Author Archives: Donn

MV Agusta September 26, 2018 posted by Donn

Teppista – 2012 MV Agusta Brutale 1090RR

Naked-sports wouldn't want to be left out of the absurd-power sweepstakes, and MV Agusta showed how it's done with the Brutale 1090RR. While the theoretical top speed is more fun to discuss, the torque available from the big four is what makes it a joy on the road. This example is nicely accessorized and offered by Miami's MV Agusta dealer.

2012 MV Agusta Brutale 1090RR for sale on eBay

While it is the largest engine in the MV Agusta range, the 1090 is actually a 1078cc, with the company's usual ( but amazing ) radial valve arrangement. Plumbing is more evident on the near side, with the coolant and headers vying for room under the chro-moly trellis frame. Appointments are outstanding, with 50mm Öhlins forks, Sachs monoshock with high and low speed damping adjustments, and Brembo's monobloc brakes which have four-piston calipers front and rear. With 158hp you'll want nanny along, in the form of eight-level traction control. Radiator shrouds are integrated into the design, making the RR more of a superbike with very small fairings.

Having logged but 666 miles, it's not your average used bike. The suede parts of the seat look to have had the worst time over the years, with just a smudge here and there. Otherwise the paint and metals are pretty mint, with the normally black wheels having been brightened at the powder-coating shop. Notes from the eBay classified:

Features:
CRG ARROW BAR END MIRRORS
RIZOMA TURN SIGNALS
AFTERMARKET REARSET
SILVER RESERVOIR CAPS
CARBON FIBER UPPER CHAIN GUARD
CARBON FIBER KEY GUARD
CARBON FIBER REAR HUGGER
SILVER POWDER COATED RIMS
EVOTECH TAIL ELIMINATOR
MV AGUSTA RACE HEADERS WITH STOCK MUFFLERS

Seeming to have found the secret to paying the rent on sales of an exclusive line of sportbikes, MV Agusta's closely-held parent company bought back their outstanding shares at the end of last year. They are even planning to return to MotoGP in the 600cc Moto2 class next season. Offerings from Varese are regularly reviewed as a singular experience, the avant-garde design and premium build speaking to MV's long history on two wheels. The 1090RR is on Agusta's un-faired pinnacle, though peculiarly the model no longer appears on the Euro-side website. The eBay offering is a classified without the distraction of an auction or make offer button, and seems to be a nice bargain at just over half the MSRP...

-donn

Teppista – 2012 MV Agusta Brutale 1090RR

Suzuki September 23, 2018 posted by Donn

Hiding in Plain Sight – 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750R Limited Edition

"Now why would somebody use this funky bronze paint on this GSX-R ?" you say, not the usual red/black or red/blue/white, but otherwise an -80's GSX-R750. But this is a not-available-here limited edition in Yoshimura racing colors. With several factory go-fast goodies, the GSX-R750R conformed to KISS endurance racing principles, taking light weight and reliability to the winners' circle.

1986 Suzuki GSX-R750R Limited Edition for sale on eBay

Suzuki capitalized on their air/oil-cooled experience and the new 749cc engine made 100 hp, hung in an alloy perimeter frame. Despite having recently introduced the model, they extended the swingarm for 1986 by 25mm to calm the handling. The Limited Edition features front suspension and brakes from the 1,100 cc model, including an electrically operating anti-dive system. Other particulars include a monoposto seat and lightweight dry clutch. 18-inch tires are fitted front and rear, ostensibly to ease wheel and brake changes in the pits.

The outstanding condition of the paint on this LE initially had me thinking it was a U.S. model painted by the owner in Yoshimura colors, but apparently the mods are limited to the Öhlins monoshock and Cyclone muffler, along with some slightly oversized decals. With 22.5K miles, a repaint is almost certainly somewhere in its history, but it is faithful to the original. Not sure about the gold wheels, looking back shows them most often in white, but they look great. From the eBay auction:

While I have changed a few things that does not mean you can not change it back. The Yosh stickers are noninvasive and have not damaged the stock paint. Yes, this is factory stock paint that was available in Japan. I installed and recently rebuilt Öhlins shock. The forks are polished and the brake lines are SS braided. I took a risk that, in my opinion paid off, by having the wheels powder coated gold. I wanted the bike to resemble a Yosh race bike from back then. The inside clutch side cover and Yosh covers were painted. The housing for the clutch actuator is NOS. I recently purchased it, removed it from the factory packaging and installed it on this bike. This bike has been gone through very thoroughly and it is ready to ride or store to admire.

