Author Archives: Tad Diemer

Honda February 15, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Honda Week Continues: 1988 Honda NSR250R for Sale

Oh god, I can only imagine the backlash in the comments as our unofficial Honda Week rolls on! Today, we’ve got a clean MC18 version of the NSR250R, Honda’s little two-stroke sportbike that took the fight to the Suzuki Gamma, Yamaha TZR, and Kawasaki KR-1. And like those bikes, it was a technological powerhouse, squeezing maximum power from the tiny engine. Introduced in 1987, these never officially made it to our shores, but are now old enough that they can be legally imported and registered in most states.

The original NSR250R MC16 was followed by the MC18 seen here in 1988. It was powered by a compact, lightweight, crankcase-inducted 249cc 90° v-twin that used Nikasil-plated cylinders for a slightly undersquare 54 x 54.5mm bore and stroke. An early version of Honda’s PGM electronic ignition and their electronic RC or “Revolutionary Controlled” powervalve gave a more flexible spread of power, and a six-speed cassette-style gearbox put power to the 18″ rear wheel that was matched to a 17″ front.

From the original eBay listing: 1988 Honda NSR250R for Sale

For sale is a 1989 Honda NSR 250 two-stroke motorcycle with rare hard to find CA title and registration for street use. The bike was just serviced so it is in running condition with everything working, it has been owned by its last owner for over 18 years. It is in good shape for its age but it is not perfect. If you have any questions feel free to send me a email.

The odometer shows 17,590km, which means the bike has a little less than 11,000 miles on it. No problem if the bike has been properly maintained, and it has that all-important California title that should make a trip to the DMV somewhat less painful if you want to register it here… Probably. The MC18 is less desirable than the later MC21, let alone the MC28, but it’s still an NSR250R and should go for a good bit less: bidding is up to $3,856.00 with several days left on the auction.

-tad

Honda Week Continues: 1988 Honda NSR250R for Sale

Honda February 14, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Speak of the Devil: 1990 Honda VFR750R RC30 for Sale

Speaking of the RC30… After the little-brother VFR400R we posted this week, we’ve now got the legendary Honda VFR750R here on RSBFS. The RC30 wasn’t especially light, or powerful, but it was beautifully made and was incredibly easy to ride, with intuitive handling. A true sportbike icon, it represents an unusual way to approach production racing.

Most of the time, homologation bikes are tweaked and upgraded versions of regular production machines. You take your basic sportbike platform, then add an adjustable steering head, or flat-slide carburetors, or titanium engine parts, or a different bore and stroke, then build enough examples incorporating those changes to qualify the resulting machine for whichever classes you intend to enter. Instead, Honda built a low-production superbike that was sold alongside its more conventional inline-four sportbikes like the CBR.

Honda’s belief in the the V4 has obviously been validated: the format is popular in MotoGP, and several modern hyperbikes use the format for all of the same reasons Honda felt it was a winning formula. A V4 is heavier and more complex than an inline four, since it has two cylinder heads and an additional set of camshafts. But the format contributes to mass-centralization and is much narrower than an inline four, which allows for better aerodynamics.

Honda’s V4 used a set of gears to drive the overhead cams, and a 360° crankshaft to improve rear-wheel traction. Build quality was incredibly high and, with the fairing removed, the RC30’s components are densely packed in between the thick aluminum frame spars. The V4 configuration is great for handling, but it also makes a bike generally complex and hard to work on. Perfect for a bike that was designed for homologation purposes.

I’m curious about the wheels on this bike: the seller mentions that it currently wears wheels from an RC45, which is an odd choice. The original RC30 wheels would be a 17″ front and an 18″ rear, which makes the fitment of modern sportbike tires problematic. The RC45 would have a 17″ rear, but went to a 16″ front. Again, making the fitment of modern sport tires difficult. An RC45 rear and an RC30 front would make the most sense to me, but the photos don’t clearly show what’s been done here.

From the original eBay listing: 1990 Honda VFR750R RC30 for Sale

If you are viewing this bike, you know exactly how influential the VFR750R/RC30 was to the motorcycle world.

