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Quatorze – 1992 Ducati 851

Mike 0

Near Toronto, Canada, just above the Great Lake of Ontario, comes this pretty Italian supermodel. The 851 is fabled for bringing together the trifecta of liquid cooling, fuel injection and four-valve desmo heads together in one fantastic package. So good was this bike that it set Ducati on a dominant streak in the WSBK racing series. It also created lust in the hearts of street riders everywhere, which Ducati catered to with the introduction of several road variants. Today’s example is a Strada, the base-spec, two seater that is bound to turn heads wherever it goes.

1992 Ducati 851 for sale on Kijiji

From the seller:
1992 Ducati 851 for sale. Beautiful condition
17138 miles
Fully serviced. Valves done new belts , suspension rebuilt , new lithium battery , new tires.
Runs and drives perfect.

Not a ton of info or pictures on this one, but what can be seen appears to be a well-loved and cared for example of the 851. It retains the pillion seat cover, and is sporting a set of Termis that are guaranteed to wake up the neighbors when you spark up the big twin for an early morning ride. The seller claims valves and belts have been recently completed, which goes a long way to adding to the longevity of any Ducati. And speaking of longevity, this one shows 27,358 KM (17,000 miles) on the odometer. This 1992 Ducati 851 is posted on Kijiji and the seller is looking for $15k. Good Luck!!!

Search for Ducati 851 performance parts on eBay!

MI


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Heckcat – 2011 KTM RC8R 1190

Donn 3

KTM made several updates to the RC8R for 2011, most focused on smoothing out the power and handling.  Today’s KTM evidently agreed with some rider(s), to the tune of 31K miles !

2011 KTM RC8R 1190 for sale on eBay

Along with a newly designed crankshaft to smooth out the powerband transitions, KTM re-thought the twin butterflies to make throttle response more predictable.  Engineers added twin spark plugs and found a passel more ponies, making 175 available.  Adjustments to swingarm linkage and seat subframe are added to the numerous foot and hand control variables.  WP forks and monoshock are also more adjustable than some, with separate adjustments for compression and rebound.  320mm Brembo brakes sound typical but reviewed as excellent, and a Buell-ish under-slung muffler peaks out beneath the right footpeg.

Presented by what looks to be a used motorbike parts eBay-er, this RC8R has a little patina just about everywhere, and a close brush with reality on the right side.  Even the minuscule stock rear mudguard had to go, with serious frame sliders added, and levers upgraded to the adjustable folding type.  Michelins look ready for another season, and considering how easy it probably is for an RC8R to find trouble, this one looks very good for the mileage.  Just a sentence and change from the eBay auction –

Original with OEM WP suspension, OEM Brembo brakes, and OEM Marchesini 5 spoke rims. The owner has had it for less than 1 year. The vehicle runs/shifts/rides great and is mainly used for weekend rides.

Electronic sensibilities were being introduced to the superbike segment when this RC8R was built, but KTM left it all to the rider’s judgment.  KTM stopped building superbikes for the road in 2015, with the RC390 now their only road-going supersport.  This rider could be buffed up by the next owner, but is now one of those collectible machines that they aren’t making any more of.

-donn


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Featured Listing – 1988 Suzuki RGV-250 SP with just 6,132 Miles !

Donn 0

Update 3.20.2023: Sold for $12,400! Congratulations to buyer and seller! If you have a Rare SportBike for sale, list it on RSBFS! -dc

Having been in collectors’ hands from early on, RSBFS reader Brian’s RGV250 SP is immaculate and freshly serviced. 1988 was Suzuki’s first year with the V-twin 249cc engine, and the SP sports a close-ratio cassette gearbox.

1988 Suzuki RGV-250 SP for sale on eBay

All new for 1988, the RGV250 was the best built, most expensive and most powerful ( in unrestricted markets ) 1/4 liter machine at the time.  It uses twin 32mm Mikuni carburetors and a single-acting power valve to balance 30 ft.-lbs. torque with the JDM limit of 49 hp.  Twin chassis spars are aluminum alloy with brackets holding the rear set pegs.  Conventional forks and Full Floater monoshock are multi-adjustable, with 17-inch wheels front and rear.  Brakes are outstanding in the segment with dual 290mm floating disks and 4-piston calipers up front.

