Posts published in “Featured Listing”

For Sale: Original Owner, Modern Classic of 15 Years, 8.3 Million Visitors, 27m pageviews, 6,400 posts, 22 contributors!

Published May 30, 2023 by Dan

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that RSBFS is available for new ownership. My day job is where my primary focus is and it’s time for a new steward to see RSBFS into the future. I’m hoping to find a buyer for the site that is one of us, possesses web experience, and respects our readership.

Writing this post is the first step in this transition and I have only a vague idea of how to proceed next. But I encourage interested parties to contact me with their interest and bona fides.

In the meantime, as a thank you to all the readers, get your bike on the homepage of RSBFS for free! The usual criteria applies and posts will be abbreviated. Price required. Email me!

Thank you to all the readers and contributors over the years. I’ve had a blast running RSBFS and I’m excited to see someone with fresh energy take it to the next level.

Sincerely, Dan Crouch

Featured Listing – 2010 BMW HP2 Sport!

Published May 11, 2023 by Norman

Update 5.11.2023: Price reduced to $19k. Good luck to buyers and seller! -dc

If you are talking about sport bikes, the boxer twin format is likely the last thing that comes to mind. Parallel and V twins have dominated the two cylinder format for years by way of Ducati, SVs, KTMs, etc. The HP2 Sport is a sneaky bike in that sense because it’s sort of like the quiet kid who gets on just fine but stuns everyone and wins the talent show by dancing to Billie Jean. While technically an iteration on the R1200S, there was undeniably A LOT of iteration in every major system of the bike that essentially brought it to its full potential. It’s unlikely that there will ever be a better or faster production boxer unless someone over in Munich loses their marbles and pulls a fast one on the bean counters.

So what makes the HP2 Sport so special? If I had to summarize it I would say by taking a platform that wasn’t meant for sporting use and maximizing its sporting capability, BMW was able to deliver one of the more unique riding experiences out there. There are not many (or really any) bikes with a boxer, telelever fork, and shaft drive that have a larger performance envelope. Now you could make an argument that attacking corners on an 1200S can get you something similar but the bike’s inherent limitations would have you riding around its shortcoming relatively quick.

BMW put a lot of money into nearly every aspect of this bike so any shortcomings wouldn’t show themselves unless it was piloted by a professional. The motor is the most powerful boxer motor ever built. It’s significantly more rev happy and will deliver power high in the revs which is an unusual trait for a boxer but still has the torque expected from a two cylinder. Double overhead cams were first introduced in a boxer in this bike and changes to the valve train also helped deliver 128 HP and 84 lb ft of torque. The power output was also modified as the HP2 got much tighter gear ratios and a quickshifter. Our seller has also added a Power Commander so expect some optimization of the power band….and some jamming of radars but you didn’t hear that from me.

I always say with great power comes the need for a great chassis. With a wet weight of roughly 438 lbs, the HP2 was right on par with the 1000s. There were multiple contributors to the 28 lb reduction over the R1200S but the most notable is the carbon tail unit, full carbon bodywork, and milled aluminum triple clamps. By shaving weight off the right places and slapping a set of Ohlins monoshocks on the front and back, BMW was able to tune the HP2 Sport to feel like a surgical tool despite it’s more relaxed geometry.

A note from the seller:

2010 BMW HP2 Sport in near-new condition. 9023 miles on it.

Bike is mostly stock with the following bolt-on exceptions:

– Dynojet Power Commander V with autotune & digital display

– New Antigravity Lipo battery

– Some titanium bolts (rotors, calipers)

– TPX radar/laser detector mounted on handlebar

New Michelin tires, oil/spark plug/air filter service recently done.

Prior to me, bike was owned by Bill from CaliMotoTV (2010 BMW HP2 Sport | First Ride – YouTube) about a year ago.

Buyer is responsible for pickup or paying for/arranging shipping. Small box of extras included (extra mirrors, lower factory race bars, manual).