With only 3,000 being produced, RC30’s with this mileage are extremely hard to find

748cc V4 powerplant is pure bliss

Often referred to as a Homologation Special for HRC’s World Superbike Campaign

This bike is believed to have 4,754 unrestored original miles

The bike currently has RC45 wheels and a aftermarket exhaust

Factory Wheels, Exhaust, and Jetting goes along with the sale

Rear Stand is also included with the sale

This RC30 has spent the last 2 years in the Throttlestop Motorcycle Museum on Display

The bike runs and rides beautifully

Paint work is very nice, no dings or issues with the gas tank

Lower belly pan has normal wear, see pictures

All the hard to find pieces are on this bike and untouched

This was the pinnacle for Honda in the late 80’s/early 90’s and is extremely timeless. Here is your chance to own one of the most desirable Sport Bikes of this era!

Bidding is active, and up to $25,100 with several days left on the auction. This example isn’t perfect, but is low-mileage, unrestored, and looks very clean in the photos. And if the RC45 wheels aren’t to your liking, the original wheels and exhaust are included, so you can put it back to stock before you lock it up in your hermetically-sealed storage vault.

-tad

Speak of the Devil: 1990 Honda VFR750R RC30 for Sale

Honda February 12, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Little Brother: 1989 Honda VFR400R NC30 for Sale

If you haven’t seen Honda’s legendary RC30 in person, it’s easy to mistake the smaller, 400cc VFR400R NC30 for that iconic homologation machine. The smaller headlights of the more widely produced NC30 give the game away, although it shares very similar looks, like an RC30 that was put in the dryer on high heat for a little too long. Most importantly, it retains the distinctive single-sided Pro-Arm swingarm that looks trick and simplifies rear-wheel changes under racing conditions.

Both bikes share the same engine V4 engine configuration, with gear-driven overhead cams and the same 360° “big bang” crankshaft that improves traction at the rear wheel. The NC30 is physically smaller than its bigger sibling, but is also significantly lighter at about 400lbs wet, compared to nearly 490lbs for the RC30. That means that the NC30’s 60hp or so can still move the bike along smartly, and the bike is famous for its agile handling.

The non-standard muffler of this example does feature a cool carbon-kevlar weave pattern that looks pretty evocatively 80s, but also betrays a bit of grindage on the leading corner of the can itself, and on the bend of the pipe as it snakes around the rear wheel. Extremely exuberant cornering, or evidence of a minor low-side crash? It’s hard to tell from the pics, but it doesn’t look like there’s any other damage to the frame, fairing lower, or brackets to indicate what’s gone on here. There’s also a bit of corrosion on the front fork lowers, but that’s to be expected on a bike that’s spent most of its life in a salty, humid environment.

From the original eBay listing: 1989 Honda VFR400R NC30 for Sale

Rare bike from Japan! VFR400R NC30

VIN: NC30-1007049

Year: 1989

Mileage: 4,500km (2,795 miles)

Condition: There’s tiny scratch, tiny crack on cowling. There’s broken a little bit at back side of right side cowling.

But still looks VERY GOOD condition, Original paint. Muffler is aftermarket product.

Of course, running very well. There is no American title. But Japanese registration, bill of sale and import documents are included.

We have more detail of pictures and movie for this bike. Please contact me feel free if you interested. This bike is currently stored in Florida, so there is no hassle to import in the United States. After a successful bid, go to Orlando, Florida to pick up and arrange a delivery. Please note that shipping fee will be charged separately.

This is newly-imported, and stashed in Florida, the very epitome of a permissive DMV. It just needs an enterprising new owner to brave the bureaucratic nightmare of their local DMV and give this sharp little bike a new home. I prefer the more common red/white/blue colors, but the miles are extremely low and the bike looks very clean, minor rash on the exhaust aside.

-tad

Little Brother: 1989 Honda VFR400R NC30 for Sale

Suzuki February 10, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Clean Collectible: 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750 Limited Edition for Sale

The original Suzuki GSX-R750 that was introduced in 1985 may have been a “race bike for the road” in theory, and it certainly gave privateers an excellent foundation on which to build a pretty competitive machine. But there are always areas where compromises are made for production efficiencies, so there’s always room for improvement when sharpening a motorcycle to a razor’s edge for competition. This GSX-R750 Limited Edition was created to help remedy some shortcomings the original machine had, and homologate completed machines incorporating those changes for production racing classes.

