Author Archives: Donn

Moto Guzzi May 17, 2020 posted by Donn

Recent Vintage – 1993 Moto Guzzi Daytona 1000

Early 1990’s, gentleman racer Dr. John Wittner helped Moto Guzzi develop their big V-twin into the racer and GT they knew it could be. This Colorado example has been updated and maintained by a super-fan, and looks great.

1993 Moto Guzzi Daytona 1000 for sale on eBay

Like BMW, Guzzi wanted to breathe 4-valve life into their liter, and found a similar solution with cams mounted high in each cylinder, with timing belts driven off a gear above the crankshaft. The compact arrangement claimed 95 hp and a healthy 72 ft.-lbs. torque, fuel injected for flexibility around town. Dr. Wittner provided his chassis expertise in the lighter weight chrom-moly backbone with massive alloy frame connectors. Adjustable suspension is at both ends, with conventional Marzocchi forks and WP monoshock. As found on most of its European competitors, 320mm Brembo brakes are however without the usual Guzzi front-rear linkage. Moto Guzzi tradition stipulates a driveshaft, but the Daytona has a parallelogram arrangement to limit the rear suspension extending under power.

Sounds like the seller is a serial Daytona owner, which almost guarantees one of being “a certain age”. This one has the sharp Staintune exhaust, impossibly long velocity stacks and just screens over the ends. Little doubt you can hear the 1000 inhaling with this setup. Overall condition looks excellent with just a couple of paint chips but new rubber, belts, brake pads and battery. From the eBay auction:

Description:

Look at the photos – I disassembled the bike over the winter and cleaned and detailed chassis.

Recently changed timing belts – see photos

RH cylinder head had a lube issue and removed head and sent to famous Moe at Cycle Garden to improve oil passage and new valve seat and valves

Changed Engine oil with Motul (20/50)

Brand new Michelin Pilot Radial tires:

F: 120/70ZR17

R: 160/60ZR17

New NGK D9REA spark plugs

Yuasa battery in 2019 (with trickle charger harness)

New Front Brake Pads: Pagid HH

Powder coated factory wheels – white (OEM color).

New / checked wheel bearing

What comes with the bike?

Clean and clear title (in my company’s name.)

2 keys and one spare Guzzi blank.

Rare repair manual for Daytona

Rare repair manual for the MGS-01 (helpful)

Receipts and documentation

Pit-stand; awkward to ship and you will have to pay for shipping or pick it up in person.

Condition:

This is a very very nice Moto Guzzi Daytona!

Everything works as it should: choke, turn signal, horn, low beam, high beam, etc.

Never dropped!

It shows extremely well and turns heads and sounds amazing.

There are a few paint chips that I have photographed, and I will be happy to send you additional photographs.

There is hairline crack by one of the screws that holds OEM wind screen that has been there forever and is not changing.

Left side mirror – small de-silvering on the edge (not uncommon)

I would recommend to the winner of auction to renew brake fluid.

While never in serious competition with less reverential solutions, the Daytona 1000 was a smashing endcap to the DeTomaso years and a stepping stone to the V10 era. Though it couldn’t be termed a lightweight, as a GT the handling got applause from journalists and fans. This example is almost curated by a Daytona fanatic. With four days to go the bid is $12K but hasn’t met the reserve, it’ll be interesting to see where it’s set.

-donn

Recent Vintage – 1993 Moto Guzzi Daytona 1000

Bimota May 10, 2020 posted by Donn

Phoenix Rising – 1994 Bimota DB2

Looks like this one found a buyer outside of eBay, but so rare it’s still worth a peek… -donn

Bimota DB2’s make only an occasional appearance on RSBFS, expected with total production of just over 400. The Tricolore is much more rare, and this rejuvenated example is in particularly nice shape.

