Search Results for “Homologation”

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We have 15 years of archives. Please note that posts over a year old may have been updated to point to similar bikes available to bid on eBay.

Kawasaki November 25, 2022 posted by Norman

Featured Listing – Restored 1993 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7R M1 #141

Update 12.3.2022: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

1993 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7R M1 with 13K miles

Someone call Bring a Trailer and put them on notice because this Kawasaki ZX-7R is our 5th Featured Listing for the month! We just need to adopt a bland writing style and we’re there. Helping us on our ascent to the top are many enthusiasts and frequent patrons of the industry. Today, a returning supporter, Andy has allowed us to showcase his rare 1993 ZX-7R M1. The seller is running the auction on Iconic Motorbikes Auctions and you can follow the bidding there.

When I think of the origin story for this icon, I think of a boy picking dandelions in the outfield while the hitter pops one out into left field. In this case, the boy is Kawasaki and the raging tee ball game is the newly minted World Superbike Championship. Other teams like Honda came out of the gate shooting with their RC30 while Kawasaki was dicking around with a steel frame GPX750. Of course this was no regular GPX and Kawasaki did secure one win in the opening season in Hungary but they only managed to reach 4th in the constructor’s championship. They had brought a knife to a gunfight. As we know Kawasaki didn’t become the kid who got bullied on the playground because of the whole dandelion thing. Instead they studied the other manufacturer’s designs and released the ZXR750 in 1989. That bike ultimately helped them clinch the WSBK championship over a Ducati piloted by Carl Fogarty in 1993. This 1993 ZX-7R M1 Homologation is as close as you can get to that.

The 1993 model was the most advanced ZX-7 to ever be released. The first generation bike used a souped up GPX750 engine and actually ended up weighing more than the GPX750 itself which is crazy considering it was made from Aluminum. In a field littered with lightweight Bimotas and Hondas the ZXR never stood a chance. By the time 1993 rolled around. Kawasaki had redesigned the engine, added upside down forks, shortened the wheelbase, installed ram air intakes and cut some weight off the bike.

This M1 Homologation special got two extra bits that the rest of the regular “L” models did not receive: a close ratio gearbox and 39mm Keihin FCR flat slide carbs. It’s a race bike.

The keys to collector quality are low production, race pedigree, and an engaging experience. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention condition and that is really the highlight of this bike. The seller has completed a full restoration over the course of his ownership. Overhauls to the engine, bodywork, suspension, brakes, and pretty much every major assembly were done to this bike. The condition of the bike prior to the resto is unclear but the seller mentions it remained in storage for a number of years. It’s only got 13K mi so it clearly wasn’t ridden much. There’s a picture in the gallery below of the tank and the paint looks so good I’m not sure I would ever be comfortable going into full tuck.

There’s really not much else to say about this bike. It’s great to see these classic machines get revived and enjoyed. Everything that we as enthusiasts and collectors love about the hobby is really embodied by this ZX-7R. It’s analog. It’s racy. It’s got an iconic 90s color scheme. This is the kind of stuff we’re talking about when we say we miss the old days.

The auction can be found here and has reached $8,100 before the close of day 1 of 6. Good luck on the bids!

Thanks for reading!

Norm

Featured Listing – Restored 1993 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7R M1 #141

Honda October 24, 2022 posted by William

Wrongfully Imprisoned: 2014 Honda CBR1000RR SP

Honda knows how to build a motorcycle. They have been doing it for decades, and the CBR line is the stuff of legend at this point. Always renowned for excellent road manors and approachable performance, the CBR line has offered plenty of choices for buyers over the years. What Honda does not always know how to do is market a new version of a new bike. Case in point is the 2014 CBR1000RR SP. If you are asking yourself what the SP version is, you are not alone.

In the same vain as an R Ducati, the SP was designed as a type of homologation version of the standard CBR1000RR. Lighter wheels, more powerful brakes, Ohlins suspension, and a few other trick bits were added to the SP. These parts really are bargain at just $2700 over the standard bike. Honda took great care in developing the bike. The engines were hand blueprinted and make the better part of 180 horsepower. Full production numbers were never officially released, but most rumors put the numbers in the mid hundreds for the world.

