Author Archives: Rem

Sport Bikes For Sale July 7, 2011 posted by Rem

Great then, Great now: 1988 Yamaha FZR 400

Location: Brazil, Indiana
Mileage: 4,597
Price: Auction, $2,550 No Reserve!

I can only imagine that about everything that can be written about the FZR400 has been written here at RSBFS. The limited time in the US market, the weight, handling, and power for a 400cc machine. Thing is, regardless of when they were written, all of those factors will always remain the same. So its a good bike, a great bike actually. Well worth the many words that have come before on RSBFS and will undoubtedly come after.

Here’s a fairly detailed description from the seller-

Well, this is it. Selling my last motorcycle. I’ll turn 67 this year and it’s time for someone else to have this little jewel of a bike. I bought this from the original owner back in 1994. It had 3,350 miles on it then. So, I’ve put roughly 1,650 miles on it in the nearly 17 years I’ve owned it. But, I had lots of bikes to ride – Honda ST1100, CBR 1,000, CB 1, CB 1100F, Kawasaki ZX-11, Yamaha RD400 Daytona Special and TZ 250, along with a couple others. But, this one was always special. It feels light as a feather and has an engine that will put you down the road in a hurry once you pass about 10,000 RPM. It redlines at 14,000 RPM. The bike has never been down and has never seen a track day. The original owner was in his thirties so it’s not been flogged by anyone. Engine runs strong and smooth. I checked the license plate and the bike has not been on the road in ten years. It’s never spent a night outside. It still has the original Bridgestone tires which you should replace if you are going to ride it. Lots of tread left, but give them their due, they need replaced. When I put it away the gas tank was drained and oiled and the carbs were also drained. When I washed out the old oil and put new gas in this weekend she fired right up with a jump start. Fresh oil and filter too. Battery shot and discarded. I may get around to replacing it this week. She always shifted smoothly and the clutch was in excellent condition when it was last on the road. There are a couple of screw fasteners missing and one ear on the tank cover is broken off. I have it if a person wants to work on a repair. It was that way when I bought it and it’s never been a problem. I think there is a crack on one of the fairing ears fasteners in front. But, again, it’s never been a problem. As you can see, it has a Corbin seat on it. It was there when I bought it. I think I do have the two piece factory seat but there had to be a modification made to fit the Corbin seat and the factory two piece can’t be used. I’m going to quote some specs from the Cycle Guide magazine you see pictured. The bike weighs 385 pounds. The engine is an inline four with a bore of 56mm x 40.5mm stroke. The compression ratio is 11.5:1. I’ve never had a problem with it pinging if you use good gas. It has a 6 speed transmission. The gas tank holds 4.6 gallons, including a 0.9 gal. reserve. Top speed is 133 miles per hour. Quarter mile time is 12.82 seconds at 102.5 MPH. Average fuel consumption is 41 MPG. Twin disk brakes up front and a single in back. For pure pucker factor the ZX-11 could not be beaten. But, this little sweetheart would bring a smile to your face when you pushed the RPMs up as you leaned it over in the curves. It is so light you know you are in control. It was given a quick wash today before pictures were taken. It should have a good detail cleaning as it’s been sitting for quite a while. It’s not perfect. There are some places in the metal finish that could stand attention. But, for a 23 year old bike, it looks mighty fine.

I live between Terre Haute and Indianapolis, just a few miles north of I-70, in case anyone would like to come and take a look. Over the last eight years I’ve sold all of the other bikes on ebay and all buyers were happy. This is a nice one you will have to look a long while to top. It’s a real auction. Starts at a penny and no reserve and no Buy It Now price. If you live a long distance away I’d be willing to drive up to 200 miles to meet you somewhere. The charge would only be $0.30 per mile, round trip. Feel free to ask questions or for more pictures.

Here’s some more pics-

The only major modification I see on this bike is the Corbin seat, which I’m guessing is actually way more comfortable than the stock seat. The seller also mentions some missing fasteners and and a broken tank cover tab. And the battery needs to be replaced, which it sounds like the seller is taking care of.

So while there may be some issues with the bike the miles aren’t high and if it runs strong, it could be a great riding bike. These bikes may not have caught on in the states, but like I said above, they are well regarded for a reason. For a shot at this one, check the auction out! Oh, did I mention there’s no reserve?

