Tagged: vintage

January 30, 2014

1968 Bultaco TSS 125cc

125cc is really small, but this 1968 Bultaco TSS 125cc racer will ride a little bit bigger I would imagine. A factory bike given to a Factory rider? Mollory campaigned a 125cc, 250cc and 350cc Bultaco in 1968. When you look Ginger Molloy up in Wikipedia you do see he rode a Bultaco to 3^rd place in 1968. And that is with only three finishes. With the 250cc and 350cc he recorded 6 finishes for a 5^th place and 3 finishes for a 5^th place respectively.

From the seller

This motorcycle has been restore by Ginger Molloy. Frame, petrol and faring have been repainted to

Original owner. Ginger was placed third on this motorcycle in the 125cc FIM World Championships. Purchaser would also receive the FIM medal won by Ginger.
This bike is a factory prepared works Bultaco that has been in my possession since 1968.
Shipping and payment: Ginger will arrange crating and shipping through Jenner Cargo, or other shipping firm selected by purchaser.

So this 1968 Bultaco TSS 125cc bike spent time in New Zealand were you would have to ship it from. But also traveled to Spain, the Netherlands’ and Ireland. It doesn’t appear to have made it to the Isle of Man, as no results for Molloy in the 125, 250, or 350 classes. I have been seeing a lot of racing Bultaco’s coming up for Auction. This 1968 Bultaco TSS 125cc is the only one I remember to have a rider and results attached to it. Bultaco was in at the beginning of the 2-stroke evolution in Grand Prix racing. They did not dominate, but they did show up on the Podium, and now is your chance to throw a leg over one of those podium finishers. When will you be able to do that again? BB

Bultaco

January 15, 2014

1966 Bultaco Mercurio 175

There seems to be a trend with listings, were the seller leaves it all up to the buyer to figure out exactly what you are bidding on. This 1966 Bultaco Mercurio is given just a brief description, and left at that. There are those out there that know what a Mercurio is, and what it means as a Bultaco, but I would guess that 8 out of 10 of you have no idea what this is. And it doesn’t help with the BMW gas tank on it.

From the seller

hello, selling my 1966 bultaco mercurio 175. it as a cool gas tank user on vintage bmw and seat they are fiberglass. trick wheels and hubs, 4 speed trans, runs good, there is no title. built this bike 5 years ago

What I was able to find out about the Mercurio is not much of anything. There appears to be some information on Spanish sites, but for English speakers there is very little information. It appears to be a 2-stroke, 175cc with a single cylinder and carburetor. Other then that, I am going to leave it to you the reader, and the buyers who do deeper research on this 1966 Bultaco Mercurio. On a side note, I am sure there would be BMW owners who would line up to purchase the tank currently on this Bultaco if you wanted to go for a different look. BB

Ducati

July 10, 2013

1965 Ducati Monza Race Bike 250cc

Ducati and motorcycle road racing are synonymous, they go and sound like nothing else! This bike is a very cool piece, can be used as a weekend track bike and a sculpture when not carving out corners.

I really couldn’t have said it better. There is something about a single cylinder racing bike. Its just fuel, air, compression, explosion and go. There doesn’t have to be any fancy timing, one cylinder, one spark plug. You get any more cylinders and you start to get complicated. This 1965 Ducati Monza race bike is simple.

More from the seller

Offered here is 250cc Corsa Tribute bike, not the real …. This is a replica of the factory bikes in proper working order. It runs well and has excellent compression. It was bought “as is” from the previous owner and has not been raced since mechanical restoration, only used as a paddock bike for a vintage race team. The plan was to do a cosmetic restoration and paint it up to match one of the race cars, plans change, now it is your chance to own this little bike. The previous owner listed the following as work completed/parts purchased to do the bike:

Frame w/ swing arm/ rebuilt race motor/competition carbs., wheels, tires, swing arm outriggers, taper bearing mount, brakes shoes, Cerrani Front forks (shortened), S-arm bushings, handle bars, lower sets, shocks, chain, throttle and cable, ignition coil, fly wheel, stator, and grips .

The bike is very presentable, I would favor a higher quality paint job, that said it is a race bike and it will do until the new owner customizes to suit their taste.

It is NOT street legal and does NOT have a Title — Will be sold on a Bill of Sale only.

