We’re back from MotoGP at Indy and have a ton of great photos to share with you all. We’re hosting them on our super beta, under development, RareSportBikes.com site. The site still needs a lot of work, but this kind of content will start to live here rather than on the bikes for sale site.

Here’s a taste:

Tell me who’s you want to see more of mine or Dan’s?

These are largely unedited and many will look really great with some Photoshop. Let me know which ones you’d like as wallpapers in the comments.

Check out all our Indy MotoGP galleries at the RareSportBikes.com beta site.

dc

Triple Threat- Tre Benelli Tornado Tre’s

You either love the looks or hate the looks.  There doesn’t seem to be much middle ground on the Benelli Tre’s.  I tend to think they were actually a bit ahead of their time with the angular lines.  They arrived with a lot of fanfare but sure seemed to fade away quickly.  I still have a brochure I ordered before the bikes came out.  It is the fanciest media packet I’ve ever seen.  I never did get around to ordering one though.  I think perception hurt Benelli in general.  They fizzled in WSB and then were bought out by a Chinese company.  The bikes are still made in Italy and still come with quality components but maybe the damage has been done.  Do any of our readers actually own one?  I never read a review from an actual owner.

Tre #1

Not much info on this bike from it’s ad.  A dealer has it and is asking $12,500.  Be sure to check out the ad because they have posted some nice high quality pictures of the bike.  It sure looks like it has been taken care of from the photos.  It is listed on Phoenix Craigslist.

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Tre #2

2003 BENELLI TORNADO TRE-LE #14 OF 150 PRODUCED.

Perfect condition, Complete LE package includes Benelli brief case with new unused, titanium track mods and Benelli cover.
Very Nice Bike, all Carbon Fiber Body Work including tank. Magnesium Engine Covers and wheels. Ohlins Suspension.
California Plate and current registration.
MSRP brand new – $36,000
SACRIFICE – $14,500 obo
1100 miles
More photos available upon request

This is an interesting bike.   As the the seller’s ad states this is a special version of the Tre, the LE.  As Benelli emplys  on their website, this bike was supposed to be a direct descendant of the bike raced in WSB.  Goodies include what the seller states as well as  a ti exhaust, adjustable steering head and swing arm angle.  This one can be found in central California on Craigslist.

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Tre #3

Collectors! Take notice! 2003 Benelli Tornado 1130 cc. One of 150 built Italian race bike. One of only 25 in the States! This is a serious collector bike and a serious race bike. Absolutely perfect and stunning in every way with only ~ 1,000 miles. Must see to appreciate! Call for more details. $18,500.

The last of  the Tre’s looks to be another LE.  It too appears to have barely left the garage with only 1000 miles on the clocks.   This one can be found on Phoenix Craigslist.

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Are they good deals?  I would absolutely be guessing.  There is no denying prices crashed on these bikes but to what level I don’t know.  Could be quite the steal if you had always wanted one but couldn’t afford the original price tag.

This clip has some good close ups of the LE and some nice sound as well.  Too bad the audio track is in German.  It’s funny I was writing about the negative perception of Benelli since the Chinese take over.  On the YouTube comments people were arguing over if the bikes were made in China or Italy.  For the record it is Chinese backing but produced in Italy.

IK

Modified And Titled RG500 In CA

It may not be the unmolested beauty queen you have been dreaming of but it sounds like it has some nice mods made to it.  I think a proper paint job would probably do wonders. 

Read on for details from the ad:

1986 RG500 with big bore kit by Rick Lance (http://www.lancegamma.com/) kit so approximately 570 cc. Chassis aligned by GMD Computrak. See link: http://www.gmd-computrack.com/This is an extremely strong running RG. I have owned three of these bikes and this is by far the strongest probably due to the big bore kit although my other ones were modified as well. This bike has Suzuki Katana wheels to accommodate larger rubber, a very common modification, as well as expansion chambers, air filter lit, EBC rotors and pads, steel braided brake lines, Fox rear clicker shock, GSXR upside down forks and a couple of other modifications that I cannot think of at the moment. The bike currently has a vintage GSXR front fairing with the dual headlights. I took these pictures prior to the installation of the side fairing pieces which will be installed prior to the sale of the bike. All this bike really needs is cosmetics to make it a show stopper besides probably adding close to $3000 in value to the bike which will only appreciate over time. I had planned on putting on all new bodywork from http://www.lancegamma.com/and having it painted in the livery of the racing RG500′s or RGV500′s of the day. In fact, I still have new in the box the full Lucky Strike decal set that was used on the Kevin Schwantz RGV500 when he raced that particular bike. If you want to get an idea of what it would look like just Google Kevin Schwantz RGV500 Lucky Strike. I also have some additional parts that come with the bike as well; some rough bodywork, gas tank, as well as a trick banana style swingarm from an RGV250. The bike is legally registered in California and it is currently in non operational status so there are no penalties for back registration. Needless to say, I also have the clear and cloud free title to the bike. I cannot describe in words what it is like to ride one of these bikes when it comes on the pipe other than to say it is a rush like no other. You really have to experience it yourself.