-RN

Honda July 4, 2011 posted by Rem

1993 Honda CBR400RR (Fireblade!)

Location: Alpharetta, Georgia
Mileage: 10,530
Price: Auction, starting at $3,999

The 400 cc bike has never really achieved mass market appeal here in the US. I’m sure there are plenty of reasons, but the one I’ve always heard the most is Americans don’t like small bikes. You need 600 cc’s at a minimum to get anyone’s interest. Well, that’s really too bad. If handling means as much to you as power, the 400 cc bike is an intriguing option. And this bike also happens to be a knockout in the looks department.

Some more pics of this beauty-

Powered by the obligatory 16-valve in-line four, the CBR400RR cranked out roughly 50 ponies and had a redline of a whopping 14,500 rpm. And a dry weight of roughly 360 lbs. And came with an advanced suspension that allowed the bike to handle like what you would expect from something called a Fireblade.

Info from the seller-

1993 Honda NC29 Gull-Arm CBR400RR Very Rare Gray Market Collector Bike from my private collection. 16,947 km or 10,530 original miles. Baby FireBlade, 400cc little brother to the CBR900RR. This model was never imported to the United States. This would make a great track day or race bike. If you can get it tagged, it would make a great weekend canyon carver as well.
Motorcycle has a 2006 CBR600RR Front end and it handles incredibly well. With the low center of gravity and the modern front end, this bike will smoke the larger bikes in the twisties. New Plastics from Hong Kong, they look good, but required a little modification to clear the throttle cables and a little creativity here and there. Side cases are scraped and I found them at http://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/home/ in the UK if you feel the need. I already have the gasket sets. The frame is straight and solid. Bike comes with the original front forks and front wheel, minus the triple tree which has been lost, as well as a Haynes service and repair manual. The forks are still in good shape, not wrecked, just wanted modern handling. Tires are good, front is a race tire. Has minor dings and scrapes for an 18 year old bike but looks awesome for it’s age. Minor ding on top of tank pictured below.

Just changed the Oil & Filter, Radiator Flush & Fill, New Plugs, Cleaned Carbs, runs strong. Pulls hard in the power band. Starts runs and shifts as it should once warmed up. No leaks, smoking or funny noises, other than the unique sound of gear driven cams ;). This model was ahead of it’s time with Gear Driven Cams and Gull Arm Swingarm. The engine has a unique sound and is very impressive for a 400. Specs: 400 cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke inline-four, gear-driven DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.

Bike is sold as is with no warranty, Bill of Sale only. This is a Japanese Gray Market bike and may or may not be able to be tagged in your area of the country. It has been done but I make no guarantees. Inspections must take place before bidding if you desire. Your bid is a contract and a $500.00 non-refundable deposit by PayPal is required within 24 hours of the end of the auction, with the balance due by cash or certified funds within 3 days, which must be cleared before the bike is released. I will meet with your shipper, but transportation and pick up is your responsibility. If your shipper will not take the parts, I can ship them by FedEx Ground for an extra shipping charge. Try www.uship.com for shipping bids. I reserve the right to end this auction at any time. Starting bid is a bargain, good luck bidding!

From the description there are clearly some changes to the bike. Fairing are replaced and the front end is from a CBR600RR which the seller claims improves the handling. The original forks are included but the triple tree has been lost and you may want to do some research on how difficult that may be to replace if you are interested in returning the bike to stock. There’s also some scrapes and a dent, highlighted in the photos. All of this should be considered when looking at the value of the bike. I think it also depends on what your looking for in the collecting v. riding department.

Regardless of the issues, the CBR400RR is a great bike that never made it stateside. And that is unfortunate. So you may want to consider this bike, issues and all. Also, its called a Fireblade. And gone are the days of cool names for bikes in the US. So that’s something.

If you like what you see and want to take a shot at this bike, make the jump!

-RN

Sport Bikes For Sale July 2, 2011 posted by Rem

Seriously Angry Bees: 1994 Suzuki RGV250 VJ22

Location: El Cajon, California
Mileage: 19,734
Price: Auction, currently at $4000

Two-strokes. Big power in a small package. I have never ridden one (except for maybe a scooter when I was a kid, and I wouldn’t have known it). But the math adds up to me. Lots of power in a lightweight package. An engine doing twice the work in the same time as its lumping four-stroke brother. Revs for days. I only hope to find out what it’s like someday.

I’m not an expert on the RGV by any stretch but reading up tells me that these were well made, popular, race-replicas with twin-spar aluminum frames, upside-down forks and four-piston front brakes. And certainly 65 bhp on a 306 lbs. package seems like a combo for some serious fun.

