I have not had this conversation before, but I bet many vintage motorcycle enthusiast look at an old bike and think, “I bet Jay Leno has one of those.” And since I have been to his Big Dog Garage web site, and spent time looking at the videos of Jay and his Motorcycles, I know that he does have a John Player Norton like this 1974 JPS offered up on eBay now.

From the seller

John Player Norton 850 in perfect condition. Matching engine and frame numbers. Not one scratch on it. Absolutely no rust. Original Dunlop rims with stainless steel spokes and nipples. Original speedometer and tachometer, black chrome exhaust system, factory clip-ons. Featured on the front cover of Motorcycle Collector magazine April 1994. They only made 200 of these models, and this is an authentic John Player Norton. Stainless braided overhead oil line and stainless braided front brake hose. Original rear shocks rebuilt inEnglandby Rustler Racing. Original Amal carbs re-sleeved by Mike Gaylord and rebuilt by Phil Radford at Fair Spares America. Phil also completely rebuilt the entire engine, gearbox, clutch, and front disc brake. Wiring harness is original. Fitted with Boyer electronic ignition, Lucas 6-volt coils, and Mk3 isolastic engine mounts front and rear. Motorcycle has covered only 1437 miles since Phil completely rebuilt engine and gearbox. Original mirrors, factory rearsets. Starts first kick. An eye-catching machine, low production, very rare to find one in such outstanding condition. I have owned and ridden this JPN since 1979. Currently fitted with Dunlop K81 TT100 tires and registered with clear title.

I think if you have been researching Nortons, or own one, some of the names that the seller drop mean more to you then me. But what this usually tells me is that the sell has spent a lot of money, and time, sending bits and parts of the bike to competent individuals to put them right. (I could drop some BMW names as easily.)

Based on the Commando line from Norton the JPS was a celebration of the Sponsorship of the tobacco company in Norton’s success on the race track. The Norton on the track was one of the first to use a Monocoque frame, but the street version is all fiberglass. In fact because of laws, there is a steel gas tank under all that pretty white glass.

The other thing under all that glass is a 829cc Norton Commando engine which will generate 60hp at 6200rpm fed by a pair of 32mm Amals. Don’t forget this is a push-rod engine originally designed by Bert Hopwell in the 1940’s. Though it might look Japanese with its full fairing and Dual Endurance inspired headlights, underneath it is still a British Twin. But that is not a bad thing. BB

Related posts:

1. 1974 John Player Norton
2. So you want to be a player? 1974 John Player Norton
3. 1975 John Player Norton

Sometimes I look on eBay to see what motorcycles are for sale in my area. This showed up >5 miles from my zip code and I think after work I am going to start cruising the neighborhood and looking over fences searching for this 1976 CB400 Super Sport.

 From the seller

This 1976 Honda CB400F motorcycle has only 90 original miles. It is in as found condition. I have done nothing to it. It has not even been wiped down. It is not running. It has no title. This is one of a pair of these bikes that I purchased together. These were purchased new by a couple in 1976. Rode 90 miles and then stored. I sold the other one on here. Everything on the bike is in great condition with the exception of all the chrome. If it is chrome it has rust. It may clean up. It may not. I would think that the chrome will need to be re-chromed or replaced. The bike turns over good. There are no dents or dings in the tank. The paint is good.  The exhaust is solid with just surface rust. The seat is in good shape with no tears or rips. The frame covers are not cracked or broken. The bike has its original tires. The original tool kit and owners manual are included. Please ask any questions before bidding. Bidders with no feedback please ask before bidding. Can deliver to a freight company in Seattle. The bike is in Seattle.

I can see a couple deciding to buy some motorcycles on a nice sunny day in Seattle. I can also see them going to there local dealership to look for bikes. The man and wife may also remember “meeting the nicest people on a Honda.” What I can’t see is the sales person looking at this couple and saying “you need our Super Sport.”

