Un-mothballed – 1988 Yamaha TZR250

Without being over-spec’ed or blingy, Yamaha’s entry into the 249cc learner-sports class was right-sized, nicely put together, and handled straight out of the box.  This one has been on display and recently returned to the land of the living. 1988 Yamaha TZR250 for sale on eBay   Like the RD350 whose success it was trying…

Oh Sei – 1983 Benelli 900 Sei

New CEO DeTomaso ( yes that one ) led the historic Benelli company to higher performance machines and the 750 Sei ( Six ) in 1973.  Benelli increased bore and stroke on the Sei to displace 906cc for the 1979 model year.  Simultaneously outrageous, exotic, handcrafted, and occasionally disappointing, the Sei was Benelli’s flagship until…

1974 Ducati Mk.3 450 Desmo

Hard to believe it was just 1968 when engineering director Fabio Taglioni put Ducati’s street eggs in the desmo basket, having used the valve actuation technique in race machines for several years.  The Mk.3 line included 250, 350, and 450cc singles, and while this last-year model hasn’t run in a while, its low miles and…

Footloose – 1983 BMW R65LS

BMW’s R65 was introduced as a junior model to the R90 and an update to the R60.  Hans Muth was enlisted to style the LS, with his signature triangular fairing and orangey-red bodywork with enigmatic white alloys.  This one has been hidden away and revived a couple of times, with an extraordinary 4,629 miles and…

Motown – 2000 Bimota SB8R

Bimota was fighting its way back from the V-Due debacle and brought forward the SB8R, based on Suzuki’s 996cc V-twin.  This example appears to have components from an SB8R Special, sporting all carbon bodywork and so even lighter.  It hails from an area more known for NASCAR but should be at home on any back…