Man Up – 2008 Ducati Desmosedici

The road-going version their GP7 racer, the Desmosedici was a limited edition of 1500, but more limited by stratospheric pricing and long lead times.  Originally offered to only Ducati cognoscenti, the $72,500 cycle was way more than could be used on the road, the spec sheet having enough of everything for two or three sportbikes.…

Alloy-Framed Race-Rep: 1984 Yamaha RZV500R

From a styling standpoint, motorcycles of the 1980’s were going through a bit of an awkward, adolescent phase… But continuing with that analogy, major growth and changes were occurring under the skin, and Japanese race replicas like this Yamaha RZV500 featured all sorts of wild, innovative technology. Yamaha’s GP bike for the road pulled out…

V4 Victory – 1985 Yamaha RZV500R

After the late 1970’s domination of the 500cc Grands Prix by Yamaha and Kenny Roberts, and the ’80s comeback and 1984 championship with Eddie Lawson aboard, Yamaha introduced a racey 500cc two-stroke for the street.  Known variously as the RZ500 and the RD500LC, the bike was never available for U.S. dealers ( though many have…

V4 Perfection: 1997 Honda RC45

Beautiful 1997 Honda RC45 on eBay UK Honda’s stunning RC45 was never intended for the masses. It was built to win on the racetrack and it did just that. Maybe not to the level of Ducati’s domination, but it still had plenty of success. The RC45 was able to win one World Superbike Championship with…