Author Archives: claudio

Honda November 3, 2013 posted by claudio

Get One While You Can: 1996 Honda CBR 900 RR (Switzerland)

In the last couple of years we came across a few first and second generation Fireblades. The prices of these bikes has reached the very bottom. Now, is the time to buy one…provided you can find a good unmolested sample. This 1995 black model (first registered in 1996), could be the for you. It has just 31.000 km, which for a CBR, it’s like nothing. It has a new battery and recently synchronized carbs. Apart from the turn indicators, everything is stock. And now, the best thing about this bike: the fixed price, is of just 2500 CHF !

This is a steal. I rode my 1993 RR today, and once again, what this bike does to me every time I ride it, it puts a huge smile on my face. It always starts without problems and unless really cold you don’t even need to pull the conveniently placed choke on the fork tripe clamp. The engine is ultra smooth and so torquey for a 4 cylinder inline.The first Fireblades are also lighter than many modern sport bikes, and with a 16 inch at the front, they are ultra quick steering.

What about the looks ? Well, 20 years after Baba’s fantastic creation, these 900cc are still among the most aggressive and better styled Hondas ever produced. If you have owned one, you know what I am talking about, and if you never had one, it’s time to pick up one while you can !

I acquired mine just two years ago. I have bought and sold probably in excess of 30 motorbikes through my 20 years of motor biking. In terms of value for money and satisfaction I get from owning a sport bike, the first generation CBR900RR comes absolutely on top. If interested, please find the link to this Honda in Switzerland here below:

1996 Honda CBR 900 RR for a mere 2500 CHF

Claudio

Get One While You Can: 1996 Honda CBR 900 RR (Switzerland)

Suzuki October 30, 2013 posted by claudio

Handpicked: 1991 Suzuki GSX-R 1100 (Switzerland)

This 1991 Gixxer is one of the last air-oil cooled 1100 produced (the very last was the 1992 edition). It has covered just above 44.000 km.

These bigger capacity Suzukis are very reliable and given the conditions in which it is presented, you will be able to cover at least as much extra mileage without issues.

The black-grey and blue colour combination isn’t my favourite but the bike is stock (apart form the smaller turn indicators) and it comes with the original solo seat.

If you are looking a for an air cooled 1100 model, at a price of about 2800 $, this could be a good autumn’s pick. As a reminder, here’s a few numbers that come with the beloved GSX-R of the early 90s (yap these bikes were pretty powerful then…):

Overall Length: 2 090 mm (82.3 in)
Overall Width: 755 mm (29.7 in)
Overall Height: 1 150 mm (45.3 in)
Wheelbase: 1 465 mm (57.7 in)
Weight: 226 kg (497 lbs)
Engine type: Air/oil-cooled 1127 cc inline-four, DOHC, 16 valves. 145 hp/ 10,000 rpm, 11,6 kg-m/ 9,000 rpm.

1991 Suzuki GSX-R 1100 in Switzerland

Claudio

Handpicked: 1991 Suzuki GSX-R 1100 (Switzerland)

Honda October 29, 2013 posted by claudio

Honda RC 45 Bonsai = Honda NC35 (Germany)

The successor of the NC30 was sold only in Japan. Hence this model, found in Germany, was imported from there. The seller, in the first picture below, mentions that the garage has become too small now and he needs to move on, one of his sport bikes. The good thing is, he didn’t fit a “super bike lenker” (as they are called over here) on the RVF400R:

Honda NC35 with 23000 km in Germany

The small capacity RVF shares the same V4 engine configuration with the 750cc RC45. Given the pistons on the NC are almost half the size, this motor won’t have much power at low rpm, but it will scream even more than the RC when pushed hard. These Honda engines are very reliable and, provided they are well maintained, they actually “want” to be ridden hard.

If you are a sporty type of rider, the one that at any occasion will look for the fastest line through a corner,…always…and will use the gearbox, not only to keep the optimum rpm, but also because you you have a sort of sexual pleasure when shifting down while blipping the throttle, then there is hardly anything better than a NC series.