The original package was pretty potent to begin with: suspended in a cradle-type frame, the GSX-R’s inline four had twin cams and four valves per cylinder, good for about 80hp at the rear wheel. Weight was saved using Suzuki’s Advanced Cooling System that eliminated water-cooling in favor of a high-capacity oil system that included a double-chambered pump and jets directed at the underside of the pistons. SACS proved pretty effective, and the system remained in place for the first two generations of Suzuki’s cutting-edge sportbike.

The Limited Edition homologation version of the bike included a vented dry clutch that made them a popular target for thieves at the time, along with a solo seat, longer swingarm, and electronic anti-dive forks from the bigger GSX-R1100, all for a price that made it the most expensive Japanese sportbike available at the time.

This Japanese-market bike features a distinctive red-and-grey color scheme that looks terrific and appears to be in very stock condition, down to the original rear fender and exhaust that looks much less “vintage,” with a blacked-out heat shield that downplays its bulky, 80s style.

From the original eBay listing: 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750 Limited Edition for Sale

INTRODUCTION:::

You are bidding on a 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750 Limited Edition (in Japanese Domestic Model Specification and original factory color scheme) Suzuki produced the GSX-R750 Limited Edition in red Yoshimura colors only in Japan to celebrate the success of the Yoshimura racing team in the Japanese racing class. According to the January 2017 edition of Pratical Sportbike UK magazine only 150 units were produced by Suzuki in the special Yoshimura red colors… Suzuki only produced 500 units world wide of the GSX-R750 Limited Edition, homologation rules required a certain number of models to be produced by the manufacture in order to qualify for endurance and superbike racing. The Limited Edition models were equipped with many race oriented parts most notably the dry clutch system. Also below this description I have listed all of the special features the limited edition models were equipped with. This particular GSX-R750 limited edition is in all original factory condition, and has 11,235 kilometers (6,981miles). But please feel free to read more about the specifics of this bike and look at the pictures for verification. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. U.S. and International bidders are welcome to bid on this motorcycle but must arrange shipping themselves…

CONDITION:::

All of the body panels are in excellent condition, there are no cracks or major nicks anywhere. The paint is in very good condition and shines very nicely. The original Suzuki exhaust is in excellent condition with no scratches or dents anywhere, the wheels are also in excellent condition with good paint and no major chips anywhere. Basically the motorcycle is a 9 out of 10 cosmetically. Mechanically the bike runs and rides perfect. All of the electrical components work as they should; lights, blinkers, horn, speedo, tach, fuel gauge, all work properly. The bike just had a full service tune up, all fluids were changed, and mechanically everything was inspected and replaced if necessary with original Suzuki parts.

LIMITED EDITION FEATURES:::

The Japanese spec GSX-R750 limited comes with a few extra features that the USA spec limited models did not have: flat slide carburetors, all black ray gun exhaust, fuel gauge, city lights, headlight kill switch, deletion of side reflectors, tinted turn signals… The following parts are unique to GSX-R750 limited models world wide; dry clutch basket, aluminum body rear shock with remote reservoir, wider rear wheel, larger 41mm front forks, NEAS electronic anti-dive system, lightened counter shaft cover, wider handlebar, steering damper, solo rear seat cowl and seat, plexiglass headlight cover, quick release fairing screws, swing arm drop outs for stand, triple tree with milled pattern, larger 310mm fully floating disc brakes.

CONCLUSION:::

This is a great opportunity to buy a rare, all original Suzuki GSX-R750 Limited Edition. International buyers please keep in mind that there are some small variations in original parts in different countries; this GSX-R750 limited edition is a Japan market original specifications edition. If you need any additional pictures or have any additional questions please feel free to email us. Domestic & international buyers are welcome to bid but have to arrange the shipping themselves; however we will be glad to help with any loading of the motorcycle. We have assisted in shipping motorcycles overseas for other customers in the past. Please feel free to bid as long as you make the shipping arrangements.