From the seller:

Beautiful bike in like new condition, no dents or scratches, engine just re-built, new pistons, rings, re-nikasiled cylinders, re-balanced crank, new seals and bearings (didn’t really need it, but did it anyways). Only 600 km on new engine. New gold D.I.D. chain and sprockets, new stainless steel TIGA exhaust system, brand new Bridgestone soft compound tires, Penske 8900 series remote reservoir rear shock, new Race-Tech fork springs and seals, new brake pads on front and rear, re-built rear caliper, body work is original except for 2 side panels and front faring, gas tank and rear tail section has been painted to match. I have all stock body work that is in decent shape as well as the stock turn signals and mirrors. The mirrors that are currently on the bike are from a 2011 Ninja 250. This bike runs perfectly and handles extremely well. This bike has current California registration and comes with a service manual on cd. I do not have the tool kit, though. I am only selling this bike because I want to upgrade the suspension on my RZV500, otherwise I would keep it. It’s an awesome bike! I am not the original owner, but this bike has been in San diego for the last 15 years. This is a rare Australian model. All of the re-builds and upgrades are verifiable. Mileage on bike is in km, but I have converted into miles in the ad. There is 31,785 km on bike.

Sale is final and bike is sold as-is.

$500 non-refundable paypal payment is due within 48 hours of auctions end and the balance is due within 7 days after that by cash (in person) or bank cashier’s check. The bike will not leave my garage until all forms of payments clear the bank.

Buyer is responsible for all shipping costs and arrangement of shipping. local pick-up is ok, too.

Bike is also for sale locally and I reserve the right to end the auction early.

Mucho pics-

I don’t know a ton about two strokes except that the engines suffer way more wear and tear than there four-stroke counterparts. So rebuilds are more frequent. It sounds like that work has been done on this bike. That being said, I would think that anyone would want to do their research on this bike before getting into one. Also note some fairing replacement that may cause concern for those looking for an all original model.

However, if this bike checks out and you’ve always wanted to experience the kind of performance a two-stroke can offer, then you can check this auction out.

-RN

Sport Bikes For Sale June 30, 2011 posted by Rem

’86 Suzuki GSXR 750- The Game Changer!

Location: Pensacola, Florida
Mileage: 17,000
Price: Auction, currently at $2,134- No reserve!

I’m guessing it’s been discussed here a thousand times, but I’m gonna cover it again, just cause I like to say it. In 1985, the GSXR 750 set a standard that I would argue has not been met since. While I certainly tip my hat to the many bikes (GPz, FZ, GS and the like) that came before and blazed the trail, the GSXR 750 changed the game. From the time of its introduction, it set the mark that put into motion every company racing to catch up. Is it just me, or did every other sportbike that followed become more aggressive after the GSXR came out?

Here’s some specs: Cast aluminum frame, clip-on bars, vented fuel tank, and a 106 horsepower , 53 lb.ft. of torque in-line four. The aluminum frame helped bring the bike in at 464 lbs. Light compared to other bikes in the 750 world at the time.

Here’s a few more pics-

Some brief information from the seller-

ALL ORIGINAL PAINT..NEVER BEEN LAID DOWN…BIKE RUNS EXECELENT…ORIGINAL EXHAUST INCLUDED.(excelent condition) taken off in 87′ and been garage kept ever since.

Shipping is reponsibility of buyer…….. $500.00 Deposit is due 24 hours after close of auction..and remaining balance due within 3 days.

The seller here doesn’t give a whole lot of detail about the history and maintenance and it does have 17,000 miles on it so it would be smart to get more detail. It also looks to have a Yoshimura exhaust but the seller indicates the original is available. Since there’s no reserve I guess the market will decide where it goes.

Although this isn’t the first year of the GSXR, it is the second, and I think represents the beginning of the legacy of this bike well. If the bike checks out, this could be a good opportunity to get a nice piece of sportbike history. If you agree, check out the auction!

-RN

Honda June 27, 2011 posted by Rem

’85 Honda Interceptor VF1000R- Short Production, Great Bike!

Location: Lynn, Massachusetts
Mileage: 53,000
Price: Auction, Current bid $1650

Honda has built its fair share of V-4’s and most of them have been in the sportbike world have been in the 750 or 800 cc range. Well, here we have the VF1000R, a 998cc V-4. This bike was introduced in 1985 at a time when there was a bit of a gap in the Interceptor world. Models were going out in 1985 (VF700F) and coming back in 1986. The 1000 was a bigger, badder version of the VF1000F (new in ’84), cranking out 117 bhp with a box-section steel frame and an aluminum swingarm. It also had a pair of floating front disc brakes and a 41mm fork.

