1988 brought the first comprehensive update to the 750 Gixxer, with a revised frame and shorter stroke engine, “slingshot” carburetors and 17-inch wheels. A little heavier than the introductory GSX-R, the 1988 was still lighter than the competition and had the more rigid chassis and additional power to improve overall performance. Looking very original…
On the upswing in the later 20th century, Erik Buell was a sharp engineer who developed a succession of street machines from his weakness for race bikes. The RR1200 Battletwin was based on the classic Harley-Davidson twin, expanded to 1198cc, used Buell’s own “isoplanar” engine mounts, and had a contemporary streamliner body. This example has…
More than just a model, Moto Guzzi’s V11 was a nice collection of special editions made from 1999 to 2006. The tri-colore Coppa Italia commemorates the firm’s participation in the Italian naked bike championship in 2003. This 2004 has been lightly ridden and upgraded and appears to want only a healthy owner. 2004 Moto Guzzi…
Update: Greg notes that this bike is sold! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc Like real estate, they’re just not making any more V-four 399cc sportbikes, and every one that appears has some kind of history – used or abused, neglected or cared for. This Ohio-registered NC30 looks nicely preserved and has survived 25 years…
Since its formation in 1967, NCR motorcycles has been Ducati’s de-facto competition arm, developing and producing race bikes based on Ducati themes. For the 30th anniversary of Mike Hailwood’s 1978 Isle of Man TT victory ( on an NCR-built Ducati 900SS ), the company produced a very short run of super light, no-holds-barred commemoratives, with…
The now-venerable 900 Ninja was Kawasaki’s 1984 foray into the world of water-cooled four-valve performance. The works team went right out and won their class in the Isle of Man TT, and the bikes did well in the showroom. With low miles for its age, this GPZ900R has great survivor looks and some interesting updates.…
In the late 1990’s Pierre Terblanche and Massimo Tamburini parted ways, the younger Terblanche following Ducati, and Tamburini staying with Cagiva. The sea-change styling of Terblanche’s 999 was too controversial to survive, though it did help win the Superbike World Championship in 2003, ’04 and ’06. The 999S has upgraded suspension from an -R and…
Hard to fault Suzuki ( and Honda ) for trying to follow Ducati’s “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” strategy – with a big twin superbike which took advantage of WSBK rules and had torquey street performance. The TL-1000R had some unusual innovations and great power and sound. Though it didn’t result in a long…