Author Archives: Tad Diemer

Featured Listing August 10, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Featured Listing: No Reserve 2007 MV Agusta F4 1000R for Sale!

It’s still amazing to me that bikes like this MV Agusta F4 1000R can be had for so little money. Sure, modern bikes blow them into the weeds, especially in terms of their usability: a 200hp motorcycle would have been considered terrifying and nearly unridable not too long ago. Today, it’s pretty much par for the course. But the F4 still offers something special and the bike has no rider aids whatsoever, so the experience is pretty visceral and raw.

2007 MV Agusta F4 1000R for Sale on eBay

After the release of the extremely limited-production F4 750 Serie Oro that was dripping in exotic materials, MV Agusta beat the odds and managed to get their stunning superbike into series production. Unfortunately the production 750 was, unfortunately, outclassed by much more affordable 750s that cost half as much. Then the whole 750 class was made basically redundant by the burgeoning 1000cc superbike class. Enter the MV Agusta F4 1000S designed to compete on level playing field with bikes like the GSX-R1000. The F4 1000S was followed by the 1000R in 2007 and it included a few tasty upgrades. Today’s example is one of the best you’re likely to find.

The R included a revised frame, new Brembo wheels that updated the style a bit, and Brembo Monobloc calipers, although the Nissin brake and cluth master cylinders were retained. A fully-adjustable Marzocchi fork and a Sachs shock out back gave the bike incredibly stable handling. Most notably, it included an improved version of the radial-valved, 998cc inline four that produced a claimed 174hp. The F4 wasn’t as agile, lightweight, or as user-friendly as inline-four competitors from Japan, but that boost in power was enough to push the bike to 180mph.

From the Seller: 2007 MV Agusta F4 1000R for Sale

I am selling my rather immaculate 2007 F4R. It has less than 1000 miles on the clock, completely original and has been with me for the last five years. “As new” is an understatement – the previous owner had a Ferrari dealership in Scottsdale and put the bike from new sitting on a plinth in the dealership entrance. He also threw the OEM carbon fiber options book at it. The only thing I have changed is the battery. Unfortunately it is time to sell as I have spent more time polishing than riding it!

Overall, the F4 1000R offered evolutionary improvements to MV’s flagship superbike. It wasn’t as exclusive as the extremely limited-production CC or Tamburini, but no version of the F4 is actually very common, and they never fail to draw a crowd when parked up. The seller is offering this basically perfect bike at NO RESERVE. You can find an F4 for less money, but if you’re a collector looking for a pristine example, this one deserves your consideration.

-tad

Featured Listing: No Reserve 2007 MV Agusta F4 1000R for Sale!

MV Agusta August 7, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Subdued Sportbike: 2005 MV Agusta Brutale 750S for Sale

If you’re looking to sample MV’s four-cylinder wail but can’t contort yourself into the cramped riding position required of the utterly gorgeous F4, the Brutale 750S manages to pack most of that bike’s thrills into a much less painful package. Somehow, there are people out there who don’t like these, but I love the looks. It’s a testament to the design of the four-cylinder Brutale that it manages to look good in such bland colors. And stock exhausts generally look terrible, but aftermarket components have yet to better these elegant, slash-cut cans.

MV’s 749cc radial-valved inline four motivates the 750S, detuned slightly to a claimed 127hp. The same steel trellis that frames the F4 is reused here, although suspension isn’t quite as plush, with a 49mm Showa fork that still looks impossibly beefy today, mated to a Sachs shock, and the entire package weighs in at just over 400lbs dry.

Personally, the 750S is the Brutale I’d personally want to own: its 127 horses are plenty in such a nimble, unfaired motorcycle. This example isn’t in pristine condition: the Northeast weather has taken a bit of a toll on some of the surfaces, and it has its share of nicks and scratches. In the plus column, it comes with a veritable smorgasbord of upgrade parts and other bike-related stuff. It might almost be worth it to pick the whole lot up to use as spares for your own Brutale…

From the original eBay listing: 2005 MV Agusta Brutale 750S for Sale

For sale is a well ridden 2005 MV Agusta Brutale 750S with a clear NY State Title. I purchased the bike from its original owner in 2012 with just over 2000 miles on the clock and have lovingly cared for and ridden it since. There are currently just over 15k miles on the clock and several tasteful upgrades. Please note the dash was replaced a few years ago, so the new odometer does not reflect the original 5000 miles from the previous unit.

