Author Archives: Donn

Ducati August 6, 2019 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 2005 Ducati Monster S4R

8.20.2019: Sold in just 14 days. Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Jamming superbike performance into a standard package, Ducati brought more excitement to the Monster corner of the showroom with their water-cooled S4’s. For 2005 the S4R used the four-valve 996 engine tuned for 113hp. From the Carolinas, this blue example has been nicely accessorized and maintained.

At the top of the Monster range, the S4R used premium suspension components are from Showa, with Ti nitrided fork legs and fully adjustable monoshock. The sculptural single-sided swingarm is templated from the MH900e showcase. Brakes are semi-floating Brembos, super(bike) sized at 320mm. The classic trellis frame is in body color, which camouflages some of the surface mounted plumbing and electrical. The bikini fairing and carbon accents keep the eyes moving, and the 996cc engine runs cooler without the usual fairing.

Longtime RSBFS reader Ryan chose well as the previous owner had started with a good year (2005’s have a steel fuel tank and no ethanol issues), specified the option paint, and added 2-into-2 Termignoni exhaust, Speedymoto bar risers and Pazzo levers. Ryan made his own mechanical and appearance mods, and has these comments-

I serviced all the fluids, installed Pirelli Angel GT tires, and a new EVR sintered clutch pack, blue STM clutch pressure plate, Oberon slave cylinder and Speedymoto open cover to showcase the dry clutch. At 16,000 miles it received valve adjustment, belts, fuel filter, new EK chain, 14 tooth front sprocket, Ducati Performance Touring seat, CRG bar end mirrors, Rizoma front signals, and integrated tail light. The ECU was sent out to Houston Superbikes for software flash and disabling of the immobilizer. The bike runs flawlessly, has clean title, never taken to the track, great condition with only a few minor paint chips and faded carbon fiber heel guards. This year it’s had fluids serviced, new coolant hoses, rear brake pads, and new timing belts. Including original seat, front and rear stands with sale.

Ryan’s S4R has 22,795 miles but looks much less, especially with the maintenance history. Some find a certain beauty in the complexity of a 996, and this silver, black and blue Monster makes it look as good as ever. Asking $5,000 for the pleasure,

-donn

Featured Listing – 2005 Ducati Monster S4R

Featured Listing August 5, 2019 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 1990 Honda VFR750R / RC30

Update 8.1.2019: Joe has renewed his Featured Listings. Check out all of Joe’s bikes for sale on RSBFS! Many thanks for choosing us to help move your collection! -dc

Even if not fans, RSBFS readers will acknowledge Honda’s long history of success in motorcycle production and racing. These days, Honda seems to have the engineering chops ( and resources ) to do almost whatever they put their minds to – witness their Formula 1 winning V6’s for Williams and McLaren, several years as CART’s engine of choice, and more recently the HondaJet aircraft ( with turbofans developed by Honda and GE ).

The VFR750R/RC30 from 1987-1990 is just one more example, where engineers and designers pulled a winning concept together, and the manufacturing side of the company executed beautifully, about 3,000 times. As testament, the factory team won the inaugural WSBK season in 1988. This rare example has been in a collector’s display since new, and occasionally exercised, turning under 1,200 miles.

As their homologation special for the Superbike World Championship, the RC30 really was the mythical race bike with lights. From the sharp-steering alloy chassis to the 296mm front disks to the single-sided Pro-Link swingarm, the RC30 provided the racers what they needed. Shocks and forks on the single seater were only adjustable for preload, since the race teams would be putting their own special parts. The compact V-4 looked similar to the preceding VFR750F, but shared almost no internal parts. Even the exhaust note with the new 360-degree crank was specific to the RC30.

Resting in the motorcycle wing of a large auto collection, this RC30 has received excellent care and not even break-in miles. The pictures show an apparently new machine, even though a generation has passed since it was built. The owner tells of a mid-life cosmetic refurbishment:

In general, I do believe super rare Italian motorcycle of the 1970s and 1980s are the future Ferrari of motorcycle collecting. We all know what has happened to Ferrari.

An exception would have to be my super low (under 1,200) miles, almost perfectly like-new 1990 Honda RC30.