Interesting that the seller mentions the tinted directional lenses: at first I assumed they were non-stock, but they appear to be exclusive to the Japanese-market bikes. This thing is pretty frighteningly clean, and the high-quality photos should give anoraks plenty of information about the bike’s originality. Honestly, the paint on the brake calipers and anti-dive system looks brand new, so I wonder if it’s been restored, or just sealed in a vacuum, since even the low 6,981 miles should see at least a bit of wear-and-tear. Regardless, it’s a very nice example with plenty of time left on the auction.

-tad

Clean Collectible: 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750 Limited Edition for Sale

Honda February 8, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Fireblade! 1993 Honda CBR900RR for Sale

Honda’s seminal CBR900RR remains a desirable 90s sportbike, and remains one of the most collectible motorcycles of the period. Subsequent versions of the “Fireblade” were always incredibly polished and competent motorcycles, but somehow failed to capture the original’s lightning in a bottle. So what made the original so special?

Most importantly, the CBR900RR was designed by Tadao Baba to be the ultimate roadgoing sportbike. That meant it didn’t bother trying to fit into any established production racing class, freeing Honda up to make a light, agile motorcycle with a much bigger engine. Without the need to maximize high-rev power, they stroked a 750cc engine to 893cc to keep the powerplant as compact as possible, then slotted it into a package that weighed just a few pounds more than their CBR600. The long-stroke engine could still rev but, more importantly, had an incredible midrange that spoke to the bike’s roadgoing intent.

The entire package prioritized rider feel and engagement over outright performance, but that didn’t mean the bike wasn’t blisteringly fast: 111hp meant it was plenty quick in a straight line. The 900cc engine combined with the light weight to leave it in a class of just one, since the big-bore superbikes from the other Japanese manufacturers were all 1000cc or more, and much heavier. The GSX-R1100 and YZF1000 were fast motorcycles, but compared to the CBR, they were more GT than pure sportbike.

From the original eBay listing: 1993 Honda CBR900RR for Sale

Re-listing because previous buyer’s check was fraudulent. priced to sell

I’m selling my 1993 CBR900RR restomod. I have invested over $10k in this bike.

List of mods:
Rebuilt motor bored out to 998cc. Done by professional race mechanics. Less than 600 miles on the motor. Odo reads 30k.
Front end from a CBR929, completely redone. Valves, spring and internals.
17 inch front wheel from an RC51
Brembo adjustable master cylinder
Galfer Rotors
Nitron 3 way rear shock
Carbs tuned by Erion Racing
Almost every bolt is titanium
Comes with a set of Flatslides
And more

The bike is beautiful and priced to sell. Don’t have time to ride it anymore. If you’ve ever wanted one, this is the perfect rider.

This example replaces the original RWU fork with more modern USD component from a later CBR, along with much more modern brakes. Significantly, it also ditches the ’93 model’s 16″ wheel that made for slightly twitchy handling then, and severely limits tire choice now. Miles are a bit high and the bike isn’t completely original, but this thing should be an awesome rider for anyone looking to recapture the experience of Honda’s famous Fireblade at the rock-bottom Buy It Now Price of just $3,500!

-tad

Ducati February 4, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Featured Listing: 1959 Ducati Elite 200 for Sale

This Featured Listing is part of the The Edinger Ducati Collection. Thank you for supporting the site, David! -dc

If you’ve already got Ducati fatigue from the past couple weeks, scroll right on past today’s Featured Listing, this Ducati Elite 200. Or, if you didn’t realize that Ducati had a life before their big, booming superbike line existed, go ahead and read on. In fact, they didn’t even make a regular production multi until the introduction of the v-twin 750 in the early 1970s: their Cucciolo, the original Ducati, was actually a small, four-stroke engine designed to motorize a bicycle. Humble beginnings for a company whose name is synonymous with Italian exotica today.

Later machines used their light weight and handling to win victories in smaller racing classes. Fabio Taglioni designed their first overhead-cam engine, which eventually developed into the machine seen here that was introduced in 1958. The Elite displaced 204cc and used a four-speed gearbox with the heel-toe shifter that was characteristic of the era. The 18 horses and light weight meant a top speed of nearly 90mph, an impressive velocity for such a small motorcycle.

