Posts by Category: Sport Bikes For Sale

Featured Listing July 8, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Featured Listing: 2017 Suter MMX500 for Sale

Update 7.8.2019: We’d like to take this opportunity to thank Amatumoto Grand Prix Motorbikes for being a sponsor of RSBFS! From Amatumoto, “This 2017 Suter MMX500 at reduced price will not last long, so if there is someone out there that has been pining for a reliable 2-stroke GP500, they should act soon.” Contact Amatumoto today! -dc

So, I’m going to have to try not to gush uncontrollably here, because this is one of the coolest bikes we’ve featured recently. A real, live Suter MMX500, a “what if” race-replica from a parallel universe where MotoGP racing never made the switch from two-stroke to four-stroke power. A labor of love built by Eskil Suter of Suter Racing and a bunch of guys who never got over their addition to premix fumes.

Forget all of your shed-built Grand Prix homages with RZ500 engines stuffed into R6 chassis and painted up in Marlboro racing colors. No disrespect intended, but this is what you’re looking for, the ultimate paean to the snarling, lethal machines that carried Rainey and Schwantz and Mamola to greatness.

The looks may be stealth-fighter modern, especially in this example’s matte carbon finish, but the spirit of those older machines is still there, married to absolutely state-of-the-art racing technology. It’s powered by a compact, fuel-injected two-stroke V4 with a pair of counter-rotating cranks based on the Swissauto/MuZ500 raced by Suter in 1998 and 1999. Apparently Suter “had a few crankcases kicking around from the 500cc V4 design,” and frames are, obviously, their specialty.

I’m always fascinated by how two-strokes can be mounted in the frame: a lack of cams, cam-drives, or valve gear means they’re ludicrously compact, and often oriented in ways not at all intuitive for someone weaned on four-strokes. In this case, the engine is laid over on its side, rotated 90 degrees from what you’d expect, facing forward. So more like a >4 really, at least if you’re looking at it from the left-hand side…

The bike may be tagged as a 500, but it actually displaces 576cc, with an undersquare 56 x 58.5mm bore and stroke in an effort to deliver a bit more midrange and help the bike avoid racebike service intervals. Suter acknowledges that most of its customers are skilled enthusiasts, not win-or-crash racers, and the changes to the formula make for a more manageable ride that still captures the feeling of a two-stroke MotoGP machine, but is less likely to spit a rider off in an evil highside when they get in a bit over their head…

Modern electronics and fuel injection help there as well, while offering improved rideability and a better spread of power. Of course, the delivery is still two-stroke abrupt and, with 195hp at 13,000rpm pushing just 280lbs, power-to-weight is still fairly astonishing, so the two-stroke GP character is intact, just slightly more refined.

Head on over to the original listing for the bike, as there are plenty of additional photos for you to drool over.

From the Seller: 2017 Suter MMX500 for Sale

SUMMARY

Model: Suter MMX 500

Origin: Switzerland

Engine: Suter

Last Service: 490 km

Colour: Carbon

Suspension: Ohlins

Brakes: Brembo

OZ 17″ wheels

Availability: Immediately in our store of USA

MODEL INFORMATION
Bike in good condition and ready to race. Extra parts included with the bike: rear stand, pistons, rings, reeds gaskets, fiber+steel clutch plates, plugs + caps, filters, front stand, windscreen, seat, engine stand, service manual, owner manual, cover.

Spares list:

Pistons, rings, carbon reeds, gaskets, and o-rings; enough for 2 complete rebuilds

fiber/steel clutch plates

plugs & caps

Spare seat #5 of 99

Engine stand, front & rear service stands

Parts, service & dash manuals

bike cover

This is the very first Suter MMX500 I’ve seen for sale. With just 99 made, I’m assuming they were all snapped up before they were even finished by well-heeled track day and racing fans. If you’ve got ~~$115,000~~ $95,000 lying around and decide to buy this, please let me know what track days you’ll be attending, because I need to see an MMX500 in action. The craftsmanship and passion that went into its creation are impressive, as you can see from the images. Of course, the price is shocking, but this is a very rare opportunity to purchase one at any price, so refinance your home, sell that sailboat, or sell that kidney, and pounce before someone else does.

