Posts published in “Honda”

Rarified Air: Erion Racing 2000 Honda CBR600 Supersport Champion

Published June 14, 2022 by Mike

Thanks to Ross on Facebook for pointing out that this actually a CBR600F4 and not a CBR600RR. We apologize for the error. -dc

Track Day Tuesday has come around once more, and this time we are showcasing more than a stripped down R1 or the like. Today’s machine is a proven track day hero, taking Kurtis Roberts to the top step of the 2000 Supersport championship. Yes, that is an AMA Supersport 600cc championship. And yes, that is Kurtis Roberts as in youngest son of The King, and younger brother to superstar Kenny Jr. If that is STILL not enough street cred, need I mention Erion racing? That was probably one of the most respected outfits in the AMA, and worthy of their own special Erion Racing livery Honda to boot. I’d say pretty much ’nuff said right there. The seller has a bit to say about this bike, especially since a similarly hyped machine was sold at Mecum earlier this year. But if all checks out this is probably more than a simple track day bike, and likely more of a collector than a flog-at-your-local-track rider.

2000 Erion Honda CBR600 (Kurtis Roberts) for sale on eBay

From the seller:
2000 KURTIS ROBERTS CBR600 (One of two ridden that year) championship winning bike. As ridden from the 2000 season. The other one was sold 3 months ago on Mecum for $22,000 ,that one was given to Kurtis 4 years after winning the championship (made up bike for Kurtis) and no doult was NOT ridden during that season.

Unlike the bike that sold at Mecum this year ,this bike sports all the official decals from Honda and AMA supersport series ,their are also billet pieces on the bike that were made for just Kurtis that the Mecum bike failed to have. I also have a email from Kurtis about the bike that was sold at mecum ,but that will only go to the buyer and not public

More from the seller:
This one comes with all the paper work from Erion Honda ,paid $9000 in 2000 for it ,dyno sheets and CHAMPIONSHIP poster of kurtis ridding that bike. There is Brand new set of Painted bodywork ,un touched and set of spare used wheels ( Kurtis name still on them).

I own 35 AMA bikes so this one doesn’t do much for me other than Kurtis rode it.
The bike has done one trackday since kurtis rode it (2001)
I did start it up last year, then drained the carbs and tank.

Condition is as raced pretty good ,there is a small dent in the fuel tank (if i have time I will pull it out) that is easily fixed paintless dent guy
No tiitle ,invoices from Erion Honda
purchased on the 11-10-2000,invoice and bill of sale from Kevin Erion
Doesn’t sell then it will just sit in the collection

The seller has included some photos of the aforementioned Mecum auction, which was offered up as Kurtis’ personal bike. Today’s example appears to have some provenance by way of documentation, which certainly helps determine authenticity. As a mass-produced sport bike from the turn of the century, this is an old Superstock race bike. You could certainly pick up a CBR600 more cheaply, but then it would be missing the Erion setup, the cool parts, and the fact that the butt in the seat belonged to a champion.

The pictures are not fantastic, but the bike looks to be as expected; race bikes are not babied and coddled, but flogged to win. And speaking of winning, this one could be yours for the asking price of $11k. Check out all of the details here. And if Kurtis Roberts is not your thing, perhaps you’d rather go up the generational chain and emulate dad himself, King Kenny Roberts. You can still pick up skid lids in Kenny livery, such as this one here. Not sure if the Kurtis bike and the King Kenny helmet would make you an instant hero on a track day, but it should could be fun to try. Good Luck!!

7 Responses.

Special Projects Office – 1990 Honda VFR750R / RC30

Published June 6, 2022 by Donn

Though RSBFS mostly posts carefully tended originals, some models will attract major league attention no matter the condition. Today’s subject is a venerable RC30 which was apparently parked and forgotten after just 62 miles !

1990 Honda VFR750R / RC30 for sale on eBay

Not sure what else can be said about the RC30, already the subject of much attention and well-deserved interest. It was made in just enough numbers to homologate the build for the Superbike World Championship, which it won the first two years. Using HRC-designed parts for most major components, it had very little in common with the rest of the VFR line-up, and at $15K in 1990 it was well out of most riders’ reach. Many of the details wouldn’t have been considered for a more sales-oriented machine, like the titanium connecting rods, camshafts running in needle bearings, the oil cooler sending heat to the engine coolant, and the single nut retaining the rear wheel. Even with all that, a race kit was available which gave an alternative exhaust, radiator, gearsets, race wheels, brake calipers, axles and steering damper.