The distinctive candy-red “jelly mould” tank with mirror-like chrome details and Ducati wing logo, complete with mounting loops, to the copper-colored frame and amazing details like the “DUCATI” molded into the peg rubbers, headlight bucket-mounted speedometer, and tapered shotgun exhaust, it’s a surprise to me that they haven’t built a retro-styled model that references this bike yet. Even a Scrambler variant painted to match this might work, combining modern performance with classic style and colors…

From the Seller: 1959 Ducati Elite 200 for Sale

This is a rare, award winning piece of Motorcycle art. This bike was previously in a museum and is also an Antique Automobile Club of America winner “National First Prize”. The bike was purchased from Vicki Smith in 2013 who is well know among Ducatista. Apparently the bike was first purchased in Italy. I probably never rode the bike more than 20 miles and it was then properly put back into Museum mode by Revival Cycles in Austin and has complimented the other bikes in my house. I have all the receipts that came with the bikes and everyone since. The key in the headlight is one of my favorite things and the bike also comes with a Ducati tire pump. The one into two exhaust is rare and motorcycle art. This is the price I paid in 2013 and is more valuable and rare today.

Contact: David Edinger (Edinger.david@gmail.com) +1-317-908-2573

The seller is asking $20,000 for this very nice example of an appreciating classic. The bike isn’t perfect, but the paint looks amazing, it has great patina, and it comes with documentation and should certainly continue to appreciate. It’s a shame that most of these end up sitting in collections, since they’re apparently great to ride and would be lots of fun on a casual Sunday morning ride, or a great choice for a classic rally like the Motogiro.

-tad

Featured Listing: 1959 Ducati Elite 200 for Sale

Ducati January 29, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

More Than Skin Deep: 1998 Ducati 916 SPS for Sale

We’ve been a little Ducati-heavy this week, but there’s no way I was going to skip this one: an Eraldo Ferracci-prepped and tuned Ducati 916 SPS. Sure, this might look like yet another boring 916, but the SPS is one of Ducati’s fire-breathing homologation specials, and this example has been endowed with a highly-tuned stroker motor from one of the era’s premier tuners.

If you’re not familiar with Ferracci, he was an east coast Ducati tuner whose bikes won several World Superbike and AMA titles. He eventually opened a well known Ducati/MV Agusta dealership, and the company still sells high-performance Ducati parts on their site, although the brick-and-mortar dealership itself is closed.

The SPS or “Sport Production Special” was basically a way for Ducati to begin racing their stronger, larger-displacement 996cc v-twin before the 996 was introduced. As with all the bikes in the 916/996/998 series, it might look like a regular 916, but featured extensive, evolutionary upgrades to the Tamburini superbike that was introduced way back in 1994. It used the close-ratio box from the smaller 748, along with updated suspension that included an Öhlins shock and a lighter frame.

But of course, the heart of the matter was the updated 996cc engine that included titanium connecting rods for 1998. Ducati found that the functional limit for their original Desmoquattro was 955cc: any bigger, and the cases tended to crack under racing stress. The new engine was a comprehensive redesign that saw the inclusion of new heads, barrels, pistons, injectors, and a lighter crank.

Combined with the usual tuning tricks that didn’t make it over to the regular 996, the changes all added up to an engine that was more than the sum of its parts, with a savage and aggressive character. It was very expensive, but made testers at the time struggle to find enough superlatives to adequately describe the lust it inspired. The seller borrows a good chunk of his description from a very nice history of the SP/SPS Ducatis over at OddBike, and it’s worth a read if you’ve never checked that site out.

From the original eBay listing: 1998 Ducati 916 SPS for Sale

About This Motorcycle:

“The primary reason of building the 916 SPS was to homologate the new 996cc engine for Superbike competition but fortunately for bike fans, the installation of the 996 engine into the 916 setup produced a bike that was described as legendary, astonishingly good looking and a true Superbike. Only 404 examples were built with less than 50 of those imported into the States.

The SPS was released to homologate the new 996cc engine for Superbike competition. The previous 916 crankcases had been maxed out at 955cc, and had problems with cracking and stress fractures under racing conditions. So in 1997 Ducati tried again by taking their new 996 engine and putting it into the 916 frame. The result was the 916 Sport Production Special (SPS).