Yes, there are a few exceptions to what I call my Italian collecting rule and one of those would be the 1990 Honda RC30. This 1990 Honda RC30 needs no introduction or explanation by me as it is such a famous Honda, that the only thing you need to know about an RC30 is if you are getting a good one or a really great one or one of the very best.

The RC30 in this listing was purchased for the collection several years ago and is an extremely low mileage bike. It was absolutely 99% perfect, however, some of the detail parts that were white rubber or painted white had become slightly discolored. At that time, almost ten years ago, Honda was still had these parts in stock and we purchased each and every part to bring the cosmetic looks of the bike back to 99%. This 1990 Honda RC30 has not been raced or abused or messed with in any way. It currently looks like new, runs just as it should and is kept on a trickle charger and is exercised thoroughly during the spring, summer, and fall; and again it has never been raced or abused (most have been!).

As you may already know, there is nothing more exciting nor handles better than the Honda RC30. The looks, graphics, and colors of the bike need no apology either. They are absolutely a stand-out in any crowd of motorcycles. Most RC30s were extensively raced and it is very hard to find one that has not been modified or raced. You are looking at one that has not been abused in that way shape or form. This bike is always kept on a trickle charge and ready take a trip to any bike show at a moment’s notice. This is truly a bike for a serious collection and it would be a shame to abuse it. Oh yes, it comes with a new Honda rear wheel stand still in the box.

All my bikes are kept in climate controlled storage and on trickle chargers when not in use so they are always ready to take a day’s ride at a moment’s notice.

Honda might be accused of an obsession with the V-4, which brought it multiple WSBK titles along with TT and endurance racing wins. After Superbike rulesmakers made a short dalliance with the V-twin an offer they couldn’t refuse, Honda returned to the four with the RC212V. But for road riders, the RC30 was a moment when you could buy something very special from the local dealer, even though it cost twice as much as the nearest competitor. That moment is reflected in recent asking prices even for fairly well-used examples. But in this case, we have an RC30 that has been in a collector’s hands from day one, without damage history and in impeccable shape. Please contact Joe for more information at 847-774-4857.

-donn

Featured Listing – 1990 Honda VFR750R / RC30

Buell August 4, 2019 posted by Donn

1992 Buell RSS1200 Westwind

Few riders could have foreseen the roller coaster ride Harley-Davidson in store for Erik Buell, but a previous owner of this RSS1200 Westwind saw a future classic in the big twin. With just 1,800 miles this gem is very original and has been protected from life’s bumps and bruises.

1992 Buell RSS1200 Westwind for sale on eBay

Buell had recently started to specify the 1198cc Sportster powerplant, and used the new isoplanar engine mounts to tame the drumbeat of the 61 hp but very torquey engine. The mill hung in the factory’s own ladder frame, using the engine case to locate the front of the underslung pull shock. Up front the suspension was more conventional with upside-down WP forks, and the dual front brakes with six-piston calipers pre-date any Zero Torque Load patents. Sharing space under the engine is a short Supertrapp exhaust, fairly inadequate but at least lightweight and centralized. The monoposto seat is cleaned up substantially from the previous flip-up dual seat.

It looks like the second owner ( of three ) was the superfan, going through the comprehensive brake rebuild, fork swap, and fastener-level refinishing. The seller has owned the RSS for 5 years, and kept the notes from the everything-but restoration:

Finished in Transparent Ruby Red. An original single seat bike, not converted from RS twin seat. This machine has been rebuilt over the last 4 years to original and as delivered condition from a very original low mileage bike. It is not a restoration, though in the interest of mechanical functionality tires, brake and fuel lines, chain, battery, caliper and shock rebuilds have been performed.

All original decals are on frame, with original paint excepting side stand which was powder coated. All chrome has been redone to show standards, including truss head bodywork screws, and banjo bolts. All Wellnuts have been replaced. Fasteners used in the rebuild are zinc di-chromate where originally used, otherwise plating is bright zinc. This bike had a chrome chain guard which appears to be original and remains in place, though I cannot find any original photos with a chrome guard.