Our seller, Jae, truly has one unique bike. Production numbers vary depending on who you ask but a quick search for comps reveals that they don’t exchange hands that often and that has to a function of very limited stock in US and owners who are in for the long haul. The seller is asking for ~~$21K~~ $19k to part ways with this mint HP2 Sport. Reach out to him at…pekingduc1@gmail.com if you have any questions…and yes that is the email address he provided. As mentioned by the seller, this bike was featured numerous times on the CaliMoto TV Youtube channel and you can check it out here!

Thanks for reading!

Norm

Featured Listing – 1987 Suzuki GSX-R 1100

Published May 4, 2023 by Norman

Update 5.4.2023: Relisted on eBay, now at $14,900 from $16k. Good luck to buyers and seller! -dc

1987 Suzuki GSX-R 1100

As RSBFS writers, we often get first dibs at some of the Featured Listings that we write up. Our meager earnings from the site keep our tanks full and the insurance man happy but they’ll never stack high enough to take advantage of the first looks we get. Initially, it hurts a bit to watch a some of the excellent listings pass by but you eventually get used it. Then every once in a while a good man named Bob comes out of nowhere and dangles 3 dimepiece Zookis in front of you… So close yet so far. Thanks Bob!

Who is Bob? Bob Benyo is the Chief of Restoration at Globe Motorcycles, a private collector/restorer dedicated to bringing vintage motorcycles back to factory condition. Hopefully a future friend of the site as well. Bob has been stripping screws, busting knuckles, missing apexes, and eating chicken strips since the 80s when he graduated from the AMI. He’s one of those cats who has forgotten more about the game than most will know.

This GSX-R 1100 is one of 3 Zook’s and one of two 1100s our seller is getting offload of this week. If you’ve been patiently waiting out the storm for the past couple years for a classic sportbike this is an opportunity worth exploring.

The GSX-R 1100 was a quick successor to the GSX-R 750 which needs no introduction. The big bore market in general was not new of course but the big bore sport bike market…well that was uncharted territory at the time. Suzuki quickly understood that certain markets had an appetite for big horsepower and they quickly developed an offering based on their 750 platform. A 1,052 cc oil-cooled mill generated around ~120hp and ~70 lb ft of torque at the crank. Throw that in a pot with a lightweight (for the time) chassis and you get to 160 mph pretty quick… That’s surely far quicker than whatever the po po were using to chase GSX-R owners at the time. The powerplant was reliable as well. It became a favorite of tuners and drag rats as they could easily shove more hp through the engine without any issues. I suspect that the engine reliability played a big part in allowing the seller to offer this bike with a healthy engine today. Speaking of the engine, this one exhales into in a period correct SuperTrapp SS exhaust. Those types of bits are always hard to come by on the classics.

Motorcycles are pretty simple and direct. That being said, there are still multiple parts to the system and the motor is just one part that helps deliver the experience we seek from these types of machines. While I believe the motor is arguably the most important part of the system, it’s only ever so slightly ahead of handling which is another strength of the 1100. Remember, the starting point for this was 750 which was a proper track bike. Much of the engineering that made the 750 great dynamically was carried over to the 1100. The 435 lb dry weight surely is the main character but steering damper, electronic anti-dive tech, and the cartridge-style suspension all carried their weight in supporting roles.

The other GSX-R 1100 Bob is selling is the stock, low mile one in perfect condition. This one seems to have been the evening cruiser of choice and has some mods that allowed inflexible Bob to enjoy his ownership. The main one of those is the bar riser kit. The 1100 is a loooong bike with a loooong tank and spending even 5 minutes at the helm seems like a test of one’s physical fitness. A tinted Lockhart windscreen and upgraded brake lines come installed as well. A prior seller has painted the original bodywork in red/white/blue which actually looks high quality and stock.