1994 Bimota DB2 for sale on eBay

Bimota’s second cooperation with Ducati used their 904cc desmodue, good for 86 air-cooled hp. Showing their usual fabrication skills, Rimini whipped up a lovely chrom-moly lattice frame and similar swingarm. Nothing if not light, the chassis helped the DB2 stay under 375 lbs. dry. Generously sized 320mm Brembo brakes seem to fill the 17-inch front wheel, hung in 41mm Paoli forks. Out back the Öhlins shock does it without a complex linkage, relying on a progressive rate spring for control as forces increase. Fiberglass fairings revealed more than the DB1, and kept things easy to get to plus light.

Sounds like this DB2 was on ice for a while and returned to service last fall. The tail tidy looks good and retains most of the protection from the swingarm-mounted fender. Not so sure about the lack of turn signals but they should be easy enough to replace if the new owner desires. New master cylinders for brakes and clutch are a nice touch. I’m almost thinking repaint but there’s no comment on such in the eBay auction:

Properly stored (fluids drained, cylinders fogged, etc.) here in the dry desert in Phoenix since 2013. This past fall, I decided to go through it and get it ready for our winter riding season. I had new timing belts installed and a valve adjustment performed by the well-known Tom Hull Ducati (Tom is a former Ducati race mechanic). I had Tom pull the top end for inspection and he replaced one intake valve and guide and pronounced everything else in top shape. I did a compression check once all was back together and my gauge says 160psi in both cylinders so very good compression. I also replaced the rear master cylinder with a stock Brembo unit as the old unit was in need of a rebuild, and it wasn’t much more to just buy a new one. Brake and clutch fluids are new (lines flushed) and a complete oil and filter change performed. Carbs were rebuilt with new diaphragms, needles, seats, etc. I also installed a new battery. Then I ruptured a disc in my back and have been unable to ride the bike comfortably since, so it’s time for it to go.

The bike is mostly stock with a few tasteful and functional upgrades. These include radial Brembo master cylinders for the clutch and front brake along with billet reservoirs and Kevlar lines. The engine was treated to a vented clutch cover and carbon timing belt covers. Bimota offered carbon mufflers as an upgrade option, and I believe this bike came with them from the factory (they were there when I got it). Rear view mirrors were replaced with carbon look ones (a pair of stock ones that I sourced are included) and the rear fender/license plate assembly was replaced with a rear fender eliminator “kit” (both done before my ownership). The front and rear turn signals had also been removed but the wiring and connectors for them are still there if you want to add some back (I do not have the originals).

The bike comes with its original Bimota keys for ignition, gas cap and seat lock. It also comes with its Bimota tool kit, Factory Owner’s Manual and factory rear stand (with both original thru pin and beautiful custom stainless side pins. I have copies of the original service and parts manuals for the bike as well. I also have a few spares including an extra headlight, an extra new K&N oil filter, and some miscellaneous bits and pieces.

As with all Bimotas that are actually ridden, there is some minor spider webbing around some of the fastener points. There is also a small crack in the gelcoat next to the gas cap, but it is not structural and does not go through the fiberglass. (It got dinged when I had the tank/seat cover unit off for service.) If I were to keep it, I would replace the tires as they are the same ones it came with when I bought it some years ago. Other than that, the bike is “press the button, ready to go” and currently registered here in Arizona. It looks great and runs better!

Early Bimotas are being snatched up now that there’s a ( green ) way forward, and seller references a 2016 DB2 auction which brought $17K and Bonham’s website confirms. More important, you can ride this DB2, any worthy Ducati indy can work on it, and parts availability should only improve. Reviewers praised the light weight, available torque, and rake of 23.5 degrees which made it a quick handler ( and required a steering damper ). If the condition checks out it looks to be a very rare and nicely maintained winner.

-donn

Honda May 8, 2020 posted by Donn

Unequivocal – 1990 Honda VFR750R / RC30

Having graduated from nascent collectible to crazy-to-ride museum piece, Honda’s pre-eminent VFR750R / RC30 continues to appear for auction with exotic car-level reserves. This Michigan example appears in a collector’s warehouse and looks superb.