All bodywork is original and shows no signs of damage. The paint was buffed to a high gloss by a professional restoration painter, it was not repainted. Windscreen is the original Gustafsson piece, headlight cover was remade and drilled to fit the fairing in California by Cee Bailey Plastics. The fuel tank was cleaned and recoated inside with modern sealant not reactive to unleaded ethanol fuel. No gas has been put into tank since recoating. Electric solenoid fuel valves were removed, cleaned, new wiring spliced, new gas lines throughout. Napoleon mirror identification decals were made as original, as was the fuel reserve switch decal.

Buell fans might be out there, looking to complete the pre-Harley section of their collection. Or maybe this could just be a smashing occasional rider, its exhaust note, big fairing and unusual color certain to grab some eyeballs wherever it goes. Either way, the mechanical and cosmetic work make it even better than new, and though the starting bid is up there it looks like it’d be worth it.

-donn

Benelli August 3, 2019 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 1976 Benelli Sei 750

Update 8.1.2019: Joe has renewed his Featured Listings. Check out all of Joe’s bikes for sale on RSBFS! Many thanks for choosing us to help move your collection! -dc

Benelli and Honda exchanged flattery in the 1970’s, which began with Benelli creating a six cylinder look-alike of Honda’s CB500 Four in 1972. Their flagship Sei began as a 750 and progressed to a 900 by 1979. Honda returned the compliment in 1978 with their CBX. Restored by a previous owner, this Sei is a magnificent labor of love.

Benelli made a careful study of the air-cooled Honda and made a few changes – the gear-driven alternator, located behind the cylinders, keeps the engine’s width manageable. With three Dell’Orto carburettors, 76 hp was almost effortless and the Sei created usable torque from 2,000 rpm. The chassis is a hefty downtube with right-side-up Marzocchi forks, and twin Sebac shocks. Dual front disks make up for the tried-and-true rear drum. Styling is dominated by the six-way calliope, with a few angular details on the instrument cluster, side covers, and cylinders.

A bottle of chrome polish might be on the new owner’s shopping list, since the Sei is all metal, with not even the side covers executed in plastic. On display since shortly after the restoration was completed, it shows almost as a new machine, with sparkling finishes and new rubber parts, like the carburetor boots. The owner shares these notes:

In general, I do believe super rare Italian motorcycle of the 1970s and 1980s are the future Ferrari of motorcycle collecting. We all know what has happened to Ferrari.

The 1976 Benelli SEI 750 six-cylinder is another one of those iconic Italian motorcycles. It was the first six-cylinder production motorcycle, and, yes, those six exhaust pipes not only sound great but look phenomenal. The bike was restored by a gentleman that spent what looks like half a lifetime to get it to such perfection. This bike starts and runs as it should and I don’t personally know of one important criticism that I could make on the bike for show or riding.

The Benelli winding through the gears sound like a Gran Prix rarer and the slick handling is something has to be experienced. These six cylinder Benelli bikes have a long way to go in terms of collector appreciation. When you buy a first series Benelli six cylinder you will find a crowd wherever you stop.

Then just wind up through the gears and it seems that the roar of those six exhaust pipes can be heard a mile away.

Check out the pictures of this Benelli it has to be one of the best, if not The Best, restored 1976 Benelli SEI 750’s ever!

All my bikes are kept in climate controlled storage and on trickle chargers when not in use so they are always ready to take a day’s ride at a moment’s notice.

Prefer phone calls 847-774-4857

Check out the pictures and be a little amazed – you are seeing the best!

As the 1970’s opened, industrialist Alejandro DeTomaso had high hopes for his new acquisition, and funded the development of the magnetic Sei. The big-band sound of six individual 125cc cylinders is more like a fleet of motorcycles than just one. Never destined to be in every garage, the bright light in the Benelli showroom was reflecting off the Sei’s six chrome mufflers. The owner has curated and preserved this example to a high standard, and not insignificantly, kept it ready to ride. Please contact Joe with offers at 847-774-4857.

-donn

Aprilia July 30, 2019 posted by Donn

Mil(le) Spec – 2008 Aprilia Tuono 1000R

Aprilia boarded the naked train in 2002 and shortly switched tracks to a more streetfighter-ish vibe. This 2008 model is super-clean and has some nice accessories.

