Posts by Category: Honda

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We have 15 years of archives. Please note that posts over a year old may have been updated to point to similar bikes available to bid on eBay.

Honda May 29, 2022 posted by Donn

Market Rules – 1986 Honda NS400R

To have been in a 1986 showroom – Suzuki had the RG500 and Yamaha the RZ500, but Honda again went for a bit more lightness and made their GP replica a 400, which at least made sense in Japan. This example from north of the border really shines considering its nearly 16K miles.

1986 Honda NS400R for sale on eBay

To keep up with the other race reps, Honda produced a fair likeness of Freddie Spencer’s NS500 racer, with a peculiar V3 smoker, small pattern alloy chassis, and classic full fairing. Three Keihin flat-slides are in the vee, making 72 hp available on an ATAC power valve-assisted torque curve. Sleepy through 5,000 rpm, the screaming shortly starts and runs to 9,500 rpm and 125 mph. Forks were air-assisted with TRAC anti-dive, and a Pro-Link monoshock was underneath. Brake and tire sizes remind you that this a potent middleweight rather than a superbike. Oil injection and all the street gear brought the fueled weight up to just over 400 lbs. wet, not bad though Spencer’s 500 weighed almost 100 lbs. less.

Offered by a private individual in Quebec, this excellent example looks complete and correct right down to the sidestand fairing. Freddie’s signature is on the seat bottom, though present day etiquette would have it right on top of the tailcone. A quick video is offered – here –. We’ll let the comments from the eBay auction pick up the story –

1986 Canadian NS400R Freddie Spencer HRC EDITION with the signature – V3 cylinders – 2 stroke – very RARE: less than 400 sold in the whole America… never produced for USA market – 360 lbs dry weight (approx). Includes current Quebec-CA Clean title/ownership at my name… Immaculate condition and excellent very rare example of a 36 years old collectable 2 stroke bike… only 25,330 km (15,740 miles)… a similar NS 400R like this one just sold for $25,300 this past January at Mecum auction in Vegas (You can see it on last picture).

Only imperfections I could see are a very small paint crack under right side mirror (professionally repaired)… you can see it on the zoomed picture with a green arrow. The brake hoses are not oem because the rubber was cracked in a few places on the previous ones… and it was hard to find an oem hose.

The rear top muffler guard are dismantled for a better look… but is in perfect condition like you can see in the picture.

Reviewers told of a street machine with clear racing lineage, though the power valve system civilized its manners more than most smokers. None of the mid-size two strokes were offered in the USA, and though they’ve had some grey market presence here, all were retired by the end of 1987. Maybe some hi-res pictures would help the puzzling lack of bids, but we’ll be watching.

-donn

Honda May 28, 2022 posted by Norman

A Sip a Cylinder – 1988 CBR250R

1988 Honda CBR250R

In the modern era of sport bikes, it’s easy to visualize how much displacement is needed to propel you into the ditch of one of the two mildly curvy sections of blacktop in your sprawling suburb. Just think of all the times you got a 36oz Big Gulp. Our Harley brethren have the pleasure of visualizing the displacement of their engines right before they ride into a ditch via 60 oz of Miller Lite from the local watering hole. To visualize what the CBR250R needs, just think of when you’re cleaning up after a get together and you find that 2/3 full beer that someone told themselves they’d revisit at a later point. Divide that by 4 and now we’re talking a sip a cylinder.

In America, the reason we don’t like the 1/3 beer drinker is the same reason we didn’t like the CBR250R. You can’t get in trouble with them. Small displacement bikes are considered “beginner” bikes and have never scratched the itch for the US markets. Consequently, these bikes only end up in the states after collectors import them. Such is the case for this low-mile example today.

The most intriguing things about a CBR250R are the looks and redline. Similar weight, suspension, and power are all easy to find today. The double headlights and classic Honda racing colors have aged so well. The seller hasn’t posted many pictures but the cosmetic condition is pretty good from what can be seen outside of some marks on the rims.

The engine is other spectacle here. The picture of the cockpit teases the 18k redline which places the engine characteristics of this bike solidly in line with the engines found in premier class racing. High revs, gear-driven cams, light pistons, and an oversquare setup delivers minimal torque but 45 hp up top.