You can only pick two from the fast/reliable/cheap menu, and the GSX-R750R was expensive at the time, a result of low volumes of special parts. Bidding has reached nearly $10K without nudging the reserve, so this will still be a pricey 750. Maybe a more period-correct Yoshimura muffler in black could be found, but otherwise this is a pretty together and special example. Guess you're only allowed two from the golden-age sportbike menu, when the choices are a nice stock presentation, a special model, and a pretty good bargain...

-donn

Hiding in Plain Sight – 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750R Limited Edition

Honda September 21, 2018 posted by Donn

Kwaai – 1991 Honda NSR250SP in South Africa

What would it take for you to brave the scary monsters just over the horizon ? Maybe a later NSR250SP (MC21) in excellent original condition ? This one hails from faraway Cape Town, is in rare Pentax replica livery, and the owner promises shipping to CONUS that looks like a bargain.

1991 Honda NSR250SP / MC21 ( South Africa ) for sale on eBay

Honda had been making the NSR250R since 1987 with yearly updates passed down from race engineering. Though power was limited by statute to 45 hp, the 249cc L-twin was capable of nearly 60 hp with an HRC or updated card for the PGM-III programmed ignition system. The alloy twin-spar chassis and 41mm air-adjustable forks, along with the Pro-Link rear monoshock could easily cope with more. The MC21 brought the "gull arm" asymmetrical swingarm, which allowed the expansion chamber to wend its way offside and increased ground clearance. The Sport Production edition was a rarity with racey bits like a dry clutch, cartridge gearbox, and magnesium wheels.

Showing just under 4,500 miles on its km odometer, this NSR looks unrestored and excellent. From the condition, an occasional ride with an adult aboard would be my speculation. Not enough use to require any major work, though some matching rubber would be nice before the next ride. Unfortunately, no notes about de-restricting the engine. From the eBay auction:

Extremely rare original Pentax Honda NSR250 MC21 SP.

Dry clutch, Magnesium wheels and adjustable suspension comes as standard on this SP model.

All original parts which even includes the original honda toolkit and passenger seat.

Worldwide shipping is available at affordable low cost.

Around Cape Town kwaai has two meanings: normally angry or bad-tempered, but urban slang takes it in a tough or cool direction. The NSR250SP also has a split personality, loafing around below the powerband, but hang on once you get the tach pointed north. Back when everyone had a camera that didn't text or surf, Pentax sponsored Honda's racing team, though the livery looks peculiar today. There's a fairly steady stream of grey small-sports but this one has lowish miles and no damage or corrosion. Shipping and importation will be a project, and it might be worth enlisting an expert, but looks to be worth the effort...

-donn

Kwaai – 1991 Honda NSR250SP in South Africa

Benelli September 16, 2018 posted by Donn

Oh Sei – 1983 Benelli 900 Sei

New CEO DeTomaso ( yes that one ) led the historic Benelli company to higher performance machines and the 750 Sei ( Six ) in 1973. Benelli increased bore and stroke on the Sei to displace 906cc for the 1979 model year. Simultaneously outrageous, exotic, handcrafted, and occasionally disappointing, the Sei was Benelli's flagship until they merged with Moto-Guzzi in 1988.

1983 Benelli 900 Sei for sale on eBay

Looking for all the world like a SOHC Honda engine from the era, the Sei had some innovations, like placing the alternator behind the cylinders ( which were wide enough already ). 80 hp were routed through a 5-speed and double-row final drive chain, speaking to the torque that was available at just above tickover speed. Good as they are, the Brembo brakes are hopelessly outgunned by the power and mid-500 lbs. weight. In spite, the Sei got high marks for handling, steady in a corner when the competition was wallowing.

Looking excellent in its late -70's flowing bodywork and controls, this Sei has just over 11,000 miles. A machine of this age will have an afternoon's worth of tales, but the owner stays on message in the eBay auction:

A meticulously maintained 1983 Benelli 900 SEI with extremely low miles at 11300.
This bike is almost perfect, serviced and runs and drives perfectly.
They don’t come up often so here is an opportunity to get one.
Bid with absolute confidence.
Don’t waste my time with silly questions, low offers and if you don’t have money.
Viewing is welcomed before you buy.

Already in boutique territory, the Benelli pricing and complication of three carburetors made the Sei a rarity. Performance was a few bullets down on the mission statement, under pleasing the crowd, honoring the Benelli name, and showing off the factory's skills. Further down was a reliable ride, and the Sei got gigged repeatedly on electrical issues. But the sound ! More 911 than motorbike, especially with the six-into-six. For a collector with a European interest, this is just the bike for the end of the row...

-donn

BMW September 11, 2018 posted by Donn

Past Dream – 2008 BMW HP2 Sport

The mid-2000's saw BMW put their flagship 1170cc DOHC twin into three very different motorcycles - a big super-motard, a hare-n-hound off-roader, and this, the HP2 Sport. While both the motard and off-road machines were mega-size compared to the mainstream, the HP2 Sport fit better into the superbike genre and can show and go. This 2008 is just ready for it's second oil change mileage-wise, but has been a collector's gem, farkled and serviced to a high level.

