Post Sale Update: This MW sold for a best offer under $1,100 (eBay does not confirm the final number). Despite the “450” name, this bike (a rebadged Benelli Fireball sold out of Montgomery Wards stores) has a 49cc engine. Maybe the name translates to “4” – number of gears in the transmission and “50” – displacement?
#248 of 250 – 1998 Triumph Daytona 1200 SE
In the early 90s, most major motorcycle manufacturers entered a gentlemen’s agreement to cap horsepower at 125. Triumph decided that when they were going to bring the bikes back from the new plant in Hinckley, that the best way for them to get attention was to ignore said agreement: enter the 147 horsepower Triumph Daytona 1200. A year after the …
1971 Suzuki Trailhopper MT50
Also known as the Trailhopper, the Suzuki MT-50 was a mini bike designed to fit in the trunk of your car with swing-in handlebars and a removable front wheel.
1986 Honda Reflex TLR200
In 1986, Honda offered two trials machines to the public. The “RTL” was built by HRC and was the version for riders who were looking to compete and didn’t mind spending plenty in the process. But Honda also offered the “TLR”, which was the easier to buy (and easier to ride) option. The latter was solely built for the 1986 …
5 Miles – 1995 Ducati 748 SP
Over on Iconic we’ve got a rare find in the United States – the SP variant of the Ducati 748. A year after the based 748 was introduced, Ducati created the SP for homologation purposes in 600 Supersport. It was never officially sold in America.
No Reserve – 2001 MZ Skorpion Tour
The Skorpion was an example of what an international economy can achieve – a East German manufacturer brought together Japanese motors (from Yamaha) and a British design firm (called Seymourpowell) to create something that worked well on paper and on the road. It wasn’t a huge commercial success, but nowadays it’s definitely a cult classic.
1982 Honda Motra CT50
In the 80s, Honda offered what they called a “heavy duty” minibike called the Motra. Unlike the Z50 or original Monkey, the Motra was designed to be loaded up with gear and ridden just about anywhere you could imagine. A commonly-shared-but-unverified tale says that “Motra” is a combination of Motorcycle-Truck because the Japanese pronunciation for truck is “Torakku”.
2013 KTM 990 SMT
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.
C&J Framed – 1979 Honda XR500
The first Honda XR model was the ’79 XR500, which was notable for a 23″ front wheel. Here’s an example that’s got a smaller front wheel…and a whole bunch of other modifications, like a C&J Racing frame.
1971 Rupp Black Widow
Rupp Industries was based in Mansfield, Ohio, and for nearly 20 years they were able to compete with Honda and other Japanese manufacturers for a share of the lucrative mini bike market. Their top-of-the-line competition bike was the Black Widow, which was based on the Roadster/2. The Black Widow is probably the best-known of Rupp’s creations. It paired a 4 …
First Ride Review – 2024 Moto Guzzi V85
When I was in Spain for the Stelvio launch, Moto Guzzi also gave us reviewers half a day (75 miles) with the new V85. I wasn’t allowed to mention anything about it previously but the embargo has been lifted, so…here you go!
Picture Intermission – Arai Corsair-X Kevin Schwantz 30th Anniversary
I had some people reach out to me after my latest Tesi ownership update asking about my new helmet, so here’s some photos of it for you!
AHRMA Race Bike – 1961 BSA Gold Star 500
Built to compete in AHRMA’s Premier 500 class, this Gold Star is comprised “entirely from new replica parts except for the front forks and rear brake.“
No Reserve Project – 1967 Honda CB450P Police
I have a weakness for older ‘service’ bikes, like this previously featured Honda Dream Fire Bike and today’s featured Honda CB450P Police Special, which may have also been officially called the Honda CP450. According to the AMA, just 25 were imported to the US to pilot an entrance into the police motorcycle market.
1965 Honda C100 with Roadster Kit
While Honda found success with its small step-through models in most markets, the Japanese marque struggled to sell scooters in the same numbers in the US. Honda looked to change this with the introduction of what it called the “Custom Group”, consisting of four different add-on kits (the Roadster, Rally, Boss, and Student) designed to make little runners like the …