The Bike Includes:
Marzocchi 50mm front forks with Radial Mounts
Brembo M4 Monobloc Calipers
Brembo T Drive 320mm Rotors (Less than 1000 Miles)
EBC Sintered Brake Pads (Less than 1000 Miles)
Custom Braided Steel Brake Lines
Brembo RCS Brake and Clutch Master Cylinders
Decat Mid Pipe
Re-flashed ECU with custom fuel map by Eraldo Ferracci himself
Oberon Clutch Slave Cylinder
Oberon Rider Foot Pegs and Shift/Brake lever eccentrics
Upgraded Water Pump Impeller
Aluminum Fan
New Pirelli Diablo Rosso 3 Tires (Less than 1000 Miles)
Dash Replaced 10k miles ago
New Headlight Assembly
Rizoma Sport Handlebar
CRG Blindspot Mirrors
Motovation Bar End Weights/Sliders
Motovation Frame Sliders
Motovation Front Axle Sliders
Motovation Rear Axle Sliders
Rizoma Action Turn Signals
Custom Tail Tidy/Integrated Rear Turn Signals
Union Garage Plate Puller

Sale Will Also Include:
Original Front End
Original Braking System (Rotors/Calipers/Master Cylinders)
Original Front Axle
Original Owners Manual
2 Original Keys

Rear Stand

2 Quarts Motul 10W60 Oil

New Tech Spec Tank Grips

Full Service Records and receipts for the last 8 years
Whatever extra parts I have laying around..

This Bike was my daily ride for several years, and reflects the bumps and bruises of owning and riding a bike in NYC (including being knocked over while parked..). This bike has been meticulously cared for and maintained by Tyler Lunceford (Moto Pistole/North Motorcycle), Kerry Sano (Moto Velocita), Rockwell Cycles and Fast By Ferracci prior to their closure.

It’s nice that the seller includes the original front end and braking set up, but I’d be happy to keep the Marzocchis with those powerful Brembo calipers and matching radial master, thanks. Not that there’s anything wrong with the stock parts… Bidding is up just over $3,000 with about 24 hours left on the auction. I still think these are screaming deals, considering you get most of the looks and rarity of Tamburini’s F4 in a package that allows you to more fully use the available performance. Wind blast on the freeway sort of sucks, but these are a ton of fun everywhere else, and you won’t find a cooler bike for the money.

-tad

Subdued Sportbike: 2005 MV Agusta Brutale 750S for Sale

Featured Listing July 31, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Featured Listing: 1983 Suzuki Katana 1100 for Sale

Introduced in 1981, Suzuki’s Katana looked so radical and futuristic that it polarized the motorcycling community. Since the GSX-R that followed a couple years later really set the standard in terms of styling for pretty much every sportbike that followed, the Katana ended up with a kind of retro-futurist vibe, a bike from an era that only really happened in the minds of the designer. The bones were very traditional, with a twin-shock rear suspension, a 19″ front wheel, and Suzuki’s well-developed but hardly cutting-edge inline four. There’s obviously nothing wrong with 111hp and wind tunnel tested aerodynamics, but those looks were the biggest attraction both then and now. And those looks are on display in this gorgeously restored example.

The striking styling was done by BMW designer Hans Muth and Target Design, and aerodynamics developed using Science! gave a claimed 147mph top speed. Later bikes featured a pop-up headlight that was always intended for the bike, and I’ve always loved the compact gauge cluster that tucks in behind the minimalist screen. The rest of the bike was based on conventional, workmanlike components and proven technology from Suzuki’s vast catalog.