Looking barely used, Brian has just had his RGV-250 serviced and with new tires.  Factory low-profile signals are slick, along with the racey Sakaguchi chambers.  Brian’s notes from the eBay auction –

I recently imported this RGV250 from Japan in late 2022.  The bike was purchased from a private owner’s collection by JCG Trading (Graham Crump) and brought to the states   It went directly to Downshift LA (Angel Perez) for a carb cleaning, safety check, and new tires.  It is in excellent condition and starts smoothly with one kick.  The bike is 35 years old and has a few small scrapes – shown in photos, but the overall condition of the body is excellent.  The engine is immaculate and runs beautifully. 
 
All original import paperwork is included with a Bill of Sale, CBP Customs Clearance, Import & Shipping documents, and the Japanese Original Title with all bike details.
 
Sakaguchi  Dual Exhausts.  There is one small very small dent in the left hand side, likely from a rider’s foot.  JDM models had flush mount lights and the SP model adds a brake reservoir and closed ratio gearbox.  Since import, this RGV250 has been ridden only twice for testing rides, with a total of 9.2 miles on brand-new Bridgestone Battlax BT090-Pro Tires.  
 
I’m only selling as I am a bit too big for this bike.  The RGV is much lighter at only 282 lbs (dry) and faster through the corners.  The real power kicks in at around 8,000 rpm and it feels like suddenly it has 2x the power.  It’s a true screamer and a very rare, prized bike to add to your collection and is ready to ride. 

RGV-250’s sold out early in Britain, where they were unrestricted and reviewers said they could putt around town under 5,000 rpm, and steal the show when the power valve opened at 8,000.  The street might not be the best place to do all the shifting needed to keep the revs up, or explore the extraordinary lean angles possible, but maybe a remote twisty bit or track day.  Keep an eye on the – eBay auction – and you can reach Brian using the Contact Seller button.

-donn

 

NOS NLA NWOT – 2007 Ducati SportClassic 1000 SE with 8 Miles !

Donn 0

Special Edition SportClassic’s from 2007 are often seen with low miles, but hardly ever as delivered with 100 percent stock equipment.  Number 3 of 100 has been carefully preserved and readied for its next display assignment.

2007 Ducati SportClassic 1000 SE for sale on eBay

Though the introductory year was 2006, sales managers came up with North America-only SE to emphasize the lineage from early desmo-valved Ducs like the – 900 SD Darmah – which came in a similar livery.  The now-classic dual spark engine had several significant improvements over previous air coolers, with excellent power and torque numbers for a two-valve engine.  The Terblanche design had a cafe racer’s vibe with long tank, low-ish bars, spoked alloy wheels, and the SE was a monoposto.  Suspension and brakes weren’t retro but quality components from Marzocchi, Sachs, and Brembo.

Presented by a San Diego dealer, this SportClassic looks to have rolled right out of the way-back machine, virtually flawless fit and finishes.  Cam belts, fluids and tires have been re-newed in preparation, with original tires retained in case the next stop is a museum.  Notes from the eBay auction –

#003/100 with only 8 miles

This extremely rare Limited Edition (100 bikes) was only available for the US. The Sport SE is one of the rarest machines produced by Ducati in recent memory.  It is inspired from the 1978 900SS Darmah. This machine is a single seat version, and has a special black paint scheme with gold detailing, sure to fit the taste of the more nostalgic among Ducati fans.  

Air-cooled, fuel-injected, 992cc, 90-degree V-Twin desmodromic powerhouse, mated to a six-speed manual transmission with a chain final drive, and can produce a claimed 92 horsepower and 67 pound-feet torque.

GP Motorcycles has acquired this totally original (stock) bike from the original owner.   Only 8 miles. Comes with original manuals, 2 black keys and a red key.  Although this the unicorn pinnacle model for a sport classic collector, GP Motorcycles service department has changed the fuel, replaced the tires and the timing belts and confirmed the bike runs and is ready to ride in case the purchaser wishes to ride the bike. Original belts and tires have been kept and will go with bike (date codes).

Shop eBay for Ducati SportClassic 1000 parts and accessories !

