In spite of its tiny displacement, by US standards at least, the Aprilia RS250 is not a toy. The RS50 on the other hand? Possibly a toy. But a very serious toy: this may have the displacement of a scooter and may not even require a motorcycle license endorsement in some states, but it’s a…
Introduced in 1994 and weighing in at just 403lbs dry, the Bimota YB11 was a claimed 35lbs lighter than the Yamaha “Thunderace” that donated its powertrain, which hardly seems worthy of the name “Superleggera” but the difference between the two bikes is pronounced: the Bimota is sharper, more agile, more aggressive. It also helps that…
Unfortunately, today’s tasty little two-stroke Suzuki RGV250Γ SP is short on photographs. It’s another of the raft of recent imports from Japan, and details are scarce, but the price may have you reaching for your mouse anyway. The RGV250Γ replaced the RG250 in 1988, swapping out that bike’s parallel-twin for a more modern v-twin that…
With many lightweight sportbikes now flirting with the edge of 25-year import rules, I expect we’ll see more and more bikes like this Yamaha TZR250 up for sale in the next couple of years. Road and track weapons designed to keep pace with Honda, Suzuki, and Kawasaki in the viciously-competitive 250cc class, the 1989-1990 TZR250…
Today’s Moto Guzzi Daytona 1000 is the living, breathing result of an almost unbelievable underdog story. Italian and British motorcycle manufacturers never seem to lack enthusiasm. But cash? Well that’s always a problem. So while manufacturers like Honda have the financial backing of large companies to drive development and new technology, brands like Ducati and…
An update of the earlier 1988 MC18, the 1989 Honda NSR250R model saw evolutionary changes to the bodywork and styling of this small-displacement sportbike. But the most impressive feature was the highly-evolved PGM-II electronic control unit. As brutally simple as two-strokes are in concept, there is real art in the tuning, and Honda’s PGM-II orchestrated…
The result of a project originally intended to develop a Moto GP bike, the Foggy-Petronas FP1 is basically the roadgoing homologation version of the World Superbike GP1. Interestingly, while 100 of the 150 bikes made should have been available for purchase, it turns out very few were actually sold to customers. Several years ago, a…
Right now, the early 90s air/oil-cooled Ducati 900SS is a serious sportbike bargain, although today’s limited-edition Superlight clearly bucks that trend. With limited production, distinctive good looks, lightweight bodywork, and that classic yellow and white color combo, it’s easy to see why Ducatisti swooned over these when they were new, even if nobody else really…