The engine was plenty stout and very reliable: an air/oil-cooled 1074cc dual overhead cam inline four with 16-valve heads and Suzuki’s Twin Swirl Combustion Chamber technology powered the beast, hung in a twin-shock cradle frame that provided stable handling for the hulking, 535lb wet bike. Anti-dive forks up front were a nod to modern technology, although they never worked all that well.

After its introduction in 1981, the bike made it to US shores in 1982 fitted with a 998cc version of the TSCC engine to qualify for Superbike racing, with the full-sized 1074 arriving in 1983. At the time, performance would have been quickly superseded by the GSX-R that soon followed, but those wild looks and musclebike performance make it a fast-appreciating collectible today.

From the Seller: 1983 Suzuki Katana 1100 for Sale

When I took on this project, I approached it as if I were the original owner maintaining the bike as a rider that was well cared for over the years. Trying to strike a balance on original finishes and as preserved as possible. The upper fairing, tank, side vents and side panels are new Suzuki parts. The upper and tank, not sold anymore, are NOS. The tank has never had gas in it. The bike was run with an external bottle prior to final assembly. When the bike arrived in the shop, it had 19K on the odometer and was documented for title purposes at that time. Upon inspection, sometime around 1985 or so the original gauges were damaged and a Katana 750 set was installed and improperly hardwired on the bike. A new, complete wiring harness was purchased and installed. The proper replacement set of 1100 gauges from Japan were sourced that show 18,820 miles indicated. Title will reflect 19k, as the bike came in. Bike last titled in 1987.

Anything that had to come off the bike to be addressed was replaced or repaired to original spec (except carb jetting, K&N and V&H pipe). For example, the tires were replaced so, the wheels were powder coated and new bearings installed. The motor was not pulled from the frame, nor was the frame or swingarm painted. All original patina is present on the frame, including the fragile VIN sticker on the left side. I choose not to paint the frame and swingarm because it is original once. If the new owner wishes to paint the frame and swingarm, that would be their choice and can be handled in this shop. I have the original parts including the old gauge set that were taken off the bike, as well as the rear shocks.

New parts:

Michelin Pilot tires

Ohlins S36P rear shocks

Suzuki wheel bearings

Suzuki NOS tank and upper fairing

Suzuki side panels, left and right

Suzuki fuel petcock

Suzuki mirrors, pair

Suzuki OEM hand grips, pair

Suzuki switch gear left and right

Suzuki front turn signals

Suzuki Ignition coils

Suzuki rear master cylinder

Suzuki rectifier

Suzuki Igniter

Suzuki tail lens

Suzuki signal generator

Suzuki relays

Suzuki oil filter

Suzuki clutch lever

Suzuki clutch cable

Seat cover, replica

K&N air filter

EBC front pads

Replica front windshield

SuperSprox Chainwheels

RK Gold chain

Battery

NGK plugs

Vance and Hines Supersport exhaust

Rebuilt original carbs, all new O rings, gaskets, needle valves

Halogen bulb

Powder coated wheels

Clean Florida title in my name ready to go. Not built to reside in a museum, although it is not far from getting there. Built to ride. The front fork set up is original, no leaks, but not rebuilt. If the bike ends up with me, I will be replacing it with a GSX-R1100 USD unit and a 17in wheel. Runs very well, crisp throttle and ready to go. New Michelin Pilot tires, EBC brake pads

Asking $10,900

I would consider partial trade for RG500 or RZ500 trades with cash from my side, for similar condition bike. If you need to know more about my work, check out gsxronly.com and look here as well. https://jalopnik.com/get-your-hands-on-an-early-suzuki-gsx-r-while-you-still-1794407221

Thanks for the interest.

Chris Perkins (407) 492-5854

The seller has posted bikes with us in the past, and all look to have been of the highest caliber, and this one is no exception: unless a pure, time-capsule museum-piece is your goal, you’re unlikely to find a first-generation Katana nicer than this one.