New reinforced crankcases were needed, and to accommodate a displacement closer to the 1000cc limit for twins in Superbike the case mouths needed wider openings and wider stud spacing to match. Thus the barrels and heads were new, made wider to match the new cylinder stud spacing. Bore was now up to 98mm, with the same 66mm stroke as before. The heads had larger combustion chambers and bigger valves. Compression ratio was now 11.5:1 inside a lighter crankshaft with tungsten plug balancing. The high pressure double injector fuel setup with P8 ECU was carried over from the SP.

Press reviews of the 996 powered SPS declared it to be something quite special, with some testers being able to crack 170 miles per hour with the Termignoni exhaust and ECU kit fitted, a pretty stunning speed for a twin with ‘only’ 120-odd horsepower. The new engine gave a much wider power delivery band but this together with neck-snapping torque was enough to push the limits of the chassis. The 916 models in general did not respond well to ham-fisted riders, so it is not surprising that the SPS and its significantly wider power band resulted in a bike that could be dangerous for even skilled riders.

Despite its somewhat dangerous reputation the SPS was still sexy as hell with a sound like the apocalypse, especially if the Termi pipes were installed. Price tag new was almost $25,000 USD, a significant amount above the $16,500 Biposto and nearly double the price of a 748 model. Most reviewers declared that despite its dangerous nature it was worth the extra investment and there was a lot of demand for the SPS but since these bikes were built for homolgation, just 404 examples were built and only a small number of those brought into the USA.”

Among these rare breed of motorcycles there is something even more special and quite possibly one of the most spectacular, modern era homologated Ducatis. Now that would be tough to believe except this is a FBF bike, but for those who know about Eraldo Ferracci and his relationship with Ducati will easily justify the aforementioned statement.

Speedart Motorsports acquired this motorbike few years back and it has been a highlight of our Ducati collection ever since.

The first owner of this stunning example took delivery in November 1998 from Mr. Ferracci and he commissioned FBF on November, 11 to transform the SPS in to one of their 1,026 cc stroker fire-breathing monsters at an exorbitant cost.

The following is a partial list of the work performed by Eraldo Ferracci with an FBF serial number stamped on the case, further attesting to the pedigree of this extravagant Production Special.

Renthal quick change rear sprockets carrier

Ferracci billet lightweight flywheel

High pressure fuel regulator

Ported and polished heads

Stage-3 Eprom chip

Corse rearsets

37mm Intake valves

31mm Exhaust valves

54mm Ferracci Forza full stainless system

Ohlins shock revalved

Hyperpro spring

Ferracci billet clip-on handlebars

98mm 12:1 Compression piston Kit

FBF power crank 68mm stroke

Ducati Performance carbon fiber under-seat oil vent tank

MS Production carbon air intake runners

Stage-3 cams

Pankl Racing titanium rods

Carbon fiber MS Production swingarm cover

During our custodianship at Speedart Motorsports, further enhancements were performed including Dymag carbon fiber wheels, ultra-rare Ducati Corse RS slipper clutch with DP carbon cover, NCR sprocket carriers, Poggipolini titanium fasteners, Samco hoses, Spiegler cables with fittings and much more.

The sale of this legendary Ducati is accompanied by extensive documentation, owner’s manuals, all Ferracci build records including Dyno sheets, fastidious maintenance receipts, stands, cover, etc.

Speedart Motorsports invites all serious inquiries of what is believed to be the most extraordinary 916 Sport Production Special in captivity, freshly serviced, in spectacular form both cosmetically and mechanically.

The high-compression pistons match the original 98mm bore, but the new crank’s 68mm stroke is up 2mm from the original for a total of 1026cc, compared to the original 996. That might bother some collectors, but it looks like only the very best parts have been used to upgrade and tune this very special SPS. Other than the gold plugs that don’t match the frame paint, this is a very nice, very trick bike, and one of just 1058 built in 1998. A nice SPS will generally sell for much less than the $34,500 asking price seen here, but they usually haven’t had as much attention lavished on them.

