The Honda NSR250R is THE iconic grey-market two stroke. Featuring legendary Honda build quality and infused with the kind of technology only Honda could deliver, the MC21 variant features a 90° liquid-cooled 249cc v-twin connected to a six-speed cassette-style gearbox (indicating the track intentions of the bike). Fueling – as with all successful two strokes (here’s looking at you, Bimota) – was via carburetor, however Honda over-delivered on the technological advancement of the ignition system. Dubbed the PGM-III, the MC21 is able to modify the ignition curve and exhaust valving for each cylinder based on a number of parameters including throttle position, number of revs and which gear has been selected.
1990 Honda NSR250 MC21 for sale on eBay
On the chassis side an aluminum perimeter beam frame cradles the power train and tranny, while out back a trick, asymmetrical swing arm features a “gull arm” section on the right side to provide clearance for the expansion chamber. This was all copied from Luca Cadalora’s race-winning NSR250 GP bike. The rear wheel was changed from a 18″ to 17″ (4.5″ wide) for better rubber selection. Bodywork was mainly an evolution of the MC18, although small changes were made to accommodate the new machine. Colors were either red/white, blue/white or the striking red/black that we see here.
From the seller:
Up for auction to the highest bidder with NO RESERVE is a very nice 1990 Honda NSR250R MC21 with only 5,545 kilometers (3445 miles). This NSR is in beautiful condition with only one crack in the left side fairing. There are scratches and handling marks throughout the bike from its ride thru life but No dents in the tank. The bodywork is in original condition and would make a great candidate for restoration since it has such low miles. Honda bodywork is 100% genuine with aftermarket windscreen. Engine is stock. Bike runs like the day it was new. Just serviced and comes with new battery and engine fluids. Selling cheap, everything must go!
This MC21 looks very good for the most part, and sports surprisingly low miles on the all KM clocks (a reminder that this is an import). There does seem to exist some light corrosion & pitting seen on home market imports; life in Japan for a motorcycle is not a pampered affair due to continual exposure to sea air and the elements. However this bike looks to be in better condition than many that come right off the boat. There is some fairing damage which might keep it out of a museum, but nothing that would preclude one from riding the heck out of this smoking rocket. Check out the pictures carefully – the seller has provided a large number of high-res images to ensure prospective buyers know what they are getting. It’s also house-trained!
This bike is located in Utah; the the seller/locale is likely familiar for regular readers of RSBFS. Gary continues to thin out his impressive collection of rare, imported sport bikes, many which have been featured right here on these pages. Check out this 1990 Honda NSR250R MC21 here – this no reserve auction is underway and should not be missed if you are in the market for a rare Honda smoker. Don’t forget to check out some of Gary’s other auctions as well; not all of his rare bikes make it to RSBFS. Good luck, and thank you for smoking!
MI