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Classic Japanese Motorcycles

Classic Bridgestone Motorcycles

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Around-Town Ripper: 1967 Bridgestone Hurricane Scrambler

1967 Bridgestone Hurricane ScramblerEngine: 177cc rotary-disc valve, air-cooled 2-stroke parallel twin, 50mm x 45mm bore and stroke, 9.5:1 compression ratio, 20hp @ 8,000rpmTop speed: 85mphCarburetion: Two Mikuni VM17SCTransmission: 4-speed rotary with 5-speed sport selectorElectrics/ignition: 12v, electronic ignition (coil and breaker points ignition stock)Frame/wheelbase: Single ...

Greg Williams | Aug 7, 2018

Classic Hodaka Motorcycles

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Randy Smith’s Hodaka Super Rat

Hodaka enthusiast Randy Smith gets some air on his heavily modified 1974 100cc Hodaka Super Rat at the Thayer MX held outside of Thayer, Mo.Bike: 1974 100cc Hodaka Super RatOwner: Randy Smith Location: Wakarusa, Kan. Occupation: Insurance agent Etc.: A true believer,Randy currently owns four Hodakas and competes regularly in vintage motocross.Why Hodaka motorcycles? “In the 1960s, ...

Margie Siegal | Mar 8, 2011

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Classic Honda Motorcycles

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Eddie Lawson’s Honda NSR500

 Photo by Phil AynsleyEddie Lawson’s epic back-to-back titles for rival manufacturers in 1988-1989 was a world first. On his way to victory he also defeated two young rising stars of American roadracing, while taming a motorcycle many thought unwinnable.Much has been written about the mercurial and complex character that is four-time world 500cc champion Eddie ...

Hamish Cooper | Apr 1, 2021

Classic Kawasaki Motorcycles

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Steve Willgoose’s KZ1000R-S1 Replica

Photo by Robert SmithEngine: 1,136cc (Wiseco big bore kit) air-cooled DOHC inline four, 74mm x 66mm bore and stroke, 10.5:1 compression ratio, 127hp @ 9,000rpmCarburetion: Four Keihin 33CRTransmission: Gear primary drive, 5-speed constant mesh, 520 chain final driveElectrics: 12v, Dyna 2000 electronic ignition Frame/Wheelbase: Tubular steel cradle, 59.8in wheelbase ...

Greg Williams | Apr 1, 2021

Classic Rikuo Motorcycles

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1958 Rikuo RT2

1958 Rikuo RT2Country: JapanEngine: Air-cooled, V-twin 4-strokeIgnition: Battery and coilPower Rating: 22hp @ 4,250rpmBore x Stroke: 69mm x 100mmDisplacement: 747ccValves: SideFuel System: Single Rikuo carburetorTransmission: 4-speedSuspension: Front telescopic forks, rigid rearBrakes: Front and rear drumWeight: 546lbTop Speed: 60mphIn 1929 at the start of the Great Depression, ...

The Motorcycle Classics Staff | May 21, 2014

Classic Suzuki Motorcycles

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Four-play: 1977-1979 Suzuki GS750

 Power 60hp @ 8,500rpm (rear wheel)Top speed 112mph (period test)Engine 748cc, (65mm x 56.4mm) air-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve inline 4-cylinderTransmission 5-speedWeight 511lb (half tank)Price then/now $2,195 (1977)/$2,000-$4,500           When Suzuki launched its first 4-cylinder, ...

Motorcycle Staff | Oct 14, 2020

Classic Yamaha Motorcycles

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1981-1987 Yamaha XV750/XV700 Virago

A period cutaway drawing from an early Virago advertisement.Years produced: 1981-1987Claimed power: 60hp @ 7,000rpmTop speed: 105mph (period test)Engine/transmission: 749cc (83mm x 69.2mm) 2-valve air-cooled SOHC V-twin/5-speed, shaft final driveWeight: 498lb (curb, 1/2 tank gas)Fuel capacity/MPG: 3.2gal/53mpgPrice then/now: $2,998 (1981)/$1,500-$4,000Pivoting is a favorite ...

Staff | Apr 1, 2021

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