SportClassics were a unique moment for Ducati, and foresaw a flurry of retro specials from almost every manufacturer.  With just a hundred built, the 2007 SE is one of the rarest and the black and gold quite nostalgic.  Bidding is active with a few days to go, but hasn’t met the reserve.  Not sure this SportClassic will get a chance to wear out its new tires, but will make the next owner very happy either way.

-donn


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Crazy Cat Lady – 1985 Yamaha RZ350

Mike 3

Keeping the pre-mix party going is today’s very rare, totally stock (right down to the factory catalytic converters) 1985 Yamaha RZ350 in red/white colors. Much has been said regarding these little RZs, and they are generally a much-lusted after bike despite the smaller capacity. This bike has low miles, and looks to be pretty authentic.

1985 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

From the seller:
Listed for sale is an all original 1985 Yamaha RZ350 with 5,739 miles. Other than a few cosmetic blemishes, it is an all original properly maintained vintage liquid cooled 2-stroke performance survivor. Unlike most RZ350 motorcycles, this has not had any modifications to engine, exhaust, or suspension. It also has the original tires with a new set included (see photos) with the sale. This motorcycle has catalytic converter exhaust and is California emissions compliant. The RZ350 starts on the first kick, idles, shifts, runs, and brakes properly for an original RZ350 with low miles.

Unique opportunity to buy an all original, collectible, high performance 2 stroke. Will make a nice addition to a collection or provide miles of enjoyment to the vintage motorcycle enthusiast.

Any RZ worth collecting as original needs to be original. That means the fun go-fast parts do not apply, such as replacing the factory airbox with pods, bumping compression by milling the head, porting, expansion chambers, etc. That makes this particular bike very rare, as it appears to be in factory, unmolested condition. Pretty crazy given how many modified RZs we find in these pages, although if I must pick at nits, the handgrips are clearly not OEM and there appears to be a bit of rub rash on the fairing. This is a Buy It Now format classified on eBay, with an ask of $16,500 OBO. That is not the most we have seen in terms of asking price for this model, but for sure it is a big number. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

MI


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Featured Listing – 1996 Honda RVF400 Track Bike in South Africa

Dan 0

In the ultra-competitive home market, Honda’s RVF400 was the natural successor to the popular VFR400, and came equipped to do battle.  Today’s RVF400 track bike has been turned up a notch by a South African preparer, just in time for racing or track days.

1996 Honda RVF400 Track Bike asking $8,250

Only natural that the junior model to the RC45 was spec-ed beyond the usual, with fully adjustable upside-down forks, 4-pot Nissin brakes, and 17-inch wheels.  The little V-four was quite oversquare, and made 61 hp on the street with a 14,500 rpm redline.  Gear-driven cams sing a tune not heard often these days, though a little harder to hear behind the open exhaust on this racer.  Reviewers drained the superlative tank on the RVF, and though expensive for the time, build quality was such that it was a wonder Honda made a dime on them.

Importer and RSBFS fan Brian offers some insight on the preparation shop – Autohaus Breytenbach:

With a very focused and niche approach, the recipe is simple. We focus primarily on “RR” spec motorcycles, in the 400cc class. Carburetor fed, multi cylinder, multi valve, high performance 4 stroke, from the four Master Marques grace our floors. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha all battled to create the most powerful and best handling motorcycles in each segment.

Aiming to write beautiful stories together, Autohaus Breytenbach uses only premium OEM parts, expert technical knowledge and a global supply chain forged over the past decade. It was once thought someone would require a time machine to own a new Honda VFR400RR NC30 for example, but it turns out all you need is Autohaus Breytenbach.

Autohaus Breytenbach Motorcycles are bespoke and very limited, the family business produces less than 10 units per year. As we say in our home and our business, “you only have 1 chance to have a good name – use it wisely.”

