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News March 2024
Random shot for
the day: Indian Chief Vintage, March 31
2009 Indian Chief Vintage (Kings Mountain series) – pic by Ben Galli.
Triumph gallop,
March 30
Today has been all about getting some of the fleet out
and exercised, after our recent riding trip to Vietnam.
One of the toys we got out for a run today was this, our
1995 Daytona 1200, which we've owned for 24 years. We must
do a story on it, soon.
It's one of three Hinckley T300 series Triumphs in the
shed. The others are a Speed Triple
and a Daytona Super III.
See Hinckley
Heroes, our T300 series backgrounder.
You meet the
nicest people on a Harley, March 29
Young Beattie continues on life’s great adventure, meeting a bro in a brothel, and learning about use-by dates on bullets…see it here.
Casey's Ducati
and other italians, March 28
A Ducati Desmosedici GP7 allocated to
Casey Stoner during his 2007 MotoGP-winning season has
popped up on the auction scene.
It's part of a much larger Shuttleworth sale
being run by Iconic in the UK, on April 7.
We're told the machine is a runner,
thanks to an enthusiastic vendor, and that the frame still
carries a scrutineering sticker from the Spanish round.
However the auction description is a
little obtuse on further detail of just how large a
role this particular machine (or its parts) might have
played in the Australian's season victory. That's not
surprising given the extent of component- and
bike-swapping in a GP team over a season.
In turn that begs a question over how
many season 2007 Stoner machines are out there?
Presumably the factory has kept an example and you'd
like to think Mr S has managed to, as well.
The
auctioneer is suggesting a guide price of
Au$680-780,000 (US$440-500,000, GB£350-400,000).
For those of you who prefer a budget
with a zero lopped off, the same auction has two Senna
916s on offer. This example is claiming just 475 miles
(760km) and is estimated at
Au$58-68,000 (US$38-44,000, GB£30-35,000).
See the
Falloon backgrounder on the 916 Senna.
Okay, it's not a Ducati, but we have to admit this lot
caught our attention. It's a 2004 MV Agusta F4 1000 Ago
and arguably one of the best-looking street bikes produced
in the last couple of decades. Number 122 of 300, it
claims 1450 miles (2350km) and has an estimate
of Au$29-39,000 (US$19-25,000, GB£15-20,000).
In Australia, it was originally priced at Au$52,000 plus
on-road costs (US$34,000, GB£27,000).
Cool Suzi
triple, March 27
Suzuki's 1971 entry into the big bike arena was more grand touring than outright performance, and traded on the company's considerable two-stroke expertise.
We got on to this theme thanks to an entry in the
upcoming sale at Donington Auctions, which features a
GT750J project.
As the auction entry notes: "The large radiator and cooling
system contributed to an increase in weight, but
provided the GT750 with an enviable record of
reliability, and the GT750 eventually rivalled any
four-stroke in longevity. The 738cc 120-degree
triple was smooth, and with very mild porting, a
6.7:1 compression ratio and three 40mm Mikuni
carburettors, the power was a moderate 67 horsepower
at 6500rpm.
"The most surprising thing about this two-stroke
triple was the flat torque curve, and the GT750 had
more low and mid-range power than anyone expected of
a two-stroke."
Done right, a restored version would be a pretty good way to get around.
See our GT750 brochure gallery;
And the Classic
Two Wheels 1972 road test.
Bang for your
buck: Yamaha FJ1100/1200, March 26
If you were looking for a big, fast and comfortable classic plate-eligible motorcycle at the moment, something out of the Yamaha FJ1100-1200 series would be hard to beat.
While they sold in respectable numbers, they also got
used and most would be worn out by now.
However we came across this tidy-looking 1984 FJ1100 in
the hero colour on bikesales, priced at Au$4500
(US$3000, GB£3200). If it lives up to the seller's
claims, that's a lot of bang for the buck.
See our Yamaha
FJ1100-1200 guide.
Bimota tales,
March 24
We've added a bit of exotica to the shed, in the shape of a 1996 Bimota YB11 Superleggera...see the story so far.
The great paint
hunt, March 23
How far will someone go to a factory-correct restoration of a classic motorcycle? When it's a Ducati 750SS 'green frame', now worth around Au$400,000 (US$260,000, GB£210,000) and up, the answer is as far as it takes to get it right.
The Motorcycle Broker in the UK says it has engaged automotive restoration paint expert Gundula Tutt to analyse and recreate the factory paint. It claims to yellow over time, just like the original. And yes, you can buy a pot of the stuff, though the term 'liquid gold' somehow springs to mind.
View the period 750GT and 750SS period tests at Classic Two Wheels.
Flashback:
Yamaha RD twins, March 21
Yamaha air-cooled RD250 and RD350 two-stroke twins – a lot of long riding lives started out on these things. See our mini brochure gallery.
Rocket 3 scores
extra boost, March 20
Triumph has launched two new Rocket 3 models claiming a
power boost to over 180 horses and chassis upgrades to
suit. See the story
here.
