Author Archives: Donn

BMW October 27, 2020 posted by Donn

Showroom Stock – 2003 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup with 21 Miles !

Real life is often in the way when an exciting new bike hits the floor, and maybe that was you in 2003, when the signed Randy Mamola Boxer Cup Replica arrived. Well you could still go there, courtesy of this BMW insider who parked his BCR with just 21 miles.

2003 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replica for sale on eBay

BMW owners wanted a real S-variant and got it with the Replika, the low bars and high seat were great on the track but some owners fitted bar risers for comfort. The Laser exhaust allowed other riders to actually hear a BMW, and the optional 5.5″ rear wheel looked bad. Power was the standard R1100S 98 hp, though the lack of bag racks and ABS brought the weight down a bit. Beside Randy Mamola’s signature, the BCR came with Öhlins dampers, braided brake lines, and carbon fiber lowers.

Though the long-range logic that would park a brand new race-replica is pretty opaque, it sure looks good in hindsight. Any and all expendables will have to be replaced, but after that a failure would be surprising. Comments from the eBay auction:

Special Edition Boxer Cup Randy Mamola Signature Series limited production bike with only 21 miles. The bike has not been started or run since 2003. The bike is as new condition as can be if it just came out of factory crating. Bike also comes with center support stand as seen in picture. It has been on display in my man cave and will need to be serviced prior to being ridden.

Randy Mamola was the winningest GP rider never to become champion, but was a great spokesperson and ambassador for the Boxer Cup series, which supported the GP races and came to Daytona for a few years. The R1100S was BMW’s long-awaited return to S-models, and the signature edition is a fine tribute and great milestone. This NOS example could resume show duty, but might be looking forward to a riding owner.

-donn

Showroom Stock – 2003 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup with 21 Miles !

Honda October 21, 2020 posted by Donn

Steam Train – 1990 Honda CBR1000F

Over on the GT end of the spectrum, Honda’s all-growed-up CBR looked and weighed like adult rider material, and had power to match. This suburban Portland example is a lot of bike for the buy-it-now.

1990 Honda CBR1000F for sale on eBay

Everything about the 1000F is at the big end of the range – quite oversquare, the bores are 77mm across, fed by four 38mm Keihin carbs. Power is superbike strong but more torquey at 132 hp and 77 ft.-lbs. Brakes are ’90-sized at 296mm, but have Honda’s thoughtful take on linked braking, where the lever and pedal each operate both front and rear brakes, splitting the caliper pucks proportionally. Creature comforts got raves, with the big seat, windscreen and full fairing make reeling off the miles a ( lack of ) breeze.

Sounds like the owner also has an interest in a used bike parts outfit, and recently put all new fluids and rubber on this Honda. Miles aren’t much at 8,462, but once you park a bike time picks up speed. Apparently victim to a zero-speed character builder or two, this 1000F still looks very good and quite original. Refinishing faux pas like the generator cover and clutch fluid spill should make a nice difference. Comments from the eBay auction:

The condition is excellent. The bike has 8,462 miles on it. We just put new tires on it. Changed the engine oil and filter with Honda oil and a Honda filter. Changed the coolant with Honda coolant. Changed all of the brake fluid and clutch fluid. New battery. Cleaned the carburetors. New air filter. This bike is ready for the road. There is a couple of scuffs in the paint as seen in photos. There is one crack in the left side fairing seen in the photos. The seat has a small tear or rub spot as seen in photos. The bike is 100% stock with no modifications done. I am including the original invoice from when the bike was bought new in 1990. I am the second owner of the bike. I bought this from the original owner.

The owner also posted a 10-minute video for which offers some nice close-ups – here -.

Though it’s not a fire-breathing track machine, the CBR1000F still has the superbike pedigree and engineering to build up speed quickly. Then the all-encompassing body makes a quiet, still, almost separate world for the rider. This example is an advertisement for inside storage, with new looking finishes except where fate tripped up the previous owner. Though an admitted flipper, the seller has recommissioned the big CBR properly, and left the Make Offer button lit.