I don’t know about you, but the speed limit enforcements over here, do put a certain pressure on me and I enjoy more and more pushing hard a 500cc Staurno or an RD350 than a big and very fast 888. The NC35 is perhaps a little less beautiful then its NC30 predecessor, but it comes with a 17″ rear rim which is a good thing, as you will have much more choice when looking for fresh rubber. And you will need fresh rubber fairly often. Despite the mere 50+ HP, the NC series are fantastic handling bikes. You will need to change tyres because you will consume the front one fairly fast if you will ride the little RVF as it is meant to be.

Here a few more words from the seller (translated with Google):

I offer the RVF only because the first image is right!!
The bike is an absolute piece of cake the little RC45 A technical Highligt and simply a great bike the hell makes spas.
there were just € 2,200 invested in workshop ausschlieslisch for maintenance and repairs not care! 24000km incl the inspection.
It is a motorcycle that is driven and has traces of course use
Look at them, absolutely suitable as an investment because they only had one previous owner and was the first in Japan to let times in 2001.
Japanese papers are available as a copy.
In the German letter is a previous owner, the bike has gone five years, after which we came.
If you buy you get even mounted a new set of EBC brake discs and new pads front because the top are no longer 100%.
Shipping within Germany without islands free of charge.

Private sale without warranty and return policy.

The starting price of 7499 EUR will have our readers in the UK raise their eyebrows, and some might even fall of a chair…The thing is, that finding a NC in Europe’s mainland is really hard as the grey importers that flooded England in the early nineties simply didn’t exist elsewhere. What is also pretty difficult these days, is finding a good quality NC that didn’t have 25 previous owners, was ridden in the rain most of time and hit a few times the gravel on the unlucky odd track day.

Honda NC35 with 23000 km in Germany

Claudio

Honda RC 45 Bonsai = Honda NC35 (Germany)

Yamaha October 18, 2013 posted by claudio

Heaven Sent: Yamaha FZR750R OW-01 (Switzerland)

We all know what this is right ?

The glorious FZR750R (aka OW-01). This bike is probably one the most exclusive, rare and historically significant serial production motorbike ever produced by Yamaha. This is a true Race Replica, in the sense that it is a race bike with lights fitted on…About 500 of them were produced at the end of the 80s, making the OW-01 a more rare find than a Honda RC30. 30 years later and this Yamaha still looks the business. With that big and squared tank, thin seat, low handle bars, and intake pipes between you and the windscreen, smaller headlights vs. the distant parent FZR1000, this is still an awesome ultra aggressive looking bike. And the good news is, that it sin’t only about the looks, every component of this 750 is designed with the purpose of achieving lightweight and performance. This is still a fast and raw motorbike. It has carburettors, it wants to be revved and it will surprise you with a power urge accompanied by a distinct sound of road legal race bikes that have not been replicated (apart form the ambitious Desmosedici of Ducati) in too many years (Honda might come back with the 5 cylinder RCV but probably that’s not going to happen unless the global economy recovers).

The other even more important, news is that the above spectacular model, with just short of 17.000 km, is on sale in Switzerland at, hold yourself… 12.000 CHF = 13133 $ ! This is the best value for an OW-01 I have seen in a long, long time. If you are looking for this bike in particular, or if you just have 13 grands at disposal and you read RSBFS regularly, you’d be a fool not to snap this one before somebody else will.