Offered from  1974-1976 the four was an upgrade from the CB350. The 408cc had a single overhead cam, offered 9.4:1 CR fed by 4 20mm Mikuni carbs.  This combine to produce 37hp at 8700rpm. Really? This couple needed 37hp? This is likely the reason why the bikes only have 90 miles. One or both went for a ride, felt a little scared with the power delivered with a twist of the throttle, and parked it. One couldn’t go for a ride without the other, so the two sat, and aged, and weathered. Then the seller shows up.

Finding an unused bike is something that every motorcycle enthusiast wishes. Be is a Vincent Black Lightning or a CB400 Super Sport. There are dreams to be had, and this seller appears to have found two. To bad the original owners got some help from a sales person with their interest in mind and not their customers. Anyways enough of a rant, check out all the pictures posted on eBay for this 90 mile CB400F. BB

Related posts:

1. 1983 Honda CX650T with 56 miles!
2. 1975 Honda CB400F

The Norton Commando is truly iconic motorcycle, the dream of countless “ton-up boys”, now grown to middle-aged men.  Rarer and a little more rakish than Triumphs of the same era, its forward-canted cylinders and fastback styling dripped with class and the promise of speed.

This one appears gorgeously restored:

1973 Norton Commando Combat Roadster

Prior to 1973, Nortons sported the motor immortalized in the Tom Waits’ song Hang on St Christopher: “there’s a 750 Norton bustin’ down January’s door…”  But 1973 saw the introduction of the 850 [actually 828cc] version of the venerable pre-unit twin.  The bump in displacement allowed similar power with less stressed engine internals, a good thing, considering the reputation of the earlier 750 Combat motors…

With a 10:1 compression ratio and 65hp, the Combat was introduced as the hot-rod version of the Commando, and the name proved unintentionally apt, with the high-compression motors regularly grenading spectacularly: main bearings and broken pistons were shockingly common.  This widely-publicised  disaster was another the nail in the coffin for Norton’s reputation and the company continued to spiral into debt, with the last machines rolling off the line in 1977.

The 850’s were introduced in the Spring of 1973 and, if the badging on the side-panel is correct, this Commando is a 750 produced earlier in the year.  The seller is a fan of old British motorcycles, but is listing this on behalf of his brother’s widow:

This is a spectacular Commando that was given a complete, ground-up professional restoration by my late brother, and I am selling it on behalf of his wife.

 The restoration was completed in 2008/09 and is correct to all specifications with the exception of the alloy tank, alloy wheels and stainless spokes and stainless rear mudguard, plus braided stainless brake lines.  There are many new, better-than-original-quality parts.

 I am a Velocette guy, but nothing I have ever ridden is as tight, responsive and sure as this bike. The handling is just as superb as the appearance.  I’d love to have it for myself but the 7 bikes I already own make that impossible.

Technical details are spare, but the seller appears happy to answer any serious questions, and he’s posted pictures of what appears to be a very beautiful bike.  From the work that’s gone into the restoration, I’d assume the motor’s been built to be far more durable than the original, and the Buy It Now price he mentions in the listing seems very fair.

-tad

Related posts:

1. 1973 Norton Commando Combat
2. 1974 Norton Commando Interstate MkII For Sale
3. 1970 Dunstall Norton Commando

Pre 1970, Earles Forked BMW are not the first thing that you think of when you think or a sports bike. When you use a shaft to transfer power to the rear drive, you think of luxury, not speed (well, MV Agusta did have some speed). But in 1960 BMW added a 500cc sport bike to their line up in the form of the BMW R50S, and this 1961 example offered up on eBay now is a very well put together example.

From the seller

This is a freshly restored R50S with no expense spared,  all numbers matching including the original data plate on the steering head, and the correct carburetors, speedometer and final drive. The frame, forks and swing arm are powder coated and all the sheetmetal was professionally painted and hand striped. The engine and transmission was completely rebuilt (including crankshaft) by David Carmean, the breather was updated to the later /2 style for dependability, and the cylinder heads were completely rebuilt by Randy Long. The bike was restored using all stainless fasteners from Blue Moon BMW as I intended to ride the bike, but I will include all the original fasteners with this sale. The mufflers are “NOS”, and it has an original deep sump Bowman oil pan which is a very desireable accessory.