-tad

Featured Listing: 2017 Suter MMX500 for Sale

Sport Bikes For Sale June 11, 2019 posted by Aaron

Italian origami: 1981 Benelli 250 Quattro

The 1981 Benelli 250 Quattro was the only bike of its kind when it was in dealer showrooms, sporting four times as many cylinders as most bikes of its displacement and adding panache that most small-displacement machines just could not match. With a little under 30 horsepower on tap, the Benelli had enough thrust to crest 90 mph, a feat aided in no small measure by its miniscule 270-pound wet weight.

1981 Benelli 250 Quattro for sale on eBay

Using the engine as a stressed member and shod with trick for its size forks, the little Benellis handled OK, though they wore hilariously skinny 18-inch wheels and tires. Braking is taken care of by a front-disc, rear-drum setup.

This 1981 Benelli 250 Quattro is from the latter end of the production run, as the company was discovering the limited market for a 250cc four cylinder demanding Italian prices. Odd though the bike is, we love the angular bodywork and clever gauge and master cylinder packaging in the top of the tank. The bike is in excellent shape, and is absolutely resplendent in classic Italian red. It has less than 1,000 miles on it, which explains how good the bodywork and other hard parts look. The drawback is that it has not been started recently, and will require a going over before it’s road ready.

From the eBay listing:

This Benelli presents as an excellent and original 38 year old motorcycle with 1,165 kilometers or 720 miles.

This is a great way to get into vintage Italian motorcycles in an economical way. As this motorcycle has been in storage for a number of years, a basic service and new battery should be expected, as it has recently not been started.

Want to learn more about the Benelli 250cc 4 cylinder from Phil Aynsley:

Benelli & Moto Guzzi 250 four-cylinders | With Phil Aynsley

Conceived by Alejandro de Tomaso as sophisticated machines that could take advantage of the Italian tax concessions for under 250cc motorcycles, the 254 (250 4 cylinder) was first shown at the Milan Show in 1975. The Lino Tonti design was original and not derived from the Benelli 500/4 or 750/6, but from the existing 125cc twin. The actual capacity was 231cc and four 18mm DellOrto carburettors were fitted. The use of plastic bodywork kept the dry weight down to 117kg and a uncluttered look was achieved by housing the instruments in the tank, along with the front brake master cylinder. Unfortunately this meant that tank held only 8.5 litres.

Odd as this thing is, it will be an excellent add to any collection, and it’s a very cool and unique piece of motorcycling history. Though it was the only 250cc four cylinder of its time, it wasn’t Benelli’s only foray into micro multicylinder mills. In the late 1930s, they had cranked out an Isle of Man bike with a supercharged 250 four that made more than 60 horsepower and lapped the island a better than 75 mph. Isn’t that a legacy you’d like to bask in?

Italian origami: 1981 Benelli 250 Quattro

Sport Bikes For Sale June 4, 2019 posted by Aaron

Flavor of the Month: 2011 Husaberg FS570

6.7.2019: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Welcome to the next installment of a new RSBFS feature, where we take a once a month trip out of our normal realm and look at some of the other amazing bikes the world has to offer when you leave clip ons and fairings behind. Last month we took a look at a TDR250 and this month we’re kicking things off strong, with a unicorn supermoto from an esoteric Swedish bike maker! -dc

The 2011 Husaberg FS570 graced our shores for just one model year, which is a shame, because it could have left the mark that the likes of the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto did just a few model years later.

The FS570 is essentially a big-bore dirtbike with some suspension tweaks and 17-inch sportbike wheels front and rear clad with sticky Michelin skins. The brakes were by Magura, and featured a four-pot radial caliper up front. The best part of the FS570, clearly, is its chameleon-like ability to be most things to most people, with just a few mods here and there. Granted, nobody is saying a new set of wheels for what was an $11,000 bike when new will be cheap, but it’s certainly more cost effective than buying a similarly high-end dirt bike.