Not a lot of description from the seller:

1985 Honda VF1000R Interceptor, 53K miles, very clean with only minor cosmetic flaws such as light scratches, tank ding, and tear in seat. New tires, brakes, fluids, and battery. Runs very nice. Sharp vintage Honda with low miles. Just bought it but wife says it needs to go!!!!!! Shipping iand all associated costs are the responsibility of the buyer. Thank you and good luck bidding!!!! I reserve the right to end the auction early as the Honda is for sale locally.

More photo goodness-

This bike was only in production for Honda for two years. The year after its introduction saw the release of the VFR750F, a hit on the street and the track for Honda. I’m not aware of any other V-4 liter bikes like this produced by Honda since then. To me, that makes the bike a little more special. This bike does have 53,000 miles on it, which is a lot. However, I have seen many Interceptors with high mileage still running well. But I would be cautious and make sure the bike runs strong.

Took take a look at this short production run classic, check out this auction!

-RN

Honda June 27, 2011 posted by Rem

1990 Honda CBR 1000F (I still say Hurricane!)

Location: Boynton Beach, Florida
Mileage: 30,512
Price: $2,750 BIN

Up for auction here is a Honda CBR 1000F, or as I still like to call it, a Hurricane 1000. I’m sure you all remember the Hurricane (my first bike was a 600). It was a great comeback to the Ninja but by 1990 Honda had unfortunately dropped the name, I think due to image concerns. It’s too bad. I still remember the ad campaign with the tag line “Even a Ninja is afraid of a Hurricane.” Pure gold by my standards. But I digress.

Many may not consider the CBR 1000F “rare” or “sportbike” enough to be on RSBFS, but I am here to argue different. While not as aggressive as say the FZR 1000 listed here a few days ago, the Hurricane 1000 was a powerful, balanced, capable machine back in the day. A 135 bhp, 16 valve, in-line four with full fairing bodywork and a relatively comfortable riding position made this bike capable of sport riding or touring. Liter bikes weren’t a big part of the Honda lineup back then but this one represented the company well.

Here’s what the seller has to say-

1990 Honda CBR1000F Sport Tourer

All the power and handling of a liter bike with the comfort of a sport Tourer

Absolutley Mint Condidtion- Looks and runs Flawless – Clear Title
4 to 1 Kerker – silencer repacked with Jet Kit installed
Zero Gravity Sport Touring Windscreen
Fully Serviced within last 300 miles
– New Continental Motion Tires
– NGK Spark Plugs
– Air Cleaner – Filter
– Mobil 1 Synthetic 4T and Fram Filter
– Brake Pads all three sets –

– New Battery on Tender
– Brake & Clutch Master Cylinder Fluid Flush – DOT 4

Will Consider Partial Trades – Bikes, Guns, Tools, Etc

Unfortunately, not a lot of photos-

Although it has relatively high miles, this bike looks clean for its age. And if cared for it should continue to run well for many more miles. The only modifications I notice are the additions of the Kerker pipe and jetting and a Zero Gravity windscreen, both noted by the seller.

Although this may not be the most exotic sportbike, I think you could be getting a lot of bike for your money. I will also always have soft spot for anything Hurricane that came from Honda. My 600 was a great bike that, even though powerful, was well-mannered enough to help a new rider find his way.

To check out this Hurricane, make the jump!

-RN

Ducati June 24, 2011 posted by Rem

Special Indeed: 2000 Ducati 996SPS For Sale (#1290)

Location: Sante Fe, New Mexico
Miles: 19,305
Price: $11,500 BIN

If there is one thing that Ducati does well it’s the unlimited production of limited production bikes. While this leaves us here at RSBFS with a vast amount of rare Ducati’s to hunt for, it can get a little confusing when separating the facts between several special models. The 996SPS is no exception. Interestingly enough, the 996SPS (Sport Production Special) shares the same engine as its younger brother, the 916SPS. The 996SPS features an Ohlins rear shock and Ohlins forks in 2000, as well as an adjustable steering head. Lightweight Marchesinis five spoke wheels instead of the standard three-spokes are also part of the SPS package.

The particular 996SPS up for grabs here is a two-owner example and was purchased by a Ducati tech back in 2001 with less than 1,000 miles. Like most Ducati’s we see here, this one is not completely stock, but the modifications are tastefully done (see the seller’s ad for the complete list). The seller does state that lots of extra parts are included with the sale.