Even the inside front of the belly pan is clean… That’s a surefire way to determine if someone is OCD about their toys…

All said and done, this seems like as good as an opportunity as any to snatch up an early ancestor of the Suzuki lineup. The seller has considerable experience in owning and maintaining these bikes so from a quality standpoint, I see very little risk. From a collector standpoint, status has already been achieved and value is a function of time at this point…and Jerome Powell. I think you should gather more details from the seller but it seems the bike has had an interesting backstory as well so there’s your cherry on top.

The “Buy It Now” price is $16K and there have been 0 bids on the auction which starts at $10.5K. BaT sold an ’86 1100 for $14.5 in July ’22 and an ’87 1100 for $11.5K in December ’21. Reach out to Bob directly at skyad1@aol.com with any questions.

Thanks for reading and good luck!

Norm

Featured Listing – 2005 Ducati 999R with 5,070 Miles !

Published April 12, 2023 by Donn

If a rider you know is ready to reach right for the top shelf, RSBFS reader Mike has been taking special care of his 999R. With some nicer updates and fresh expendables, this 999R looks ready to take on all comers.

2005 Ducati 999R for sale asking $21,000

Designer Pierre Terblanche didn’t look back at the previous model as much as the imperturbable face of the stopwatch, and provided 2003 riders a more aerodynamic package, with a taller cockpit to work in. The testastretta EVO engine provided the means to achieve ton-plus speeds, with larger, lighter titanium valves and knife-edge crank contributing to the 150 hp on tap. The classic trellis chassis is appointed with Öhlins, Brembo and Marchesini’s best components, and a revised swingarm for 2005. Multiple handling and riding position adjustments make the 999R as accessible as any superbike.

Mike’s 999R looks pampered, with striking cleanliness, flawless finishes and carbon bits that still have their glossy new look. Update-wise, the reach to the Brembo radial levers has gotten a bit more comfortable, and a slipper clutch will keep the rear tire happy. Termignoni supplied a pound or so of titanium in the exhaust and maintenance is more than current, as Mike explains in his – facebook marketplace –

Very clean, low mile 2005 999R with some nice updates. 5,070 miles. The updates include:

Fresh belts, oil, brake and clutch fluid

Fresh Dunlop Q3+ tires

Termi 57mm round tube exhaust with Ti silencer (ceramic coated)

Brembo RCS radial pumps and Brembo M4 front calipers

Underslung rear brake mount and Galfer brake lines

Billet triple clamps with LKL 1″ riser clip-ons

STM slipper clutch and ventilated right side (clutch) engine cover

Samco hoses

New lithium battery

Carbon fenders, clutch cover, tank key protector

Mike asks $21,000 for his 999R, located near Denver and can be reach by email – here -.

The 999 exceeded expectations on the world superbike stage, winning three titles in its four year run. And the Terblanche design has come to be appreciated for its complexity but was always a joy to ride. Mike looks to have been an excellent caretaker of his 999R, keeping it ready to display or spend a great afternoon.

Contact Mike with questions via email – here -.

-donn

Featured Listing – 1996 Honda RVF400 Track Bike in South Africa

Published March 17, 2023 by Dan

In the ultra-competitive home market, Honda’s RVF400 was the natural successor to the popular VFR400, and came equipped to do battle. Today’s RVF400 track bike has been turned up a notch by a South African preparer, just in time for racing or track days.

1996 Honda RVF400 Track Bike asking $8,250

Only natural that the junior model to the RC45 was spec-ed beyond the usual, with fully adjustable upside-down forks, 4-pot Nissin brakes, and 17-inch wheels. The little V-four was quite oversquare, and made 61 hp on the street with a 14,500 rpm redline. Gear-driven cams sing a tune not heard often these days, though a little harder to hear behind the open exhaust on this racer. Reviewers drained the superlative tank on the RVF, and though expensive for the time, build quality was such that it was a wonder Honda made a dime on them.

