The original Suzuki GSX-R750 that was introduced in 1985 may have been a “race bike for the road” in theory, and it certainly gave privateers an excellent foundation on which to build a pretty competitive machine. But there are always areas where compromises are made for production efficiencies, so there’s always room for improvement when…
Taking Italian suspension, style and bespoke build quality know-how and shoving it full of deadnuts-reliable and prodigious power from the other side of the Atlantic, or in this case the Pacific, is a time-honored tradition. In the ’60s, the likes of Bizzarrini and Iso executed the formula to devastating effect in cars. But Bimota ported…
We’ve been a little Ducati-heavy this week, but there’s no way I was going to skip this one: an Eraldo Ferracci-prepped and tuned Ducati 916 SPS. Sure, this might look like yet another boring 916, but the SPS is one of Ducati’s fire-breathing homologation specials, and this example has been endowed with a highly-tuned stroker…
The 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR is the ultimate expression of streetbike muscle from the era when racebikes actually were just tricked out street bikes with hot engine kits, big brakes and slicks. Without someone like Pops Yoshimura in your rolodex, you still weren’t gonna get close to Eddie Lawson’s horsepower numbers, but with a couple…
Honda spent mega-$ designing their own V-twin Superbike, but reaped the benefits on both the AMA and WSBK scenes. This owner has identified the 2004 Nicky Hayden commemorative as the RC51 for the long term, and has kept it beautifully for the next owner. 2004 Honda RC51 RVT1000 Nicky Hayden Edition for sale on eBay…
The 1986 Suzuki GSXR-750. The 1998 Yamaha R-1. The 1989 Kawasaki ZX-7R. The 1993 Honda CBR900RR “Fireblade.” If you seek a collection of the foursome of Japanese sportbikes that pushed our segment of motorcycling forward in a series of quantum leaps, there are no substitutes. The 1993 Honda CBR900RR you see before you would make…
Often the peak in disposable income arrives after the tire-tearing and footpeg scraping has already been accomplished, and the experienced rider can appreciate a very special model without resorting to the whip, preserving it for the next owner. This initial-year F4 1000R appears carefully ridden and maintained, with a handful of choice upgrades. 2007 MV…
Update 6.17.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc The Honda RC51 got right to the point when it came out, knocking Ducati and the other Japanese brands off their seats at the top of the World Superbike grid beneath future MotoGP star Colin Edwards. To do it, they had taken a…