Brian also sent a cold start video in three segments –

Ready to be imported, this RVF400 had been a previous owner’s track day special in South Africa, and updated under the shop’s care.  Beside a set of fairings nicer than the usual expendables, there are a lot of mods hiding in plain sight  The free breathing Tyga exhaust is most evident – especially in the videos.  Almost too tidy for a race bike, it looks ready to load in the van. Mods and maintenance in list form –

– New Tyga Exhaust, full system, race Maggot system
– Upgraded thick core upper and lower radiators
– Custom quick release bodywork – fibreglass and plastic and foam for the seat
– Swing arm and hub bearings replaced
– Water Pump replaced with OEM Honda new. Coolant flushed and bled
– Valve clearance adjustments performed – all in spec
– Carburetors rebuilt, balanced. New intake rubbers
– Front brake lines replaced with braided – bled and flushed
– Forks professionally rebuilt, new hard chrome and grind, new seals, and oil etc.
– New fuel tap
– New clear windscreen, Tyga
– New top triple clamp, Clip-on’s, tacho surround, fuel Cap – all genuine Tyga pieces
– “Technical sports” Gearshift and rear brake linkages – CNC cut items high quality
– Carbon fibre front fender
– New brake pads all round
– Fully serviced – new plugs, fluids and filters
– New side cover gaskets/packing
– New final drive chain
– New oil filter, new premium semi synthetic oil from Castrol
– New air filter. New fuel filter
– Stainless steel fixings fitted throughout
– New throttle cables
– New OEM carb intake rubbers

Brian asks $8,250 for the RVF400, and can be reached by email – here -.

Autohaus Breytenach also has an in-country relationship with – Chedza Global Logistics – to ship cargo from Africa to the United States and elsewhere, in a safe, convenient and cost effective way.  For example, a single unit transport from Johannesburg, South Africa to Los Angeles, California starts from $2199.  Crating and purging services are handled in house, at an extra fee of $299, making the total shipping cost $2498.

The race exhaust and ECU make enough horsepower to make this RVF feel like it’s in a different class, but the lightness is really the key.  The strong fan base and support from leaders like Tyga will be there to help the next owner.  Not quite as sensitive about the rider’s size as smaller classes, the RVF400 can teach most riders a great deal about momentum riding.  For a rider ready to study, Brian’s RVF could unlock the schoolhouse doors.

-donn

I Think I’m Turning Japanese – 1985 Suzuki RG500G Gamma

Mike 0

Spring has not yet sprung, but the ring-a-ding-ding sounds of our favorite smokers continue this week with a very cool RG500 Gamma. We don’t see enough of these square-four monsters on these pages, and rarer still in the black & red livery. This particular bike is on the ground in Japan, purportedly a full-power example out of Australia. It doesn’t matter to me what flag it runs under, because as an American this is one awesome looking 38 year old piece of forbidden fruit.

1985 Suzuki RG500G Gamma for sale on eBay

The RG500 magic starts with the engine – which is actually TWO engines. Think of the RG as a pair of independent, parallel-twin, 250cc two stokes, complete with independent rotary valve induction (there is a very thin, Mikuni flat slide attached to every cylinder), exhaust and crankshaft. Now stack those two on top of each other, one right behind the other. Connect the two cranks via gearing, and route that whole hot mess through the gearbox. You end up with a very powerful, very compact and dense package that can be placed far forward in the chassis for optimal weight distribution. And speaking of chassis, that would be a double down tube cradle style affair, exquisitely constructed in aluminum alloy. A 38mm, air adjustable front fork and Full Floater single rear shock complete the package.

From the seller:
SUZUKI RG500G GAMMA(Type HM31A, motor type M301)Export car full power (Australian specification) There is an aluminum caution plate on the left side of the frame. (Year 1985)500cc 2-stroke square 4-cylinder full power engine It is a very valuable vehicle. First year registration date in Japan (April 1994)

*Restore & Custom*The engine has been fully overhauled at a specialty shop (there is a list of work, change parts, etc.).
* Replacement of uotani SP II coil, headlight relay kit, etc., harness wiring, other electrical system refresh (work, change parts, etc. list available).
* Restoration around the car body (work, change parts etc. list available).In addition, customization and maintenance at the shop
* Racing chamber for Sugaya 500 Gamma (at that time).
*Equipped with carburetor O/H setting and oil check valve.
* Ohlins rear shock (separate tank with height adjustment).
* O/H with white power front fork springs and hard OL.
* Change to external aluminum F sprocket outer plate.