1989 Yamaha FZR750R OW-O1 in Switzerland

The following video from British MCN’s Micheal Neeves says it all:

As I said a few days ago, the season for great deals has just begun, but this will be difficult to beat for a while…The challenge is on…

Claudio

Suzuki October 15, 2013 posted by claudio

Blast From The Past: 1987 Suzuki GSX-R1100 (in Switzerland)

Few years ago when the BMW S1000RR first came on the market, I watched a few times a video review on youtube from gizmag. To describe the immense power of the bike, the name “Superbike” wasn’t enough. The reviewer called “SuperDooperBike”. Back in the 80s, after the Suzuki stormed the world with the featherlight super sport GSX-R 750, the first true modern Superbike, it developed a more powerful versions: the GSX-R 1100. I guess that at that time, this would have also deserved the term “SuperDooperBike”. If only the internet, Youtube and RSBFS existed…

Here we have a clean 1 owner 1987 model. The color scheme of this isn’t really my favourite not the model itself, with the large tank growing vertically and giving the bike a more “seat back” look. Don’t be fooled though, this is still a powerful air-oil cooled big Suzuki. With the exception of the aftermarket exhaust, the bike is all original. Being a Swiss model, the owner must have updated the otherwise ugly single squared light to the, way more beautiful, classic Suzuki twin.

The advertiser mentions that the Gixxer is in top condition. It has only 24.000 km and looking at the bodywork, rims and the seat conditions, it absolutely looks the business.

The bike has recently passed a technical check that is compulsory over here every two years. The seller also mentions that he will sell only to a true enthusiast (hence it is posted on RSFS.com).The asking price is about 6500 $. Such models with low mileage and in this trim conditions, deserve every penny asked. What do you think ?

1987 Suzuki GSX-R 1100 in Switzerland

Claudio

Ducati October 14, 2013 posted by claudio

Sport Production Mark 3: Ducati 851 SP3

There are very few more iconic Ducatis than this one: 1991 Ducati 851 SP3. This bike, featuring the increased capacity motor of 888cc, is what started the modern history of Ducati in Wolrd Superbike. They rarely come on the market as their owners tend to be quite jealous. Despite this, the model found on ebay in UK had 2 previous owners and is now ready to be moved on to the next Duc lover. I personally ride an 888 Strada and I love its dynamics. It has loads and loads of torque and if you keep it between 6000 and 8000 rpm it pulls really hard. The almost flat power curve in that range combined with the super solid handling, makes a great combination on fast sweeping roads. All you need, is 3rd and 4th, and you will be able to make an impressive pace. My Strada is not really a light bike, it is quite heavy actually, but that again that makes the front wheel stick to the ground and it allows for very precise lines, provided you give it right inputs. The SP specials were never imported where I live, but I remember them, already in 1995 fetching huge prices in the used market in Italy.

1991 Ducati 851 SP3 for sale on eBay

The colour scheme of this, with the white frame and logos, dark grey wheels and the upswung pipes is as classic Ducati SBK racing as it gets. I love this bike and, whoever will be able to bring it home, can be sure that this is a real investment. The current bid (at the time of writing) is 5200 GBP with the reserve not met (obviously). With still quite some days to go, expect this to rise to way more considerable amounts.

Here’s a few words from the seller:

1991 DUCATI 851 SP3
RARE HOMOLGATION MODEL.

A RACE BIKE ON THE ROAD.

ONE OF APPROXIMATELY 500 MADE WORLDWIDE IN 1991.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT INCLUDED:

TUNED 888 ENGINE.
OHLIN SUSPENSION FRONT AND REAR.
FACTORY RACE FRAME.
CLOSE RATIO GEARBOX.
ALLOY TANK.
CAST IRON BREMBO DISCS.
RACE EXHAUST.
ALLOY REAR SUBFRAME.
ECCENTRIC REAR RIDE HEIGHT ADJUSTER.
2 PREVIOUS ENTHUSIAST OWNERS.
HAS A FEW MODS: LIGHTWEIGHT DYMAG WHEELS, GOODRIDGE BRAKE AND CLUTCH STAINLESS STEEL LINES AND FITTINGS, OBERON BILLET CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER.
THE BIKE HAS DONE 31,316 KILOMETERS WHICH IS 19,752 MILES FROM NEW.
HISTORY, RECENT BELTS, SERVICE AND NEW REAR TYRE.
MOT TILL AUGUST 2014, TAX TILL END OF MONTH.
MOTOR CYCLE IN VERY GOOD CONDITION.
REMEMBER IT IS 22 YEARS OLD, SO IT DOES HAVE SOME AGE RELATED MARKS AROUND IT.
HOWEVER IT DOES LOOK GREAT.
NOT 100% STANDARD BUT CLOSE.
BIKE READY TO GO.
ANY QUESTIONS THEN PLEASE CONTACT ME.
THANKS FOR LOOKING.