Nice pit bike, but I bet this 1965 Ducati Monza would be more fun with the throttle wide open. BB

Harley Davidson

July 2, 2013

1952 Harley-Davidson K Model

The way that I have heard the story is that men who had served over seas came home and were looking for those great bikes they rode over there. So Harley-Davidson wanted to give them that, and this 1952 Harley-Davidson K Model is what they gave them. A unit constructed Flat Head. Really? A Flat Head? Same design since the dawn of time? Harley had an OHV racer since the ‘20’s. Their Knucklehead had overhead since the 1930’s. So why a sporting Flat Head? There was that whole AMA rule about 750cc flat heads able to race head to head against 500cc OHV machines. Hmmm?

From the seller

Here’s my 1952 Harley Davidson K Model . This was a original converted to dirt track model .This has the original alloy frame that always broke at the lower head ,you can see a Frankenstein bracket there could be cleaned off ,but looks like they reinforced it to help with racing service. I rode this around 5 years ago and it ran real well. Stored since and looks to need magneto work . Kicks through and all gears work and has a good working clutch. belly numbers match. It also has a bombsight carb correct. I’ve gathered most of the original missing parts like ing. switches and fender, covers and a Harley correct generator.. No broken fins, Everything in nice condition. Speedo works and i have the original headlamp bulb! being sold as is, NOTE with a notarized bill of sale only.

Now I might be wrong on the reasons behind the design that would come to be known as the Sportster, but it is something different. The Sportster has always had a unique place at Harley-Davidson, one that appears to have been like that of a foster child, and not one of its own. But an informal survey of the inter-web shows an apparent warming to the Sportster line. More custom bikes, more aftermarket parts? This 1952 Harley-Davidson K Model started it all and looks good now, patina and all. This may be the right time to get ahead of the trend. The K Model is really a bike I would like to own, old Flat Head, new sporty look. And yes, I would start looking for a KR TT full fairing. BB

Honda

May 8, 2013

1966 Honda CB Race Bike for Sale

I read an article a while back in one of the major motorcycle publications about the wild and weird world of small-bore vintage racing. These brave souls hurled themselves around the racetrack on classic Honda 160cc twins, their little 80cc pistons furiously whirring out their meager power while the pilots clung flat to the tank, left arm tucked in of the bar for streamlining, right hand wrenching the twistgrip the stop and beyond, hoping desperately to wring a last bit of power from the wildly flailing motor.

I’d mentioned this to a riding buddy recently, thinking it might be a cool way to actually go racing on a budget using machines that were less likely to kill us than the modern 600’s we’re currently using now to cut our track teeth.

Okay, watching this video, maybe it’s not so tame… Note the Le Mans style start!

And lo and behold, what did I find on eBay? A fully prepped race bike, all ready for the track. Just add new owner.

From the original eBay listing: 1966 Honda CB Race Bike for Sale

This road racer for sale is based on a 1966 Honda cb-160, but as you can see from the photos, much has been done.

The main mechanical work has included a 5 speed gearbox (from a cb-175); Dyna-S electronic ignition; overbored with liners to 56 mm pistons.

A megacycle cam operates 1mm larger valves in a flowed head.

Everything related to street use has been deleted to reduce weight.

New sticky tires, battery and oil catch pan have recently been installed as well as a fresh oil change and new chain.

The bike has been fully safety wired and is ready to race.

Although it is a tiny bike, the combination of the relocated seat and rear-set controls makes it suitable for anyone up to 6 feet tall.

There is a useful and valuable set of spares that come with the bike, including cam and crank.

Bidding’s just north of $1,000 right now and the reserve has not been met, with just a couple days to go on the auction.

I love this trick little bike and it looks like the perfect way to get into vintage motorcycle racing if you’re on a budget or intimidated by the outright speed or complexity of the larger machines.

-tad

Norton / Uncategorized / Vincent

February 27, 2013

1955 Vincent engine in Norton Featherbed frame

During the history of motorcycles and motorcyclist, there have always been those that want to make it better. Some times those people actually work in the motorcycle industry. But some times those people work in their own shed. Some of the great motorcycles to come out of the Shed are the Britten, which tragically was as short lived as its designer. There is also the Triton, which are continued to be made. This 1955 Vincent engine has found its way into a Norton Featherbed frame, and you have the beginnings of the NorVin.

$T2eC16VHJF8E9nnC7ON5BRJnmUS90g~~60_3

From the seller.