See our video review of the previous generation 2019 Rocket III Roadster.
Bike shops in
Vietnam, March 19
While we were in Ha Noi, we took the
opportunity to go cruising through one of the local
bike precincts. Here's what
we found.
Classic
collection sale, March 19
The Singleton Classic MCC (NSW) has
released some basics on a collection that's come up for
sale.
It includes:
1954
BMW R51 with Steib Sidecar – $45,000;
1948
Velocette KSS 350cc – $23,000;
1936
Rudge Special 490cc
– $24,000;
1946
Triumph Tiger 100 500cc – $15,000;
1939
Norton International 350cc – $30,000;
1939
Velocette MAC 350cc – $15,500;
1949
Triumph TR5 500cc Square Barrel Trophy – $19,000;
1946
Velocette MOV 250cc – $12,500;
1951
Triumph 6T Thunderbird – $17,500.
Prices are in Australian dollars.
Contact Scott Agnew on tel 0429 827 430.
NOS BMW R1150GSA, March 19
It's rare and we're still trying to work out how desirable it might be. Thanks to reader Peter M, who put us on to this near enough to new-old-stock BMW R1150GSA, or GS Adventure. It's listed as a 2006 model through bikesales, and that means it's one of the very last of the 1150 series, as the 1200 GS was already well-established.
The Au$24,000 (US$15,800, GB£12,400) ask is about what it
would have cost new and the bike claims just 80km on the
odometer.
While the R1150GS and GSA series have an enthusiastic
following, with good reason, the platform scored
power-assisted EVO brake systems from some time during
2002 and the alleged upgrade was not a success because of
reliability issues. We would check for its presence on any
example before making a decision.
See the R1150GS
pair in our shed.
KTM buys MV Agusta, March 19
KTM has completed a long courtship that has seen it take
over majority ownership of MV Agusta. Former MV CEO Timur
Sardarov (pictured) stays on, but in a new role as
vice-chair.
See our MV Agusta
F4 750 future collectible feature;
And the F4 1000 Nero in the shed.
Super Wings, March 18
Walk down any street in Vietnam and you'll generally
encounter a horde of scooters dominating the traffic. They
work as personal transport, family transport, commercial
vehicles and two-wheeled moving vans.
So you can imagine why we choked on our morning Ha Noi coffee when we recently saw a couple of two-up current-model Honda GoldWings cruise by, escorting a bunch of expensive black cars.
It turns out the local traffic police scored a modest
fleet last year, to use in escort duties for the ASEAN
conference. A local news
report refers to them as "super motorbikes" and you
can see why.
In this environment it's like seeing a great white shark
cruising around in your fish tank...
BSA hits the
beach, March 18
BSA reaches out to the USA youth market in this May 1967 promo.
Featured from top are the Lightning, Thunderbolt and
Spitfire MkIII.
See the 1967 Cycle
World review of the Spitfire MkIII.
Specs and factory info on the 2021 Gold Star.
Ad of the year,
March 17
Would you like a lesson in how to
write a cheerful ad for the machine you're about to
flog online? Look no further than this gem from bikesales,
extolling the virtues of a 2004 BMW R1150R.
"This 2004 BMW
R1150R isn't just a bike; it's a lifestyle. A blend of
class, performance, and history, with a dash of
mystery. If you're looking for more than just a ride,
if you're seeking a story, a journey, a saga –
congratulations, you've found it.
"Why you need
this bike:
1. Stand Out:
In a sea of mundane motorbikes, the BMW R1150R is a
shining beacon of individuality. It's the two-wheeled
equivalent of wearing a monocle. Unique,
distinguished, and slightly eccentric.
2. Reliability:
With its full-service history, this bike promises
reliability that's as steadfast as a German
stereotype. It's the kind of ride that'll stick by you
through thick and thin, like a well-trained Bavarian
Shepherd.
3. Adventure
Awaits: Whether it's a trip to the local café or a
cross-country tour, this bike turns every journey into
an adventure. It doesn't just transport you; it
transforms you.
"Act now, and
not only will you acquire this magnificent steed, but
you'll also receive an exclusive, one-of-a-kind
experience: the envy of your peers and the adoration
of strangers. Plus, the unbridled joy of twisting the
throttle on a piece of motorcycling history."
How much for this slice of alleged Nirvana? A mere Au$5500 (US$3600, GB£2800). We were tempted to buy it just for the entertainment value...
R1150R data via
Motorcycle Specs.
Factory Icons:
Suzuki GS1000E, March 16
Suzuki's double-overhead cam GS series
marked a major turning point for the marque,
establishing its reputation for building big, fast and
capable four-strokes.
This 1978 GS1000E is on the market with bikesales at Au$18,500 (US$12,150, GB£9550)
See our
Suzuki GS series feature.
Flashback:
Hoarder or collector? March 16
At what point does a collector become a hoarder? See the story.
Ha Noi Run
feature, March 15
It was big – eight days running through snake ways,
mountain passes and obscure little village paths.