Today’s example has never been started or used. It is perfectly preserved. Seems like only yesterday this was a brand new offering from Honda, but in reality it is about to become a teenager. Strange to think that something of this era is on the cusp of becoming collectable.

From The Seller’s eBay Listing:

The new limited-production SP isn’t an exotic like the RC30 or RC45, it’s special in its own right, with a hand-balanced engine, top-level Ohlins suspension, and Brembo brakes. It was the basis for Honda superbikes worldwide and this street bike is among the finest on the road. Everything about the SP’s is just a bit more refined feeling. This example has spent the last few years in The Throttlestop Motorcycle Museum after we uncrated it. It’s never been fuel up or started. It’s like the wrapper was just pulled off, it simple outstanding in every way. This is one of the best-looking modern Superbikes around and this special and limited production SP takes the cake.

This is an interesting listing for a few reasons beyond it being for an amazing motorcycle. The market over the past couple of years has been insane to watch, and recently started making wild moves again. Some bikes are still selling for huge money, and others have struggled to find new homes. If there is one constant, it is change. Zero mile examples of top tier specs have always been in demand. These are often unlikely bikes to have been tucked away due to the fact they were incredible machines to ride and use. While the SP is no doubt a great machine out on the road, the sales were a total flop. Many bikes languished on dealer floors for years. Partly due $16,999 MSRP and partly to do with the appallingly bad marketing by Honda. Buyers simply did not know the bike existed when new. Does all that translate to a 13 year old bike selling for more than MSRP when new? Personally I think not as there are surely others out there to choose from. Maybe it is less of an argument about paying too much, but rather buying too early. As more and more people start to understand what a great bike there are, demand will finally rise and so will prices.

Sport Bikes For Sale October 17, 2022 posted by Mike

We’ll Always Have Paris: 1982 Honda CB1100R

The Honda CB1100R is a rare – and relatively unsung – homologation bike from the fabled stables of Big Red Racing. Loosely based on the CB900F street bike, the CB1100R was designed as a production racer in the European theater, and was a popular platform for endurance events. As a street bike the CB1100R is potent and a little bit rowdy, while maintaining all of the quality and reliability you would expect from Honda. Produced across a small span of years (1980-1983) and in limited numbers (and markets), the CB1100R continues to stand out from the crowd some 40 years later.

1982 Honda CB1100R for sale on eBay

There were several changes to the model over the short run of bikes. The 1982 “C” model was the first to have full bodywork, as the initial launch featured a half fairing and solo seat arrangement. The 1983 “D” model resembled the previous year model, however there were many bodywork and chassis pieces that were all new. So while this is a multi-year model, the specific year of the bike is an important detail. The “B” spec original bikes mostly ended up in Austraila & New Zealand, while the C and D models expanded distribution through Europe as well.

From the seller:
Mythical CB 1100R
This is a type C produced in only 1500 copies
Honda’s latest and greatest air-powered 4-cylinder

This motorcycle has remained unused for a long time, which explains its very low mileage. It has just been completely overhauled and put back on the road.

More from the seller:
Refurbishment of carburettors, brakes, fork, new tyres… just waiting to be driven. The engine is healthy and the cycle part in perfect condition. Only a few small paint defects attest to its age. It is of course equipped with the original exhaust line, chrome mirrors, the original screen and we find all the little details that sign an authentic CB1100 R with the Honda finish of the time.

This bike is in its own juice, very beautiful but not perfect, but so authentic and endearing. Completely original, which is very rare on these models, and with a very small mileage.

Today’s 1982 CB1100RC looks to be in very, very clean condition. The large aluminum tank looks to be in great shape, as does the plastics (with some minor scuffs in some areas). The engine and cases look clean, as does the front and rear suspension. Check out those quick release front forks – proof of this model’s endurance racing heritage! There appears to be some confusion with the mileage: The advert states 10,500 miles in the text, but zooming in on the pictures shows 18,949 KM – which converts to approximately 11,700 miles. Still, that is not much rolling for a 40 year old work of art. The bike has been cared for – and shows it.