2008 Aprilia Tuono 1000R for sale on eBay

Based on the Mille superbike, the Tuono ( thunder, to you ) used the investment-grade Rotax 999cc twin, somehow making 139 hp along with a good reputation for reliability. It’s dry-sumped and the ignition timing is controlled by the fuel injection computer. Formed aluminum spars are welded to cast frame connectors, and the classic banana swingarm allows for an exhaust collector upstream of the big twin mufflers. Showa forks and Sachs monoshock aren’t quite the superbike parts, but are preload and rebound adjustable. 4-pot Brembo brakes are superbike-sized at 320mm. No Mickey Mouse ears on the bikini fairing but there is a little praying mantis thing going on.

Some of us would ride right through Fresno’s winter weather, but it’s a good sign that this owner babied his Tuono. Apparently mods and rides were more carefully chosen than the pictures. From the eBay auction:

Excellent Condition, Glossy/Beautifully Preserved Fluo Red/White Paint, 100% Garage-Kept (It Shows!)

All Scheduled Maintenance, Rides Fantastically, Clean Title, No Accidents, Low, Low 11k Mileage.

Responsible Adult-owned (I purchased directly from original private owner in 2011 with 5,500 miles). Never Raced/Tracked or Adulterated. Both the 1st owner and I exclusively used MOTUL 100% Full Synthetic Motor Oil/Lubricants for: Engine, Hydraulic Clutch System, Brake Fluids, Shocks & Forks, & Motul Motocool Expert Coolants/Antifreezes. (Google Motul: Top-line, Premium Quality products–Official supplier/partner/sponsor of MotoGP & many Motorsport World Championships)

All Maintenance/Services performed by trusted, seasoned Mechanic/Builder/Restorer/Fabricator at Vintage Works Motorcycle.

My beloved Tuono has always been properly winterized and covered/stowed during winter seasons; oil changes every 6 months regardless of miles ridden.

– Leo Vince SBK Race-Tech Performance 2:2 Dual Slip-On Exhausts

– Dynojet Tuned via Power Commander III (Fuel Injection Tuning Module) – Map 923-002 (DB-Killer installed)

– ECU Tune+ Dynojet O2 Controller

– CRG Arrow Bar End Mirrors+Recesses

– Carbon Fiber Clutch Cover

– OEM Aprilia Sliders/Crash Protectors

– STOMPGRIP Volcano Tank Grips

This Tuono has been re-listed a couple of times and is approaching downright bargain territory. The front tire looks to be in better shape than the rear, but that’s an occupational hazard for the liter-size streetfighter. Aprilia’s big naked is almost a middleweight at 399 lbs. dry, and this one appears to have had adult ownership and care for the long view.

-donn

Yamaha July 26, 2019 posted by Donn

Summer Fizz – 1989 Yamaha FZR-400

Late July we should be focused on tall drinks with a lot of ice and a splash of seltzer, when a bargain-priced lightweight pops up. This restorable rider sponsors thoughts of a ( well air conditioned ) van trip to Georgia.

1989 Yamaha FZR-400 for sale on eBay

Yamaha had been pursuing separate F3 and 400cc road bike goals, but joined other manufacturers in the racey replica business in 1986. The .85 pint-sized inclined four fit snugly in the Deltabox alloy frame, and 60 hp arrived at a lofty 12,500 rpm. Relaxed geometry made the handling less aggressive than some of the competition, with just preload adjustable on the right side up forks and monoshock. Brakes are single piston but 298mm dual rotors, muy bueno for the expected use. 16,000 miles and 30 years down the road, the original build quality testifies for the defense.

No word on the chain of custody or originality of some parts, but the FZR appears substantially stock and quite tidy. The owner has this to say in the eBay auction:

extremely good condition and runs perfect and is surprisingly fast for a 400 – everything works and it has a manual fan switch for hot days – it has brand new shinko podium 006s , a yoshimira exhaust system that sounds great, new regulator rectifier,recent chain and sprockets, and comes with the service and owners manual – also it has the seat strap if you want to remove the solo seat cowl and the rear seat pad is there as well-there is a small crack and scuff on the left mid fairing as seen in the picture but doesn’t affect the rigidity of the fairing – would make a very competitive ahrma vintage race bike in the next gen lightweight superbike class or a fun bike to tear up the curves in the mountains –

Since RSBFS is usually attracted to nicer examples, it bears emphasizing that a real rider has its place in the garage. It can go to the track, or out in the rain, or be lent to a friend. Or become the basis for a riding restoration. This FZR appears to have had attention when needed, but hasn’t been refinished or glossed over. Some might find the ask a bit much for a generation-old midsize, but if you’re still interested the Make Offer button is lit.