Welcome to the Ha Noi Run – we've compiled the stories, the pictures and video right here.
Ducatis at
Donington, March 14
Donington Auctions has come up with a
couple of good Ducatis for its upcoming sale, which starts
on April 1.
Top of the list
is a 1975 750 Sport;
See the Ian Falloon stories on the 750 Sport;
Ha Noi Run day 8
– the sprint home, March 13
It's been eight big days, finished off with a gallop through the hills, then tackling the fun and games that is Ha Noi traffic. Join us for a taste of the action, and a few thoughts on our CRF150/250/300 mounts.
Eighties
throwback: Moto Guzzi V65TT, March 13
When was the last time you saw one of these getting around? Moto Guzzi's V65TT predated the current adventure tourer craze by a couple of decades and had the misfortune to be released just as the western motorcycle markets were nose-diving.
This well-presented 1986 example was recently
auctioned through Bring a Trailer, fetching Au$9200
(US$6100, GB£4800).
See the data and
backgrounder at Motorcycle Specs.
See our Moto
Guzzi big twins feature by Ian Falloon.
Ha Noi run day 7
– back roads and amphibious motorcycles, March
13
What a wild old day – epic mountain views, scooting
through cinnamon plantations on village byroads and then
we launch an amphibious attack on an unsuspecting home
stay from Ba Be Lake. See today's
update.
Ha Noi run – day
6 – mountain overload, March 12
Mountain road overload – or that's what it seemed like
when the sun came out and we spent most of the day playing
in the hills. See our road diary
update.
Velo offer,
March 11
It's the 1950s and you can have a competition-proven Velocette MAC 350 for US$600, with a free pocket toolkit! Add $75 for the speed kit. Distributor Branch Motorcycle Sales was also dabbling in Moto Guzzi at the time and was looking for dealers.
See the data and backgrounder at Motorcycle Specs.
Hanoi Run – day
5, March 11
Markets, snake ways and mountain passes...join us for a quick taste of today's riding across north Vietnam.
Hanoi Run – day
4, March 10
Sa Pa to Bac Ha: we climbed down out of the mountains, then all the way up another set...or that's what it felt like. Along the way we got to experience some great roads, spectacular country and much more. Join us for today's road diary update.
Flashback:
Norton Commando, March 9
How the legendary Brit twin became a
cult classic – see the story
here.
Deep-fried
centipedes and backroads – Ha Noi Run day 3, March 9
Deep-fried centipedes, village side-roads and waterwheels
– today seemed to have it all. Oh and then we ended the
day creeping along inside a cloud, feeling our way into
mountainous Sa Pa. See our road diary update.
Honda CB750A –
random brochure for the day, March 8
Honda CB750A, aka the automatic. An idea with some appeal but it and a couple of other early CB auto models struggled in the market.
Specs and
backgrounder at Motorcycle Specs.
Ha Noi run into
the mountains, March 8
Today we copped the lot: rice fields, mountains, riding in cloud – you name it. A spectacular day...see our road diary.
Ha Noi run,
March 7
After an absence of several years, we're back on the road, heading into the fabulous countryside north of Ha Noi, Vietnam...join us for the road diary.
Throwback for
the day: Suzuki Hustler, March 6
A feisty two-stroke and pivotal model for Suzuki, the X6 Hustler helped to establish the brand as a serious player. See the Cycle World story.
Seventies
Yamaha, March 5
We've tripped over an exceptional set of scans for Yamaha's 1973 TX range brochure. Worth a look, here.
Moto Guzzi
Daytona, March 4
Here's something you don't see on the
market every day: a 1993 Moto Guzzi Daytona 1000
claiming a fairly low 9850km (6120 miles). It's with
Brad's Vintage Cycle Sales at Au$19,850
(US$13,000, GB£10,200).
RADD take 2,
March 3
When it came to looking for a Yamaha to add to the fleet, somehow the GTS1000 became an obvious choice...see the story.
And yes, the solution to yesterday's parts trivia challenge was they are end-caps for the GTS1000 front swingarm.
Hi from Ha Noi, March 3
Caught up with Bruce Noble (at
right), a long-time reader and correspondent across
various motorcycle mags over the decades and now
AllMoto. Had a great lunch together and it was funny to
meet for the first time ever, a very long way from
Melbourne.
He’s now a long-term resident of Ha
Noi.
You’ve got to love the Club Laverda Queensland
sticker on the front of his scooter. He reckons it’s the
only way he can find it in a packed parking spot.
Flashback:
Teutonic twin, March 2
BMW's R1100S boxer sport bike seems to have been largely forgotten by the market, though we reckon it's worth a second look. See our feature.
Parts trivia
challenge, March 2
Here's our parts trivia challenge for the day: what motorcycle are these 3-D-printed parts for, and where do they go? Here's a hint – we've owned one.
We'll publish the solution tomorrow at AllMoto.com.
Meanwhile, this is where you'll find the bikes that have been through our shed.
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