-tad

Featured Listing: 1983 Suzuki Katana 1100 for Sale

MZ July 27, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Singular Simplicity: 1997 MZ Skorpion Sport

The sad thing about being a serious motorcycle geek is that most people don’t really understand my obsession with and enthusiasm for weird motorcycles. Even other motorcyclists. I was thinking about this today as I was poring over the engine of a friend’s Velocette Venom, trying to suss out the function of the little cable-actuated device at the base of the pushrod tube [compression-release, we decided]. I mean, I happen to think bikes like this MZ Skorpion Sport are incredibly cool, but most motorcyclists are ignorant of their existence. That’s a shame, since [East] German brand MZ has a storied history and basically single-handedly ushered in modern two-stroke performance when they developed the first expansion chambers for their race bikes.

The Skorpion Sport doesn’t have those, however.

What the Skorpion Sport does have is Yamaha’s five-valve single that displaced 660cc, just 6cc short of being an engine of pure evil. As it was basically an off-road drivetrain repurposed for sportbike duty, a Yamaha five-speed gearbox transferred power to the rear wheel, and the package was suspended in a tubular steel frame. The engine and frame formed the foundation for a whole range of interesting and generally very competent motorcycles from MZ, from the Mastiff supermoto and Baghira dual-sport, to the Traveller sport-tourer, Replika, and the Skorpion Sport.

Overall, the bike is simplicity itself, the purest incarnation of a sports motorcycle you’re likely to find at this price point. Weight was a hair over 400lbs wet, and handling generally considered to be excellent. Styling looks a big like a Gilera Saturno and the bike does feature passenger pegs, although there’s no guarantee there is a pillion pad hiding under the seat cowl, or included with the bike. The 1990s were weird like that.

From the original eBay listing: 1997 MZ Skorpion Sport for Sale

Looks great. Runs Outstanding. Low mileage. I’ve taken it on several long rides with no problems at all. Yamaha reliability. Made in Germany. Designed in England. Lots of Italian bits. Buyer responsible for pick up. I’ll help get it on to the transporter. I have the unsigned registration papers, and original manual. New tires. Small scuff on right side of engine where someone dropped it. It’s in the pictures. I have the under-belly fairing, and the original muffler as well. I never registered it in CA. (DMV-phobia) Bill of sale only.

There hasn’t been much interest in this MZ so far, with bidding up to $2,300 and about one more day left on the listing. That’s on the low side, but Skorpions don’t go for much more money than that right now: they’re rare, but not especially collectible. What they are is great value, with an exotic nameplate, nimble handling, stone-axe reliability. With single-cylinder classes a popular way to get into racing on a budget, Skorpions often get snapped up to be converted into lightweight track-hacks. They’re good for that, but it does seem a little sad that such interesting machines

-tad

Singular Simplicity: 1997 MZ Skorpion Sport

Bimota July 26, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

The Purist: 1993 Bimota DB2 for Sale

The Bimota DB2 is a bit of an odd duck [pun!]: the company’s claim to fame was building high-spec, light weight, race-inspired sportbikes powered by Japanese engines. Those engines came from bikes that were overbuilt and often significantly heavy, so Bimota found a significant performance increase by building motorcycles as much as a hundred pounds lighter than the original machines that donated their powerplants. But Ducati, with a few exceptions, has always had the whole handling thing pretty much nailed, and the DB2 isn’t much lighter than the Ducati 900SS that donated its engine to the endeavor.

Bimota’s naming system flies in the face of motorcycling convention. You’d probably think a Bimota SB6 would be powered by a 600cc engine. It’s not. Instead, it’s packing 1100cc of Suzuki heat. “SB6” means the bike in question is the sixth Suzuki-powered Bimota. The number has nothing to do with displacement. Because Italy. The original Ducati-powered DB1 proved to be a big seller and, at around 600 units, qualified as nearly volume production.

Luckily, the DB2 was a bit lighter than the 900SS at a claimed 373lbs dry. The one-piece tank shroud and tail section was held in place by a few fasteners, and was wrapped around a plastic fuel cell, all of which helped keep things simple as well as light. It was powered by Ducti’s 904cc air-cooled Desmodue v-twin from the 900SS that produced 86 claimed horsepower. That charismatic engine was suspended in a trellis frame similar to the original Supersport unit, matched to a sexy tubular swingarm, with stout Paioli forks and an adjustable Öhlins shock out back.

