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1986 Yamaha TZR250 1KT

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment!

Loosely based on Yamaha’s TZ250 racer, the TZR was a 2 stroke sportbike built between ’86 and ’99 – in 1986 it was the first production 250cc motorcycle to lap Isle of Man’s TT course at over 100 miles per hour.

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Great Extras – 1982 Honda CX500 Turbo

In Japan, Sport by Abhi2 Comments

Depending on how you define “production”, Kawasaki was the first motorcycle manufacturer to roll out a turbocharged motorcycle. But as this excellent article on OddBike points out, Kawasaki’s effort was more of a quasi-aftermarket creation, and it wasn’t well-thought out either. Honda’s CX500 Turbo is more deserving of the ‘first production turbo bike’ title, as it truly started the forced …

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1998 Muzzy Raptor

In Japan, Sport by Abhi8 Comments

In 1997, Rob Muzzy debuted the Raptor: aka what happened when Kawi gave him a Ninja ZX-7R and told him to go nuts. The Raptor immediately competed in Formula USA, and Muzzy decided to produce 50 to offer to the general public.

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1975 Suzuki TS400 Apache

In Dual-Sport, Japan by Abhi3 Comments

Built between 1972 and 1979, the TS400 was the largest of Suzuki’s two-stroke off-road family. Suzuki had a wide range of “T” bikes – TM was for motocross, TC, was for trail, TF was for farm, and TS was the enduro. The 400 produced 34 horsepower and 29.7 pound-feet of torque. Dry weight was 277 pounds, and Suzuki guaranteed their …

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Picture Intermission – Vanson Leathers

In Intermissions by Abhi5 Comments

Vanson Leathers is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, and I’m ashamed to admit that I don’t know enough about their legendary company. But earlier this month, Adam and I were excited to have the owners of Vanson (the wonderful Mike and Kim van der Sleesen) come by Iconic’s east coast place for a July 4th party that we threw, …

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1971 Moto Guzzi Ercole

In 3 Wheels, Italy by AbhiLeave a Comment!

The Moto Guzzi Ercole (Italian for Hercules) is a fantastic vintage three-wheeler typically used as a shop/farm runabout. Able to carry nearly a ton, this bike truly earned the nickname. On either side of the rider there are optional fold out seats, upping capacity to 3 total individuals, and the bed works hydraulically.

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No Reserve – 1965 Cushman Super Silver Eagle

In America, Scooter, Vintage by AbhiLeave a Comment!

In the wake of the Second World War, the United States was experiencing a transportation boom, and Cushman Motor Works was eager to capitalize on the trend. Come 1949, the Nebraska-based manufacturer dressed up one of its 50cc scooters to resemble popular baggers like the Harley-Davidson Big Twin and Indian Chief. Dubbed the “Eagle,” the little scooter proved an instant …