 The seller is asking $8750 for the old square four and the bike can be found here on Craigslist.

IK

Ready For The Street- Rare NSR80 On Ebay

How can one of these not be fun?  Anyone remember riding an 80cc dirt bike around when they were a kid?  Yeah, you get the idea,  this is a ticket waiting to happen.  Not because of out right speed but just the shear hooligan factor.  Some even say these bikes are a good way to improve your riding/racing skills.  Maybe but I bet most of us would just be pretending we are Michael Doohan ripping around the neighborhood and pissing off neighbors.  From what I can tell by the pictures this thing looks bone stock.  It is ready to be added to your prized collection or ripe for tinkering with to see what kind of power you can get out of that little cylinder.

From the auction:

Up for auction is one of my most prized toys. It’s an almost perfect 1998 Honda NSR80. This bike was never available in the US market and indeed is a rare find here. As you can see from the license plate it is completly street legal. For the past few years I have not put it on the road due to other interests. ( it has been stored inside my house out of the elements)The bike is in near mint condition with only some minor scratches on the tail and the decal on the lower left fairing. The pics really speak for themselves. The speedometer reads in kilometers so the 3800 is actually less in miles. Any questions just ask.  

Now you know you have to pay to play.  The bike has a buy it now price of $3900.  Of course that is high for a small bike but you aren’t paying for cc’s.  You are paying for a bike that was never imported here, is immaculate, has low miles/kms and is titled.  Is it worth it?  Depends on how much you like little bikes and how badly you want to be the coolest guy in the neighborhood.  YSR’s beware!  . 

I’ve posted this video before but it is worth watching again if you are into these bikes.  It shows all the paint schemes over the years.  As you can tell they didn’t change much from year to year.  Basically pick the paint job that appeals to you and lay down your money.

IK

This is a freshly restored TZ250A from Washington on eBay!

Bike:  1974 Yamaha TZ250A

Location:  Camano Island, Washington

This TZ250A comes to us from the same seller who is parting with his RG500.  They appear to be liquidating quite the desirable motorcycle collection and I wouldn’t hesitate adding them to your favorite sellers list.

This TZ250 has been completely gone through with a fresh engine rebuild, new bodywork/paint, NOS rear shock, redone expansion chambers and a redone tank.  A small spares package is included.  This A model looks perfect with it’s wire wheels and large disc breaks, which were changed for discs on the C variant.  This should definitely be considered if you’re looking for a TZ to vintage race or just add to the collection.  See the other TZ250′s that have crossed our desks here.  See this bike on eBay with a $10k opening bid.

AG

Rare Honda NS400R-3 Cylinders-No Valves

The Honda NS400R;  probably the rarest of the big two strokes and also probably the least popular.  The big Honda just didn’t have the allure of the RG or RZ of the same time period.  I think Honda kind of shot itself in the foot by limiting the bike to 400cc’s where the RG and RZ where both a full 500cc for the export markets.  In general I think the NS400R suffered from the impression that  it was a little soft.  True or not I think that Honda didn’t quite make the bike as “racey” as the RG or RZ.  Honda haters claim Honda was never were really into building two strokes and eventually killed them by being the leader in switching to four stroke technology.   Damn you Honda! 

This particular bike is a clean but well used example.  It has just over 29,00 kms on the  clocks.  Not a problem for a well maintained bike but woth noting.  It also is sporting a nice set of Jolly Moto exhausts.  Check below to hear the different exhaust notes of a stock NS and an unplugged one.  The bike is located in Canada where they were legally imported.  It should have a Canadian title but you will have to work you magic here in the states.  The seller did list the VIN on the bike and it is a 17 digit VIN.  Just thought you might like to know. 

Not much in the way of details from the ad:

Extremely rare 2 stroke 3 cylinder Moto GP replica in original colors with Jolly Moto pipes (stock available). Looks, runs, and sounds great. Certified and just tuned up. ONLY 29,167 KM. Plus tax and license.

The good stuff:

The seller has the listing set as a classified ad.  He is asking approximately $6100 but he is also taking offers.   Make the man an offer and get another two stroke down here where they should have been years ago.  Be sure to swing by your local Honda dealership and belittle them for killing two strokes (I’m just having a little fun)!   . 

Wow, turn up your speakers and compare the sounds of these two clips.  Honda really plugged up the stock NS400R.

And how it should sound. I must say, it is a pretty bike in the old Rothmans colors.

IK

This is a draw dropping RGB500MK6 on eBay!

Bike:  1981 Suzuki RGB500MK6

Location:  Camano Island, Washington

If you’re into motorcycles, it doesn’t get much more serious than this!  According to the seller, this bike was purchased new from Heron Suzuki in 1981 and run at Daytona & other U.S. National events.  It’d be nice to know more details but, I’m sure you can contact the seller and he could speak of this bike’s history for sometime.  This bike has just been fully restored using all OEM parts and comes with an extensive spares package.  This bike has been restored to Heron Suzuki GP colors and looks fantastic.

