There is something about big Guzzis that set them apart. It’s not just one thing, either; it’s the overall package that sets the mind wandering. Italian, long legged good looks, wonderful booming V-twin sounds, some degree of exclusivity due to relative rarity, and a reputation for longevity and long ownership. Moto Guzzis evoke class, elegance,…
Yamaha’s FZR1000 was their flagship from 1987-1995 and named “the bike of the decade” by Cycle World in 1989. This European import is a second generation machine with the EXUP electronically controlled exhaust collector, but is also in a classy color scheme rarely seen stateside. The mileage indicates a well-loved FZR, and a couple of…
In ancient Japan, the Katana was known as the samurai sword. Smaller than the long broadswords of the day, the Katana changed the art of Japanese warfare; quick to draw, the lighter blade could strike quickly before the enemy could react. When victory depended upon response times, the Katana became the weapon of choice. Sadly,…
Mid-1980’s BMW was already planning around the end of the air-cooled era, and developed the 1-liter straight four for the K100. Marketing naturally wanted pizazz, and the response was the 16-valve K1, with bodywork achieving an unheard-of 0.34 drag coefficient. Controversial as all ground-breaking designs are, the K1 was fast if not quick, and gave…
Incorporating design features that had been years in development, Aprilia’s 2003 offering to the Superbike segment was available in a commemorative livery of Noriyuki Haga’s ’02 WSBK season. On offer is a barely used example from the last year of production before the change to the RSV-R, complete with soft bags and stands. 2003 Aprilia…
After bringing Moto Guzzi under the Aprilia umbrella in 2000, the company’s depth was a great help to Guzzi, and build quality improved within the year. The V11 Le Mans was introduced in 2001, the recipient of many special parts and paint schemes. Offered by a Mass. dealer, this example was stored since the buyer…
As the 1990’s wound down Bimota ventured into powerplant development, and produced a race-derived 500cc two-stroke mill for their 1997 V-Due. Not for the meek however, fuel injection difficulties forced a recall and Bimota re-fit the entire production with carburettors, leaving them mostly outside emissions regulations for street machines, and ultimately forcing the partners to…
Produced in 1988-93 at a rate of just over 1000 per year, BMW’s 90’s flagship was sporty though quirky. They have a cult following of BMW die-hards and engineers, enchanted by the aerodynamics and 100 hp. Also offered in red with yellow graphics ( ketchup and mustard ) and basic black, the blue metallic with…