From the seller:

For sale 1988 Honda CBR 4 cylinder rare bike imported from Japan runs and rides amazing only 6447 original kilometers Clean title. If you have any question, please call or text me 843 9255097 thanks

The seller seems to be a man of few words and pictures so there should be some more legwork done. However, we can assume he has good taste considering the MT-01 in the background.

Here’s an example that sold on BAT during COVID for $6,500 and can be used as a reference point if you choose to make an offer. Good luck and finish your beer.

-Norm

Honda May 15, 2022 posted by Norman

Top of it’s Game: 1997 CBR900RR SC33 Fireblade

Please join me in welcoming Norman to the RSBFS team with his first post!

At one point or another, all of the Japanese manufacturers were at the top when it came to making the best bikes for the track or the street. Suzuki with the GSXR750, Yamaha with the R1, Kawasaki with the ZX11, and Honda with the CBR.

The result of all the manufacturers wanting to be on the top step of the podium or the stretched street race king was a very fast and successful development race by manufacturers all over the world and especially in Japan – the motorcycle mecca of the world. So many models, significant refreshes, and units were produced throughout the years that you can still easily get your hands on these bikes today. You don’t have to blow a 5 digit-wide hole in your savings account to do it either. This here 900RR Fireblade is an example of Honda’s turn at the top.

1997 CBR900RR for sale on Bring A Trailer

from the listing:

The bike was modified under prior ownership with a trimmed rear fender, a tinted windscreen, and a Yoshimura slip-on muffler, and it was acquired by the seller in March 2022, reportedly from its second owner. Service under current ownership is said to have included cleaning and synchronizing the carburetors, replacing the battery, changing the oil, and installing a battery charger lead. This SC33 CBR900RR shows 12k miles and is offered at no reserve with an owner’s manual, a tool kit, two keys, and a clean New Jersey title in the seller’s name

The auction is currently no-reserve on BAT at $3,100.

Fortunately, the seller does a pretty good job at explaining the history and specs. Doesn’t leave a lot to the imagination. There are instances in life when the imagination is great but it can be expensive when it comes to buying used bikes!

At first glance, the slip-on seems like a Yoshimura RS1. Not the worst thing you could do to this bike. It’ll probably sound pretty good but something I would confirm over video.

Not sure where it’ll go but this is a pretty nice example aside from a couple quirks. It’s not often these pop up on marketplace anymore and if they do they’re usually in rough shape or clapped out. I saw a clean yellow one go for $3,400 in 3/2020 and kicked myself for missing that.

The power and weight numbers are still relevant today plus these bikes are reliable so you can enjoy them out on the roads or just keep it tucked away. Parts availability is still good for these and eBay has lots of spares. How about some Keihin FCR39’s for a bit more power?!

This generation of Honda’s Fireblade isn’t the prettiest but it’s hard to say it looks flat out ugly and the front has aged better than people might have guessed. The rest of the body and cockpit look great. Simple. Classic. Analog. Pretty much every automotive experience Honda offered in the 1990s has aged well. Also, Fireblade is just too good of a name.

-Norman

Top of it’s Game: 1997 CBR900RR SC33 Fireblade

Honda May 12, 2022 posted by Mike

Instant Collection: Five 400cc sport bikes from the 1990s

The 400cc sport bike set has been a hot topic on the pages of RSBFS, and were in fact part of the early focus of the site when it was entirely dedicated to finding grey market listings for sport bikes not originally imported into the United States. From those humble beginnings RSBFS grew to encompass the best of the rare and exotic, while continuing to harbor a soft spot for imports. Today’s collection of five members the 400cc club – one from each of the Big Four (plus a bonus Honda)- is definitely worth a look, even if some of the details are sparse and the bikes are located far, far away from US shores. The lineup:

Five 400cc sport bikes from the 1990s for sale on eBay

Honda VFR400R

Honda CBR400RR

Kawasaki ZXR400

Yamaha FZR 400SP

Suzuki GSX-R400SP

From the seller:
Collection of all the 90s 400cc sportbikes. All bikes are registered Hungarian bikes, with clean history. Will be sold with all necessary papers to register elswhere!

It is a one time opportunity to buy a collection like this!