Pricing for the CB1100R models has varied over the years. From a high water mark in the $30 range, down to half that price for bike with higher mileage and more use, the never-officially-imported-into-the-US model is a rare bird in the States. Today’s seller is asking $25k – which is on the high side of the range, but certainly lower than some we have seen. Whether or not this sells is down to the market, but appearance and the desirability of the model are two key factors;
and this one scores high marks in both. The bike is located in France, meaning that US-based investors, uh I mean riders, will need to consider transportation into the equation. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

Suzuki October 15, 2022 posted by Mike

Force Fed Frenzy – 1983 Suzuki XN85 TURBO

Hey Buck Rogers: your bike is ready. At least it was back in 1983, in the form of the Suzuki XN85. What is the XN85? It is 85 horsepower (at the crank, at least) of 650cc fuel injected and turbocharged goodness, and is arguably the very rarest of the factory boosted bikes on offer. It also looks like a mutated Katana, and is one of the sweetest handling sport bikes from the era.

1983 Suzuki XN85 Turbo for sale on eBay

Unlike the more popular Honda CX500 or CX650 liquid-cooled twins, the Suzuki XN85 was based on an air-cooled 650cc inline four. More similar to the Honda was electronic fuel injection technology, ensuring the engine always has an adequate supply of fuel for the specific atmospheric conditions. Force-fed motors are very sensitive to lean fueling conditions, and the specifically calibrated injection allows for proper compensation regardless of the level of boost. And while Honda went with liquid cooling, Suzuki opted for air cooling with oil cooling enhancements (including oil squirters to cool the back side of the piston). This concept was, in fact, the first step in the air/oil cooling journey that enabled the mighty GSX-R just a few years later. And while the bike screamed TURBO from every angle (including OBRUT from the front), the reality of performance was not *quite* up to the hype.

From the seller:
This is a NO RESERVE auction fora 1983 Suzuki XN85 Turbo.
The odometer reads 15,570 kilometers which is just shy of 9,675 miles on this perfect XN85.
This is a very rare bike with less than 1,153 XN85 motorcycles produced from 1983-1985.
I purchased this bike out of Canada about 2 years ago. This bike will be sold on a Bill of sale.

The previous owner ran the bike over 30km before I took delivery of it. They stated that the bike ran, and everything worked properly. When I purchased the bike, I put it directly in to my collection and it has been kept in air-conditioned storage.

The silver paint with the blue and red graphics looks flawless on this beautiful motorcycle.

The only apparent modification is a set of stainless steel braided front brake lines. Everything else appears to be OEM.

More from the seller:
This bike is in immaculate condition, there are very small imperfections on this motorcycle I will list below:

-The plastic surround panels around the cockpit show surface scuffs.

-The front master cylinder and clutch perch show some paint flaking.

-The top triple clamp shows some minor scratches from a key chain.

Otherwise, this very rare bike is in beautiful original condition.
This XN85 Turbo will be a fantastic addition to any high caliber motorcycle collection.

If you have any questions, or would like some pictures of something particular, feel free to reach out to me.

Unlike the Honda and the Yamaha Turbo bikes, the XN85 was an unabashed sport bike (albeit one that weighed 550-ish pounds when fueled up and ready to ride). The conventional fork was preload adjustable, and incorporated an anti-dive mechanism as well as a GP-inspired 16″ front wheel. The latter is not ideal in terms of tire choice today, but the combination worked well to provide both higher speed stability as well as directional change agility. Out back was Suzuki’s Full Floater single shock, also adjustable for preload. The riding position is sporty (but not too extreme), and aside from the question of turbo lag (i.e. when will the boost build), the Suzuki is a very sporting package that inspires confidence.

