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 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 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!

Not collectible yet – FZR600 and CBR600F3

Honda April 20, 2022 posted by Donn

Fast Lane – 1983 Honda CB1100F

Honda followed up their ground breaking CB900F with the ground pounding CB1100F, playing squarely into the superbike arena. This Missouri example looks to be a lucky survivor, looking mostly original and complete, with fresh cosmetics.

1983 Honda Cb1100F for sale on eBay

Engineers appropriated the head design from the CB1100R homologation special, giving the four valve engine 9.7-to-1 compression and 108 hp. Unlike the R, the engine has rubber isolators to the twin downtube chassis. Up front you’ll find multi-adjustable forks with TRAC anti-dive, and an 18-inch alloy wheel. A 17-inch rear rim makes for a lower seat height. Some sharp details are included, like adjustable handlebars, an effective headlight fairing, and turn signals that help get noticed with a wrap-around side reflector.

Offered by a mostly classic car outlet, this CB1100F looks good for 17K miles and ahem 40 years. Some corrosion here and there tells of some time in the back of the garage, but the repaint is quite faithful and the dealer declares it ready to ride in the eBay auction:

1,100cc DOHC Inline 4 Cylinder Engine, 5 Speed Manual Transmission, 108 HP at 8,500 RPM, Cycle World tested these in 1983 and called them the “Fastest Stock Bike Ever Tested”, One Year Only Model – 1983, New Paint on Bodywork, Great Runner, Ready to Ride, Vance & Hines Exhaust!

The CB1100F did well at the drag strip, though its mid-500’s riding weight made it an experienced rider’s road course bike. For the times, componentry was top shelf, and the torque made it all worthwhile. Cresting the CB750/900/1100 range, the CB1100F testified to Honda’s steady development strategy. This example deserves a little attention, but the next owner will reap the benefits.

-donn

Honda April 2, 2022 posted by Doug

1989 Honda NSR250 MC18 For Sale!

1989 Honda NSR250 MC18 For Sale on CL!

Make: Honda
Model: NSR250 MC18
Mileage: 22,281 km
Price: $14,000
Titled: Yes
Location: Calabasas, CA (Shout out to my boys from P.O.D.)

From the seller
Imported from Japan four years ago, registered in California and slowly restored to exceptional condition. One of the nicest MC18 examples to be had and they’re rare. Most are in poor or un-restored condition. Everything on this bike has been gone through and fixed, replaced or refinished. Compression is perfect, carbs cleaned/tuned and runs amazing. Zero miles on new Bridgestone tires.

– California Title/Reg/Plate
– De-restricted (60hp estimated)
– JHA pipes
– Magtek magnesium rims just repainted
– New wheel bearings
– New Bridgestone tires w/ zero miles
– New Rothmans bodywork, stripes corrected and inside of panels painted flat black
– New fasteners
– New windscreen from U.K.
– New Renthal grips
– Vintage Japanese BEET rear sets
– Reupholstered rear seat
– New lithium battery
– New regulator/rectifier
– New fork seals
– New oil pump seal
– Zinc-plated hardware

I assure you- that list isn’t telling the whole story, but the pictures will complete the list for you. Have a look and tell me what you notice . . .

I see hundreds of hours of elbow grease and several hundred dollars in cleaning supplies. Have you ever laid your eyes on a cleaner 2 stroke? I’m not sure they’re this clean from the factory!

Hello there, Mr. Beet! I think I’m more excited about seeing those in the wild than I am about seeing a MC18 🙂

I know it’s not original, the wheels have been resprayed and it has those pesky aftermarket fairings, but it is 33 years old and comes from one of the harshest environments for motorcycles and yet, it looks amazingly clean, fresh and ready to make some noise.

If you’re in the market for a solid rider this might be where you can punch your ticket, but as always, I’d suggest you reach out to the seller and do your own due diligence to get a better feel for it.

