In the 1990s, motorcycle manufacturers competed in a technological arms race, with each brand vying for a leg up in what became known as the “speed wars”. This prompted a slew of new models with ever-increasing top speeds in a bid to earn the title of world’s fastest production motorcycle. Kawasaki’s ZX-11 reigned supreme for a period, until Honda stepped …
1972 Yamaha G7S
I think this little scrambler is absolutely beautiful, though I’ve struggled to find good information on it. The simple story is that it’s an evolution of Yamaha’s popular FS1 with a 80cc engine and a scrambler pipe.
Picture Intermission – 8/7 Sunday Ride
Every Sunday, my colleagues at Iconic Motorbikes go for a morning ride out to the Rock Store. Sometimes I join along – here’s a few highlights from today’s excursion!
Built by Dick Mann – 1960 BSA DBD34 Gold Star
In 1956, BSA released an updated version of the Gold Star. Known as the DBB34, it featured a new head, 38mm Amal carb, swept-back exhaust, and clip-on handlebars. That year, BSA won both the Clubmans Senior TT and Clubmans Junior TT races at the Isle of Man – but the Gold Star wasn’t just successful on pavement. BSA also created …
1968 Honda CB450 K1 Desert Sled
The K1 CB450 was a one year only bike, and it was the last Honda to rock chrome panels on the gas tank. Here’s one that’s been turned into a desert sled.
What Do You Want To Know? 2022 Yamaha MT-10
I’m currently in North Carolina for the launch of the updated 2022 Yamaha MT-10. What would you like to know about it?
2008 BMW K1200R
“Gorilla in a Tuxedo.” That’s how Motorcycle.com described the K1200R, a naked version of BMW’s K1200S sportbike. It was big, fast, and a bit quirky – it was also the most powerful production naked bike available when it was released. As MCN put it, “The BMW K1200R is another from the latest-generation Beemers that blow away the firm’s reputation for …
1973 BGW Trakcycle
Introduced in 1972, the Trakcycle was a creation of BGW Industries in Mansfield, Ohio – a October 1972 issue of Popular Mechanics says that the Trakcycle “represents just about the ultimate in all-season, go-anywhere ruggedness and versatility. Its rubber-ribbed, cord-reinforced track belt is nearly a foot wide and heavily treaded, giving the bike tremendous traction.”
2009 MV Agusta F4 1078 RR 312
Over on the auction site we’ve got one of the last examples of the first generation of MV Agusta’s legendary F4 1000. You wouldn’t be alone if you though the MV Agusta F4 was the world’s most beautiful motorcycle – but styling is subjective. What can’t be argued is speed, and the F4 R 312 was, when released in 2008, …
191 Miles – 2010 Ducati 1198 S Corse
The 1198S was a phenomenal machine – MCN called it “one of the best V-twins ever made” and “truly one of those motorcycles that everybody should be allowed to ride once in their life.” For those of you that want a dash of exclusivity, Ducati produced a special cosmetic package called the Corse between 2009 and 2011. Here’s one that’s …
Video Intermission – Vee Two Hailwood Replicas
I’ve featured a couple of creations from Brook Henry’s famed Australian Ducati tuning house, Vee Two – the Squalo and the Alchemy SV-1. Here’s a nice behind-the-scenes look at Brook’s shop from ABC Australia, showing off his series of Mike Hailwood Replicas.
No Reserve – 1986 Moto Guzzi LeMans 1000 Custom
As 1984 wrapped up, Moto Guzzi introduced the next generation of their iconic Le Mans with a bigger motor, Lario-inspired styling, and a 16″ front wheel. The front wheel change was polarizing as the frame had been designed around the 18″ front wheel of the previous generation but no changes were made to accommodate the smaller rim. This one has …
Abhi Buys a Bimota Tesi 3D FE, Part 2 – Breaking It In
A few weeks ago, I picked up a Bimota Tesi 3D Final Edition – and it’s the first motorcycle I’ve ever bought with zero miles on it. That meant I had to break it in.
1 of 30 – 2021 Aprilia Tuono V4 X
In 2020, Aprilia created the ultimate version of their RSV4 sportbike. They called it the “X” and made just 10 examples, which sold out immediately and for hefty prices. Soon after, they recreated the magic with their naked bike, the Tuono. This time they made 30, and they sold them for $41,667. That’s not the only impressive number – the …
1979 Suzuki GS1000S Wes Cooley Replica
Suzuki shocked a lot of people with the GS series, particularly with their 997cc-engined entrance into the liter bike market. It was fast, it had great handling and brakes, and over time it’s proven itself to be one of the most reliable engines in history. In 1978, Yoshimura was running a KZ1000 with Wes Cooley, but they weren’t winning races. …