-donn

Honda October 18, 2020 posted by Donn

Rim Shot – 1989 Honda CBR250R

This mini-FireBlade has been a grey-market import twice, but still has just over 9,000 miles and looks very good. Tipping the scales at 350 lbs. with half a tank of fuel, its 40hp are plenty to have a ball.

1989 Honda CBR250R for sale on eBay

Made since 1986, the four-cylinder had bores of around 2 inches and peak power was at 14,500 rpm. The twin spars of the frame and swingarm were aluminum alloy, and single muffler and front disk kept the mass down. Home-market rules stipulated the horsepower limitation, but the little CBR handled with abandon. Set up for a pillion, but probably not two 90th-percentile adults.

This third owner is Chicago-based, and says it’s a long-term relationship. It looks quite stock, with the natural exception of the rear fender-ectomy. No particular damage, but corrosion never sleeps and is evident on many fasteners, maybe due to its western Pacific origins. The flickering livery is pretty unusual and striking in red metallic. Comments from the eBay auction:

The cosmetic condition of this machine is just as it looks in the photos. The running condition of the machine is flawless, starting immediately.

This bike has been part of my collection for many years, is actually ridden once in a while, and is a LOT of fun to ride. It runs and rides with absolutely no issues. And the 4 valve, 4-stroke, dual overhead cam engine revs up to 19,000 rpm, so you can imagine how much fun it is when it’s really wound up. I am the third owner from new. It was originally imported from Japan into Australia, then to the U.S. in the late 2000’s. It has a clear, valid title, so there will be no issues plating it in any state.

Everything on this motorcycle is original. Every one of the finishes are totally original, as is the seat. As you can see from the photos in the photo section, the machine has had absolutely no restoration performed to any part of it. The condition is exactly what it looks like in the photos. I looked at a quite a few of these bikes before I finally bought this one, and I’ve never seen a better original one before or since.

The Honda runs and rides the way you expect a machine with this type of mileage to run. All of the mechanical components have been checked over to ensure they work properly including the clutch and brakes.

Oil has been recently changed, a new battery was installed, and the carbs completely gone through this season. Everything works. There is absolutely nothing you will have to do to this motorcycle to ride and enjoy it for the rest of this season and many more to come.

The CBR250R not only had to compete against other domestic manufacturers, but in-house competition from the NSR250R, and wasn’t exported until 1996, then just to Oceana. Yearly changes were incremental until 1990, when a new chassis was introduced. Hopefully the reserve will leave a stainless fastener allowance for this rider, and bidding is active just one day in. The next owner will have a rarity in the U.S., and in quite nice original shape.

-donn

Aprilia October 16, 2020 posted by Donn

Collector Alert – 1998 Aprilia RS250 with Zero Miles!

Twenty-plus years down the line, an unused RS250 has surfaced courtesy of EuroCycles Las Vegas. What some collector or racer might give for a “new” RS250 might be challenged by this time machine.

1998 Aprilia RS250 for sale on eBay

Aprilia introduced their road-going 250 a year after Max Biaggi won his first championship on their racer, though the street bike used a Suzuki V-twin engine. For 1998 73 ponies were on tap, though a big twist of the wrist and active left foot were required to keep the engine at peak power. Twin 34mm Mikuni carbs contribute smooth running and Aprilia’s own exhaust releases pent-up power. The twin-spar chassis and swingarm are made of aluminum/magnesium alloy stampings, with cast connectors and a fairly conventional seat sub-frame. The livery echoes Rossi’s rides from the era, though the similarity isn’t much thicker than the decal set.

Not much history in a never-ridden example sold on a bill of sale. Plate and key fob are from a Parisian moto boutique. Equipped for the road, some paperwork would await a new owner intending to ride. EuroCycle’s comments from the eBay auction:

This is the grey-market RS250 that was street-legal, never sold in the US. Showroom Condition, sold on bill-of-sale. Serious Collectors only please.

The fairing decal states “Racing Department Technology” – which is true, though it might be a year or so before the Departo Corse’s ideas make it through production engineering. Though this one doesn’t have livery commemorative of a championship or rider, it’s hard to stop looking at what the factory intended, especially a factory so close to the race circuit.