These bikes are listed in a package deal on eBay in a Buy It Now (or best offer) format for $19,500 USD. Details are sparse, but as RSBFS writer and collector William notes: “The bikes are appealing, the package is interesting at that price point and the pictures are solid…a deal is always worth exploring.” You must admit that this flock looks great together. And given that the US shores has seen scant appearances of 400cc serious bikes between the 1980s Fizzer 400 and the more recent Ninja/CBR/R3/KTM offerings in 300-400cc sizes, these are undeniably rare in the US of A. You can check out all of the details here. Good Luck!!

Honda May 11, 2022 posted by Donn

Premium Six Pack – 1981 Honda CBX

As much as Honda was show-boating with the extraordinary CBX, some owners leverage that six-of-everything into a display of maintenance magic. Today’s CBX has just 13.5K miles, and looks like it just arrived via time machine.

1981 Honda CBX for sale on eBay

A bit like two 500cc triples with the cam drive and primary take-off between them, the CBX was scaled up from the -60’s 250cc race motor. Displacing 1074 cc’s, it laid down 105 silky smooth hp, and six 28mm Keihin carbs made it quite responsive. Since chrome headers used the place for the usual chassis downtubes, the CBX suspends the engine from a strong backbone frame, and uses that engine to stabilize it. Looking slightly over-scaled for a UJM, the CBX needed those triple disc brakes and the healthy sized tires strapped on the alloy Comstar wheels.

Presented by a Wisconsin consigner, this CBX appears to have a limited amount of “history”, with one owner said to account for the last ten years. No denying the re-paint, but it’s faithful to the original, and compliments the excellent condition elsewhere. Copy from the eBay auction:

The Honda CBX simply took the world by storm with its 1047cc Inline Six Cylinder machine

Derived from the RC165 Grand Prix Race Bike Powerplant

Producing a claimed 103hp, these motorcycles are buttery smooth and make a fantastic noise

This pristine example had been collector owned for the last 10 years

Indicated 13,457 Miles

Finished in beautiful Candy Glory Red

Original Exhaust in wonderful condition

This example did receive 1 repaint, the rest of the motorcycle has been sympathetically cared for

Freshly serviced and ready to be enjoyed

The Honda CBX is once the greats in history and this example is one of the nicest, we have ridden!

Don’t miss this one, these early Honda CBX’s are one of the hottest appreciating classics on the market right now!

Benelli actually originated the six-cylinder street bike, but Honda turned their three carburetors and six exhausts around, using six carbs and a pair of 3-into-1 exhausts. Either way the full liter-plus couldn’t be denied. Neither the engineering, making a looong crankshaft survive is not an amateur affair. Seems like the previous owner knew when professional help was in order as well. Sharp without being overdone, this CBX is quite ready for its next collector.

-donn

Honda May 3, 2022 posted by Donn

Track Bike Tuesday – 1995 Honda NSR250 SP / MC28

Though a rarity on the road, smaller two-strokes are still a great track day solution, and the Honda MC28 is a great starting point. A European builder started with a premium SP model, and went hurtling down the slippery slope from there !

1994 Honda NSR250 SP / MC28 ( Portugal ) for sale on eBay

Most elsewhere, the NSR250 had a long run and the MC28 was the last generation. Tech and styling kept pace with racebike developments, though the powerplant was a fairly constant 249cc V-twin with a carbs and a legislated 45 hp. Electronic PGM ignition and air controls kept exhaust as clean as could be and thwarted most tinkerers attempting to de-restrict. All NSR250’s had a robust twin-beam alloy chassis, and the MC28 had the latest ELF-designed single-sided swingarm. Big brakes reflected the track orientation rather than the light weight, and wheel sizes were both 17’s.

This MC28 looks wicked racey but so nicely finished and complete, it’s hard to believe it’s ever turned a lap. Alloy pressings are polished and the race fairings fit well. Premium components stick their logos out everywhere. The PGM-IV hardware appears to be on the dash if not defeated, though information on the ignition system and a dyno sheet might be questions for the owner. Notes from the eBay auction:

With only 4,375 miles or 7,000 km and year production 1995.

Originally a SP model, converted to a custom racing MC28.

Engine is 300cc, with VHM heads, Tyga 300cc cylinders, Wiseco pistons, HARC-Pro complete exhaust, modified carbs, Marchesini rims, Rear and front Ohlins suspension, big Brembo calipers, and a lot of Tyga parts. It has 2 keys.