The big ‘Berg made just shy of 60 horsepower if the forums are to be believed (official horsepower ratings are non-existent) out of the 566 cc laid-over thumper. In a chassis that weighed 257 pounds dry, this bike is fully capable of taking it to sport bikes, especially on tighter tracks or canyons. The Husabergs shared WP suspension components with KTM, and the swingarm was the same unit as the one on the KTM 560 SMR. They were initially intended to be the ultra-premium range from the Austrian company, but were eventually let go when Big Orange bought Husqvarna a couple years later. No need for two Swedish dirtbike companies that start with H in your portfolio, it seems.

From the seller:

Factory, street legal supermoto, only sold in the US for 1 year, but if you’re looking at this, you probably know all about it. Guaranteed to be the only one around. Stand out from all the other bikes!
-Clean title in hand
-Only 2900 miles
-Oil changed regularly, every few 100 miles or so.
-Valves checked 2 times. Still at factory specs. No adjustment ever needed.
Mods:
-Husaberg Race Map installed by Town & Country Cycle Center in Hamburg NJ
-FMF Powercore 4 slip on
-Upgraded fuel pump from Cycle Works
-Husaberg radiator fan kit
-Zeta handguards with LED turn signals
-SM mirrors
-Seat Concepts seat
Also comes with the original mirrors, exhaust, unmounted new parts include all new factory bodywork & seat, Shinko 705 tires,
& a brand new Fisher seat. (the most comfortable seats made!)

Located in Fairfield, CT. Will accommodate shipping but all associated costs are buyer’s responsibility.

Price: $7,000

With less than 3,000 miles on the dial and a new exhaust, race map and fuel pump, we suspect this thing will pull a little past the factory horsepower ratings. With comfort upgrades like a seat concept seat and Zeta handguards, this thing is as ready for short commutes as it is the track. As a bonus, it comes with all the stock takeoffs. With regular valve checks and oil changes, this bike is ready to make everything else in your garage seem like a compromise.

Flavor of the Month: 2011 Husaberg FS570

Sport Bikes For Sale May 17, 2019 posted by Dan

Rest in Peace Rick Lance

We are saddened to learn that Rick Lance, affectionately and respectfully known as “Lance Gamma”, has passed away. He was well known in our sportbike community as the authority on restoring, tuning, and improving the mighty Suzuki RG500, and many of the machines he massaged were featured on these pages. A true loss to our sport. Our thoughts are with his family and friends today.

We invite you to share your memories in the comments. RIP Rick.

Sport Bikes For Sale April 18, 2019 posted by Aaron

Restored and preserved: 1986 Suzuki GSXR750 LE

The seller of this 1986 Suzuki GSXR750 LE claims he’s got the nicest one around, and he might be right. According to the eBay auction, his dad, a former AMA mechanic, bought it in the mid-1990s from the original owner, bought a raft of NOS factory parts during a cosmetic restoration, and then mothballed it. It hasn’t been ridden since a brief trip in 1998, and still wears a set of 1996 Michelins that still have their whiskers.

1986 Suzuki GSXR750 LE for sale on eBay

The seller says his dad decided the bike was too valuable to ride after a quick trip down the block, which for him is a shame, but is to the modern collector’s benefit. With dry clutches, lighter wheels, stouter suspension and healthier engines, the 1986 Suzuki GSXR750 LE was meant to have the plate and signals removed and ridden in anger at the track. They were a race kit and some expertise away from an AMA grid.

Suzuki built a few hundred of the LEs and stopped, so they’re scarce as hen’s teeth in any condition, let alone near perfect, as this one is.

From the eBay listing:

Significance

The 1986 Suzuki GSXR750R was a unique, limited-production homologation sportbike which featured many race-oriented options. Among them were a Yoshimura dry clutch, GSXR1100 forks and wheels, proprietary magnesium parts, a solo-occupant seat, remote reservoir shock and quick-release DZUS fasteners. The colors and graphic scheme were unique to the model, and ~200 examples were said to be released. My example is the most accurate, stock representation of the ’86 Limited offered on the market today.

History
This motorcycle was acquired by my father in March of 1995. He purchased it locally from its first owner, who was recalled to Active Military status to participate in the Bosnia peacekeeping operations. The motorcycle had cosmetic damage associated with its first owner. This consisted of scratches in the tank and bodywork.