-donn

Collector Alert – 1998 Aprilia RS250 with Zero Miles!

Ducati October 13, 2020 posted by Donn

Forward into the Past – 2007 Ducati 1098S Tricolore

Ducati came away from the 999 design with some lumps and bruises, and took their hard-won Superbike rules change as an opportunity to house the new engine in a package that recalled the 916 nose. Here is a very fine example from just over the Golden Gate Bridge.

2007 Ducati 1098S for sale on eBay

Ducati prepared their testastretta Evoluzione engine for 2007, with a change to the valve angles and elliptical throttle bodies resulting in 160 hp. The valve adjustment interval was increased, and as part of the re-design cooling system woes became a thing of the past. The -S featured premium Öhlins dampers and forged Marchesini wheels, and the dash with data analysis was said to be the same as a WSBK mount. Beside the classic gold frame and national paint scheme, the Tricolore edition came with carbon Termignoni exhausts and updated ECU. The angry eye headlamps give way to a sleek fairing, whose many fasteners generated an extra shop hour when service was required.

Offered by what seems to be a new dealer, this 1098S claims just 6,000 miles and looks excellent. No word on ownership or maintenance history, but it has couple of nice factory additions. From the eBay auction:

This 2007 Ducati 1098 S is a limited edition Tricolore model powered by a 1099cc L-twin paired with a 6-speed transmission.

The bike features include a Termignoni racing exhaust with carbon fiber silencers, an Öhlins adjustable suspension, Marchesini alloy wheels, and a computerized data acquisition system. A tall windscreen, racing air filters, and a carbon fiber clutch cover were optional equipment.

This Tricolore comes with with the owner’s manuals, keys, the key code card, and a clean California title.

A couple of executives at Ducati must’ve lost a friendly bet when FIM raised the twin displacement to 1200cc in one fell swoop, but the 1198 wasn’t far behind, and kept the 1098’s good looks. Though some would say the 1098S has been eclipsed by the Panigale generation, there will likely always be spot in a Ducatisti’s garage for a booming twin with side-by-side headlights – and commemorative colors would certainly be a plus.

-donn

Forward into the Past – 2007 Ducati 1098S Tricolore

Honda October 4, 2020 posted by Donn

Well Enough Alone – 2005 Honda RVT1000R / RC51 SP2 with 5,181 miles !

Hard for a sport rider to keep any factory’s stock set-up, but the 2005 Honda RC51 SP2 might be a good candidate. This seriously black stocker from Mass. has all the SP2 goodness and none of the typical farkles.

2005 Honda RVT1000R / RC51 SP2 for sale on eBay

After two successful years with the initial RC51, a weight loss regimen was introduced for 2002, as well as making the chassis more rigid and increasing the throttle body size to 62mm. Tweaks to steering head angle and monoshock linkage vied to add quickness to the bike’s stability. Hoping to keep the wheelbase compact, Honda went with side-mounted radiators to suck heat from the 136 hp engine room, and added dual fans to the SP2 to help out. A taller windscreen was designed with Colin Edwards’ input and cut a more generous hole in the oncoming air.

This RC51 has been preserved in a Boston suburb, and beside the unusual all black, it’s even missing the routine tail tidy and light(er) weight slip-ons. Can’t quite see what the reflection at the back of the rider’s seat is all about though, doesn’t seem like a removed pad is likely. Gear-driven cams only require fresh oil, no belt service to get you riding, but checking the date code on the tires might be a thought. The owner has this to say in the eBay auction:

Bike is in excellent/showroom condition, no dents or scratches. Bike has a new battery and has recently been serviced. There are NO modifications to the engine, exhaust or suspension. Bike is in ORIGINAL condition. Bike is stored indoors and has not been registered since 2015. I do start it and take it up the street a few times a year though. You won’t find a cleaner all original RC51 out there. It is a hard to find color combination as well.

The SP2 has a lot of lessons learned campaigning the SP1 to a championship, and is the one to own unless you want a first-year model or Nicky Hayden livery from 2004. Most sources indicate production of only a few thousand each year, which will make this RC51 an eventual collectible. And there’s a winding road of modifications if you prefer, but for pete’s sake if the original parts look this good put them in storage !