If you want to acquire a piece of history, a great sounding and handling true Ducati twin and if you want something that in many ways is more original than an RC30, this SP3 Nr.290 could be for you.

Good luck to new buyer…you have all my envy 🙂

“>1991 Ducati 851 SP3 in UK

Claudio

Honda October 12, 2013 posted by claudio

2 Stroke Classics: Honda NS400R (in France)

Probably not as desirable as Suzuki’s RG500 4 cylinder or Yamaha’s RD500, the NS400R is something in between an RD350 and RD500. In fact, it has a unique 3 cylinder configuration delivering about 70 hp. In the Rothmans colours as found here in France, it is a true classic Honda of the mid 80s.

1986 Honda NS400R in France

The bike is almost completely stock, and the owner will give you the original turn lights and rear seat cover as described below:

Honda NSR 400
Year: 1986
26,000 km
100% original
Give the seat cover and original turn lights
Second gear and segmentation is there 8000 kms

I guess this might mean that the piston segment were changed at 8000km and that the sprockets and chain were renewed (kind of early at 8000km, but I guess my French is simply not good enough, so if you, the reader, are a French speaking please help…here’s the original text 🙂

Honda 400 NSR
Année : 1986
26.000 kms
100 % origine
Donne avec le capot de selle et les clignotants d’origine
Pignon de deuxième et segmentation fait il y a 8000 kms

If you are curious about how such a bike would sound, check out the (unrelated) video form Italy below:

The starting price is set at 3500 EUR (about 4700 $) but be ready to offer more than that if you want to bring this bike home. the bike has just 26000km and seems in good shape form the few pictures available.

1986 Honda NS400R in France

Claudio

2 Stroke Classics: Honda NS400R (in France)

Honda October 10, 2013 posted by claudio

The Best Street Bike Of All Times: 1993 Honda CBR 900RR (UK)

Is there a better road sport bike than the Honda CBR 900 RR ? In my option, not. The first Fireblade is simply an amazing motorcycle. You can ride it to work, in traffic, going grocery shopping, blast on your favourite track, go touring, it basically is good for anything. I have bought a few years ago exactly a 1993 model like this. Every time I move it, in and out of the garage, I am amazed by how light it is. Its looks are classic sport bike, and within the Honda family, second only to the HRC bikes. And then comes the refinement, the fast steering (for all models with a front 16 inch) and that indestructible, ductile and torquey motor. This model year Fireblade, still used carburetors and yet you will hardly need to use the choke (just on really cold days). After 20 years, it still springs into life like if it was new. It doesn’t vibrate or make any nasty noises. Brakes are still powerful enough and that luggage space below the folding rear passenger seat is so useful . They simply don’t make bikes like this any more.

1993 Honda CBR 900 RR on ebay in UK

Despite the fact that this Blade had already 4 previous owners, it does look good. It has the original turn lights, the original muffler is also provided (see gallery below) and the fairing and fuel tank look good too. Coming across nicely kept original Fireblades is always a treat.

The current bid of 2000 GBP failed to meet the reserve. At 2950 GBP this can be yours….now.

That fake carbon bit on the fork clamp needs to go, and once you have cleaned off the glue, you might unveil a clean piece of metal.Here’s how the seller describes it:

I have for sale my 1993 Honda Fireblade RRN, registered January 1994.

The bike has only covered 14,900 miles since new.

This bike was originally sold through a Glasgow Honda dealer and has remained in the Glasgow area throughout its life.