Though it might be fascinating to hear how this RC30 came to be parked so soon, the NY inspection and Florida location will have to do for now. For all the inattention, it looks excellent with no apparent damage and only a minor amount of corrosion. Every system that ever had liquid in it ( and some that didn’t ) await the next owner’s attention. The original accessories are a great addition, being otherwise unavailable. Notes from the eBay auction –

Yes, only 62 miles. The motorcycle has been in storage for the past 30 years and is located in South Florida. One owner, all original, no aftermarket accessories or modifications. Note that the motorcycle has not been touched or cranked over in 10 years. At that time, it was running until all the gas was out. All documentation and everything that it came is included such as the race stand, tools and New York State title. Noted issues (not all inclusive) –

Pitting on both forks

Scratch by the back seat rest

Scratch on gas cap

Gas cap will not unlock

While that fork corrosion wouldn’t normally be worth tending to, in this case the forks will probably be disassembled and re-finished. It’s easy to predict a full restoration for this RC30, but harder to say whether it will ever turn a wheel afterward. Too bad because just the sound of the 360-degree crankshaft engine would be worth it. Seems like each one of the estimated 4,885 RC30’s ever made has at least the potential for a spot in a museum or stadium auction.

-donn

7 Responses.

Wet Look – 1983 Honda CB1100F

Published June 4, 2022 by Donn

Honda offered a few different flavors of the CB1100F, and North America got one of the nicer packages. No denying the restoration done on this CB1100F, but appears faithful with some rare factory parts.

1983 Honda CB1100F for sale on eBay

As the ultimate update to the CB750, the 1100 had internal and external updates to let it cope with 108 hp. Four 34mm Keihin carbs handled the fuel mixing, which required premium gas for the 9.7-to-1 compression ratio. Dual 296mm disk brakes, TRAC anti-dive forks and needle bearings for the swingarm kept the F’s composure under way. New tubeless alloy wheels were staggered sizes, but the UJM way with – 19 up front and an 18-inch rear. The handlebars were slightly higher than Euro models, tucked in behind the sharp bikini fairing, and four-into-two exhausts were presented in black chrome.

Not sure if the West Palm shop presenting this CB1100F worked on the restoration ( stated to be 12 years ago ), but presently appears to be more of a resto-builder on the scrambler end of things. The 980 miles showing on the clocks has apparently been since the restoration, when a NOS dash was installed. A close-up of the right sidecover looks to be in original condition, and shows how well the paint work was done. The seat might have been plumped up and the tail tidied, but the factory signals are still there. Maybe that flat black exhaust could go visit the Cera-Kote guys, but there’s always time for that in the winter. A cold start – video – is available, and here’s just a bit of the comments from the eBay auction:

EVERYTHING functions as it should, brakes, lighting, engine have been sorted, and came from a previously very loving home (a personal friend of mine). This gorgeous example received a cosmetic restoration about 12 years / 976 miles ago, and received the last known NOS dash in the world, which is in lovely shape and no fading or cracks.

The seat is in wonderful shape, with no cracks or tears. The tank is perfect, and the inside is clean and shiny. Avon Roadrider tires were fitted at the time of restoration and have plenty of meat with 95% tread left. The inside of the gas tank in nice, clean, and shiny.

This model has been fitted with the period correct Yoshimura Exhaust System, and sounds wonderful.

The original exhaust system and center stand are included with sale (see photos). The original mirrors are in very nice shape and included as well.

For all its successes, the CB1100F would soon be retired with the V4 generation taking center stage. Seems like when things just can’t get any better, big changes might be on the way. No bids on this classic air cooler just yet, but it’s such a pleasure to look at I’ll be checking occasionally.

-donn

One Response.

Detail Oriented – 1992 Honda VFR400R / NC30

Published June 2, 2022 by Donn

From down the block the VFR400R looks every bit an RC30, and though disappointment might flash when you see it’s the 400, the careful way it’s put together is a joy. Today’s NC30 is an Ontario resident and in super nice original shape.