1990 Honda VFR750R / RC30 for sale on eBay

Sharing V-4 engine architecture with the roadgoing VFR750F, the -R was mostly different inside the cases and pushed 118 ponies. Titanium connecting rods greatly reduced rotating mass and defined unobtanium. Crank and cams were geared to provide a power pulse every 360 degrees, improving rideability at racing rpms. The all alloy chassis and peeks out behind the fiberglass fairing, holding 41mm right-side-up forks and ELF’s single-sided swingarm. Trailing throttle torque was tamed by the factory slipper clutch. Single seat and five gallon alloy fuel tank had their focus on the race course.

Said to be hosted by only its second owner, this RC30 looks outstanding and reports 7,037 miles. If the new owner elects to ride there will be time to go over any needed repairs and recent maintenance, but they aren’t discussed in the eBay auction:

One of the modern era’s few immediately collectible classics

The RC30 was created for one reason – to win the World Superbike Championship!

The seller is the second owner of the bike

First owner was Nick Helyer who purchased it in Orlando, FL in 1990

Nick was a British gentleman that apparently did some WEC racing in the late 1970s, early 1980s

The bike notably includes the owner’s manual, tool kit and two keys

Success came early and often to the RC30, taking the two first Superbike World Championships under Fred Merkel, as well as Formula TT wins with Joey Dunlop and Carl Fogarty aboard. Not to mention a handful of World Endurance Championship wins and AMA Superbike victories. Though this is “merely” the streetable VFR750R, it would make a singular afternoon. Hopefully the next custodian will be able to arrange it.

-donn

Honda May 4, 2020 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 1988 Honda NSR250 / MC18 with CA Reg !

Two stroke 250’s have proved a bit of a niche market in bigger-is-better USA, but with a de-restricted 60 hp pushing 300 lbs. around, they are plenty quick. RSBFS reader Simon’s example is pristine, nicely upgraded, and ready for a grand re-opening.

1988 Honda NSR250R / MC18 for sale

Since the 250cc formula was the penultimate MotoGP class until 2010, each competitive manufacturer had one in the showroom on Monday morning. The 249cc L-twin was a popular solution, and Honda had one in their stable from 1984 to 1999. The MC18 was the second NSR generation, with new 32mm carburetors and PGM-I electronics controlled ignition. Similar to the race machines, the alloy chassis held the engine and the straight-leg swingarm was also alloy. Triple-disk brakes are way up to the task and the angular fairing cuts through the air.

Simon’s NSR looks sharp in Honda red with lightly polished alloy frame, forks and muffs. Except for the updated brakes it shows very factory, with 16,000 Km’s or around 10K miles. Comments from the Santa Barbara Craigslist post:

Fully sorted and ready to ride. A few very minor mods to sharpen up the brakes, Galfer Wave brake rotors, steel braided lines with some aggressive pads. 16k KM. Recent carb clean, good tires, new plugs, new power valve controller and new lithium ion battery. Bike is de-restricted (of course). Starts easy, idles smooth and rips. Comes with some spares. Have clear title in my name and current CA reg.

Have factory service manual

No rust in tank

Simon asks $8,000 for his NSR250R, and can be reached by email – here –.

Always a pleasure to review a machine with a caring owner, and this is certainly one. The California registration is a nice selling point, no need to re-invent that wheel. Looking ready to ride, Simon’s NSR should vacuum up the twistie bits.

-donn

Featured Listing – 1988 Honda NSR250 / MC18 with CA Reg !

Ducati May 4, 2020 posted by Donn

Old Family Recipe – 2006 Ducati SportClassic 1000 with just 4,492 Miles !

Like so many special bikes, the 2006 SportClassic 1000 had some neat things the first year which were moved into the profit margin going forward. Beside low miles, this SportClassic has some nice upgrades.

2006 Ducati SportClassic 1000 for sale on eBay

When presented in Japan in late 2003, the Pierre Terblanche retro design injected a touch of excitement into the the 2005-6 model year. The SportClassic 1000 gleaned 91 hp from the air cooled dual-spark 992, revered now as a classic Ducati powerplant. The Mods vs. Rockers stance belied the modern 43mm upside-down forks, and curious double-sided swingarm, with single Sachs shock making room for the mufflers on the right. Initially the SC1000 was a only a single seater, and kept the dry weight under 400 lbs.