Perhaps the most unloved of the Turbo bikes, the XN85 was imported to the United States in few numbers by Suzuki, and who sold even fewer than expected. This makes it rare. And pricing, as a result, has slowly grown in value. This is not on the order of a homologation machine or even a small-bore smoker when it comes to valuation and future prospects, but over time we have definitely seen a gain. Today’s example is a Canadian bike that has been imported into the US by an individual. It has apparently not been ridden since importing, and there is no mention of registration. Still, it looks to be very clean apart from a few issues noted by the seller. Interest is quite high on this one – the auction started in the basement and is nearing $7k at time of writing, so it will be very interesting to see where this one ends up. You can check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

Honda October 13, 2022 posted by William

Closer Look Needed: 2017 Honda CBR1000RR SP2

For decades the CBR line from Honda has been offering incredible performance packaged into a useable platform. Long have reviewers talked about comfort, solid street manors and how approachable the performance envelop is. The SP name plate was first used for the 2014 model year. This version had a number of upgrades over the standard CBR1000RR. Lighter wheels, Brembo calipers and Ohlins suspension were among these changes. Normally this kind of specification is reserved for uber expensive Italian offerings. While not exactly a bargain basement offering, the Honda did represent a great value in the market when new.

The MSRP of $25,000 got you more than just the fancy suspension and brakes. It got some really interesting little details like a titanium fuel tank, oversized valves and over a 30 pound weight reduction when compared to the pervious version. Without getting extremely nerdy, the valves and details in the cylinder head were really special. Honda when the extra mile with this homologation bike and designed a head that would work on the street, but would allow race teams to aggressively port and polish the head to extract maximum horsepower. It is very cool to have such focus on race team changes on a street bike.

From The Seller’s eBay Listing:

If you know bikes, you know what this is. A unique SC77 Honda SP2 Fireblade. Only 500 ever made, out of which 100 was raced and no longer in circulation. Worldwide only 400 in existence. In the US we have 65 of these still in existence.

I have tastefully modified this bike with a KC2 Stage 3 Race tune with the quick throttle option. Calibrated for 190/55.

Racing Stacks, Yoshimura Alpha 1 Exhaust, ASV Levers, Piug windshield, Axle sliders and a bunch more mods. Too many name. ECU has a lifetime support and warranty.

There is no question that a closer look is needed before pulling the trigger to purchase the bike. There is odd damage to one of the turn signals and a couple of worrying scratches. Perhaps it is just a poor presentation of an amazing bike. The SP2 was not something that was casually purchased when new. These were not well marketed, offered in limited numbers and commanded a premium price over even the already pricy SP. Many of these bikes have been used as intended and that should not in itself scare away buyers.

Ducati October 12, 2022 posted by William

End Of The Line: 2008 Ducati Monster S4RS Tricolore

In the early 90s Ducati stunned the motorcycle community with the launch of the Monster. The combination of sporty frame and simple engine was an instant hit. It became to define the naked segment for years. Latter in the production run Ducati added the four valve, liquid cooled superbike powerplant to the mix and kicked off the idea of the super naked bike. When talking about the original silhouette the S4RS was the pinnacle of specifications.

130 horsepower was plenty to motivate the 390 pounds of machine. Radially mounted Brembo calipers ensured the bike would stop as well as it could. Light weight wheels were controlled by Ohlins superbike suspension. If one was just to read the technical details they might be confused into thinking they were reading about a full fledged homologation race bike, and not an upright two seat naked bike.

These S4RS came with a plate representing the limited production of the model. The Internet has debated if that is 400 bikes for the USA, the world, or if it was more of a marketing stunt by the Italian manufacture. Either way the numbered edition is really just icing on what is unquestionably a desirable cake.

From The Seller’s eBay Listing:

2008 Ducati Monster S4RS Tricolore. Only 400 of these were made…250 US models and 150 Euro models. This one is #224 with only 6350 miles.
Has some aftermarket parts but pretty much stock.
*Upgraded Rotors
*Ohlins Frame mounted Damper
*CRG Levers
*CNC handlebar Rear Mirrors
*Gel Grips
*Zero Gravity Windscreen
*Cox Radiator Screen
*CNC Clutch Cover
*Billet Pressure Plate and new Springs
*Frame Sliders
Tires have less than 400 miles on them.