Importer and RSBFS fan Brian offers some insight on the preparation shop – Autohaus Breytenbach:

With a very focused and niche approach, the recipe is simple. We focus primarily on “RR” spec motorcycles, in the 400cc class. Carburetor fed, multi cylinder, multi valve, high performance 4 stroke, from the four Master Marques grace our floors. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha all battled to create the most powerful and best handling motorcycles in each segment.

Aiming to write beautiful stories together, Autohaus Breytenbach uses only premium OEM parts, expert technical knowledge and a global supply chain forged over the past decade. It was once thought someone would require a time machine to own a new Honda VFR400RR NC30 for example, but it turns out all you need is Autohaus Breytenbach.

Autohaus Breytenbach Motorcycles are bespoke and very limited, the family business produces less than 10 units per year. As we say in our home and our business, “you only have 1 chance to have a good name – use it wisely.”

Brian also sent a cold start video in three segments –

Ready to be imported, this RVF400 had been a previous owner’s track day special in South Africa, and updated under the shop’s care. Beside a set of fairings nicer than the usual expendables, there are a lot of mods hiding in plain sight The free breathing Tyga exhaust is most evident – especially in the videos. Almost too tidy for a race bike, it looks ready to load in the van. Mods and maintenance in list form –

– New Tyga Exhaust, full system, race Maggot system
– Upgraded thick core upper and lower radiators
– Custom quick release bodywork – fibreglass and plastic and foam for the seat
– Swing arm and hub bearings replaced
– Water Pump replaced with OEM Honda new. Coolant flushed and bled
– Valve clearance adjustments performed – all in spec
– Carburetors rebuilt, balanced. New intake rubbers
– Front brake lines replaced with braided – bled and flushed
– Forks professionally rebuilt, new hard chrome and grind, new seals, and oil etc.
– New fuel tap
– New clear windscreen, Tyga
– New top triple clamp, Clip-on’s, tacho surround, fuel Cap – all genuine Tyga pieces
– “Technical sports” Gearshift and rear brake linkages – CNC cut items high quality
– Carbon fibre front fender
– New brake pads all round
– Fully serviced – new plugs, fluids and filters
– New side cover gaskets/packing
– New final drive chain
– New oil filter, new premium semi synthetic oil from Castrol
– New air filter. New fuel filter
– Stainless steel fixings fitted throughout
– New throttle cables
– New OEM carb intake rubbers

Brian asks $8,250 for the RVF400, and can be reached by email – here -.

Autohaus Breytenach also has an in-country relationship with – Chedza Global Logistics – to ship cargo from Africa to the United States and elsewhere, in a safe, convenient and cost effective way. For example, a single unit transport from Johannesburg, South Africa to Los Angeles, California starts from $2199. Crating and purging services are handled in house, at an extra fee of $299, making the total shipping cost $2498.

The race exhaust and ECU make enough horsepower to make this RVF feel like it’s in a different class, but the lightness is really the key. The strong fan base and support from leaders like Tyga will be there to help the next owner. Not quite as sensitive about the rider’s size as smaller classes, the RVF400 can teach most riders a great deal about momentum riding. For a rider ready to study, Brian’s RVF could unlock the schoolhouse doors.

-donn

Featured Listing – 2009 Aprilia RS125 Track Bike

Published March 13, 2023 by Mike

Continuing in our recent form of fantastic two strokes comes today’s Featured Listing – a 2009 Aprilia RS125 Track Day bike. If you are a RSBFS reader and have seen comments in recent smoker posts you will know that there is nothing sharper for the track than a lightweight, focused two stroke. And when the bike in question comes from Aprilia – a company renowned for their small-bore racing exploits – and has been massaged and reworked to optimize track performance, you know you are looking at a bike that can punch well above its weight class.