From the comments the seller is helping out a friend who is the original owner. Some nice Rizoma accessories and apparently un-stickered Termi’s. Probably time for new belts and bologna skins before any real rides. Comments from the eBay auction:

Mint condition, many after market parts. Original stock parts included, runs perfect , sounds awesome, bike has sat In my hanger for 5 years, it’s dusty but will clean up as new.

Beautiful and rare. Mono shock, mint condition, 4,492 original miles, runs perfect. Sounds incredible. Stored indoors, many after market upgrades, all original parts included. This bike will not disappoint it’s pure art. Needs nothing, no issues. Clean title, all manuals / keys / tools, etc., never laid down.

Subsequent years of the SportClassic GT1000 acquired dual seats, and the exotic asymmetrical swingarm went to a dual shock unit. The leather helmet and goggles vibe took a while to catch on, and SportClassics as a whole were under-appreciated until they left the showroom. Then prices started to go up ! Bidding is quite active but hasn’t met the reserve, with four days to run.

-donn

Old Family Recipe – 2006 Ducati SportClassic 1000 with just 4,492 Miles !

Yamaha May 1, 2020 posted by Donn

Formation Flight – 1985 Yamaha RZ500 with 4,600 miles !

With a pair of 250cc engines driving a common output shaft providing two power strokes on every revolution, Yamaha’s RZ500 pushed nearly 200 hp per liter, even in street trim. This sharp Michigan example has been in storage but was recently freshened up for riding season.

1985 Yamaha RZ500 for sale on eBay

The RZ’s engine is almost a cube, with four 26mm Mikuni carburetors looking out to the side-mounted airboxes from the valley of the 50-degree V. Individual expansion chambers wend their way back, with the upper cylinders’ pipes tucked into the seat fairing. 88 hp was available at a wailing 9,500 rpm, with the torque band was stretched by the YPVS power valve system. The chassis was steel tubing and the forks were right-side-up, though the monoshock was underneath the engine to make room for the exhausts.

With just over 4,600 miles, this RZ had to be in storage before the present owner. Just some stress cracking on the chin scoop is apparent, with none of the usual garage rash and corrosion. The seller waited seven years to re-commission it for the road, and has the following comments in the eBay auction:

New Battery

New Tires

New Chain

New Wheel Bearings

New Tapered steering head bearings

Changed transmission Oil

Cleaned float bowls on carbs

New Shut off valve for fuel

New front Brake Pads

Amsoil Dominator Synthetic injector oil

New fork seals, Race tech Springs, Gold valves, Modified damper rods (per Race Tech) 20 wt oil

With modifying damper rods the Anti Dive units are inactive (left them for stock appearance)

This is a very nice mostly all Original RZ, Starts first kick most every time hot or cold, shifts and clutches fine, pulls all the way to redline.

All lights work, horn, blinkers, brake light, gauge lights

The RZ500 waited more than 10 years to hit the streets after the YZR500 race machine’s 1973 introduction, but by then the U.S. and a good part of Europe had declared two-strokes unwelcome. So every RZ500 seen will be a gray market import with limited history, and a KMH speedo with MPH sub-titles. This one’s about as nice as they come without claims of a collection or museum, and the auction’s at $11K with five days to run. With recent sales in the low $20’s, a lot of us will just be watching, at least to see where the reserve is set.

-donn

Formation Flight – 1985 Yamaha RZ500 with 4,600 miles !

Bimota April 27, 2020 posted by Donn

Hangar Queen – 2000 Bimota SB8R with just 1,560 miles !

Bimota’s SB8R combined Suzuki TL1000 power with a hybrid alloy/carbon chassis, and presented the company with a WSBK win in 2000. This example was parked in an aircraft hangar for many years but shows none the worse for it.

