Frosh – 1987 Honda NSR-250R MC16

Honda had tested the market with the NS250F/R in 1984, and sampled in the MotoGP waters.  On the heels of Freddie Spencer’s 1985 championship in the 500 and 250cc classes ( ! ), the factory introduced the NSR-250R in late 1986 as a 1987 model.  This early example of the winning two-stroke twin is almost a blank canvas – ready for a quick once over for the road or a big restoration.

1987 Honda NSR-250R for sale on eBay

Just square with 54 mm bore and 54.5 mm stroke, the 249cc MC16 engine used hard coating on the cylinder walls to help the 45 hp last, and computer controlled exhaust port to extend the torque band.  The alloy frame was lifted from the GP bikes, as was the cassette transmission and Pro-Link rear.  Just over 300 lbs. fueled, the NSR-250R came with dual front disks and three spoke alloy wheels.  Tires are 17″ front and 18″ rear which will require some attention when buying new rubber.

This  NYC-based example has more miles than most but doesn’t look to have been abused.  The current registration is a help at the very least.  Cosmetics and mechanicals might be freshened up, or you could explore the edge of the slippery slope.  The owner doesn’t divulge much history but says this in the eBay auction:

1987 HONDA NSR 250 (MC16) WITH 25118 KM (15607 MILES).  THE BIKE IS ALL ORIGINAL AND COMPLETE.  STARTS ON THE FIRST KICK AND RUNS AND DRIVES EXCELLENT.  THE ORIGINAL PLASTICS ARE PERFECT.  NO CRACKS EXCEPT FOR THE WINDSHIELD.  THE ORIGINAL PAINT IS GOOD, BUT NOT PERFECT.  THE BIKE IS TITLED IN THE UNITED STATES AND IS CURRENTLY REGISTERED AND INSURED IN MY NAME.

This was a brutally competitive market segment and time, and Honda won the 250cc championship 11 times from 1985-2009.  As the MotoGP 250cc class fed improvements into the showroom, the later bikes have more and higher tech, but the first year machine has its appeal.  This one has a rather realistic cost of admission, and the early year might ease the pain once renovations get under way.  From a time when championship-winning innovations quickly found their way into the street machines, the NSR-250R is purely speedy and lightweight, no room for anything artificial…

-donn