150-bhp Zed from Atlanta Motorcycle Works… When the original 903cc Kawasaki Z1 hit showrooms in 1972, it was the first large-capacity four-cylinder Japanese production bike to boast a DOHC design, outstripping the CB750 as the […]
Vintage Motorcycles
Renngixxer: Suzuki GSX-R1100 Restomod
Street-Legal Slingshot 1100K Racer from Nigel’s Creative Customs… Our new friend Nigel “Nigello” Weber of Germany had quite the auspicious start for a racer and motorhead: “My passion started very early, you could say […]
’49 Big Bear Scrambler: Triumph TR5 Trophy
A Spring-Frame, Square-Barrel TR5 Trophy from Ton Up Classics… In the 1950s, Triumph dealer Bill Martin designed a spring frame for desert racing in Southern California. Production began in 1952, while Triumph wouldn’t offer […]
Back from the Shed: Honda CB750K Café Racer
Worth the Wait: CB750 from Black Cycles Australia… For every lovely vintage bike you see cruising the backroads, parked up at the local tavern, or racing the track on Sunday, there are scores of abandoned […]
Brooklands Replica: BSA M24 Gold Star
1 of 298: 1939 BSA M24 Gold Star… In 1937, racer Wal Handley lapped the historic Brooklands circuit at over 100 mph (102.27 mph to be exact) on a highly-modified BSA Empire Star sporting an […]
First American Four-Cylinder: 1912 Pierce Four
Mecum’s 2024 Monterey auction is this week, and while the event is primarily focused on cars and trucks, some 60-70 motorcycles will be crossing the auction block. One of the rarest and most interesting machines […]
Hell Rider: A Daredevil’s 1932 Harley-Davidson VL!
The ’32 Harley-Davidson VL of Jimmy “Daredevil” Washburn… The Monterey 2024 edition of Mecum Auctions is fast approaching, and that means some rare and unique motorcycles will soon be crossing the auction block. One of […]
Malle Miler: 1942 Harley-Davidson WLC
As Seen at The Mile Mile: Jon & Mandi Gaymer’s 1942 Harley-Davidson WLC… In 1940, Harley-Davidson began producing the WLA, a military version of their 45 cubic inch (742cc) solo-rider civilian model. The designation […]
TT Special: Honda CL72 Street Tracker
A Record-Setting Ascot TT Special from the 60s… In 1962, Honda released the CL72 Scrambler 250 with an eye toward the American market, where high pipes, semi-knobby tires, and an off-road attitude were fast becoming […]
Chequered Past: BSA Lightning Street Tracker
Aldana-Inspired BSA A65 Street Tracker from Richard Bloomfield… In 1964, BSA introduced the Lightning as a sporting roadster, a hotter version of the company’s A65 twin. The bike’s twin-carb unit construction engine was lighter and […]