This is the beginnings of a Norvin. The frame is a slimline Norton, the forks are Ceriani, the front brake is a 2 leading Norton, the rear is also Norton. The gas tank is a fiberglass one, as is the seat base. Mountings need to be fabricated for the tank and seat. The engine cases are empty apart from an alternator in the primary case, included is a complete Vincent clutch, engine sprocket, and triple row primary chain. also a spare inner primary case and a spare outer timing case. The crankcase halves are a matching pair id stamp is DB10. Apart from the items listed, what you see is what you get. I can do pick up only, I do not have facilities to crate. Sold as is on a bill of sale. No title or registration. $500 deposit required within 24hrs

Now this is not for the faint of heart, or those lacking the skills, tools, or money to finish up this project. What you have here is just the start, the outline of a bike which takes the heart of a Vincent, and the skeleton of the Norton to make something great. Something of legend, something rarely seen. And did you notice that the heart is empty?

The Vincent engine was produced by a pair of Phil’s; Phillip Vincent who’s name is on the tank as the owner of the company, and Phil Irving who’s mind is in the design. The Norton Slimline Featherbed frame was designed by a pair of McCandless brothers from Ireland, who offered up their design as a way to keep Norton relative. The maker of the Manx OHV single cylinder engine, needed a skeleton to keep the power and the bike on the road. The brothers McCandless were able to do both well enough that even the out-dated engine design continues to win.

What is up for sale is a 1955 Vincent and a Norton Slimline frame. But when you finish putting the heart of the Phil’s into the skeleton of the McCandless you will have yourself a NorVin. There will be many more hours and many more dollars needed, but every journey starts with one step. BB

Velocette

February 12, 2013

1951 Velocette MAC

This 1951 Velocette MAC 350 may not be a Sports bike, but Velocette did have some very fine sports bikes, so even this pedestrian MAC may have some of that sporting DNA inside. With brother bikes like the MSS, KSS, and the later Viper and Venom, this 350cc OHV work horse will have a little kick.

From the seller

  1951 Velocette Mac 350

The following video shows the Velocette being ridden:   (Velocette350 on Vimeo)

I bought this 1951 Velocette Mac from Revival Cycles (“great guys”) in Austin, Texas (10-09-12).

I paid $6,000.00, and had to have it shipped from Texas.

The bike is exactly as I bought it from Revival Cycles.

It is a 62 year old British bike. I have started it, ridden it, and I know it needs tuning, and servicing.

It is not restored, so it has wear, dents, scratches etc. Service manual included

The MAC had evolved from the earlier, smaller MOV before the war, but as events escalated in the world, the MAC went to war. A single cylinder, little or no suspension with girder forks and rigid rear, the MAC WD was ideal for messenger service and spend the war as a dispatch bike. 1946 saw civilian production re-introducing the MAC and its run of production continued until 1959. War has the ability to improve the breed, and when the Dowty company developed suspension for airplanes, Velocette saw the possibility for front Forks. Olematic front forks where offered on the MAC for 1948, later improved in 1951 to a Veloce designed fork. It was in 1953 when the MAC rear received its suspension.

The muffler on this 1951 Velocette MAC gives a visual queue to the racing history of the company. The Fishtail style muffler is called a Brookland Can, and this was required on racing motorcycles and cars at the Brookland race track before the War. The 15bhp of the 350cc MAC may not get a Gold Star for going over 100mph, but at 75mph you have a steady, fun and reliable ride. You may want to replace the speedometer, and get a battery, but at the buy it now price you will get a very respectable vintage British motorcycle. BB

NSU / Uncategorized

August 28, 2012

1955 NSU Sportmax

NSU has always been the lost Motorcycle manufacture from Germany, at least in the US public mind. There has always been BMW, and then some others. It might be that NSU specialized in the 250cc and smaller bikes, but what they did with those limited cc has always been amazing. As the seller points out this 1955 NSU Sportmax has a pedigree that once dominated the Bonneville Salt Flats here in the US, and road racing courses across Europe.

From the Seller

The NSU Sportmax was not only a looker, but add the period ‘dustbin’ fairing and it’s transformed into a thing of beauty. The same machine that propelled Hermann-Paul Müller, first-ever Privateer to become world champion as he powered his way to the 250cc world championship in 1955 – a feat all the more remarkable given that he was in his mid 40s at the time.

After WWII NSU, began to focus on Race Bikes specifically in the 125 & 250cc classes. These lightweight racers, RennMax and RennFox, were world beaters; consistently winning world championships until NSU officially withdrew from racing in 1954. Their street bikes were no laggards either – the SOHC Fox and Max were high output and durable bikes. This fact was not lost in the racing department, who fiddled with a Max engine until it produced nearly the same power as the DOHC twin: 30 hp at over 9000 rpm.