When you look at the number comparing the pedestrian R50 to the Sporting R50S, you have to wonder why BMW only offered them for 2 years, and why only 1634 units were made. Starting with the normal 494cc R50, you would see a CR of 6.5:1 fed by 24mm Bings giving you 26hp at 5800rpm. This was good for a top speed of 87mph. The R50S bumped the CR up to 9.5:1, took its breath in through  26mm Bings and delivered 35hp at 7250rpm for a top speed of 99mph.

So why only 1634 units sold? I think you have to look at the other changes made to the engine to deal with the extra power. There were none. The same crank, the same con-rods, the same rocker arms, and the same intake valve, the exhaust valve had a 1mm larger diameter stem. So 1.34 times more horsepower, 1450 more revolutions per minute and 3:1 more compression ratios, gives you a greater possibility of trouble.

I don’t know of to many riders who shop for a sports bike who  are not going to find the edge of performance, and this apparently happened with the R50S. All the numbers  lead you to believe that BMW had a winner, but only 1634 were made before they pulled the plug. Yes, the 600cc R69S may have been a factor, but why not offer a sports bike for the  500cc line?

This 1961 BMW R50S is one of the most collectible BMW there are today. The fact that they are a sport bike and were produced in limited numbers will do that. The debate has been for the last 30yrs is why did BMW pull what appears to be a winner from production?BB

Related posts:

1. 1961 BMW R50S
2. 1961 Norton ES2

If you’re looking for a classic twin, but want something a little different and possibly more durable than your usual Norton or Triumph or Ducati, this very pretty 1972 Laverda SF might be just what you’re after.  The SF had traditional Italian bike characteristics: they were fast, stable, and exclusive.  But they also brought something new to the table: reliability.

Laverda began producing motorcycles in the early 50’s, making small-displacement race bikes that competed against Ducati, Moto Guzzi, and other contemporaries.  Early Laverdas were small displacement machines ranging from 75cc’s to 200cc’s, but Laverda knew it needed a big-bore parallel twin to compete with rivals from Harley Davidson, BMW, Moto-Guzzi, and Triumph.

The Laverda 650 twin debuted in 1966 and was imported to America under the “American Eagle” name from 1968 until 1969.  The bikes were expensive, but famously overbuilt and any parts not designed and built by Laverda were chosen for their high-quality: in their quest reliability, Laverda used Japanese electrical components exclusively. Early bikes sported a huge drum front brake that was powerful for the time and led to the name: “SF” stands for “Super Freni” or “Super Braking”.

At 500lb fully fuelled, the twins were a bit too heavy to be particularly nimble, but their overbuilt construction and on-rails stability meant they were at home on the street and in endurance racing.

1972 Laverda 750 SF for Sale

A listing of recent work from the original ad:

• New Wiring Loom
• Points and Timing meticulously set
• Clean and restored original Fuse Box
• New set of Bridgestone BT45′s
• Wheels re-laced with chromed spokes – trued and balanced – Original set of spokes included.
• New Brake Shoes front and back
• New Cables all around  Brakes front and back, throttle, choke, clutch
• Gauges cleaned up and serviced by Joel Levine company
• New Cam chain and Triplex Primary chain.
• Fork seals replaced, new fluid
• Valve clearance has been checked and adjusted in the past 800 miles.
• Brad Penn 20w50 oil is run (Extremely high quality oil made for older air cooled engine) Changed every 1000 miles.

This bike is extremely original, down to the “Laverda” stamped bolts holding it all together.  The original ad has a ton of details about the bike, with extensive photos of the bike in different environments and shots of spare parts that will be included.  It’s clear the current owner of this two-owner bike is meticulous and knowledgeable, always a good sign.  Current bid is at $10,000 and the reserve has not been met, so the owner has high expectations for this machine, but from the photos and the information presented, it looks like this bike is worth the premium price.