Featured Listing – 2009 Aprilia RS125 Track Bike

The heart of the RS125 is a single cylinder, liquid cooled, reed valve inducted two stroke breathing through a single Dell’Orto carb. Power is fed through a wet clutch to a close-ratio 6-speed final drive. On the chassis side, the main attraction is a beautifully crafted box section aluminum alloy frame, to which is mounted very sophisticated suspension components. Out back there is an asymmetrical alloy swingarm with rising rate linkage, curved and braced to allow the exhaust to mount up high and tight for maximum cornering clearance. Up front the forks are oversize and upside down, mounted to a strongly braced frame stem. There is only a single disk up front, but it is a 320mm unit squeezed by a four piston, radial mount caliper; more than enough to aggressively stop the 280 pound (dry) package.

From the seller:
Up for sale is a rare TRACK ONLY Italian performance 2 Stroke moto. This bike is one of one hundred and fifty imported in to the U.S. in 2009. It is #17 out of 150. Purchased brand new from a dealer in CO in 2021 with 1 Km.

Bike has been my dedicated track bike for the 2022 season. It has been cleaned and serviced after each track day. Currently has 979km which is equivalent to about 607 Miles. Autolube feature so no pre-mixing. I run AMSOIL Interceptor as the oil and only 110 Octane Race gas. Bike is always garage kept and on a battery tender. Bike comes with a few extras.

More from the seller:
Included:
•Front and Rear stands
•Certificate of Origin
•Chicken Hawk Tire warmers
•Full printed Service Manual
•Original OEM Spain Plastics, Rear Seat and windscreen

Installed:
•RG Frame Sliders
•Racing Windscreen
•Renthal Grips
•Adjustable Levers
•Lever Guards

More from the seller:

Location: Vacaville, CA

Contact Mikkel at 707-666-5556 or tronomikkel@gmail.com

Price: $8,000

These dedicated track bikes from Aprilia are very rare in the United States, but offer the most pure antidote to your track day addiction short of a full-on GP bike. With a snappy and zingy two stroke, light weight, and excellent brakes and suspension the RS125 when ridden properly can obliterate more street-oriented bikes many times its size. And while the Aprilia is a great mount for riders of any level, it teaches smoothness and momentum conservation much more so than a bigger bike. With automatic oiling and electric start it takes no more work than a bigger four stroke, without those pesky oil change and valve adjustment intervals. That is all win!

RSBFS fan Mikkel is offering this bike at $8,000. Located in California, the bike comes with some key additions (frame sliders, levers and guards) as well as desirable paddock accessories in the form of tire warmers and stands. The bike also comes with the original bodywork to maintain authenticity. Interested readers should reach out to Mikkel here, or give him a call. A bike like this does not come our way often, and if you are committed to improving your riding by attending track days there could be no better way to do so. Good Luck!!!

Featured Listing – 1997 Suzuki RGV250/SP VJ23 by Speedwerks

Published December 14, 2022 by Mike

Update 12.14.2022: Now on eBay! Good luck to buyers and seller! -dc

Today’s Featured Listing is brought to us by longtime RSBFS sponsor and supporter Speedwerks. If you are not familiar with Speedwerks, they are a shop based in Delaware that for nearly 30 years have turned out beautifully prepared and restored examples of bikes that we all drool over. If you don’t believe me, check out their shop directly (www.Speedwerks.com or www.facebook.com/speedwerks), and for some history, check out some of the Speedwerks bikes that have been featured over the years on RSBFS: Search Speedwerks.

Featured Listing – 1997 Suzuki RGV250/SP VJ23 by Speedwerks

The RGV250 world changed with the introduction of the VJ23. The last of the RGV series, the VJ23 introduced an entirely new configuration for the two-stroke twin cylinder, affecting the remainder of the overall package dramatically. Gone was the popular 90 degree v-twin that powered the earlier VJ21 and VJ22 series bikes. In its place was a more compact 70 degree unit. Displacement was still 249cc, but that displacement was achieved by a square bore-stroke ratio, as opposed to the earlier models which had a bigger bore and less stroke (over square). The new motor fit more optimally in the twin-spar aluminum frame, providing better handling with improved weight distribution. Suspention consisted of an upside down front fork and rising rate linkage in the rear – both fully adjustable. Electric start was included in the package (no more kick starting or bump starting), and even with such luxurious appointments the whole package still came in under 300 lbs! The SP designation adds even more tasty goodies, including a close-ratio 6-speed gearbox driven by a dry clutch.