The seller has given a lot of information about the history of NSU and its racing bikes, but it takes a little bit to figure out exactly what you are getting. Are you getting an original, factory race bike? Are you getting a collection of NSU cast off race parts gathered together for this build? Or is it more then that?

More from the seller

In spite of having officially withdrawn from racing, the engine was installed in a Max street bike frame, fitted with aluminum bodywork and a dustbin fairing, and given to Herman-Peter Mueller, the 1954 250cc World Champion. Named the Sportmax, the bike was ridden by Mueller to another World Championship in 1955, making it the only streetbike-based motorcycle to ever win a world GP title.

NSU did some amazing things with motorcycles during the 1950’s. With a manufacturing base which produced many road going bikes for the public, the money was used to great advantage buy the factory race department. When NSU went to Bonneville, they took so many different combinations of engine sizes, frame designs, stream liners and such that they were able to throw a blanket over most land speed records for motorcycles sized 50cc to 500cc. Some of those records still stand to this day.

Fast forward to 2001. . . Erhard Melcher , yes that is the M in AMG Mercedes fame, Dieter Almers, the master builder who recreated a BMW RS for the British Private museum, a racer name Sigi and an engineer from Daimler named Manfred set out to build the ultimate NSU SportMax continuations. Starting with an original camshaft and amassing parts either meticulously fabricated or reconditioned, the four “Masters of Motorworks” created 3 of the finest, safest and most original SportMax’s in existence. NSU world record setter, Wilhelm Herz, laid his eyes on these in amazement and stated, “Are these real or recreations?”. The biggest compliment Dieter Almers ever received.

So what you appear to be bidding on is a re-creation, resto-mod vintage racer. The seller quotes 30hp at at 9000rpm, but reading closely it looks like this is what the factory DOHC engine produced, and not this 1955 NSU Sportmax. With some heavy hitters in moto sports involved in this re-creation, I am sure that you will be getting your moneys worth for the buy it now price of $55,000. Really with the huge aluminum dust-bin fairing, I think you get all your moneys worth right there. BB

Ducati

August 19, 2012

In Case you missed out on the custom Ducati

Unfortunately this one ended soon after we spotted it. Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Recently Tad posted an amazing custom Ducati 450. I was writing this when my research led me back to Classicsportbikesforsale.com only to find Tad and I were looking at very similar bikes. Well similar in that they are both Ducati singles. The one I found is a really nice 250 with a very well done restore/cafe. The thing that really catches my eye with this bike is that it looks to be stock but it’s not. I think it takes real talent to combine the right parts and paint to accomplish this. Anybody can through on clubman’s and flat black their bike, so when I see a bike like this I take note. The seller claims to restore Ducati motorcycles as a hobby. I think based on this bike he must know what he’s doing. It’s so tastefully converted to a cafe racer you would think that’s how it left the factory. I’ll let him explain it you…

Up for auction is a restored 1966 Ducati 250 single (narrow case) vintage motorcycle in cafe racer trim. I restore vintage Ducati motorcycles as a hobby and I’m happy to restore them to their former glory, while making them more reliable and rideable. When taking this motorcycle out of winter hibernation, it usually takes me two to three kicks at most to get her going. During the normal season, one kick or two kicks will get her going without problems. It’s a fantastic strong, reliable start and an excellent ride. Upon receipt of this motorcycle, you can ride it right away.

Here are a few more details about the motorcycle:

Engine:
– Completely rebuilt, with less than 700 miles on the rebuild
– High compression piston
– Hot cam setup
– Electronic ignition (no external modifications; retained original vintage look)
– Twin-plug ignition!
– Direct drain oil lines
– Dell’orto PHBH 30 carburetor with trumpet
– 5 speed transmission

Electrical:
– Completely converted to 12-volt system (from 6-volt)
– Upgraded alternator to 12V, 150W (excellent at starting and not to mention excellent lighting; also, no external modifications, retained original vintage look)
– 55W/60W globe so you can actually ride in the dark, not just lighting up your front fender
– All wires replaced, of course

Frame:
– No visible damage to frame upon inspection during the restoration
– Frame was completely sandblasted and checked for signs of corrosion
– Powdercoat finish

Miscellaneous:
– Professionally rebuilt wheel on Excel rims
– New DID chain
– Pirelli City Demon tires
– Scorpio wireless key alarm (for some peace of mind when you stop in at your local watering hold for a quick drink)
– Veglia big face tachometer in the classic Mach 1 style
– Mach 1 style clip-ons
– Tommaselli Daytona grips and throttle
– Mach 1 suede leather seat
– Rearsets

This motorcycle is currently registered in the State of Connecticut. The State of Connecticut does not issue titles for vehicles of this age, so you will be given a bill of sale only upon successful purchase of this motorcycle.