From the original eBay listing: 1993 Bimota DB2 for Sale

1993 Bimota DB2 VIN#ZES1DB21XPRZES018. 408 DB2s were manufactured and this is one of the 285 full-fairing models. I purchased this bike in 2014 and have put less than 1,000 miles on it since then. After picking it up it was fully serviced by DucPond (Ducati Winchester, VA) with valves, belts, fluids and a new clutch basket and plates. Most recently in Feb 2020 it was back for belts and fluids at DucPond. Bike has the air cooled Ducati 2 valve motor in it. This is a very light bike with remarkable handling and great brakes – only bike I have ridden with true floating front discs. Reliable, easy to work on and tons of options available for it. It runs strong and pulls very nicely.

Everything works on the bike. The low fuel level light comes on and off regardless of the fuel level – common to these bikes I think. If I was keeping it I would put fresh tires on it (the ones on it are past their shelf life); change the brake fluid again; and replace the blinker relay with an adjustable one (they blink too fast). Bike charges fine and has a newish battery in it. No warranty expressed or implied – it is 27 years old, but I would happily ride this bike anywhere. As a 27 year old bike it is not perfect and has a few flaws which I have tried to highlight in the pictures. The paint is probably as good as the factory, but has blemishes in it. Clear title in my name.

Not on the bike but included are the steering dampener and original airbox. It comes with two sets of keys and the original books. Separately I have a lot of spares for this bike, that are not included with the sale here but I will consider a good offer on them from the purchaser of the bike. Bike shows 1978 miles and if the below is correct, then total mileage would be about 5,000 miles.

Prior to my ownership what the previous owner stated (these are not my words). There is a letter in the paper work indicating acceptance of the bike as a gift.

“This motorcycle was completely restored in 2001 when it had approximately 3000 miles and donated to the Larz Anderson Transportation Museum in Boston, who elected to auction it to focus on their older collection of pre-war cars.

Enhancements performed in 2001:

“944cc big bore kit, stainless steel engine studs, carburetor jet kit, new timing belts, carbon fibre belt covers, braided brake lines, polished wheels, mufflers, intake manifolds, new chain and sprocket, adjustable brake and clutch levers, tinted windscreen, Euro headlight, new speedometer and tachometer, painted frame.”

Bike is located in Northern VA.

Bidding is very active on this example, which is no surprise considering it hasn’t even cracked $10k yet. I have to be honest: the Bimota DB2 is one of my favorite Bimotas, but I’m not a huge fan of those graphics with their dripping paint/urban camo design. I’d happily live with them though, even in the garish white/purple [?!]/white scheme that was also available. It’s one of the purest expressions of Italian motorcycling, a light, nimble machine with striking looks and just enough power to be fun. The DB2 is easy to run as well, at least as far as the two-valve Ducati engine is concerned. Don’t be put off too much by the scary Italian reputation: a well cared-for Desmodue is good for 100,000 miles or more, and servicing isn’t all that expensive, or difficult for a handy home mechanic.

-tad

Suzuki July 20, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Devil in the Details: 1994 Suzuki RGV250Γ for Sale

If you love classic racing graphics on your sportbike, but feel guilty about supporting tobacco brands, this Pepsi-liveried Suzuki RGV250Γ could be just the ticket! Just try not to think too much about the obesity epidemic sweeping the country… Maybe the best bet is probably to find a defunct brand that won’t benefit from your cruising around on a sleek, rolling billboard plastered with their logo.

On paper, the Gamma and its 80s and 90s quarter-liter competitors from Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki all looked very similar: two cylinder liquid-cooled two-stroke powerplants, six-speed gearboxes, stiff aluminum frames, triple disc brakes, and wheels shod with the stickiest modern rubber. But they all managed to have their own individual character to appeal to brand loyalists and discriminating enthusiasts.