My father, an AMA Superbike mechanic from 1980-1988 was very familiar with this generation GSXR, and its significance. He wanted a showroom-perfect example. Through our connections with a local Suzuki dealership, he ordered every piece possible for the bike: Tank, tailsection, chin fairing, turn signals, headlights, warning stickers, fairing, windscreen, fuel lines (anything that would dry-rot), etc. Anything that has been replaced on the GSXR was done so in 1996 with factory Suzuki parts. The replacement bodywork is NOS Suzuki. The sidepanels came from Suzuki unpainted, but were painted to exact replica specifications. The front fairing, lower fairing, tank and tail-section were painted from the factory as-is. Windscreen is a period-correct Lockhart Philips brand. Everything on the bike is the real deal, and it is entirely discontinued now. We were unable to secure a NOS set of original tires. Brand new (from ’96) Michelins are fitted.

We have done nothing but protect it and care for it since. It was registered in 1998 for road use, but my father drove it down our street, turned around, and rode back in. It was too valuable to ride.

Overall Condition

My bike in the enclosed pictures is arguably the best example of a US domestic market ’86 GSXR750R Limited Edition. Most examples have an aftermarket pipe, no airbox, non-standard turn signals, stickers, etc. This does not. It is OEM down to its vent hoses and grips. You’ll find all mechanical properties to be impressive, as in very low/no corrosion, and completely functioning.

Why Sell?

It’s no secret that this Limited stands to appreciate. In a decade it could easily be worth $40k. Unfortunately, our children’s education costs are increasing.

Please inquire with any questions!

At $21,500 buy-it-now, the seller has some idea what he’s got, and isn’t letting it go for a bargain. That said, it’s a beautiful example of an insanely rare and important bike, and will be a must-have for the right collector.

Restored and preserved: 1986 Suzuki GSXR750 LE

Ducati March 22, 2019 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 2004 Ducati 998 Matrix Reloaded Edition

Update 3.22.2019: Now on eBay as well. Links added. Good luck to buyers and seller! -dc

The 998 Matrix Reloaded Edition appears only occasionally on RSBFS, and this Featured Listing is owned by a collector, in primo condition with some choice updates. It’s a rarity as only a couple of hundred were made, and is one of the high peaks of the classic Ducati superbike family.

2004 Ducati 998 Matrix for sale on eBay

The 998 had first-generation testastretta cylinder heads, with revised valve angles for better reliability and reduced maintenance, not to mention 123 hp ! Shortened intakes and electronic fuel injection improved throttle response, and an additional cooling fan whispered a prayer when caught in traffic. The Matrix edition had top-of-the-line Showa forks, with an Öhlins monoshock, and steering damper to boot. Brembo brakes and dry clutch are de rigueur for a Ducati superbike and the 320mm disks on the Matrix had outstanding reviews. It’s a biposto ( after all, Trinity had to have a place for the Keymaker ) but the black seats don’t clash with the deep green paint.

Stephen in New York has taken nice care of this 998, equipping it with nicer Termignoni carbon underseat mufflers, a billet clutch and carbon covers that top the fairings. Mileage is just under 9,000 and it’s cleaned and detailed nicely enough to be in the dining room. The owner’s comments:

one of 217 supposedly ever built w 8976 miles
adult owned and dealer maintained
kept wrapped in heated garage and never down on a tender
Full Termignoni Carbon Fibre exhaust
Carbon Fibre top panels replacing plastic stock pieces
Billet Pressure Plate and open clutch cover
Ohlins rear shock
LED integrated tail lights
Mirror Integrated turn signals
never down w 3 minor scratches (didn’t want to touch so minor)
bike has been meticulously owner maintained

Ducati got a lot of – excitement – for their product placement in the sequel, way more than GM who seemingly rolled hundreds of cars. Likewise 998 Matrix owners, who stayed out of the -R or -SPS spending spree but still had a very sharp-edged tool. This 998 looks to have been carefully ridden and maintained, and Stephen asks $12,000 for his copy. He requests questions and offers by email – here –.

-donn

Featured Listing – 2004 Ducati 998 Matrix Reloaded Edition

Sport Bikes For Sale March 19, 2019 posted by Donn

RG Bargey – 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma

Suzuki developed the RG500 in the mid-1970’s as their Moto GP weapon, and the updated Gamma was offered in road trim only from 1985-87. Here is a Canadian import that is in special condition and ready to ride.

