Those of you familiar with the racy Honda NS250R – with it’s full flowing bodywork and GP-inspired good looks will see this and think it is missing something. And it is. This is the lesser brother of the R model, the NS250F. Think of it as a streaker version of the GP replica bike, willing to bare it all before the world. Of course the F model bares all with a steel twin-cradle frame, versus the aluminum job on the R model. In some markets the F received plain aluminum wheels (16 in the front, 17 in the rear), while the R model was upgraded to the bigger brother’s Comstar style wheels – but that did vary by locale (and racers preferred the plain aluminum wheels for track usage). That’s it mostly, from the outer wear to the innermost components. Slightly less expensive in the showroom with cheaper insurance bills due to less pieces to damage, the NS250F was really a secret two stroke weapon in the markets where it was imported. Sadly, like most of the two stroke set, that was not the United States.
1983 Honda NS250F for sale on eBay
The NS250 series was powered by a liquid cooled, 90 degree vee twin format. Expect nearly 45 HP off of the showroom floor, somewhere between the 9k and 10k marks on the tach. The Honda ATAC exhaust valve system was on both the R and F bikes, as was the anti-dive fork and triple disk brakes. A Pro-Link single shock with braced swing arm holds up the rear. With a dry weight in the 317 range, you can see the obvious fun available to you if you are of a size and stature to make that work for you. Here is a Honda promo shot to show you how it looked in the glossy brochures:
From the seller:
Beautiful Condition all original NS250F with only 14000 kms, garage kept , rarely used, only nice summer days, never raced or abused.Beautiful condition of a rare sought after collector race bike from the 80’s which is street legal! Two strokes were banned in most of the western world but a few are still here and still surviving.
I have owned this for nearly 15 years, never raced it or abused it. Due to a recent knee injury I can’t sit on anymore and was hoping someone else would appreciate it’s timeless beauty and ridiculous power to weight ratio.
When I ride this bike I feel like a racer and every time I ride it I become a better rider. It actually teaches you what a motorcycle can do.
Today’s bike has seen some use (14k KM equates to about 8,700 miles), and appears to be missing the graphics on the side panels. The Honda promo shots also highlight a red seat to match the red accents, rather than the black one shown. It is also located in BC, Canada – right over the border. That might be an impediment to visually inspecting the bike during the days of COVID-19, but shipping is available across the border as many gray market smoker riders can attest to. As to the value, it is very difficult to determine due to the rarity of these smaller bikes in the States. Clearly the F model is the lower spec of the two, and therefore is not the most collectible 250 on the planet. However it is unique and rare in its own right. The seller is asking $8500 for this unicorn, but is open to offers. If you are bored by what’s out there, consider something very different – a Honda NS250F. Good luck and stay safe!!
MI
$8500??? I don’t think so.
Gotta say that yes, i am bored by what is being sold these days . CBR500?! Likely killing off the CBR600RR by emissions?! (Just using Honda for an example)
There is little tempting me anymore as I don’t see myself on a liter bike. But as a track rider there are very interesting sporting playthings out there. Just started enjoying an NSR250.
This bike is the sort of ahead of its time curiosity I find facinating. Braced swingarm?! More please.
I’ll buy a Guzzi and be much happier and ride much longer.
Different strokes for different folks for sure. I found this model fascinating for everything is isn’t, and it would certainly make a fun track day machine for everything it is..
@Jeff Riechel: We listen. Stay tuned!
-Mike
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