In 1966 these light weight 250’s produced around 20 hp. That isn’t a lot by today’s standards but when you’re cruising at 80 mph on this bike I’m pretty sure it will feel just like the 180 mph you can do on a modern bike. 🙂

For those of you that need a small cc bike to putt around town, go to local bike night or just to meet some local buds at you favorite watering hole, this has your name written all over it. Perfectly modified to be a reliable and gorgeous ride. The keyless security system, 6 to 12v conversion and everything else this guy did makes this the perfect city bike. Blow you buddies minds by showing up on this tonight.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1966-Ducati-250-Single-Vintage-Cafe-Racer-/200806735720?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item2ec1039f68#ht_737wt_1182

-Buck

Vincent

June 13, 2012

1951 Vincent Comet

Until the late 1950’s a motorcycle was considered large, or Senior if it had 500cc. This has obviously changed now that many wouldn’t consider it a Motorcycle unless it has 1000+ cc on tap. But even when 500cc was huge, this 500cc 1951 Vincent Comet was considered the baby when compared to its twin cylinder brother, the Rapide/Black Shadow/Lightning. Being the lesser of two doesn’t mean it is less by most standards.

From the seller

….Begun in February, 1951, and completed in March of the same year. All numbers match. I bought this bike in England in the early 90’s, rode it for some time, and decided on a complete rebuild when I discovered metal flakes in my oil. I figured that, as the engine had to be out and rebuilt, why not do the whole thing? The whole thing took 13 years! During that time I meticulously collected NOS pieces from Ron Kemp (true, because I hauled tons of stuff home, including the SS silencer and down pipe, from his barn in Wales), the VOC, and a few odds and ends from private sellers. Here’s just how nuts I was in getting this bike restored to better than new:

Developed for Vincent by Phil Irving in 1935, the Comet was very much like the twin cylinder Rapids of the era. The engine design was unique in that the valves used an upper and lower valve guide to insure compliance while moving up and down. The OHV engine itself was a stress member of the Back-bone style frame. Oil was kept in the top tube which connected the steering head, the engine and the pivot point to the special rear suspended sub frame. The front end was controlled by a hybrid girder, hydraulic system called Girdraulic.

More from the seller

1. All of the nuts, bolts, fasteners, adjusters and end caps on the bike are now stainless steel. No rust.
2. The mudguards, exhaust pipe and silencer are also stainless steel. No rust.
3. All support pieces to the frame have been powder coated, as well as the Girdraulic fork blades.
4. All mudguard stays, headlamp supports, foot posts, the headlamp itself, license tag mount, petrol tank, chain guard, and original Craven carrier have been blasted and painted. Tank has correct decals for the time of manufacture.
5. The Altette horn was researched and finally purchased from Taff the Horn, and is the correct horn for the month of manufacture (3/51). Completely restored.
6. New seat, tool tray, shock spring tubes, brake drums, brake pads, dust excluders, all cables, springs, and chain and sprocket. All dampers (fork and seat) are new.
7. Speedometer refurbished by Nisonger and painted with new chrome bezel.
8. Engine blasted and honed. New piston/rings/valves/ and hardened valve seats. Bottom end redone, as well. All bearings on the bike replaced.
9. All electrical components either new or (dynamo) rebuilt.
10. New hand-striped wheel rims/stainless spokes/new Avon tires fore and aft.
11. All chrome hardware polished to show quality or re-chromed.
12. New British license plates–this is the original tag number–LYU645.

Like the larger Rapide, a sporty Grey Flash was derived from the single cylinder Comet. In a special Grey color this sporty single was the starter bike to some well known GP racers. Considered small when compared to the Vincent Twin, the Comet is nothing to sneeze at. If you want to get into a Vincent, it might be half the bike, but I would guess that the price this 1951 Vincent Comet fetches is not going to be that big a discount from what the twins will fetch. BB