2008 BMW HP2 Sport for sale on eBay

Never giving up on the flat twin, the search for four valves led BMW to a complex chain-driven cam arrangement, and achieved 130 hp with 85 ft.-lbs. with the compulsory Bayerische reliability. Instantly recognizable as part of the brand, it of course uses shaft drive, and the recent Paralever monoshock. Up front is their newer Telelever suspension, with empty "fork" tubes and conventional shock absorber above the wheel. Elsewhere it's all new, trellis frame, carbon fairing and self-supporting seat console. The 2-1-2 exhaust darts under the engine to the catalyst and then underseat to the canister muffler.

Just shown by the original purchaser, the current owner has curated some nice mods and taken care of some maintenance concerns for the next owner. The RR mirrors look less automotive than the stockers, and the SW Motech tank bag is a great no-mar solution. New rubber might be considered if the buyer intends to push things hard. From the eBay auction:

This bike is in immaculate condition with only 3,507 mile since new. Bike needs nothing as has just had the front forks redone with new seals and oil and both cylinder heads resealed with new BMW gaskets and new cylinder head sliders for good measure.

I am the second owner and purchased the bike from the original owner who had it in a collection thus the low miles. I have ridden it and done a few tasteful mods which are all simple bolt-ons and can easily be removed by the new owner as all original parts are included:

Ilmberger Carbon Fiber rear wheel hugger

BMW S1000RR mirrors with Sandbar Composites adapters (original mirrors included)

Puig windscreen (original windscreen included)

SW Motech quick release ring and tank bag (original fuel ring included)

Osram Nightbreaker headlight bulbs

Pitbull rear stand

Everything else is stock the way it rolled off the production line—perfect. Bike comes with two keys, owner’s manual, factory repair manual, factory training booklet, tool roll, and fanny pack.

Most often seen with few miles, the HP2 was a $erious commitment when new. The secrecy around total production numbers warrants investigation by Wikileaks, but stateside imports for the 2008-10 years should be no more than a couple of hundred. Glad to see such a special machine undamaged, but the low miles just scream missed opportunity. Five days to run on the auction and bidding has been brisk but no challenge to the reserve. Unlike trains, there won't always be another. An epic ride for any fan of the brand or big twins in general...

-donn

Triumph September 8, 2018 posted by Donn

Well-Aged British Beef – 1995 Triumph Daytona 1200 with just 1,340 miles !

John Bloor's new Triumph engineers had a modular solution for their line of of four-stroke engines - all had 76mm bores and strokes were 65 or 55mm depending on multiples of 250 or 300cc. The big 1200 was their atom smasher and had two balance shafts in the crankcase to smooth things out. This time machine was parked halfway to its first oil change and has been professionally re-commissioned.

1995 Triumph Daytona 1200 for sale on eBay

Hard to call a company that had been manufacturing motorcycles for more than a hundred years an upstart, but the re-constituted Triumph was just that - with their new road-pounding 1200, good for 147 hp and 85 ft.-lbs of torque. More GT than sport, it was big in every sense, plenty of room and stability for two, massive 6-speed powertrain, adjustable Kayaba forks and monoshock, 310mm Nissin disk brakes. The generous fairing carried dual headlights and allowed the rider to hide from the 160 mph wind.

Right up the road from upstate Albany, this Daytona begs to have its back story told. How a machine perfect for the mostly suburban and rural area could have been parked so soon after riding it out of the dealership is a mystery, like the missing front signals. The overall condition says back of the garage storage but thankfully missing the big tank dent and tipover that usually happen during nearly 25 years under a blanket. From the eBay auction:

Super low mile, one owner Daytona 1200. This Daytona was purchased back in 1995 from Berkshire Motor Works in Schenectady NY. I have all the original paperwork from when the bike was new. The bike is totally stock and has been ridden only 1300 miles from new! The bike was taken to a local British bike specialist in Scotia and had a $900. Service. The carbs have been rebuilt, new air filter, new battery and fresh oil change. The bike has never been down or crashed. Everything on the bike works as it should. I have new front turn signals on order.

The Daytona 1200 reviewed as very smooth, heavy without really feeling it, the relaxed riding position making for a nicer long trip. Not destined to compete with sportier liters and 1100's from Japan, the 1200 was more in line with the boutique Europeans. It's a lot of bike for the buy-it-now, but new rubber has to be factored in, and though the carbs have been cleaned, the condition of the tank should be determined. As owners of black machines would tell you, after a serious detailing this Daytona will look really good - for about a half hour...

-donn