Located in British Columbia, Canada (a beautiful place where the evils of meters, KMs and liters lurk) is this good looking Honda NS400R. My wife likes to call this model the “primary color” bike and it is easy to see why; the red/white/blue livery really stands out. The bodywork is reminiscent of 80s era GP bikes (of which this is a replica), and the rest of the bike is typical Honda; well-built, functional, and pretty bulletproof.

NS400s are 3 cylinder affairs in a vee formation. Two cylinders make up the forward part of the vee, with a single cylinder in the back. This configuration helps with mass centralization and weight bias, all while keeping the bike narrow and agile. While power is not quite on the same level as a 500cc Gamma or RZ, the NS400R makes due with lithe handling and lighter weight.

From the seller:
Up for auction is my extremely rare 1986 Honda NS400r 2 stroke, 3 cylinder,kick start motorcycle.There is about 300 NSR motorcycles imported into Canada in 1986.The bike is in very nice original condition with only 8777 miles on the odometer 14000 kms.Tires are in great condition, runs and drives very nice. I purchased the ns from a insurance company, with scratches on the fairings, so there for it has a rebuilt title.The bike was repaired to original specifications. It looks fantastic, and I am sure the new owner will be very happy with there purchase.

There are some important details peeking out of the seller’s comments. There is no chance of mistaking this for a cleanly titled, all original bike. The title is marked as “Rebuilt, Rebuildable & Reconstructed” indicating that this was a crash-damaged bike. However that need not be too bad an affair. Given the miles (sorry, kilometers) of plastic and paintwork on a NS400, you can hardly suffer a tipover without risk of insurance totalling out the bike. Of course it could have been a wreck worthy of Randy Mamola. I do note some apparent welding/brazing on the upper fairing stay. Prudent buyers will want to check more closely.

This great looking bike is available north of the border. The bidding is only up to $2,729 thus far, with reserve in place. Depending upon where that reserve is set, this bike could end up being a deal or simply another mark on the appreciation price curve for the model. Check out all of the details here, and then jump back and let us know what you think! Good Luck!

MI

In the current economical situation of Europe, including the German new owners of Ducati (Audi), it is fair to assume that another prototype for the masses, will never be built. The Desmosedici has all the credentials to become one of kind for a long, long time. Ducati has invested great amounts of money and resources in the development of the 1199 Panigale. The R version of the Panigale is sold for 30.000 EUR over here. In comparison, you can get this way more exclusive Desmo V4 for 36.000 EUR.

We are not talking about little cash, but with all due respect for the Panigale and for the hard to be earned money as well, I’d go for the V4 in a blink of an eye. I reckon that prices of the 200 HP small series (1500 were built) will start to rise at one point. Today, it seems that the evaluation of these 100% pure exotica are falling down, but don’t be fooled by this. Once people will realize that the cost of each Desmosedici was probably the same (if not lower) than the original asking price, and that no company will produce something like this in the next 10 years, then we will see the current downward trend turn 180 degrees. We know that Honda will (finally) re-create the real successor of the RC 30 (let’s not count the RC 51 which failed to impress), but will this really be based on current Pedrosa’s RCV MotoGp bike ?

When Ducati entered the 4 stroke 1000cc era, it stormed the world with its engine performance. In 2007, the rules imposed 800cc engines, Ducati was ahead of everybody with this capacity development and the Aussie Stoner won his first world title on it. After that, we all know the troubles Ducati and its riders faced, when they replaced the trellis front half chassis with the carbon monocoque. From there, confusion overruled the Bologna factory and it’s position in the the world rankings of speed. The Desmosedici is really, really close to Ducati’s GP4/GP5 MotoGP bikes, it won’t have the same power and weight because the materials used are not the same, the maximum rpm is way lower, the reliability is way higher, but the architecture of the bike and the engine are a direct descendant of the first Moto GPs of Ducati (ever). How will it be to ride ? People say it is a very stiff bike that requires ruthless decisions and hard corner entries. But we don’t want to ride it like Stoner, first of all because there isn’t anybody out there like him (Casey, please come back…c’mon don’t you want to race with the new star Marquez ?) and second, because the Desmosedici is made for the track, but the excitement of riding a real race bike on public roads, legally (I mean it has license plates, mirrors and turn lights), is too high ! If you wish to own a piece of history, a real Ducati special, the first true MotoGP replica, or just make an investment, this is about the right time. If you don’t believe me, let’s talk again in 7 years time and see how many bills will be required to put your hands on the only Ducati V4 ever built…

The model here has covered just 1512 km:

and it comes with open Ducati race exhaust that allows the motor to reach close to 200 hp.

