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News March 2021
Future collectible – BMW R1100S, Mar 31
Many folk have passed it by, but we reckon this one is a gem...see the story here.
Kawasaki Z1 at auction, May 30
An immaculate restored Kawasaki Z1A (1973 build for 1974 model year) has been up for auction in Australia via Graysonline recently. Late bidding tonight pushed the price to Au$26,500 (US$20,300, GB£14,700), which was below reserve.
Z1s were often at the spearhead of collectible Japanese classics over the last couple of decades, but that rapid growth appears to have moderated in the last few years.
See this link for Z1 specs and a backgrounder
Near-NOS BMW R100GS Paris-Dakar at auction, March 29
Bring a Trailer in the USA is auctioning a one-owner 1995 model BMW R100GS Paris-Dakar with just 850km (525 miles) on the odometer. As the photo suggests, it's been carefully stored and seems to be in spectacular condition.
Bidding has already soared past Au$34,000 (US$26,000, GB£18,900), perhaps confirming what we suspected – that this model has flipped over from a potential to an actual collectible.
Another example in black, also in outstanding condition but with 50,000km (31,000 miles), was sold by the same site earlier this month for Au$20,300 (US$15,500, GB£11,300).
The first-gen R80G/S Paris-Dakar some years ago started attracting collector interest and it now looks like this second-gen is doing the same.
See the feature on our R100GS Paris-Dakar
That eighties show, Mar 28
Couldn't resist bringing you this from Facebook.
See our Suzuki GSX-R1100 buyer guide
Second life, Mar 26
How to drive motorcycle marketers crazy...see the story here.
Shifting the goal posts, Mar 25
BMW's S 1000 XR and the transformation of sports-tourers...see it here.
Kawasaki ZX-7R ignites auction, Mar 24
A very tidy and low mileage 1992 Kawasaki ZX-7R K1 homologation special has fetched big money at auction.
Though neither concours nor fresh out of the crate – which is the usual condition for top dollar – the machine with just 6000km (3700 miles) fetched Au$28,700 (US$21,800, GB£15,900). That's not a record, but is nevertheless remarkable for a ZX-7R in this condition.
Iconic previously sold an exceptional unused example for Au$39,400 (US$30,000, GB£21,900).
The 122-horse machine may not have been the quickest toy in the class, but its stunning looks and the exploits of WSBK riders such as Akira Yanagawa helped prop up sales. It was also a very capable and quick road bike.
See this buyer guide by Bennetts in the UK.
Norton Commando 850, Mar 23
Classic Two Wheels has published a 1973 test of the Norton Commando 850, which overall scored pretty well.
Plus there's a 1975 version gracing our shed. See the story here.
Troubled Touring, Mar 22
Our hot touring tip? Never pick up a hitchhiker...see the story here.
Pitch, roll and yaw, Mar 20
Despite what your parents might say, riding is good for you...see the story here
Pic by Ben Galli
Munich Muscle, Mar 19
BMW K 1300 R buyer guide: BMW’s first pukka ratbag bike is worth a punt. See it here
The four ages of motorcycles, Mar 18
Spannerman at InfoMoto reckons there are different approaches required for buying a motorcycle, depending on its age. Strap on your lid, here goes...
See our home-grown feature on buying a classic, here.
Bargains still exist, Mar 17
Proof that bargains still exist in the market, albeit in this case on the wrong side of the Pacific! This original 1974 Triumph T150 with a low 7300 miles (11,600km), and said to be in good running order, sold via Hemmings auctions in north America recently for Au$7900 (US$6100, GB£4400). That's around half what we'd expect to pay for it here.
See the feature on our Triumph T160
Yamaha TRX850, Mar 16
You don't often see low-mile TRX850s in largely stock condition these days, so this one got our attention when it popped up on Gumtree. Located in South Australia, it's on the market for $6950.
See our TRX850 buyer guide
Telegram from the Queen, Mar 15
Surely a birthday message isn't too much to ask? See the story here
Our bikes: Suzuki GSX-R1100G, Mar 13
We get a GSX-R1100 in the shed, and a few surprises...see the story here.
See our Suzuki GSX-R1100 series buyer guide
Riding Vietnam, Mar 11
One of the great destinations in the world for the motorcyclist. See the story here.
You again #8 - Yamaha SR500/400, Mar 10
From our ongoing series on factory revival models:
Opportunity knocked, but did they waste it? See it here
Harley who? Mar 9
A bit of an oddball for you, the 1966-67 Harley-Davidson M-65 Sport, in fact an Aermacchi Leggero with H-D branding. It was one of a range of 'badge-engineered' bikes shared by the firms, which most notably included the 250-350 single-cylinder four-stroke Sprint range (below).
The M-65 ran a 65cc two-stroke powerlant claiming 4.5hp and a three-speed manual transmission controlled by a scooter-style left-side twistgrip/clutch combo. The kickstarter was located beside the left footpeg.
They cost US$230 new. You still see them being traded today in the American market, for modest prices. Around US$2500 will get a good one.
Kawasaki GPz550, Mar 8
Easily one of the best-looking middleweights of the early eighties, the Kawasaki GPz550 of 1981 backed up its looks with slick class-leading performance.
The technology behind it was pretty conventional, however it was a particularly well-honed package. See the specs and profile at Motorcycle Specs.
Ducati 860 GT in the shed, Mar 7
It's always a great day when a new toy is added to the shed, in this case a 1975 Ducati 860 GT.
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, it had a troubled time in the market when first launched as the styling was seen as too radical. However the bevel-drive twin has that seventies look that's now more highly valued.
Giugiaro designed a few bikes, but is far better known for his impressive car portfolio. We rate the Maserati Ghibli among his finest work.
See a profile of the 860 GT at Motorcycle Specs, and we'll bring you more on this bike over coming weeks.
See more of our past and present bikes here.
Is God a practical joker? Mar 6
On weird coincidences...see the story.
Get a Suzuki Patroller, Mar 5
Here's something you definitely won't see every day, a 1976 Suzuki Patroller, aka police variant of the GT750 'waterbottle' for sale in Germany via Iconic. More here.
BMW R80G/S period test, Mar 5
"The BMW R80G/S is an important motorcycle. Not because it will sell a million. It won’t..." So began the period road test on the then new 1980 BMW R80G/S, a motorcycle that was to have a huge impact. See it here at Classic Two Wheels
What's a Springfield Indian worth? Mar 4
Starklite in the USA has long been tracking local values of historic Indians and reports values in the have risen over recent years. More here.
Flashback: Dive Bombers, Mar 3
Bikes that cost a mint when new and saw values plummet – though they're still a great ride today. See it here
What's a Benelli 750 Sei worth? Mar 1
What's a clean and running 1976 Benelli 750 six worth? We dig up a few examples and unwrap a contemporary brochure. See it here.
Plus, see our Benelli Tornado Tre 900 future collectible feature
Want more news & views? See our archive.
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