Author Archives: Doug

Yamaha April 9, 2022 posted by Doug

2012 Yamaha YZF R1 World GP 50th Anniversary Edition 0001/2000 For Sale!

Make: Yamaha
Model: R1 60th Anniversary
Badge: 1 of 2000
Mileage: 12,342
Location: Villa Rica, Georgia
Price: $12,000 starting bid or $25,000 BIN

In the words of Reese Bobby “If you ain’t first- you’re last!” Yes indeed, here is your chance to pick up Numero Uno and make Reese proud.

Back in 2012, all the Yamaha R1 rage was cross plane cranks, 7 position traction control, restyled fairings, 6 piston calipers clamping down on 310mm brake rotors, better foot pegs, updated exhaust heat shields, celebrating their 50th year competing in Moto GP and a special red and pearl white livery to commemorate the occasion.
However, inquiring minds want to know- If Yamaha started racing MotoGP in 1961 and 50 years later is 2011 why did they wait until 2012 to celebrate 50 years on the retail side of things?

Excluding the first year color schemes and the R1M, I think this is the best looking design ever offered on an R1. I know, my opinion stinks so, put your flame throwers down, but can we can all agree there’s no better sound than a cross plane crank motor?

From the seller:
2012 Yamaha YZF R1. In excellent condition. Good tires good brakes. Bike fires right up and sounds amazing. I do have the stock pipes exhaust guards and levers. The bike has just received an oil change and it is ready to ride. Cash payment on pick up. This bike is the 2012 R1 Anniversary GP Edition #1 of 2000 made. Yes, this bike is the #1 and the first one made.
This bike makes a great fun way of transportation or would look great sitting inside a museum. Please serious inquiries only.

I think Jorge would agree that it was “a great fun way of transportation” aka: a great fun way of Haul’n Ass! 🙂

Number 1 looks to be in really nice condition with the exception of the lower right fairing. Even though the seller doesn’t mention it, the photos are showing some minor scratches on the stickers. Those look like run of the mill stickers and shouldn’t be too difficult to replace which would bring this collectable back to near perfect condition.

One last question- How often does an average enthusiast get to pick up 1/XXXX of anything? Not often is the answer your looking for.

Make the jump here to place your bid!

Please save of the whining about the BIN price- we all know and there’s no reason to point it out. 😉

Cheers!

Doug

Triumph April 7, 2022 posted by Doug

1995 Triumph Speed Triple with only 1,948 miles For Sale!

Make: Triumph
Model: Speed Triple
Mileage: 1,948
BIN Price: $5,600
Location: Weston, Connecticut

Along about the time Motley Crue’s John Corabi was belting out Hooligan’s Holiday Triumph’s John Bloor was getting busy rebuilding their brand with their own Hooligan- the 855cc Speed Triple. Much like Corabi and The Crue, Bloor’s Hooligan Speed Triple looked the part, but didn’t really have it where it counted. It’s well documented that these early Speed Triples are top heavy, down on power, ill handling and have mushy brakes, but these checked all of the boxes for the nostalgic Triumph fans. Black, British and dare I say quirky? You see, if folks didn’t like old things there would be no Rare Sport Bikes For Sale. People have fond memories of days gone by and still lust after the one that got away (No, I’m not talking about that hot thing from high school).
Today’s 200hp, fire breathing motorcycles are leaps and bounds better than my beloved ZX-7R’s with their torture rack riding position and quirky flat slide carbs, but I/we still love and desire them. Right?

From the seller
Extraordinary rare example of the 1995 Triumph Speed Triple with low mileage <2000 miles a 2rd owner well maintained, great running bike. High performance carburetors re: flat slide Keihin smooth bore Venturis jetted and matched to the carbon fiber mufflers. This bike is a hotrod when compared to its modern day incarnation and sounds really good when twisting it open and bracing against the acceleration. New tires (<200 miles). Fresh brake fluids, oil, filter, spark plugs. Battery tender. Only racing fuel used. Toolkit under seat. The move to high performance carburetors deleted the choke and changed the direction of the fuel selector. A couple pulls of the throttle primes and a couple press of the starter fires her up. I purchased this bike ~2 years ago and had the mechanic, who had maintained this bike as part of the prior owner's collection, go over the bike, replace the battery, fluids and throw on new tires. I added a battery tender, replaced a grommet where the seat frame meets the rear body and performed seasonal service (all genuine Triumph parts). It sits up on a Abba motorcycle stand, attached to a battery tender when not out on the road.

Very, very nice and according to the seller- she’s ready to Rock-n-Roll!

Is a 1995 Speed Triple your one that got away? If so, this one might be for you!