-tad

More Than Skin Deep: 1998 Ducati 916 SPS for Sale

Featured Listing January 23, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Featured Listing: 1974 Laverda SFC for Sale

We don’t post a ton of “classic” sportbikes here, but some motorcycles transcend the era in which they were built: the bevel-drive Ducati 900SS, the Moto Guzzi V7 Sport, Norton Manx, Vincent Black Shadow, Kawasaki ELR, Honda CBX, and this bright orange Laverda SFC are iconic enough that they fit in just fine among machines decades newer. Quite literally a race bike with lights, the SFC or “Super Freni Competizione” was a high water mark for the marque, and always makes me sad they’re not currently in business. I think the world has room for a stylish, overbuilt motorcycle with great handling and Italian charisma. I picture something like a Triumph Thruxton R with Ducati SportClassic style…

At the heart of the machine was an air-cooled, 744cc two-valve, overhead-cam parallel twin supposedly patterned after Honda’s CB77 Superhawk and built to last, with five main bearings. The SFC shared the same engine with the more street-oriented SF1, although the SFC included the usual period upgrades to improve performance: larger valves, head work, different cams, balanced and polished internals, bigger carbs… The result was somewhere between 71hp and 81hp, depending on the year. They were all hand-built and dyno-tested and rolled out pretty much ready to compete in endurance racing events. Just remove the lights and add a numberplate.

Unlike other Italian manufacturers of the period, Laverda’s goal was to use the very best parts in their motorcycles, regardless of origin. So while the suspension and frame were by Verlicchi and Ceriani or Marzocchi, respectively, they used Nippon-Denso electrics, and Bosch ignition components. It’s significant that Laverda named their bike after its braking ability: Super Freni Competizione basically means “super competition brakes” and the early machines featured a massive magnesium brake drum out front with a similar unit out back.

Later machines moved to twin discs out front, with a matching disc in the rear, but the result was the same and Laverdas stopped as well as they went. In 1974, the frame was updated to lower the center of gravity and reduce weight, and to improve handling with revised suspension geometry. Fewer than 600 SFCs were ever made, making this one of the rarest examples of an already exclusive marque.

From the original eBay listing: 1974 Laverda SFC for Sale

At only approx 541 units produced, the Laverda SFC is one of the best bikes for the buck you can collect and ride! this is a street legal factory race bike that pumps out approx. 70HP, it’s fun, fast and vicious– to me the SFC is the pinnacle of 70’s Italian sport bikes, it hits all the marks and its built like a tank. This is the closest bike in feel to a Lamborghini Miura.

At this point I can say with some authority, that I have owned, bought and sold more SFC Laverda’s then just about anyone in the US, if you look in previous sales, this bike is just 12 bikes later than the last SFC that came through the shop.

Every SFC is slightly unique, every bike has a story. This particular example has been in private ownership for the last 10 years, the current owner had the noted Laverda craftsman Scott Potter do a complete frame up rebuild with the intention to ride her on the beautiful California coastal roads. At this point a new Steel tank was acquired and paint matched to the rest of the bodywork, new parts were used as needed and the rear shocks were upgraded.

As the bike had been sitting, I decided to give her a once over and clean and replace the jets, set the points. After putting in some fresh fuel, this BEAST roared back to life. The time and money spent on the rebuild was obvious as the quick pull of the throttle felt the parallel twin whip the bike back and forth, the feel of the SFC is unmistakable. BUY, RIDE, COLLECT.

WORLDWIDE SHIPPING IS AVAILABLE

Feel free to call me 929-264-7212 or email via my website – motoborgotaro.com

1974 LAVERDA SFC DETAILS –

Frame #17160

Engine #17160

Dell’Orto PHB 36mm carburetors

Borrani aluminum wheel rims

Steel tank

Ceriani suspension * rear is Marzocchi

Electron rear hub and sprocket carrier

High quality aluminum replica gas tank

Nippon Denso instruments

Smaller European taillight

Original parts included * Original fiberglass tank and original pipes

If you’re not familiar with Moto Borgotaro, they’re a restoration shop over in Brooklyn, New York and have had a number of very nice Laverdas pass through their hands. This example looks basically perfect, with just 4,304 miles on it, and the seller is asking $58,000.

-tad