1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma for sale on eBay

Based on the square four two-stroke first raced by British rider Barry Sheene, the RG500 Gamma has two crankshafts, with a gear driven clutch between them. Except for a shock damper to protect the cranks from transient loads, the engine is very similar to the race machine, making 95 hp at 9,000 rpm. Looking between the fairing and the engine, you’ll see four low-profile 28mm flat slide carburetors, each connecting directly to the disk valve on the cylinder. Suzuki’s SAEC automatic exhaust control tailors the header volume depending on engine speed and throttle setting, widening the 500’s torque band from 5,000 to its peak at 9,000 rpm.

The alloy chassis looks ahead with its massive triangulated steering head, though brakes seem smallish at 260mm, and the wheel sizes are the de facto -80’s standard 16 and 17 inches. Single adjustable 38mm forks work in concert with the Full Floater monoshock. The pillion is hidden under a faux-mono cover, and the rear exhausts sail out under the seat console.

Coming from a suburban Philadelphia independent, this RG has been stateside since 2000, and has just under 20,000 miles. No more history in the comments but it has been re-commissioned after some downtime and has new tires. From the eBay auction:

Cosmetic condition as you can see in the pics is excellent. There are some very minor nicks but on the whole the paint and decals are glossy and unmarred. While not quite concours ready, it is in exceptional rider condition. We’ve included a owner’s manual, service manual and set up manual – all in good shape. There are 2 original factory keys, as well.

We’ve had our resident two-stroke tech go through the bike after a prolonged storage. Air cleaner was renewed, fluids freshened, tank drained, carbs cleaned, etc. Bike started easily and runs well with no clutch slippage. Slight rotor chatter was felt on braking but otherwise rides and handles fine. Tires are brand new Avons mounted on what appears to be Dymag wheels. The anti-dive valves have been blocked off.

Suzuki campaigned the RG from 1974 to ’85, and then as a more modern RGV from ’86-2001. But the short run of the road machine has honed its legend. Reviews praised the quick steering, good suspension, and of course the power, which would happily take the engine right through 10,000 rpm. This one is not an unused collector, and the starting bid reflects the very nice rider condition. Going to be watching this one !

-donn

Bimota March 18, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Factory Fresh: Zero-Mile 1991 Bimota YB10 Dieci for Sale

One of the things I love about Italian bikes and cars is that, no matter what, they look like the vision of one person, not a committee. Sure, there may be the occasional stylistic misstep, but oddballs like the Alfa Romeo Milano and Bimota Mantra make a statement, and you can feel the passion in their creation, even if it’s sometimes misguided… Fortunately, the Bimota YB10 Dieci is one of the more timeless Bimota designs, and they obviously knew they had a good thing going, since the bodywork and frame seems to have changed very little between the YB4, YB6, YB7, YB8, and YB10.

The sleek envelope of the bodywork is the first thing you notice, but Bimotas are uncompromising sportbikes and have always been about the frame. Earlier bikes used trellis-style frames, but by the late 80s, they’d moved to lightweight aluminum beam-style designs as seen here, complete with beautiful machined details. This was the 10th Bimota that used a Yamaha engine, hence the name YB10, which has nothing to do with displacement. In this case, it was Yamaha’s smooth and powerful 1002cc five-valve Genesis engine and five-speed gearbox. The package was good for 145hp and 172mph, not world-beating in today’s terms, but still very, very fast. In 1991, this thing was the epitome of speed, and the embodiment of exotic.

Some readers have misunderstood my previous posts featuring Bimotas, thinking that my criticisms indicate a dislike of the brand. I’m a huge fan of Bimota, and Italian vehicles in general, but experience means I’m very familiar with their… peculiarities, their qualities both superlative and frustrating. Bikes like the YB10 embody everything I love and everything frustrating about Italian machines: they’re gorgeous, fast, and full of personality, with a few hand-built details that speak to their low-volume production and some elements of their construction that indicate the clear focus on performance above all else. If you’re looking for authentic race-bike details, they’re easy to find here, from the exquisitely machined frame and top yoke to lightweight bodywork made up of just a few pieces, all connected with quarter-turn fasteners… But it’s a fine line between “race bike” and “kit bike” and these can be frustrating for owners used to more refined machines.