More from the seller:
Restore & custom
The engine is full overhauled at a specialty shop (listed, changed parts, etc.).
*New speedometer at the same time as engine O/H.
Current mileage 6533km (30400km before O/H) There is a possibility that the odometer will increase due to handling.
*Replacement of uotani SP II coil, headlight relay making, harness wiring, and other electrical refresh (list of work, change parts, etc.).
#Restore around the body (list of work, change parts, etc.).
*Sugaya 500 Gamma Racing Chamber (at that time).
*Cabretta O/H setting, oil check valve is installed.
*Orleans -made rear shock (separate tank, vehicle height adjustment).
*O/H with white power front fork spring and hard OL.
* Changed to external aluminum F sprocket outa plate.
* Changed to XAM front sprocket, aluminum rear sprocket, 520 chain.
* Brembo front master cylinder
* Mesh brake hose before and after.
* Yamaha TZR High Slottle / OW type thin handle switch.
* Seat leather reupholstered
* Various bearings around the body, dust seal replacement.
* Suzuki genuine key x 2 (main key, gasoline tank opener, gasoline tank cap, same seat).
* At the time of sale, such as the body, front and rear wheels, exterior, it is almost for Suzuki genuine export. (FRP non-genuine under cowl)
* The inside of the gasoline tank seems to be rusted.
There is no big wound due to falls or accidents.
* Although it was stored indoors, there may be scratches, cracks, rust, dirt, etc. Be sure to check the image for used cars, and ask if you do not know.
* No issues with riding at the moment.
* Accessories other than the main unit (used goods include scratches, rust, dirt, etc.
* Buyers are responsible for paying transportation costs, taxes.
* An export cancellation registration certificate is attached.
* Tandem seat and manufacturer genuine 500 racing stand (at that time). If you wish,we will ship separately.

A full power RG500 is published as 95 HP – which is a fair amount of poke for a sub 350 pound (dry) machine. This gives the big RG its bona fide GP replica status, and general reputation as the fastest of the street-going two strokes. This one is safely tucked away in Japan, indicates nearly 23,000 miles on the KM clocks, and has been cared for and maintained in a manner that allows it to show very well indeed. Paperwork, shipping, taxes and importation hurdles notwithstanding, this auction has an opening ask of $36,500 USD (no takers yet) and a BIN of $48,000 USD. Check out all of the details here – including a walk around video – and Good Luck!!

MI


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Fade to Black – 2002 Ducati 900SS

Donn 6

With everything else Ducati had in the early 2000’s showroom, it’s not surprising that even the newly re-vamped Supersports struggled.  But the Terblanche design has weathered the storm, and the time-tested chassis with its fuel injected, air cooled mill is still a great choice.

2002 Ducati 900SS for sale on eBay

Charged with updating the square headlight design that had been on the books since 1988, Pierre Terblanche presented a complex set of curves that was sculpted in places the old 900SS didn’t even have places.  The long wheelbase favored gentler curves but the torquey L-twin still made plenty of power.  Showa USD forks and Sachs monoshock were fully adjustable, accompanied by typically excellent Brembo brakes and a dry hydraulic clutch.  Semi-gloss black looks super-bad and maybe even a little longer than a gloss black finish.

Today’s 900SS is presented by a Virginia mostly auto dealer with an eclectic collection, and looks good with just under 4,000 miles.  Not much catches the update eye except the DP exhaust, open clutch cover and seemingly recent matching Michelins.  Hopefully “serviced” includes cam belts, a good question for the dealer.  A new owner can lavish the TLC all those different silver and black finishes need, and maybe put a black cover on that Pepé Le Pew seat.  Just a short comment in the eBay auction –

We just purchased this nice 2002 Ducati 900 Super Sport with only 3995 miles!

This Ducati was purchased in Italy new by one of America’s finest service members and brought back to the states! 

 Just serviced & Virginia state inspected  and ready to enjoy! 

The later Supersports had a sportier riding position, and raising the bars might require some finagling since the fairings are snug.  The Weber-Marelli fuel injection was tuned for less emissions and often wanted a Power Commander to plump up the fuel map.  But for a relatively modern 900 with easier two-valve maintenance, this example looks worth an inquiry.

-donn


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