-tad

Related posts:

1. 1972 Laverda 750 SF For Sale
2. 1972 Laverda SFC Replica for Sale
3. For Sale: 1974 Laverda 3C

As many of you repeat readers may know, I have a thing for Triumphs, and more specifically rigid pre-unit Triumphs. What has changed in the last few months is that I have read a great history/biography/tell all book by Bert Hopwood; What Ever happened to the British Motorcycle Industry. It is a book that tells the history of manufactures such as Ariel, Triumph, BSA and Norton from a person that worked at all of them, Bert Hopwood. What it also does is do a lot of self promotion by Bert and gossiping about  Edward Turner. With this new information, looking at this 1947 T100 Tiger offered up on eBay now looks a little bit different.

From the seller

1947 T100 OLDER RESTORATION CAME FROMAUSTRALIA.  SUPERB  EXAMPLE OF A 1947 T100, GONE OVER COMPLETELY, NEW AMAL 276 SERIES CARB, BIKE STARTS FIRST KICK RUNS GREAT. WOULD MAKE SOMEONE A GREAT INVESTMENT. THESE BIKES ARE GETTING HARD TO FIND IN GOOD CONDITION. BIKE HAS A CLEAR NEWJERSEYTITLE AND ALSO HAS AUSTRALIAN TITLE WORK DONT MISS THIS OPERTUNITY TO OWN A OLD TRIUMPH.

Edward Turner had moved to Triumph from Ariel, replacing Val Page as the General Manager. When he did this he scrapped the Page designed 6/1 twin and started with a fresh piece of paper to develop the Speed Twin. With its success, in 1939 the Tiger T100 was offered to the public. Offering 26bhp at 6300rpm, the 100 in T100 was for the top speed of 100mph. Bert Hopwood was the draftsman for Turner at this time, and according to Hopwood, Turner had great ideas, but lacked in the technical background to make it work. Toot Toot to from Hopwood.

With frame design just a few steps away from bicycles, the T100 had a rigid rear end until 1953, not helping design the war stopped production from 1941 until 1946. The front end did have springs, and hydraulic dampening, but may have had some design elements borrowed from a certain German manufacture.

When looking for a Triumph, people are often divided into Pre-Unit or Unit camps. When the company joined the engine and transmission into one unit, the debate started. I fall in the Pre-Unit camp, and this 1947 Triumph T100 with chrome tank and rigid rear end will draught a lot of attention. BB

Related posts:

1. 1951 Triumph T100 Tiger
2. 1953 Triumph T100 (C)
3. 1975 Triumph Trident

This British Racing Green Dunstall did not appear to have sold last month, it is available again with a buy it now of $10,00. If anyone saw the ending bid of the last auction, you can add it to the comments to let possible bidders know what they might have to bid to bring this one home.

We have shown a few Triumphs her at CSBFS, and we have shown a few Dunstall equipped bikes as well. I am a fan of small, independent aftermarket manufactures that can take a good bike and make it better. Dustall is a man, Paul is his first name, who went out and raced his bike and was able to make a profit at it. What he learned on his own bike he offered up to others. This 1968 Triumph Bonneville offered on eBay now takes advantage of what Paul did, and the future owner is going to be better for it.

From the seller

This is a beautiful matching number 68’ Bonneville with original Paul Dunstall tank, seat, fenders, and fairing. All Dunstall parts are in perfect condition and NEVER damaged. The Ceriani front forks with clip on bars makes the bike handle like it’s on rails. A steering dampener was added for additional safety. The pipes are by Raymond Hyde, and the mufflers are by SuperTrap. The tires are Bridgestone Battlax 100/90-V19 & 120/90-V18

I often try to get some performance numbers for bikes we highlight, but this is becoming difficult. I am not going to criticize, because I would do the same thing. As people are resurrecting these Classic Bikes they are taking advantage of today’s technology, and today’s aftermarket providers to make them better. Bigger, faster, stronger; Kind of like the Steve Austin.