The Honda may have been the most refined of the bunch, but the Suzuki was the crazy one, with lively handling and a 90° 249cc two-stroke v-twin that was later borrowed by Aprilia for their RS250. All bikes in the class had some sort of power valve to boost midrange flexibility, and the RGV used Suzuki’s SAPC, an acronym for “Suzuki Advanced Power Control” that electronically controlled a power valve and the ignition timing. A distinctive asymmetrical “banana” swingarm provided clearance for the bulging expansion chambers on the right side of the bike.

From the original eBay listing: 1994 Suzuki RGV250 for Sale

1994 Suzuki RGV250 VJ22This very special bike was purchased from the renowned Pete Boccarossa collection. Visit Superbikeuniverse.com to see the listing. I’ve owned it for 3 years. He started the journey to build the ultimate RGV250, I finished it. From Pete’s original listing it was rebuilt with a new crank, pistons, and mild port work. Suspension upgraded with a 2013 GSXR 600 rear shock resprung for a 185 LBS rider, 2008 GSXR 1000 front end with forks resprung, front wheel, and radial mounted brakes. Custom rear brake hanger with brembo rear caliper. Katana 5.0 by 17 rear wheel. Tyga carbon fiber rear hugger. Lance Johnson painted a Kevin Schwartz Pepsi RGV livery that looks awesome. Upon acquiring the bike, I made addition upgrades including brand new Tyga stainless Steel GP expansion chambers with carbon fiber canisters, new Tyga triple trees, new Tyga rearsets, new Brembo front master cylinder, new front braided brake lines, new Michelin Pilot RS tires front and rear, new front brake pads, new fork seals, Suzuki kit 23d10 race SAPC, I sourced from Japan a very rare kit SP close ratio transmission, and complete SP dry clutch. Prior to install, I purchased all new OEM clutch plates and gaskets from the Tuning Works. Dyno used to assist jetting and dialing in carbs. I’m summary, it’s an amazing one of a kind RGV250 that runs as good as it looks. It has a clean Florida title and registration in my name. Sold as is. Inspection by appointment. Contact me with any questions. Full payment due 7 days at close of auction. Buyer responsible for shipping, I will help on my end. Good luck on bidding!

There’s another day or so left on the auction, and bidding is up just above $10,000 with the Reserve Not Met. It looks very clean, but it’s not perfectly original, with lots of aftermarket parts, including those questionable turn signals that aren’t even aimed correctly… The kit gearbox is very nice, and the later GSX-R parts are good quality, but I can’t help but wonder whether or not the forks and radial front brakes might be overkill for a 300lb motorcycle. Overall, it seems like a very slick bike for the right buyer.

-tad

Devil in the Details: 1994 Suzuki RGV250Γ for Sale

Featured Listing July 15, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Featured Listing: 1996 Yamaha YZF600R for Sale

Update 7.15.2020: Price reduced to $4,000. Good luck to buyers and seller! -dc

If you grew up reading about, riding, or lusting after 80s and 90s Japanese sportbikes, the good news is that these machines are finally getting their due from collectors. The bad news is that there aren’t many nice, low-mile examples out there anymore, and prices are no longer what they were. Luckily, today’s Featured Listing is probably one of the cleanest, low-mile Yamaha YZF600Rs left in existence.

The YZF600R, also known as the “Thundercat” in some markets, was introduced in 1994. It was an evolution of the steel Deltabox-framed FZR600 and shared that bike’s overall shape until a redesign in 1996 brought the styling into line with the bigger YZF1000 “Thunderace.” It was more of an all-rounder than some of its period competition, but it was still considered a highly-competent sportbike, just one that was more suited to street use than other, more highly-strung options. Like Yamaha’s own R6 for example. The YZF was available in some markets until 2007, sold alongside the R6 as a more practical alternative to that very track-focused machine.

The YZF600R followed the typical format for the class at the time, with the aforementioned steel Deltabox frame that added weight, compared to aluminum versions, but kept costs under control. The complete package weighed in at 453lbs wet and the bike’s 87 rwhp could push the bike to more than 150mph. Adjustable suspension at both ends was on the soft side, but handling was good enough for the track when properly adjusted, and the package was good enough to win an AMA Supersport championship in 1996.