Right up there with spending a Powerball jackpot, taking a newly commissioned lightweight racebike out is something many would like to try. This owner has a couple of other excellent classics for sale, also at premium prices. The builder wasn’t named in this auction, but the choice of donor bike, engine upgrade, and exotic parts look very professional indeed. Will be interested to hear from the new owner if and when this NSR250SP sells.

-donn

Track Bike Tuesday – 1995 Honda NSR250 SP / MC28

Honda April 29, 2022 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 2000 Honda RVT1000R / RC51

Update 8.10.2022: SOLD! -dc

Dissatisfied with the 1990’s WSBK rulebook, Honda channeled their inner Borgo Panigale and surprised Ducati on their own V-twin turf. RSBFS reader Joe started with an excellent RC51 in storage, and went over it with an eye on the long haul.

2000 Honda RVT1000R / RC51 asking $13,500

More oriented toward the track than the previous Firestorm, the RC51 was built to homologate the design for racing, with the quite oversquare 996cc tuned for 136 hp and 77 ft.-lbs. of torque. The alloy twin-beam chassis used the engine as a load-carrying stiffener, and the side-venting rads kept frontal area low. A scoop between the headlights delivered fresh air to the engine, and individual exhausts sent used air aft. Components on the homologation special included the 320mm Nissin brakes and wide six spoke alloy wheels.

Beside returning his RC51 from the back of the garage, Joe improved every significant corner of this very clean example. Just a few highlights are the race tuned Öhlins front and rear, full Moriwaki exhaust with Power Commander, and Sato rearsets. Here’s how Joe described the build –

Previous owner let it collect dust for 12-ish years. Bike was in stock form with Erion slip-ons (that come with sale). Parts list included in pics. I spent three months refurbishing and building to what it is now with an open check book. About $8,500 in receipts. All paperwork from new, roughly 500 miles on completed bike. It’s too nice and too rare to abuse or damage. Ready for the track or a museum, no excuses. I hope somebody will appreciate the history and opportunity as much as I did to preserve this machine. I got lucky sourcing the full Moriwaki system that never came in country. 4K in Öhlins setup, I typo-ed the gearing in the pics, it’s 15/41 geared and a calibrated speedo healer so the dash is accurate. ALL stock parts plus additional ’04 Hayden bodywork come with the sale along with front and rear stands, original hang tag from the showroom floor, etc. The history and story of the bike are better told in person or over the phone – cannot be duplicated.

Joe asks $13,500 for his RC51.

Racers and Honda fans liked the narrow light feel of the new RC, and the gear-driven cams on a liter twin had a sound completely different than anything at the time. It had instant success on the race track as well, taking the Superbike crown in 2000 and then again in 2002. By then FIM was thinking to increase displacements, and Honda returned to the inline four that had built so much of their showroom success. Joe’s SP1 marks an interesting chapter in Honda history, with a lot of well-chosen upgrades.

-donn

Featured Listing – 2000 Honda RVT1000R / RC51

Honda April 23, 2022 posted by Dan

Not collectible yet – FZR600 and CBR600F3

They’re not limited editions, nor made in boutique factories, or even homologated for racing. But if you’re now in late 40’s or early 50’s, chances are you’ve owned or ridden one of these. And considering how old we were at the time, it may have even been your first taste of truly fast sportbike at a price that most riders could afford. While scores of these were manufactured, not many have survived in original shape as they were entry level sportbikes of their time, and they suffered with cheap modifications, road rash, and neglect. Except for these two:

1997 Yamaha FZR600 for sale on eBay $4,900

from the seller:

For sale is a very clean example of a 1997 Yamaha FZR-600. This bike is all original. No modifications.Low miles only 6055. The bike has been well cared for and it shows. This is a ready to ride and enjoy motorcycle. If you been looking for a 90’s era sport bike here is your chance.
purchased it from a Honda dealer in Wisconsin and later moved with it to Arizona. Hecommuted on it for many years. A few years ago he did a full garage restoration: fulldisassembly, powder coated the frame, fully rebuilt the engine, repainted tank and side covers,etc. He rode it very little since then. The current owner purchased it

1996 Honda CBR600F3 for sale on eBay $4,995

As I suggested, neither one of these are likely to catch a collectors eye, and as such, they’re rather affordable too. But they are very original and neither one has many miles considering they’re 25 years old. While they may appreciate in the future, for now you get a chance to relive your childhood for what is still a very attractive price point. Hell, get them both for under $10k!