-donn

Ducati July 23, 2019 posted by Donn

BFF – 1996 Ducati 900 SS/CR

Ducati has had a Supersport in their line-up since most of us have been riding, and the 1990’s were good years for the SS with excellent chassis, Brembo brakes, Showa suspension and the easy air-cooled desmodue. This example has miles, and though the owner went lightly on upgrades, maintenance is up to date.

1996 Ducati 900SS/CR for sale on eBay

The carburetted era was winding down at Ducati but the 900SS still sports 38mm Mikunis, helping deliver 85 hp, pretty good for a two-valve air cooled engine. Components were in a sweet spot as well, with dual 320mm disks, inverted forks and lightweight if not quiet dry clutch. A good-sized pillion is available under the beauty cover, and the cafe racer fairing insures easy access for maintenance and cleaning.

This owner has made a few nice mods with the alloy swingarm and wider rear wheel, looks like an updated monoshock though it isn’t mentioned. The oil change schedule has a seasonal sound, so likely not too many recent miles, and for that odometer it looks phenomenal. Generously photographed, there’s also video of – startup – and – walkaround – ( better soundtrack on the startup ). From the eBay auction:

1996 Ducati 900SS with 35,146 miles. Meticulously maintained. Very clean. Always stored indoors (inside basement shop). Oil and filter changed every 500 miles or so. Valve adjusted 34,235. Belts replaced, new Ferodo clutch plates, brakes/clutch bled 34,934. This is basically an SP model (sans the carbon fiber and remote reservoirs) with CR bodywork. Showa 41mm usd 3-way adjustable forks. Aluminum SP swingarm. 5.5″ rear wheel. Regina chain. 41t rear sprocket. Adjustable brake and clutch levers. Napoleon bar-end mirror. Stock exhaust and cans (though mildly jetted to accept slip-ons). Updated (2001+) clutch slave cylinder and rod. Vented 1/2 clutch cover. Lightly tinted windscreen. New Yuasa YTX20HL-BS High Performance AGM battery. Did I mention how clean this bike was?

The later Supersports had a tough row to hoe, second fiddle to the superbikes with the new Monsters breathing down their corner of the showroom. Only a few hundred were imported in ’97-98, and Pierre Terblanche provided a re-styled SS for 1999. Though there is a reserve on this auction, this SS/CR should still be a down payment-sized entry into the sportbike affliction.

-donn

Ducati July 22, 2019 posted by Donn

Doppelganger – 2004 Ducati 998 Matrix Reloaded Edition

Like Agent Smith inhabited Bane’s real body, the 998 cloaked the new Ducati testastretta in the familiar 916/996 package. This Virginia example is offered by the original dealer and looks excellent.

2004 Ducati 998 Matrix Reloaded Edition for sale on eBay

First introduced in the 996R, the early testastretta engine was seriously oversquare ( 104 mm bore x 58.8 mm stroke ) and cooked up 123 hp. The classic trellis frame was silver and a nice contrast with the metallic green bodywork. Gold accents on the Showa titanium nitrided forks, 320mm Brembo brakes and Öhlins monoshock showed off the premium components.

Evidently a franchise dealer back in the day, the seller is now an independent but has serviced the bike for its 12K-plus miles. Not sure there are any mods beside the Arrow exhaust, and the condition is immaculate. Comments from the eBay auction:

This wonderful example was sold new at our shop when we were a Ducati Dealer and has been a local bike ever since. The bike has just received a full and inclusive 12K Service including but not limited to; valve adjustment, throttle body synchronization, new belts, new fuel filter, all fluids, all critical fasteners checked, brake service, clean lube and adjust chain. Ready to Ride!!! Buy It Now price includes either black or original silver five spoke Marchesini Wheels.

The 998 won in WSBK and the dealerships, and was a memorable superbike when the 999 styling failed to impress fans. The Matrix Edition number just a few hundred and always attract attention. The ( ahem ) trinity of long time dealer service, super and collectible condition, and up-to-date maintenance should make for a winning combination.

-donn