This bike looks ready to go and hopefully the spares package can make it feasible (22 pistons included!) to run the bike at an event or two through out the year.  Unfortunately, I do not know the market on these big Suzuki’s but, the asking price of $50,000USD doesn’t sound completely unrealistic based on condition but, I’m sure the history will play into it’s value depending on who has ridden it.  If you can provide any insight into historic values of the RG/RGB series, we’d love to hear from you!  See the RGB500 that Doug posted previously that had a $60k B.I.N. here.  See the seller’s TZ250A on eBay here, too.  See this RG500 on eBay .

AG

1985 Yamaha RZ-500

Original Condition And Titled RZ500 For The Taking

Ok RZ fans, this is one of those bikes.  If you have been waiting for an original condition RZ5oo to come along, take a look at this.  RZ500′s pop up for sale on a semi regular basis but ones that have not been tinkered with are a rare find indeed.  From the sound of it, this one has only had a set of aftermarket pipes installed and the jetting to go along with it.  You really have to look a the pictures.  This thing is 25 years old and look just look at those pictures with the bodywork off.  Clean as a whistle.  The bike only has 10,665 miles/kms (not sure which) as well.  The seller states that he is only the second owner of the bike and didn’t ride it much.  I believe him, the pictures don’t lie.

A thing of beauty:

Auction details:

This is the pride of my collection.  Clean Clear Legal New York state title in my name.  I have owned this RZ for a decade, and it spent most of its time just collecting dust.  This Spring I did all the service work to ride her this year but a leg operation ended that.  Service included: fork seals and carbs, air filter, brakes and fluid (front) and new tires.  Yes, the oil injection is working and other than the Spec 10 exhaust and jets, this RZ is 100% original, NOT a repaint, NOT restored!  YES, all lights and electronic work perfectly!  You can ride this bike anywhere!  Please look closely at all the pictures and watch BOTH VIDEOS to see what you are bidding on.  The TEST RIDE VIDEO demonstrates just how good (and fast) my bike runs.  I don’t need to tell you how rare this bike is and what it is worth.  I am not giving it away and you may call me  with your questions.  Shipping is at buyer’s expense.

As he states in the text be sure to link on over and see the videos he has included in the auction.  I know some clean/low mile RG’s have gone for over $10,000 lately.  I would assume this would fetch a similar price.  I would assume even with a saturated bike market this RZ will still command a high price.  You simply don’t find 25 year old bikes that have not been modified or molested.  To top it off it is a titled 4 cylinder two stroke!  Enough said.  Get the check book out, break out the credit card, sell the stock and jump on over and .

IK

Hey all,

If you’d like to meet up for a drink on Saturday night, come to Scotty’s Brewhouse downtown, just a block or so from the Motorcycles on Meridian event:

View Larger Map

We’ll be there at about 8pm for a casual gathering of like minded race addicts and discerning Sportbike enthusiasts. Hope to see you there!

Dan Crouch and Doug Durham

2000 Bimota SB8R with 2852 miles located in Chula Vista, CA listed for sale on ebay.

It’s Italian, has a v twin engine (although this one comes from Hamamatsu, Japan) inside, and it’s generously endowed with carbon fiber bits, Paoli forks, and CNC machined parts.  It can only be the Bimota SB8R (well, it could also be an SB8K, but those come up later):

Gorgeous Ultraspecial Machine. Collectors or serious Bimota fans only, please

This beautiful handcrafted italian motorcycle sold in very small numbers (+/- 150 units produced). This is one of the few opportunities you will have to get your hands on one with very low mileage and impeccable condition. Carbon fiber, titanium, Paioli suspension, Antera wheels. Only the highest quality components were used by this boutique italian manufacturer of dream machines to produce this highly exclusive work of rolling art.

It has been ridden occasionally, always maintained at the local Bimota certified dealer, and displayed with pride. It has never been raced. No damage, no modifications, no accidents. Ever.

It looks and feels like nothing else because there is nothing else quite like a Bimota.

*** Offers above $11,000.00 get a new (never installed) set of custom built race exhaust pipes ***

I only accept communication from prospective buyers, no publicity requests are welcome.

I’m slightly confused about the last sentence – so does listing it on RSBFS qualify as a “publicity request”? If you are the seller and are reading this and have a problem with this listing, please let us know. Seriously. =)

OK – back to the bike.  The SB8R, with a Suzuki TL1000R engine inside, is a fab bike no doubt. And this one, I would wildly guess, probably has a reserve price set at $11,000, which also buys you a set of custom built race pipes.  Most of the SB8Rs have been floating around this price range.  Here’s a list of previously featured SB8Rs.

The beauty of the TL1000R engine is that it gives you Japanese reliability with the best of Italian motorcycle handling.  Some have even said that the Suzuki v-twin engine is better than ones from Bologna (shhh…don’t let the Ducatisti hear this)!  In any case, if you want an Italian v twin without all the Italian “personality” traits, give this one a go.  Oh, did I mention that it’s a Bimota (which is one-up on a Ducati) as well?  .

ph