Following the 999 of 2003-06, Ducati returned to a more horizontal look to the superbike with the 1098. Cadging another 100cc from World SuperBike rulemakers, the 1098 claimed 160 hp, but more importantly a small car-like 90 ft-lbs. of torque. Improvements were made to the valve train and cooling system, mostly ending overheating and making…
Not the GP replica, but still a bantamweight champ, the streetable RS250 ( full VIN ) is a fun afternoon waiting to happen. Built for the road from 1995-2002, the RS250 boasts 70-odd hp and just over 300 lbs. 2001 Aprilia RS250 for sale on eBay An interesting V-twin of only 249cc, the Suzuki-powered RS250…
For some the ultimate Ducati sportbike, the 916 launched a million dreams ( and posters ). After a 10-year run, the 998S Final Edition was the last 916-based model, and this one was tucked away right after delivery. 2004 Ducati 998S Final Edition for sale on eBay 998’s were produced only in 2002-03, and by…
Not often a will a dealer restore an older sportbike to mint condition, rarer still if the bike is not a bargain purchase but someone’s polished showbike. But the Kawasaki ZX-7R K-model can have that effect on people, and the low-mile machine was a good place to start a great restoration. 1992 Kawasaki ZX7-R K2…
Developed as a styling exercise for the 2003 Tokyo Motorcycle Show and offered for sale in late 2005 as a 2006 model, the SportClassic has been a real success story. Named a “best used bike” by Cycle World in 2014, the 1000cc air-cooled bikes used up-to-date techniques to achieve a vintage feel, and show up…
Last seen here in 2010 with some 1,200 less miles, this FZR600 is as special as speed yellow and magenta. Together. A long-lived model built 1989-99, the FZR600 was the lightweight of the 600s, often winning the late braking segment and occasionally the overall shoot-out. The Vance & Hines colors are a 1992-only edition, and…
In the late 1970’s, longtime U.S. motorcycle importers Joseph and Michael Berliner requested a 1000cc Moto Guzzi to compete with the BMW R100RS, and while Guzzi had a more touring oriented 1000SP, they capitalized on the Le Man’s good name and introduced the CX100. Built in 1979 and only 353 units, it’s quite rare to…
Incremental improvements made over the years of production can often add up to make the final model year or two the ones to buy, and that is certainly the case with the Ducati Paso, made 1986-92. Introduced as an air-cooled 750, the Paso evolved into a 900cc water-cooled, fuel-injected sportbike with a slippery fairing which…