Here are a few things inside the engine.

Engine specifications:

750 big bore kit

Carrillo rods

JE pistons

Megacycle cam

4 valve oil pump

Boyer electronic ignition

Balanced pistons, rods, and crank  shaft

Amal concentric Carbs

Mechanical oil pressure gage

Transmission has been converted to a 5 speed

This Bonneville offered up on eBay now was written up in a classic motorcycle magazine. Looking at the pictures and reading the work that has been done, I can see why. The nice thing about eBay, is that the new owner can now say they own a magazine bike, without having to have spent the time, money and energy to get it to Magazine quality. All you need is the cash. Good Luck. BB

Related posts:

1. 1970 Dunstall Triumph
2. 1970 Dunstall Norton Commando
3. 1970 Dunstall Norton Commando

So you think you want to go vintage racing? Now that it is 2012, the definition of Vintage has become so broad, and inclusive, you can choose from bikes that are not much more then bicycles with engines, to rocket ships  which gave professionals a hard time. I think this 1977 TZ750 D would fall within the rocket ship category of vintage racing.

From the seller

1977 YAMAHA TZ750 D MODEL OW31. THIS BIKE HAS HAD ONLY ONE OWNER SINCE 4/1978. IT USES A STOCK FRAME AND SWING ARM. IT DOES HAVE SOME PERIOD CORRECT MODIFICATIONS WHICH INCLUDE TOOMEY PIPES.36MM ELECTRON POWER JET CARBS,BOYSEN REED VALVES,LOCKHEED GRAND PRIX FRONT CALIPERS WITH DRILLED/SLOTTED ROTORS. ADDITIONALLY IT CURRENTLY HAS A 16 INCH DIAMETER FRONT RIM FOR FASTER TURN IN ON THE HIGH BANKS OF DAYTONA AND OTHER TRACKS

With any Grand Prix bike the performance numbers you find are more guess work than fact. It all depended on the wrench tuning the bike, whether the parts found on the bike are from the beginning of the season or late in the season. The TZ750 was first rolled out in 1974 with 90hp at 10,000rpm,  an amazing number at the time.

The seller claims history

THE BIKE HAS FACTORY PERIOD CORRECT REPLACEMENT CASES WITH 500 MILES ON REBUILD NO WELDINGOR CRACKS

IT HAS BEEN ACTIVELY CAMPAIGNED BACK IN THE DAY AT DAYTONA,GROTTEN,BLACKHAWK,ROAD AMERICA.WENTZVILLE,MID OHIO,POCONO,LAUDON,LAGUNA SECA,ASPEN,LAJUNTA,HALLET,TEXAS WORLD SPEEDWAY,BRAINERD AND WAS WERA NATL CHAMPION IN 1980

THIS WOULD BE A GREAT BIKE TO ADD TO YOUR STABLE FOR RACE OR DISPLAY

The D came out with the OW31 designation to indicate a factory as apposed to privateer bike. With many parts offered in Titanium and Magnesium the weight saved was close to 40 lbs compared to the privateer D mono shock TZ’s. Fine tuning of the pipes, porting, and crank were all development changes in the OW31. This TZ site claims that only 20 genuine OW31 TZ750 were produced, with all the other ones being Replicas of the factory effort.

I have posted other Grand Prix level vintage racers and always wondered with the cost of the purchase, how are you going to finance weekend to weekend racing? I can see one person having the technological know how to keep the bike running. But would this same person be the one throwing their leg over the bike? Good luck to you if you have the skills with the wrench and the handlebars to own and race this Yamaha TZ750 D OW31. Oh, and if you need a 500cc TZ to race in the smaller classes, the seller has this 1982 TZ500 on offer as well. BB

Related posts:

1. 1975 Yamaha TZ750
2. The Real Deal: 1975 Yamaha TZ750 Not for sale.
3. 1977 Yamaha RD400