Let’s hear it, shall we ?

Ducati Desmosedici RR in Switzerland

Claudio

P.S. if anybody is really eager to prove me wrong, please sell me a Desmosedici for less, please, I want one…

Alexandria, MN – 9,575mi – $1,925 No Reserve

The YZF750R arrived in early 1993 and was based on the OW01, however it shared no common parts with its famous older brother. Though not as rare and collectable (yet), the YZF750R proved itself to be a highly competent and user friendly bike on the street. Present on this model are six-speed gear box, dual 320mm discs up front with six-piston calipers, and Yamaha’s EXUP system allowing the bike to pull hard through the entire rev range.

This bike isn’t too far from stock with only an exhaust, windscreen, flush signals, and lowering links as the only major modifications. The bike has apparently been dropped at low speed early in its life and there are a couple scrapes on the fairing from this. Yes this does hurt, but the damage isn’t horrific by any means.

From the seller:

Up for auction is a very nice 1994 Yamaha YZF 750. This was a iconic bike back in the mid 90′s and was ahead of its time. Had nearly the weight of a 600 but the power of a 750. At 125hp and adjustable front and rear suspension, it was a real head turner. It has only 9,575 miles on it and still runs and rides like new. It has been well maintained and is in great shape, expecially for a 19 year old bike. This bike has been adult ridden and cared for since new.

Bike was serviced at the end of last season and put in storage shortly after.

-Changed oil/filter, air filter, spark plugs, brake and clutch reseroir and lines flushed and filled with new Dot 4

-Tires in great shape yet

-Engine runs and sounds great, does not use oil

-No leaks anywhere on the bike

-shocks/forks charge is great and no leaks

-Brake pad life is still good

The bike is stock besides a couple bolt on parts:

-Vance and Hines Titanium +4 slip on exhaust

-Dyno jet ignition module

-Flush mount turn signals front and rear

-Lusk -40mm lowering links (simply unbolt if you want it higher)

There a few scrapes/scatches on the body Never had major damage, it was tip/layed over at a very slow speed early in its life. This resulted in a couple of the scatches in the decals you can see (See pics). Their are 2 screws missing. 1 in the windsheild to the fairing and 1 on the lower side faring. The front brake rotors have a very very slight warp to them. It can only be felt above 70-75mph. Very common on these bikes with the factory rotors. Other than theres couple things, this bike is in awesome shape. I just want to point out any imperfections so the buyer is knowing what they are getting.

I don’t know about the rest of you, but I really dig these bikes. They represent a very nice blend of performance, rarity, and awesome mid-90’s styling. Yes this one isn’t perfect but it does seem like a good bike to be ridden and enjoyed. Bidding is about $2k now with No Reserve. I could see this bike going solid in the $2,500-$3k+ range. If you’re interested, you can check out the auction here!

-JS

The last one sold for, wait for it:  $22,400!   That particular Limited was basically a 850 mile, untouched time capsule from 1986.  This one doesn’t meet those ultra high standards but it looks like a very nice example in it’s own right.

Sometimes I wonder if I should post any other picture of a limted than this one.  The carbs/airbox combo is one of the few mods.

The story:

This 1986 GSXR 750 Limited Edition has been in storage for over 20 years. It has had only one owner. The Arizona title shows MSO as previous record. Mileage is box A and original. The body work and all parts are as they came from the factory in 1986. If you know vintage sport bikes,you know that these were very rare and expensive bikes compared to their non Limited Edition counterparts. The only modifications that were done to the bike was the installation of GSXR1100 Carbs and air box. This was common during that period to maximize performance. The stock GSXR 750 Air Box comes with the bike. The original Carbs are not available. Lockhart Phillips Turn Signal Buds were installed at one time. These were removed and the original Turnsignals were installed. The Lockhart Phillips Turnsignals also come with the bike. The front brake lines were replaced with steel braided lines and the original rubber brake hoses also come with the bike. There are extra engine ignition point covers as well. The fork sprngs are Progressive Springs and the original springs also come with the bike. A Lockhart Phillips front Headlight cover is also on the bike. There are some scratches and chips on the paint. Overall,it is in outstanding condition and runs very well.The original owners manual and tool kit are also included. The values on these keep increasing. Bid now and own a piece of history. I reserve the right to end the auction early as this bike is for sale locally as well.