1992 Honda VFR400R / NC30 for sale on eBay

Honda had several years of VFR construction in their memory banks, and gave buyers just what they needed. The four gear-driven cams sing their song, and 59 hp are delivered smoothly with the power band beginning at 7,000 revs. TRAC anti-dive was on earlier VFR400’s, but less unsprung weight was more desirable. Likewise a hydraulic clutch was saved for another bike – can’t beat a cable for feel or simplicity. The full but diminutive fairing with twin headlights had the RC30’s likeable expression. Honda deemed race-bike geometry really wasn’t in their customers’ best interest and the NC30 reviewed as the most approachable of the class. To show off the ELF designed single-sided swingarm with its 18-inch wheel, the single muffler was moved to the near side.

For 30 years and 20.5K miles, this VFR is a special survivor. Seeming to be a UK transplant, it has an MPH speedo ( with a rogue scrape on the bezel ) and the ginormous blinkers. But that’s the only mark to be found, even the heel guards look like they haven’t seen a boot. Workshop photos from a valve adjustment show the beauty is more than skin deep. Comments from the eBay auction:

AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE PICTURES IT HAS BEEN VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND RUNS EXCELLENT.

NO EXPENSES SPARED, IF IT NEEDED SERVICE OR REPLACEMENT IT HAS BEEN DONE.

ALL ORIGINAL EXCEPT FOR THE SCORPION EXHAUST SYSTEM – THAT SOUNDS AMAZING WITH THE COMBINED GEAR DRIVEN CAMS.

GENUINE HONDA FAIRINGS STILL INTACT AND IN EXCELLENT SHAPE.

COMES WITH ORIGINAL OWNERS MANUAL AND SERVICE MANUAL. THESE BIKES ARE SUPER RARE IN THIS CONDITION AND ARE IN A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT CATEGORY COMPARED TO THE GREY IMPORTS.

Rare to see any street bike in this kind of shape after 30 years, and extraordinary considering it was intended for more junior riders. Still no free lunch, and the heady starting bid might be keeping those mouse buttons from clicking. European models were spared the speed governor, though it’s unclear how far past 110 mph a NC30 might go in real life. Too rare for a steady series of comparable sales, this owner seems to have picked a good year and even time of year make a move.

-donn

13 Responses.

Stoney End – 2002 Honda CBR954RR

Published May 31, 2022 by Donn

Wrapping up Honda’s FireBlade legacy was left to the CBR954RR, with the engine closest to the full liter and the lowest weight of the series. Here’s a Colorado example that looks carefully tended, despite the gravelly background.

2002 Honda CBR954RR for sale on eBay

The 2002 ‘Blade might look a little chunky with its twin alloy chassis spars, massive-looking fabricated swingarm and 330mm brakes. But its 154 horses were given less resistance by trimming weight wherever possible – the crankshaft and engine cases are lighter, titanium was used for the exhaust plenum valve and muffler, the valve cover is magnesium, and even the starter motor magnets were made of a new material to lose almost a pound. PGM fuel injectors used laser-drilled holes to maximize dispersal of the go-go juice, and the curved aluminum radiator cools with less frontal area.

Though it has extra-sized frame sliders, this CBR hasn’t challenged that rocky driveway. Just 8K miles over twenty years, with just a magnetic tank pad, Micron muffler and trimmed rear fender to show for it. Very good pictures allay most fears. Enjoy the few comments in the eBay auction –

Exceptionally clean Honda CBR954RR FireBlade Sport Bike. Always garaged; always covered; always loved. Great, fun ride! I just don’t ride it anymore. Micron exhaust – Mag Knight tank cover – always used synthetic oil. Needs tires. One small chip in front fairing. Pit Bull Rear Wheel Stand and Battery Tender will go with the bike. Comfortable ride! Very smooth! Personalized fairing. We have the book and the tool kit.

A 1000RR took the took spot soon after, but made the upstart 900’s all the more special. Just up I-25 from Santa Fe, this RR might benefit from an owner with access to more paved back roads. Still several days to run, but consider your choice of new rubber and get going.

-donn

7 Responses.

Market Rules – 1986 Honda NS400R

Published May 29, 2022 by Donn

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

6 Responses.

A Sip a Cylinder – 1988 CBR250R

Published May 28, 2022 by Norman

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

3 Responses.

Top of it’s Game: 1997 CBR900RR SC33 Fireblade

Published May 15, 2022 by Norman

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

8 Responses.