These days, this limited-production, Italian dream machine can be had for relative peanuts, although this particular example calls for a few more of those peanuts, since it’s never actually been registered, or turned a wheel. Personally, I like my bikes to be usable as bikes, but collectors are strange creatures, and unused examples like this usually command premium dollars.

From the original eBay listing: 1991 Bimota YB10 Dieci for Sale

Up for bid is a 1991 Bimota YB10 Dieci – Rare 1 of only 224 made– Never registered, zero miles! This gorgeous super-bike is part of a collection of fine motorcycles at Formula One Motor Sports in Oakdale New York.

Bimotas are well known for their Italian style, class and over the top engineering. It has a one piece billet machined frame paired with a Yamaha FZR1000 motor, and seamless upper fairing it also comes with billet triple, classic style wheels!

The Bimota Dieci not only offers Italian Style but you get the reliability of a Japanese Motorbike. Don’t miss out on a chance to bid on this museum quality bike it is a must have for any collector.

This may be a museum-quality bike, but the $21,000 the seller is asking is a museum-quality price. There are plenty of lovingly cared-for, low mileage Bimotas out there at literally half the price, so you’d really have to be one of those zero-mile obsessives to want to splash out for this one. “Plenty of” being relative, of course since, as the seller points out, just a little over 200 were made. But they do show up occasionally for sale and, to give you an idea of what they normally go for, the last one we featured had 12,000 miles and an $11,000 asking price.

-tad

Factory Fresh: Zero-Mile 1991 Bimota YB10 Dieci for Sale

Aprilia March 16, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Always Bet on Black: 2004 Aprilia RSV1000R Nera for Sale

Somehow, in spite of their achievements, performance, and reliability, Aprilias generally qualify as “bargain exotica” instead of blue-chip collectibles. But if you were looking to bet on a particular Aprilia that might qualify as collectible, other than the RS250, the RSV1000R Nera might be worth a look. The upstart Italians were dipping their toe into Ducati’s waters, and the Nera was intended to be the first bike in Aprilia’s “Dream Series” of ultra-premium motorcycles and a kind of “lifestyle experience,” but the whole thing flopped. The world wasn’t quite ready for a $39,500 Aprilia, even if only 200 were made, and each one was every bit as good as a Ducati of the period.

The most obvious thing that set the Nera apart was a complete set of carbon fiber bodywork, including the tank. The frame was painted gold, and forged magnesium wheels saved a couple pounds over the already light hoops on the Factory. A then-new Brembo radial master cylinder was matched to radial Brembo calipers, and the bike had blingy Öhlins at both ends. Some additional engine tweaks and a set of Akropovic cans helped liberate a few horses and some v-twin boom, but the big performance gains came from the reduced weight, down to a claimed 386lbs dry.

Like many high-dollar Ducatis, the performance increases certainly didn’t justify the price tag. The RSV1000R was already an excellent motorcycle, with Ducati sound, power, and handling, but uncharacteristic reliability from the Rotax-built 60° v-twin that included balance shafts and their PPC or “Pneumatic Power Clutch” is basically a slipper clutch that uses engine vacuum to allow a bit of clutch slip during downshifts and lighten the clutch effort in general.

The Nera maybe wasn’t worth Aprilia’s wild asking price, but it was intended to be a premium product so build quality is excellent, and the clearcoated carbon-fiber perfectly compliments the second-generation RSV’s’ stealth-fighter styling.

From the original eBay listing: 2004 Aprilia RSV1000R Nera for Sale

This is a RSV 1000 NERA model, only 20 sold in the United States. Carbon fiber fuel tank, fairing, seat, magnesium wheels, only 984 original miles. EXCELLENT CONDITION

There’s not much to report on the history: the bike only has 984 miles on it! The $14,500 Buy it Now is steep for an RSV1000R, but you can always think of it as a $25,000 discount, compared to the 2004 list price. That’s a screaming deal, especially adjusted for inflation! The RSV1000R is already a highly competent sportbike, and if you’re looking for a functional and collectible Aprilia, this might work for you.

-tad