Looks just as clean under the bodywork.  One simple trick I use is looking for the OEM Suzuki zip ties.  If missing, well, things have come off the bike.

Well kids, she isn’t going to be cheap but how high will the market drive the price?  Other than the missing stock carbs, it is all there.  I’d consider the mileage still on the low side for a bike built in 86.  Am I in the ballpark at $12,500?  Whatever the price they are one highly desirable bike.

If it does sell for way above average maybe it is time to start burying Limited’s in my backyard instead of gold.

Ian

If one RD isn’t enough for you, or if you want to start a series collection, here is an opportunity to acquire some (125, 250 and 350) of the 1 and two cylinders all at once. In addition to these also an 80 cc version was available at the time with a bit of search or constant reading of RSBFS it won’t be too difficult to find one. The seller is giving away the 250 (pictured below) and the 350 together at a price of about 3200 EUR. In addition he will give you a few spares which are always a plus !

Coupling these in the same ad, makes sense as the two share most of the components apart from the combustion chambers. The 250 is in good original conditions,  while the bigger brother is mentioned to be good for spare parts or would require some level of restoration. The smaller twin powered YPVS, has 35000 km and was first registered in 1988. The 250cc is somewhat more rare.

As a separate ad, the seller is also putting on the market the black 125cc which you saw above in the background:

All of the above are part of the LC series, that means they are all Liquid Cooled, as opposed to the previous generation RDs. Liquid cooling improves the efficiency of the engine by stabilizing the temperature at values optimal for the combustion. It also reduces the mechanical noise due to piston lag, reduces the size required for the parallel cylinders (in case of the 250 and 350 cc) but introduces a higher level of complexity given by the presence of a radiator and the required ancillaries to make the water circulate back and forth.
If interested in building up an RD garage or snapping this 250cc model, go ahead by clicking on the links below:

Yamaha RD 250 & RD 350 for 3200 EUR in Switzerland

Yamaha RD 125 for just 1000 EUR in Switzerland

Claudio

Location: Santa Monica, CA   Mileage: 12,000    Price: $17,900 BIN

This may be one of the best looking motorcycles ever. Sure, it has a rich heritage that most motorcycle racing fans can appreciate. And it’s gonna be big with pretty much any Ducati freak. All that  aside, this is just a beautiful bike. And it’s also not all that common, with 2000 made. The other sport classic bikes in the Duc line have started to heat up, and this has got to be one of the most desirable.

From the seller-

2006 Ducati Paul Smart 1000 Limited Edition 

Frame no. ZDM1WABP868000896

‘Want it for Paul’s achievement, want it for Ducati’s heritage, want it for how it looks.’ – Bike magazine. 

Paul Smart’s famous victory in the 1972 Imola 200 riding what would become the 750SS was instrumental in establishing Ducati as a high-performance brand for the modern era. So what better way to celebrate the Bologna marque’s heritage than a limited edition model in the spirit of the iconic 750SS? The Paul Smart 1000 LE uses the air-cooled 1000DS v-twin engine, which is housed in the Italian firm’s trademark trellis frame, the latter complemented by some top-quality Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes. In no way a ‘replica’; this is a thoroughly modern motorcycles with only the styling and colour scheme acknowledging the past. 

‘After 20 miles I was totally sold on the bike, as I had been after five minutes of looking at it. Exclusivity, style, power, handling… what else could I want?’ queried Bike magazine’s tester at the 1000 LE’s launch. A production run of only 2,000 units with only half that coming to the U.S. and few motorcycles of modern times have become as instantly collectible. 

The bike offered here is in exquisite condition throughout. The bodywork is practically without blemish, with only the tiniest scratches visible under close scrutiny. The frame and all mechanical parts are in near perfect condition, also. There is no evidence of any accidents. 

Having covered only 12,000 miles from new, this 2-California owner bike, runs perfectly, with strong and responsive power, a perfect shifting transmission through a good clutch. Brakes, suspension and all electrical systems work perfectly. The Termignoni exhaust sounds intoxicating, and the bike comes with the original system. 

Apart from the tail-tidy, this unmolested and original example is accompanied by a file of documentation, all 3 keys (2 black and one red), and a clean, clear California title. Fresh from a 12,000 mile service, the bike needs nothing at all.

And pics-

This looks like a clean, stock example that should appeal to any Ducati collector or anyone who just wants a clean, killer, rare Ducati. Mileage is good and is described as running perfectly. Not much else to say.

So if a Paul Smart LE has been on your dream list, then you may want to get in on the auction!

-RN