Make the jump here for a walk down memory lane!

Cheers!

Doug

Honda April 2, 2022 posted by Doug

1989 Honda NSR250 MC18 For Sale!

1989 Honda NSR250 MC18 For Sale on CL!

Make: Honda
Model: NSR250 MC18
Mileage: 22,281 km
Price: $14,000
Titled: Yes
Location: Calabasas, CA (Shout out to my boys from P.O.D.)

From the seller
Imported from Japan four years ago, registered in California and slowly restored to exceptional condition. One of the nicest MC18 examples to be had and they’re rare. Most are in poor or un-restored condition. Everything on this bike has been gone through and fixed, replaced or refinished. Compression is perfect, carbs cleaned/tuned and runs amazing. Zero miles on new Bridgestone tires.

– California Title/Reg/Plate
– De-restricted (60hp estimated)
– JHA pipes
– Magtek magnesium rims just repainted
– New wheel bearings
– New Bridgestone tires w/ zero miles
– New Rothmans bodywork, stripes corrected and inside of panels painted flat black
– New fasteners
– New windscreen from U.K.
– New Renthal grips
– Vintage Japanese BEET rear sets
– Reupholstered rear seat
– New lithium battery
– New regulator/rectifier
– New fork seals
– New oil pump seal
– Zinc-plated hardware

I assure you- that list isn’t telling the whole story, but the pictures will complete the list for you. Have a look and tell me what you notice . . .

I see hundreds of hours of elbow grease and several hundred dollars in cleaning supplies. Have you ever laid your eyes on a cleaner 2 stroke? I’m not sure they’re this clean from the factory!

Hello there, Mr. Beet! I think I’m more excited about seeing those in the wild than I am about seeing a MC18 🙂

I know it’s not original, the wheels have been resprayed and it has those pesky aftermarket fairings, but it is 33 years old and comes from one of the harshest environments for motorcycles and yet, it looks amazingly clean, fresh and ready to make some noise.

If you’re in the market for a solid rider this might be where you can punch your ticket, but as always, I’d suggest you reach out to the seller and do your own due diligence to get a better feel for it.

Let me know your thoughts on this good looking MC18 and Smoke’em if ya got’em!

Cheers!

Doug

Honda April 1, 2022 posted by Doug

Feature Listing- 1990 Honda VFR750R RC30 For Sale!

Update 4.1.2022: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

1990 Honda VFR 750R RC30 For Sale!

Location: Seattle, WA
Make: Honda
Model: VFR750R RC30
Mileage: 15,228
Price: $45,000
Contact: Dave at (206) 535-6812 or dave@SeattleUsedBikes.com

We always enjoy a solid homologation superbike and this one is no exception!
This one is being offered by our good friends at Seattle Used Bikes and comes with storied past.

Read on-

When the current owner, who is the third owner, first purchased it in January of 1999 with 13168 miles showing. We are told that it was eventually handed over to his friend, world famous Honda tuner Mike Velasco; who is a PNW resident. Mike went over it, jetted the carbs for the aftermarket (Tyga?) exhaust, performed a valve clearance check and other basics, there was no documentation provided but its clear it has been looked after.

Knowing Mike Velasco tuned this RC30 is something special and should help ease any concerns of prospective buyers. If you’re not familiar with Mike Velasco, I suggest you allow some time for quick web search. You’ll quickly find his name along side Pops Yoshimura, Two Brothers Racing, Freddie Spencer, Fred Merkel and Bubba Shobert.

It has had roughly 2000 miles added since purchase, it did sit for the last few years in controlled environment. We needed to give the carbs a light clean, replace various rubber bits inside, new OEM carb bowl o-rings and intake manifolds were all sourced. We then moved on to the fluids, fresh oil and Honda filter, flushed/refilled coolant along with all the hydraulics, we use all Motul products. We took our time and looked for any other items needing attention, the small details. Last, we installed a set of new Avon Spirit ST tires in the proper OEM size and gave it a professional detail.

All of the bodywork is in good condition, we did spot some damage on the right side on the seat section from stress, fairly common on the RC30. The foam inside the upper fairing panels is in good condition but like most of these, the belly pan sustained heat damage at some point and was repaired. We are told it was not uncommon to spot a slight variance in the red color from upper to lower but the white paint is not original. We are finishing up lining the common hot spots with moose racing heat shields to protect it. We did notice the aftermarket exhaust vs stock, is not touching anywhere inside the belly pan. We also spotted a dent in the radiator on the right side, no leaks or fitment issues, no information on what or when it happened, mount on the frame sustained no damage. We have a included pictures of the blemishes found, everything lined up right upon reassembly after servicing.

