Top 5 Bike-uriosities – Week of 8/15

Top 5 Bike-uriosities – Week of 8/15

At Bike-urious, we’re spending all of our time finding the most interesting motorcycles that are currently for sale for you to drool over (and maybe empty your wallet for). So let’s take a look at our five favorite offerings from this week!

1. Barnfind Racer – 1951 BSA 500

According to the seller, this BSA (along with an Indian) was found in a barn in Cottage Grove, Oregon. The seller originally bought the Indian and his friend bought the BSA - his friend then got the BSA running with a valve adjustment, and a rebuild of the magneto and carb. The seller then bought the bike from his friend, and now it's ready for a new owner.

It has an extra seat in the back, though it's not actually mounted. No title is included, though the seller says he can get a clean Oregon title if needed.

Find this BSA for sale in Boring, Oregon (that's the name of a town?) with an opening bid of 99 cents here on eBay.

2. In England - 1978 Yamaha SR500 Custom

The English Electric Lightning was a Cold War era jet fighter known for having an incredible rate of climb - pilots said flying it was like "being saddled to a skyrocket." That plane was the inspiration for this Yamaha custom built by Old Empire Motorcycles - a SR500 dubbed "Lightning."

Highlights of the work include a monoshock conversion with a Hagon unit, custom subframe, shortened front end, 19-inch wheels, and a lot of attitude from the aggressive stance. For more on the build, check out this article on the Bike Shed.

Find this Yamaha for sale in Redgrave, Suffolk, England for $15,606 here on the Bike Shed.

3. Fully Dressed Restoration – 1967 BMW R50/2

Here's another classic BMW restored by Brooks Motor Works - last week I shared a R69S that he had restored. This R50/2 is on the other side of the riding spectrum thanks to bags and a whole lot of wind protection.

This bike (VIN: 642698) is named "Hans", and it had been prepped for a cross-country trip two years ago but an emergency forced a change of plans. It's been in the seller's family for 30 years but now Hans needs a new owner.

Approximately 500 miles have been covered since Kevin rebuilt the cylinder heads and long block, converted the electrical system to 12V, and added the fairings. The seller has a long list of work done and this bike should hopefully now be ready for all the cold weather classic touring you'd ever want.

Find this slash 2 for sale in Olympia, Washington, with bidding up to $5,100 and the reserve not yet met here on eBay.

4. 12.3 Miles – 1970 Velocette Thruxton

More than 50 years ago, Velocette set a 24-hour record for 500cc bikes with their Venom. Impressively, the record still stands today. This example hasn't had a chance to set any speed records, however, as it has done just 12.3 miles. The seller's father apparently had the bike delivered to his home in a crate, rode it once, then parked it.

The seller's son acquired the bike after the original owner passed away. He had some of the cosmetics re-done, the tires replaced, and installed Hagon shocks in the rear. Unfortunately, it does not have a key. This is an odd listing - in some ways the bike is like new, but it also hasn't been ridden in 40+ years and some of the photos make the bike seem like it's done a bit more than 12 miles. On top of all of that, the asking price is significant.

The seller says "this is the closest you'll ever come to buying a 1970 Velocette Thruxton off the showroom floor," and he's probably right. But does that make it worth $32.5K? If you think so, find this Velo for sale here on Craigslist for $32,500 in Bangor, Maine.

5. 1 of 100 - 1998 Ducati 749L Neiman Marcus Edition

In 1998, Ducati released a limited edition of the 748 called the 748L. Only 100 examples were built (solely in the United States) and they were only available through the Neiman Marcus catalog. Differences were solely cosmetic - Mercury Silver Metallic paint plus a front fender and chain guard made from carbon fiber. Here's #75/100.

Though this is barely different than a base 748, it is one of the rarest modern Ducatis available. Whether or not that means it's worth anything more to you is the question. This 748L (VIN: ZDM1SB3R2WB007036) has 14,460 miles and it's claimed to be in good shape. It has several extras, including a carbon fiber Termignoni exhaust, tail tidy, LED rear turn signals, billet open clutch cover, HID headlights, and more. It's just been serviced and is ready to go.

Find this Neiman Marcus Ducati for sale in Menasha, Wisconsin, with bidding up to $4,050 and the reserve not yet met here on eBay.

Well, that's the list. What would you want in your garage?