2000 Bimota SB8R for sale on eBay

Bimota saw the potential in Suzuki’s liter twin and worked their now-typical magic of better handling and lighter weight. The 996cc mill is canted slightly further forward and equipped with Marelli fuel injection and 59mm throttle bodies. Along with Bimota’s own exhaust, the package rates 134 hp. The chassis uses carbon frame connectors and alloy spars, with a self-supporting carbon seat console. After Paoli 46mm forks were installed in an adjustable headstock, Bimota found room for a more conventional Öhlins shock on the right side of the engine, with a healthy linkage. Weight was below 400 lbs. dry, and despite the bulbous looks from the front was quite narrow.

Back in a corner behind the King Air or turbine single ( looks like it’s in a real toy shop now ) this Bimota waited for a break in the action that came too late. Still it was protected from the elements, and shows like a virtually new bike. The all metal cam drive could deal with the waiting, but all new expendables will be required. After a thorough going over, the next owner will have real time machine. Details from the eBay auction:

Stored in a private collection the last 10 years, 1,560 miles from new, $7k in upgrades including Arrow carbon fiber exhaust system, many billet pieces, upgrades to fuel system, new battery, workshop manual, factory cover, we have factory exhaust. Receipts for all upgrades. Bike sounds incredible. When first bought no expense was spared to make this Bimota supersonic and address any factory issues, many racing spec parts were sourced and installed. Look over the receipts for specifics. Bike has sat in a hanger for 10 years – it’s not detailed it will clean up as new.

Bimota dialed in every target where the TL-1000R had missed the mark, though it cost just about double. Racing helped the road bike, as the exhaust was re-designed after endurance race failures. The new owner will have to peek around the big carbon fresh air ducts until the thumbs memorize the switchgear, but big torque will make pulling out to pass a memorable experience.

-donn

Hangar Queen – 2000 Bimota SB8R with just 1,560 miles !

Ducati April 25, 2020 posted by Donn

Dust Never Sleeps – 2004 Ducati 749R Racebike

Sometimes a builder gets things looking so good, the will to ride the daylights out of their creation suffers. Not sure that’s what happened here, but this 749R has been beautifully prepped for the track and looks ready for a late start to the season.

2004 Ducati 749R ( Racebike ) for sale on eBay

Ducati’s 749 accompanied the 999 to the showroom, and the 749R was built in limited quantities for supersport racers to campaign. The 749R had a much more race-oriented engine than the base and -S models, much more oversquare with a 94mm bore and 54mm stroke. The architecture was backed up with exotic materials, with titanium con-rods and valves, and magnesium head covers conspiring for 121 hp at 10,250 rpm. 43mm Öhlins forks ride in an adjustable headstock, and the both-sided swingarm has a race-oriented non-progressive linkage to the monoshock. Even the typically excellent Brembo brakes are lightened for the track, with thinner 4.5 mm rotors.

This 749R had the cobwebs blown off in the owner’s Florida driveway, and looks like a fresh track day build. From the levers and pegs to the Alicé-derived livery, this build looks right. Harder to see is the flow smoothing, balancing, and updates internal to the engine. Too much to list from the eBay auction:

Peach Pit Custom Paint Job

Armour Bodies Bodywork

Vortex Upper stay

Engine Build….Ducati Race Kit Plus…. 20k in receits

Ported Heads, Cams, Intake Manifolds, Injectors, Etc

130HP on Pump with Dyno Sheet

Marchesini Forged Rims

Ohlins Front and Rear Suspension and Steering Damper

Corse Dynamics Ride Height Adjuster

Microtec ECU

Dynojet Quickshifter

EVR Slipper Clutch

BCM Clutch Cover

Termignoni Full 60mm System

Euro Racing Quick turn Throttle

Attack Offset Triple Trees

Woodcraft Clip-ons

BCM Rearsets

Vortex 520 Gearing

Shorai Battery

Accossoto Brake Master with CRG Levers

Speedmoto frame sliders

Lightened Rear Brake Rotor

The stacked headlight design was short-lived at Ducati, but improvements in the Testastretta kept coming. An AMA or World Supersport championship wasn’t in the cards, but privateers and club racers kept the marque on the front page. The auction appears to be without reserve, despite the big bucks sunk in this bike. As always, the purchase cost of a race machine is just the price of admission, but for a superfan this might be great track day bike.

-donn