-donn

Well Enough Alone – 2005 Honda RVT1000R / RC51 SP2 with 5,181 miles !

Featured Listing October 1, 2020 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 1986 Honda NS400R in Rothmans Livery !

Francisco’s Portuguese collection had two NS400R’s, and the second is in the very collectible Rothmans race colors. Totally stock with 14,609 miles, it’s still in very show-worthy condition.

1986 Honda NS400R ( Portugal ) in Rothmans Livery

Honda built the NSR500 for the GP circuit, but realized even their best showroom customers were merely mortal road riders, and especially for the home market, wanted a bike that could be licensed and insured. The NS400R had a lot in common with the two-stroke triple, like downdraft carburetors, alloy chassis, and separate ATAC exhaust systems for the single and paired cylinders. The closely spaced six-speed was tall to start off, but allowed 125 mph in top. The short wheelbase turned out to be comfortable for full sized riders, and has an incongruous pillion ( this example under cover ). The Rothmans tribute livery leaves room for the rest of the sponsorship decals as seen on Wayne Gardner’s GP machine.

Representing a Lisbon collector, Francisco has shown several classic sportbikes to RSBFS readers, all very collectible and showing quite clean and original. The Rothmans finishes and metals are much better than the almost 10K miles and 35 years would have you believe. He has this to say about the NS400R in the eBay auction –

Honda NS400R / NSR400 Rothmans very good condition.

Year 1986 with 23,511 km.

Nothing to do.

Portuguese Documents.

Works very good.

Please feel free to ask me more pictures or videos.

Francisco represents the collector and asks £10,500 for this classic superbike, about $13,565 today.

He can be reached via cellular on 011 351 9 1652 4741 or via email – here -.

Reviews showed the NS400R to be capable of embarrassing bonafide superbikes in between straightaways, and sometimes most of the way down a short straight as well. Similarly, this NS400R could be in a collection’s sweet spot, but still be available for a mental health day. Contact Francisco via cellular on 011 351 9 1652 4741 or via email – here -.

-donn

Featured Listing – 1986 Honda NS400R in Rothmans Livery !

Featured Listing September 30, 2020 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 1986 Yamaha RZV500R with just 4,100 miles !

Many of Yamaha’s RZV-500R’s ( or RD500LC ) have been used, some might say, as intended – and look somewhat worn for it. But this originally British collector example has traveled only 6,586 kilometers and is in tip-top shape.

1986 Yamaha RZV500R ( Portugal ) for sale on eBay

With many years of championship racing aboard the YZR500, the mid-80’s were now or never for a 500cc two-stroke race replica. The double crank engine had similarities to the racer, but had a smoothing balance shaft and YPVS power valve set-up. Power was nearly 200 hp per liter with 88 hp at 9,500 rpm. The carburettors are side mounted and look past the square-tube steel frame toward the engine. Conventional forks are air adjustable and carry 267 mm front disks. The smaller 16-inch front wheel sharpens up turn in on the 436 lbs. ride.

Presented by a Portuguese collector, this RZV500R appears un-restored and basically as new. Beside the bespoke GP exhaust, changes to the square four 500 would be unconscionable. Right down to the tall tires, it’s as issued 35 years ago. Comments from the eBay auction:

Yamaha RZV500R fully restored. Mint condition.

Matching Numbers. No needs any work. All working perfectly!

Year 1989 with 6,586 km

Jim Lomas Full exhausts but original ones are included on this sale.

Used to be a UK bike but now has Portuguese documents.

Please feel free to ask me more pictures or videos.

Francisco represents the collector and asks £17,000 for this classic superbike, about $21,875 today.

He can be reached via cellular on 011 351 9 1652 4741 or via email – here -.

The RZV-500R reviewed as the “real” Kenny Roberts replica, with its small cockpit and off-or-on power train. Francisco’s edition has the mileage of a one year-old machine, and the accompanying cosmetics. Offers welcome on 011 351 9 1652 4741 or via email – here -.

-donn