think even smaller” as Kawi put their bike alongside a VW Beetle:
Spirit of America – 1978 Kawasaki KZ1000
Post Sale Update: This rare KZ sold for the unorthodox BIN figure of $11,111. In 1978, Kawasaki was the only Japanese manufacturer with a facility in the US. Kawi’s president (Dave Mehney) and Marketing Vice President (Dick Terrell) decided to highlight that with an “All-American Ride-away” – a program where Kawi customized 200 of their KZ1000s with an American paint …
1985 Suzuki GS1150ES
View PostEnding Soon – 1974 Norton Commando Hi-Rider
What’s that, you say? You thought the Commando needed mini-apes and a giant seat? Apparently, Norton agreed with you for some reason – the exact reason for why this bike came out isn’t documented, but most people agree that it was an odd attempt to try and capitalize on the “Easy Rider” movement that was taking over the States.
Beautiful Tourer – 1988 BMW R100RS
View PostMad Maxine – 2006 Honda ST1300
Here’s a bike I never thought I’d see a streetfighter out of – the Honda ST1300. This bike was involved in a “plastic shredding crash and has since been massaged into what you see here”, thanks to the headlight setup from a Buell Ulysses.
1957 MV Agusta 175 CSTL
The MV Agusta CSTL was the Italian firm’s first production four-stroke. It came with a dual seat (as opposed to the single seat on the CST) as the TL stood for “Turismo Lusso”. That’s right, this was a touring bike.
Ending Soon – 1984 Moto Guzzi V65SP
The V65SP was Guzzi’s mid-sized tourer, complete with full upper and lower fairings. Here’s an example that’s spent some time in storage but it’s claimed to run and ride as it should. The 643cc engine put out 52 horsepower to handle the 438 pounds of dry weight.
Not Orange – 1984 Laverda RGS
Post Listing Update: This RGS did not meet reserve despite 15 bids up to $8,500. A true sport tourer, the Laverda RGS was one of the last manifestations of the big triple, though it was much tamer than the beloved Jota unit thanks to different crankshaft timing and rubber engine mounts. Some felt that the engine lost a bit of …
Krauser Fairing – 1988 BMW R100RS
Post Listing Update: This RS did not meet reserve despite 34 bids up to $5,600. Here’s a BMW R100RS that’s been equipped with a rare Krauser fairing. It looks to be in great shape and everything is claimed to run well – here’s your chance for a classic German tourer with an extra dose of style.
2006 Moto Guzzi Breva 1100
Originally available as a 750, the Breva was given a bigger engine just as Moto Guzzi got an infusion of cash from Piaggio.
1993 Moto Guzzi SP III
Considered by some to have the best implementation of the 950cc Guzzi twin, the Moto Guzzi SP III was a solid sport touring bike that comes with a dose of Italian charm.