Over the years, the bike has only had 4 prevoius owners

Apart from the brake lines and Scorpion full stainless steel system, an original example. Comes with the Original End Can as well

It also has:

A new original Honda screen

Honda chain and sprocket set

New fork seals and oil

Original Honda single seat cowl

The bike has also recently been fully serviced by a Honda dealer .

It goes, handles and stops as its meant to.

I suggest you come and view the bike if you can to see the excellent condition its in. It is a 20 year old bike, so don’t expect new condition, but would be easy to clean up and make very nice indeed.

The bike is Mot’d until June 2014 and taxed until Dec 2013.

No swaps, tyre kickers, or test rides without £3,000 as a deposit and proof of insurance.

Winning bidder should make contact with me within 12 hours of auction end. Cash is best.

If you have any questions about the bike, please use the ” Ask The Seller A Question” facility. Don’t buy then ask questions to find out it’s not for you.

Please note that the bike is being advertised elsewhere and as such, I reserve the right to end the auction early should it be sold via other channels

And a video is also included (always a nice touch):

1993 Honda CBR 900 RR on ebay in UK

Claudio

The Best Street Bike Of All Times: 1993 Honda CBR 900RR (UK)

Suzuki October 9, 2013 posted by claudio

The Return Of The 2 Strokes: 1992 Suzuki RGV 250 (Germany)

The other day I went for a spin with my 1984 RD350. After a few hours I felt like going again. The weather didn’t really allow that. I spent the rest of the week working long hours in the office and I am still waiting for the time I can take it for the next spin. There’s nothing to do about it, if you grow up on a two stroke bike, you will never have enough of it. Even more so today, where seeing and most importantly, hearing a two stroke has become a rarity. Here we have one of greatest and last in production true sportster: a 1992 Suzuki RGV 250:

1992 Suzuki RGV 250 on ebay in Germany

The bike is no museum piece nor a 1 owner full stock example, but if acquired by a reader of RSBFS we can hope that the new owner will bring it back to its original trim and and enjoy what soon will be a true rarity. Everyone knows that these bikes are fantastic to ride, the harder the better…

Here’s a description of the bikes condition and some of its history :

Due to the sale of my 2 stroke collection here is for sale my RGV 250:

Year 1992 , tacho mileage 23000 km . The engine was revised 2000km ago and ran until recently .
Due to the long life are probably the carburetor jets added , turning motor has compression and spark is there, too.
If you turn the fuel tap to run the float chambers on though.
Unfortunately, the TÜV- date has expired.

This is the best of contemporary tuning built : aluminum stub , Lucas rearsets , fishing slider, Aprilia ECU, quick throttle ,
large brake discs, small mirrors and turn signals , WP steering damper , sports exhaust , quick release fasteners on the fairing , Bubble washer , other exhaust valve (Fischer ? )
etc.
In my last exit they ran perfectly , great sound , driving close to the level of a modern 600 .

The warranty has expired 21 years ago , so I’m selling them as Bastlerfahrzeug :

Private sale without warranty / guarantee / return policy.

On 24.08.13 added the following information from the seller :
It is made of 4 Hand , Pappbrief present, I have gone to 4 /2010, registered 41 kW, tires are good but probably too old for the technical approval , I bought it as accident free and no had , the previous owner of the engine has done, including the conversions such as slides , etc … It is in good condition and ran flawlessly , except the carburetor overflow after a long service life. I changed the engine oil during the lifetime and the combustion chambers filled with 2 stroke oil, so it should run again at any time . Unfortunately I have no more time to take care of this beautiful motorcycle.

With the Aprilia ECU and the Auspüffen they should have about 70 hp.

It should be available for almost anything either ABE or a registration. It may be that I did something overlooked, but in principle should not be missing.

The brake discs are probably from a DR 600

It ‘s your turn Stahflexleitungen .

She still looks really nice, otherwise I would not have bought .

The bid of 1000 EUR has not reached the minimum price and the BIN is set at 2780 EUR (probably a little above market prices considering the conditions).

Good luck to the bidders and seller as well.

1992 Suzuki RGV 250 on ebay in Germany

Claudio