Engine Contract – 1985 Yamaha RZ500

Sold before we went to press, still worth a look –  Donn Like buyers of a Gulfstream business jet refer to their Pratt & Whitney engine maintenance agreement that just happened to come with an airplane, the Yamaha RZ500 was built around their smashing V-4 two-stroke.  This one has some miles but looks to be…

Barn Bevel – 1982 Ducati 900SS

Toward the left side of the sportbike diorama you’ll find the Ducati Super Sports, with bevel-gear drive desmodue and long tubular frame.  This example is one of the last before belt-driven cams arrived, and appears to be a special order with nickel plated chassis. 1982 Ducati 900 SS for sale on eBay Close enough to…

Quintessential – 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750

From its U.S. introductory year, this Suzuki GSX-R750 looks and acts the upstart role.  This bad boy has been some rider’s favorite, with almost 33,000 miles and a tidy state of patina. 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750 for sale on eBay Suzuki went all in on light weight and simplicity with the GSX-R750, and came up an…

The Venerable – 1976 BMW R90S

BMW attempted to put some pizazz in their stodgy 70’s reputation with their first S-bike in a while.  The R90S had an improved powertrain, the usual excellent BMW build quality, and design by the up-and-coming Hans Muth.  This example looks original but has had the works restored. 1976 BMW R90S for sale on eBay Wanting…

Swimsuit Issue – 1977 Yamaha RD400

Mid-seventies the two-stroke era was winding down, most manufacturers were looking for ways to tie their new mid-size four strokes to their smoking forebears.  Yamaha stretched it out, keeping the RD-400 in the line-up until 1980.  For 1977 they offered cast wheels, all disk brakes and 14-second 1/4 miles. 1977 Yamaha RD400 for sale on…

Summer Fling – 1987 Suzuki GSX-R400

For 1987 Suzuki left the GSX-R400 substantially unchanged from ’86, but thankfully returned to the twin headlight fairing.  In a catchy single-year iteration of Suzuki blue and white, Deftone Cycles has brought this GK-71F with low km’s and Ohio title. 1987 Suzuki GSX-R400 for sale on eBay Suzuki had introduced the 400 Gixxer in 1984…

Grown-up Hooligan – 1996 Suzuki GSX-R1100

Most buyers’ guides advise to purchase the latest edition of a particular model, capitalizing on improvements and technical advances.  First built in 1986, the GSX-R1100 spanned twelve great sportbike years, and those interested in the model can choose from very different rides depending on the letter code.  This late model has been hidden away with…

Candidate – 1986 Kawasaki Ninja 600R

Back in the pre-interstate days of family car-trips, New England was peppered with small museums devoted to cars, trains, airplanes, trolleys, and occasionally motorcycles.  One such museum just east of Hartford, Conn. has an almost pre-historic Ninja up for sale, and while it’s not running, it looks substantially original and might be a good choice…