The original owner of this particular RC30 has made contact with SUB and offered a few stories along with some of his memories. My favorite? He used it as a “grocery getter”

Recently the original RC30 owner reached out to us! Check out the picture!! He is still an avid enthusiast and said he has always had his eye out for #236. While not in the cards to bring it back home he did share a few stories and more details along with some original photos. There were only a small handful of RC30’s sold here in the PNW when new, this one was purchased brand new from our friends at Everett Powersports as a 3 year old non current in 1993, We were told the dealer had just moved it off the sales floor into an upstairs storage area. They allowed a young kinda broke moto dreamer to sit up there and fall in love, he found a way. He had the joy of putting the around 10,000 or so miles on it over the next few years,.it was often used as a daily commuter and occasional grocery getter! It was parked the final year of ownership in his dining room before deciding to move on. During the years of ownership he kept it in virtually bone stock condition, taking proper care along the way following the Honda recommendations, he told us he truly “babied it”

This is a really nice RC30 that has been enjoyed and taken care of along the way. It presents very well and has been tuned by one of the great tuners of the homologation era.

Enjoy the video and make sure you click the link below for the “Under the Skin” photos.

Click here for extensive “Under the Skin” photos

Give Dave a call at (206) 535-6812 or reach out via email at dave@SeattleUsedBikes.com if you’d like more information on this amazing Honda VFR750R RC30.

Feature Listing- 1990 Honda VFR750R RC30 For Sale!

Ducati March 27, 2022 posted by Doug

1995 Ducati 900SS/SP #559 For Sale!

1995 Ducati 900 SS/SP #559 For Sale on eBay!

Make: Ducati
Model: 900 SS/SP
Badge: #559
Mileage: 30,311 or 31,100
Location: Costa Mesa, CA
Price: $7,250 BIN

The auction ad states 31,100 miles and even though I don’t have my glasses on, I think that reads 30,311 . . . ?

From the seller of many words
Full Desmo service

That maybe the best “For Sale” description to ever grace our page! With that said, we’re on our own for the details-

#559 looks to have been enjoyed over the past 27 years, but also appears to have been spared the typical run through the Ducati parts catalog. Other than a few prominently placed go fast stickers, mirrors, windscreen, a set of Helibar type risers and an Ohlins shock it appears to be stock and well cared for.

Much like the description, the pictures leave me thirsting for a little more. But, maybe the seller figures it’s a numbered and badged, red Ducati and you can take it or leave it. Perhaps it could also be a forced sale and really isn’t interested in moving it?

I can’t speak from experience, but all signs point to these being awesome machines to ride. Plenty of torque, narrow, and red. What more could you ask for from a 27 year old motorcycle? Oh! Let’s not forget it has a recent “Full Desmo Service” . . . whatever that means.

Interested?

You can make the jump here and ask all the questions you’d like.

Ciao!

Doug

Honda March 18, 2022 posted by Doug

2001 Honda VTR1000F Super Hawk 996 For Sale!

2001 Honda VTR Super Hawk 996 For Sale on eBay!

Make: Honda
Model: Super Hawk 996
Mileage: 11,350
Location: Highwood, IL
Price: $7,950 BIN

Back in the day, when I had a great relationship with the local Honda dealer, I was afforded the opportunity to take one of these for the day and run it through the paces. I remember that day very well. The loaner was equipped with a set of Jardine’s which gave it a nice low rumble. The Super Hawk felt very narrow- almost smallish to the point of feeling like a NT650 Hawk.
Of course, having 996cc’s under you was a huge bonus compared to the NT650’s power.

When I returned it to the dealer, I was all smiles and the sales manager asked me what I thought about it. In typical Honda fashion- it did everything well, but nothing really jumped out at me other than it was fun to ride. It was narrow, felt light, had plenty of torque and the exhaust notes were intoxicating. Just like this one, the one I rode was covered in that super rare Honda red color 🙂

From the seller:

“2001 Honda VTR1000F Super Hawk 996 Sport Bike – There is NOT another Super Hawk in the entire country in this condition! EXTREMELY RARE FIND! 1000cc V-Twin BEAST – Original. In miraculous condition. Time to thin the herd – and I have two of these bikes. I’m selling this – keeping the other. The pictures don’t do this bike justice. COLLECTOR-GRADE. Carbs cleaned and jetted. Meticulously cared for and maintained throughout its life. Garage-kept and covered. PRIVATE SALE – one of a large, personal collection. RUNS LIKE A DREAM! The Super Hawks are very difficult to find – this one is unmatched and one of the finest true sport-touring bikes on the road. Reliable, quick and BEAUTIFUL. In 2001, Honda introduced – larger tank, upgraded front forks, black wheels, smaller indicators, new LCD dash and HISS. I’m located 12 miles North of O’Hare Intl. Airport. Fly in and ride home or have it shipped. Buy with confidence.”