From the seller:

“UP FOR SALE IS THIS STUNNING 2000 996 SPS HOMOLOGATION EDITION DUCATI SUPERBIKE, #1290 IN A SERIES THAT BEGAN IN 1998. IT IS ONE OF ONLY 70 BROUGHT TO THE U.S. FOR 2000 AND THE LAST PRODUCTION YEAR OF THE SPS WITH ALL THE RIGHT PARTS INCLUDING LIGHTWEIGHT INTERNAL ENGINE COMPONENTS, DUAL INJECTORS PER CYLINDER, FULL FACTORY OHLINS SUSPENSION AND STEERING STABILIZER, TERMIGNONI CARBON EXHAUST, MARCHESINI WHEELS, BREMBO BRAKES…. IT HAS MANY UPGRADES INCLUDING FULL FLOATING ROTORS FRONT AND REAR, SATO MACHINED REAR SETS, CRG ADJUSTABLE BRAKE AND CLUTCH LEVERS, MEGACYCLE ROCKER ARMS, TWO PIECE ADJUSTABLE CAM PULLEYS, BRAND NEW CLUTCH, BRAND NEW BATTERY(MAINTENANCE FREE GEL CELL YUASA YT12B-BS), MOTOLECTRIC LOW RESISTANCE BATTERY/STARTER LEADS, FRESHLY PAINTED FRONT FAIRING (factory matching anniversary rosso red, ppg basecoat/clearcoat)AND NEW WINDSCREEN, ITG AIR FILTER, FACTORY REAR STAND…….ALL ORIGINAL PARTS INCLUDED…..OWNED AND MAINTAINED BY A FACTORY CERTIFIED DUCATI TECHNICIAN. BIKE RUNS PERFECT AND ALWAYS HAS, NEVER BEEN DOWN OR CRASHED. THE ONLY THING IT MAY NEED IS NEW CARBON AIR RUNNERS WHICH RUN $200.00, THE DUCATI PERFORMANCE RUNNERS ON IT ARE SUN FADED, ALL THE REST OF THE CARBON LOOKS GREAT. I AM SECOND OWNER AND HAVE HAD BIKE SINCE 2001, PURCHASED WITH UNDER 1000 MILES. TRUE GEM TO OWN. CLEAR CALIFORNIA TITLE IN HAND. LOTS OF EXTRA PARTS INCLUDED.”

Lots more photos-

This bike does have its fair share of miles on it with just over 19k, but if it was in fact owned by a Ducati tech for the last ten years, then hopefully it should be well maintained. From the ample amount of photos, it looks like there isn’t much to hide. The bike seems to be priced appropriately if not a tad high. Check out the auction and place your bid here!

-RN

Honda June 22, 2011 posted by Rem

’89 NSR250R MC18: Titled and Registered in CA

Location: San Jose, CA
Miles: 9,XXXkm
Price: $4,000

Here’s one for all you ‘smokers out there! Up for grabs we have a 1989 Honda NSR250R MC18. These angry sounding bikes crank out about 45hp and tip the scales at just less than 300lbs wet. Now that sounds like a recipe for good times to me. The MC18 was at the cutting edge of technology back in the day and included new PGM-II intake technology.

This particular bike is located in San Jose, CA and has a clean title and registration which is always a plus for a grey market two-stroke. Your neighbors might not be the biggest fan, but everyone else who knows what these bikes are will be! The seller doesn’t offer much info on the bike, but an email to me revealed that it had 9,xxx km. It’s also a little hard to tell from the photos what condition the bike is in as far as wear and tear and any possible corrosion. The seller also states that it has a set of air tech front fairings and from I can tell some after market pipes (anyone who can tell the make feel free to chime in). Also seems that the rear wheel has been painted black, but unfortunately no more details on any changes are mentioned.

From the seller:

” I have a registered 1989 Honda NSR 250 for sale. It currently runs and has a clean title with up to date registration. Bike has a few upgrades including a set of air tech front fairings. This Bike is very fun to ride.
Im asking $4000. Must have Cash on hand including M1 license for test ride.”

Here is a stock photo to give you a better idea of what the bike looks like:

It appears to be a relatively clean and low mileage example in Terra blue and white livery, although it doesn’t look to be bone stock. With the U.S. Gran Prix less than five weeks away (I’m counting the hours until I’m there), and this bike being titled and located roughly an hour’s ride from legendary Laguna Seca Raceway, it could be a fun way to roll into MotoGP. Take a look at the sale ad here and make the call if you think this is the bike for you.

-RN