From the seller:
This 1997 RGV250/SP VJ23 is by far the nicest, original one we’ve had come through here. There are no stories, no Chinese panels and no excuses’. The Pic’s speak for themselves. We discovered this VJ23 with the help of our friend Rick Deegan of RMD Motors in Japan.

We’ve bought and sold a lot of bikes and Vehicles through Rick/RMD and although he’s a bit ‘Colorful’ at times, he has always been honest and straight forward regarding the machines he sells, this one is no exception and doesn’t disappoint. We struck a deal and purchased it earlier this year. This Suzuki has had only ONE Original Owner in Japan and the gentleman bought it brand new as a 1997 model year. This was a leftover and it was first dealer registered in the year 1999.

In his ownership he racked up 11,900 kms. installed a set of WRS rear sets, kept it serviced regularly, otherwise it’s remained original and unmolested. He was fortunate to have a large house with a garage, where this machine was kept from the harsh salt elements that plague most aluminum and steel on the Japanese island. Consequently, there is none on this chassis.

More from the seller:
The Japanese Documentation is included, along with the 2 Dealer Keys, Manual, Warranty Book, and Factory tool kit.

As evident in the photo’s we did an extensive time consuming service and a borderline OCD detail job on the Chassis. The body is original, shiny and beautiful. All fluids, Fuel system, Carbs, Plugs, Air, Gear Oil and Coolant. The front suspension was also refreshed with new seals, bushings and Bell Ray fork oil. Rear shock refreshed and checked.

Finally a new set of Dunlops were spooned on and this beautiful RGV/SP is ready to;
– add to your collection.
– blast thru the canyons to Alice’s for lunch.
– Use a daily/Sunday rider.

Enclosed, Private delivery is available in the Cont. USA. and included at $24,000.
We can also crate the machine and assist with air or sea freight anywhere in the world.

Asking Price: $24,000
(price includes personal delivery in the continental US – no risky shipping companies!)

Contact:
Speedwerks Sportbike Service
101 Weston Dr. suite-8
Dover,De 19904
(302)672-RACE

www.speedwerks.com
www.facebook.com/speedwerks

You can also email Steve directly: steve@speedwerks.com

As highlighted, this is a home market VJ23 imported directly from Japan. That means that this particular example is restricted in terms of power output. This affects any Japanese home market bike, as the government imposed power limitations in order to curb high-speed street riding. Suzuki did produce these models for export outside of Japan, and those bikes do not have the power restriction. Steve from Speedwerks notes that full power export models will have a black VIN plate riveted to the right side of the frame, just behind the neck, a non-restricted ECU, a modified airbox, a 240kms speedo, and a black cap on the rear master reservoir. If you are shopping for a full power model don’t give up: Speedwerks has one available for restoration with the identical color scheme as today’s home market example (contact Steve for details).

As with all the bikes we have seen come out of the Speedwerks shop – whether they are race bikes or really rare gray market examples such as this 1997 Suzuki RGV250 SP – this bike is immaculate. It has a wonderful back story as a one-owner ride, and the numerous pictures show what is perhaps the best of the VJ23 breed we have seen. As the last series produced by Suzuki, these are rare and sought after bikes. The SP configuration is the one you want, and with only 7,300-ish miles showing this one looks like it will bring joy to a new owner for many years to come. Did I mention that this is the LAST of the factory two strokes ever offered? How about electric start? The best by Suzuki presented by one of the best shops we know, Speedwerks is now offering this exquisite example of RGV250 SP VJ23 imported goodness for an asking price of $24,000 (includes deliver in the continental United States). Here is a link to all 100+ photos of this amazing machine. Contact Steve directly (steve@speedwerks.com) for more details. Good Luck, and thanks to Speedwerks for being such a long time supporter of this site!