Having been around the Rare Sport Bikes For Sale block a time or two, I always cringe a little when a seller says “There is NOT another (insert any motorcycle) in the entire country in this condition!” I assure you, someone, somewhere has one of these in the factory crate, squirreled away. Trust me Bro!

I’m not taking away from how nice this one is because it is a very nice example.

I don’t dare post it on here, but if you make the jump over to the auction site the seller has their number listed for easy Q&A.

Click here for more information.

Cheers!

Doug

Ducati March 13, 2022 posted by Doug

2002 Ducati 998S Ben Bostrom Replica For Sale!

2002 Ducati 998S Ben Bostrom 155 Edition For Sale!

Make: Ducati
Model: 998s Bostrom
Mileage: 1,487
Price: $17,777 current bid on BAT w/ 4 days remaining

As you may have guessed by now, #102 of 155 is for sale and looking pretty Evel.

The Bostrom 998s is pretty much the Ducati pinnacle for me. I’m not quite sure how it arrived at the top, but if I had to guess, I’d say it’s my love for all things Evel Kneivel and my fond memories of watching Ben letting his 998’s move around underneath him during heavy braking (see video).

This one looks to be in amazing condition and appears to be coming from a nice collection of all things gas powered. 102 does have some slight modifications, but all are period correct and shouldn’t distract from this one being worthy of any collection. A few of the BAT followers noted it has slip-on Termi’s, a carbon clutch cover and heel guards. Again, nothing crazy or too personalized.

The Bostrom 998s received upgraded Ohlins at both the front and rear and came equipped with some very tasty carbon fiber fairings. I’ve poured over all of the images and can’t find any blemishes to speak of.

I know I’m getting long in the tooth, but it’s hard to believe these are 20 years old :sadface: However, this one has been well taken care of and is looking for a new home.

Make the jump here and place your bid!

If you buy this and plan on riding it you may want to pick up a matching Suomi Bostrom replica. I’m guessing since Ben is with Shoei, Suomi can no longer call it a “Bostrom”

Ciao!

Doug

Yamaha March 10, 2022 posted by Doug

1999 Yamaha YZF R1 For Sale!

1999 Yamaha YZF R1 For Sale on eBay!

Make: Yamaha
Year: 1999 – First Gen!
Model: YZF R1
Miles: 8,650
Location: Charlotte, NC
Price: $5,950 – No Reserve!

Okay, I understand and I know some of the RSBFS die hard folks will hurl insults and profanities at me, but “Jimmy crack Korn . . . ”

I’ve sat on this one for a few days and couldn’t help myself any longer because in today’s price happy, hyper-inflated motorcycle world we live in- Where ya gonna find a bonafide, low mileage super bike for under $6,000? I’ll tell ya where- North Carolina!

From the seller
1999 Yamaha. Dealer maintained and serviced, never abused, upgrades include; new Michelin pilot sport front and rear, shorty carbon pipe (scorpion Oem style included), jetted to perfection, stainless braided brake lines. Double bubble wind screen (Oem screen included), solo rear cover (OEM passenger seat included), just tuned up for spring riding, new plugs and battery. Bike needs nothing.

Sounds promising- Right? I have a few small issues, but nothing that distracts from the value.

If my memory is firing on all cylinders these pump out around 150hp, have 105 pound feet of torque, top out around 170mph and can still stir emotions equal to machines costing 3 times as much. Don’t get me wrong, I am totally down with the new R1M and all of it’s CF and tech wizardry, but there’s just something about knowing you’re in control of it all.

Not a very useful photo, but it does give you a feeling for how clean this machine is.

On to my small issues-

Me thinks that slip-joint is wrong- what say you? Now about that little scratchy, scratch on the swing-arm . . . Perhaps some jewelers polish would do the trick? Maybe a Scotch Brite pad? Belt sander and 80 grit?

There they are! Damn, those pesky LP truck cab lights always seem to find their way in to my posts.

Okay, I am only joking about the swing-arm ding. Yes, it’s there, but it doesn’t phase me one iota on this machine and especially at this price point. The truck cab front signals are easily removed and replaced with new Yami OEM directionals.
Correct or not- My OCD would kick in on the exhaust slip-joint thingy and I’d have to replace it with something like this period correct Arrow Exhaust.

Not a fan of my modifications? Buy it and ride it as is then let us know how bad ass it is!

Cheers!

Doug