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“24K Gold Edition” – 1980 Kawasaki KZ1300

In Custom, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

In a period review, Cycle World called Kawasaki’s KZ1300 “an incredible hulk”, saying “There are motorcycles with more speed, but not with the same combination of power, strength, comfort and handling…the sophistication is incredible, the size is enormous.” Displacement-wise, it was the biggest of the classic six-cylinder motors like the Benelli Sei and the Honda CBX. Like the competition, the …

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2001 Ghezzi-Brian 1100 Supertwin

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Ghezzi-Brian was founded in 1995 by Giuseppe Ghezzi and Bruno Saturno. Within a year they won the Italian SuperTwin championship, thanks to first place finishes in 9 of the 32 races. They took their SuperTwin and built a small run of road-legal replicas with the drivetrain from a Moto Guzzi Sport 1100i. Most of the production run stayed in Italy, …

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No Reserve – 2007 Honda VFR800 25th Anniversary With 963 Miles

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This VFR sold for $7,276 after 42 bids on Iconic Motorbike Auctions. In 2007, Honda celebrated the 25th Anniversary of their venerable sport tourer with a special red/white/blue paint job. I always maintained this paint scheme looked amazing, though the stock black wheels were a mistake…they should have been white! But this one’s got gold powdercoated wheels …

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1989 Kawasaki KR-1 Race Bike

In Japan, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

In the late 80’s, Kawi had some success with their KR250 road racer so they released the KR-1 as a wonderful little two-stroke race rep. It was quite successful, triggering increased competition from the big 4, and it set off a 250cc 2-stroke war among the Japanese – unfortunately us Americans didn’t get to enjoy these little demons. But here’s …

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322 Miles – 2004 Honda RC51 Nicky Hayden

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Honda built the RC51 to compete in World Superbike, and the bike earned titles in 2000 and 2002. The latter year, the RC51 also won the AMA Superbike championship with Nicky Hayden, and Honda responded in 2004 by producing a “Nicky Hayden Edition.” The changes were cosmetic only – a sticker kit, white number plates on the upper fairing and …

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No Reserve – 1937 Norton Model 50

In England, Vintage by AbhiLeave a Comment

With a staggering 30 year production run (1933-1963), Norton’s Model 50 featured a 350cc single and would eventually get a Featherbed frame in 1959. The model was initially designed by Edgar Franks, who would also go on to create Norton’s oil bath primary chain case, Norton’s first telescopic forks, their famous aforementioned Featherbed frame, and even the legendary Manx model.