Let me know your thoughts on this good looking MC18 and Smoke’em if ya got’em!

Cheers!

Doug

Honda April 1, 2022 posted by Doug

Feature Listing- 1990 Honda VFR750R RC30 For Sale!

Update 4.1.2022: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

1990 Honda VFR 750R RC30 For Sale!

Location: Seattle, WA
Make: Honda
Model: VFR750R RC30
Mileage: 15,228
Price: $45,000
Contact: Dave at (206) 535-6812 or dave@SeattleUsedBikes.com

We always enjoy a solid homologation superbike and this one is no exception!
This one is being offered by our good friends at Seattle Used Bikes and comes with storied past.

Read on-

When the current owner, who is the third owner, first purchased it in January of 1999 with 13168 miles showing. We are told that it was eventually handed over to his friend, world famous Honda tuner Mike Velasco; who is a PNW resident. Mike went over it, jetted the carbs for the aftermarket (Tyga?) exhaust, performed a valve clearance check and other basics, there was no documentation provided but its clear it has been looked after.

Knowing Mike Velasco tuned this RC30 is something special and should help ease any concerns of prospective buyers. If you’re not familiar with Mike Velasco, I suggest you allow some time for quick web search. You’ll quickly find his name along side Pops Yoshimura, Two Brothers Racing, Freddie Spencer, Fred Merkel and Bubba Shobert.

It has had roughly 2000 miles added since purchase, it did sit for the last few years in controlled environment. We needed to give the carbs a light clean, replace various rubber bits inside, new OEM carb bowl o-rings and intake manifolds were all sourced. We then moved on to the fluids, fresh oil and Honda filter, flushed/refilled coolant along with all the hydraulics, we use all Motul products. We took our time and looked for any other items needing attention, the small details. Last, we installed a set of new Avon Spirit ST tires in the proper OEM size and gave it a professional detail.

All of the bodywork is in good condition, we did spot some damage on the right side on the seat section from stress, fairly common on the RC30. The foam inside the upper fairing panels is in good condition but like most of these, the belly pan sustained heat damage at some point and was repaired. We are told it was not uncommon to spot a slight variance in the red color from upper to lower but the white paint is not original. We are finishing up lining the common hot spots with moose racing heat shields to protect it. We did notice the aftermarket exhaust vs stock, is not touching anywhere inside the belly pan. We also spotted a dent in the radiator on the right side, no leaks or fitment issues, no information on what or when it happened, mount on the frame sustained no damage. We have a included pictures of the blemishes found, everything lined up right upon reassembly after servicing.

The original owner of this particular RC30 has made contact with SUB and offered a few stories along with some of his memories. My favorite? He used it as a “grocery getter”

Recently the original RC30 owner reached out to us! Check out the picture!! He is still an avid enthusiast and said he has always had his eye out for #236. While not in the cards to bring it back home he did share a few stories and more details along with some original photos. There were only a small handful of RC30’s sold here in the PNW when new, this one was purchased brand new from our friends at Everett Powersports as a 3 year old non current in 1993, We were told the dealer had just moved it off the sales floor into an upstairs storage area. They allowed a young kinda broke moto dreamer to sit up there and fall in love, he found a way. He had the joy of putting the around 10,000 or so miles on it over the next few years,.it was often used as a daily commuter and occasional grocery getter! It was parked the final year of ownership in his dining room before deciding to move on. During the years of ownership he kept it in virtually bone stock condition, taking proper care along the way following the Honda recommendations, he told us he truly “babied it”

This is a really nice RC30 that has been enjoyed and taken care of along the way. It presents very well and has been tuned by one of the great tuners of the homologation era.

Enjoy the video and make sure you click the link below for the “Under the Skin” photos.

Click here for extensive “Under the Skin” photos

Give Dave a call at (206) 535-6812 or reach out via email at dave@SeattleUsedBikes.com if you’d like more information on this amazing Honda VFR750R RC30.