This is listed as a 1996 model, so I’m assuming it was produced before the changeover to the later styling that replaced the “cat-eye” design seen here for a single-headlight. All things considered, this is an extremely clean and original example, with less than 1,700 miles showing on the odometer. Note that there are a few cracks and minor blemishes to be found, but these are clearly documented in the huge gallery of images below.

From the Seller: 1996 Yamaha YZF600R for Sale

1996 Yamaha YZF600R Survivor

With only 1,700 original miles and a striking maroon and dark magenta cocktail color combination, this fox-eye YZF has been in storage since 1999. It was recently brought back to life by cleaning the carbs, scrubbing the bike from top to bottom, oiling the cylinders, flushing the brakes, changing the oil, installing a fresh AGM battery, replacing the ignition, installing a new fuel pump and repairing a few minor fairing cracks (likely from damage during storage). The bike is clean and ready to ride with a clear Minnesota title.

The bike is all original except for an aftermarket ignition switch and in-tank fuel pump. The tires (old but intact), exhaust, windscreen, rear seat cowl, owner’s manual and even the reflectors everyone tore off are on it. The plastics are nice, but not perfect, with a few minor cracks. The same thing applies to the overall condition of the bike. The bike shows no signs of ever having been down.

The YZF is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and can be picked up or shipped from there.

Over 100 pictures available.

Price: $4,000

Contact:
Dan
952-237-0214 (mobile)
dtinklenberg@gmail.com

The seller is asking $4,000 for this very classy, low-mile machine. You could probably find a cheaper YZF600R, but this is probably the nicest one you’re likely to find anytime soon. The only possible downside is that this example is slathered in very classy burgundy paint, not some lurid and evocative period race-replica scheme. Like Honda’s CBR600 F3, they made plenty of these, and they were never all that rare or valuable. But if you want to relive your youth in style, this one can’t really be beat. Just fit some fresh rubber and enjoy!

-tad

Featured Listing: 1996 Yamaha YZF600R for Sale

Yamaha July 7, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Feisty Fizzer: 1989 Yamaha FZR400 for Sale

“Probably the nicest in existence” is an overused phrase on eBay, but might be an apt descriptor for this Yamaha FZR400 with less than 1,000 miles on the odometer. Modern liter bikes scream around the dial to 14,000rpm and beyond with regularity, but back when the FZR400 could be found in dealer showrooms 11,000 was much more common. And you needed every one of those 14,000 revs to make full use of the 64hp produced by the 399cc inline four.

That Genesis inline four was canted forward at 45° to allow the air a straight shot into and out of the engine, and lowered the center of gravity for better handling. There were just four valves per cylinder, instead of the five valves found on the FZR1000, but the aluminum Deltabox frame was just as trick as the one found on the bigger machine. All-in weight was around 410lbs wet, and that endowed the little FZR with impressive agility. A 17″ front wheel was matched to an 18″ rear, and both were wrapped in relatively fat rubber for such a small machine.

Lacking the Honda NC30’s race-bred glamour, values of the FZR400 have remained surprisingly low, considering the sophisticated specification, and many found themselves turned into cheap track-hacks, or had FZR600 engines stuffed into them to create hot rod canyon carvers. Very few remain with low miles, and this does look to be one of the best you could possibly find, and it appears to be bone-stock.

From the original eBay listing: 1989 Yamaha FZR400 for Sale

I have decided to sell off some of my collection and the bike you are looking at is probably the nicest FZR400 in existence and this is an excellent opportunity for collectors and enthusiast alike as bikes of this caliber don’t come along often so now is your chance. I think the pictures will speak for themselves. Call or text Jamie with any all questions 703-407-1242

Bidding is up to $5,500 at the time of writing. FZR400s have been pretty cheap to buy for a long time and, although prices haven’t really shot up yet, there can’t be many left in such time-capsule condition. That should increase the value for sure, and I’m curious to see where this one ends up.

-tad