As of writing the opening bid of $6500 has not been made, but surely there will be interested parties. At the end of the day this is as good as it got for the early Monsters. Largest and most powerful engine, best suspension specs and all wrapped up in the most desirable color combination. These will no doubt continue to be sought after bikes, and the most money will be with 100% units. This has some typical and period correct modifications, but nothing that the next owner can not easily correct should they choose. There is no mention of the last belt service, and new owners should budget a couple of hundred bucks for this if it has not been done. Pictures show the proper manuals as well as the infamous red key are included.

Suzuki October 7, 2022 posted by Mike

Caged Cat – 1982 Suzuki Katana 1000

Now here is a bike that should need no introduction. The original 1980s bad boy, the 1982 Katana 1000 redefined sport bike and style in a manner that only Suzuki could pull off. Dominated by engine yet defined by the striking Hans Muth designed styling, the Katana put Suzuki – for a brief moment in time, anyway – in a completely different league than other sport bike and UJM manufacturers.

1982 Suzuki Katana 1000 for sale on eBay

Based significantly on the existing GS1100 series, the Katana was more of a styling exercise than a brand new design. Existing chassis, engine (with a slightly smaller bore & stroke), tranny and other running gear were lifted from existing sources. But it was the minimalist approach to the bodywork that really set the Katana off from its peers. From the exposed rectangular headlight to the tiny windscreen, the aggressive beak nose, to the short tail, the Katana made a brash statement. Of course the DOCH 16 valve mill was still quite stout, and the 1,000cc original model was thought to be slated for homologation and racing – which never quite panned out. Still, the Katana was 90 horsepowers of substance to match all that style.

From the seller:
The 1982 Suzuki Katana 1000 was a radical bike when it hit the states. Really nothing before it looked like it.

These bikes are a big deal with collectors. I thought the CBX market was insane but the first gen Kat market is even crazier. Arguably the 1982 is more desirable as a collector but the 1983 is a bit better bike being a 1100 and a more attractive color scheme IMO

More from the seller:
Which brings us to this bike. The 1982 was not made in huge numbers, and many of them were modified with unreversable changes or ones that are difficult to change back to stock. Not this bike! I have been searching for an 82 Kat for a long time when I came upon this one. Only 7400 miles! But what was really amazing is that is was unmodded. Has factory exhaust and seat cover! Stock exhaust for this bike are near extinct and although there are replacement seat covers, they are vinyl and not suede like the original. I have seen auctions where decent, original seat covers go for $1000 or more, and last year an original 82 Kat exhaust sold for $2400! The factory airbox intact too as well as factory turn sigs.. This bike is as stock as you can get.

Really the only flaws on the bike are some dime sized grinds on the exhaust but these must have been a tip over or very low speed crash, as there are no other visible damage spots on bike.

Gauge cluster is intact and working too, which usually is not the case on these bikes. Tires are in very good shape but are not original, bike just went thru a complete service including oil/filter change, new plugs and air filter, valve lash check and chain adjust. Also syched the carbs and added new battery.

Paint was decent but not great so had a full 2 stage respray done in factory brilliant silver that had to be ordered from the UK. New OEM style decals too. Tank has been sealed with Red Kote and has a brand new petcock.

More from the seller:
This is probably the lowest mile 82 all original Kat 1000 available right now. One brought over $20k recently and there are some others priced higher with more miles. I bought the bike right and would like to pass it on to someone who will cherish it and understand what an icon it is in sportbike history. If you think that’s a lot of money for a 40 year old Japanese motorcycle then you do not understand what you are looking at.

We do not see too many clean and original examples of the Katana these days. The best of the bunch are often restoration projects consisting of NOS parts of bits taken from other bikes. We tend to find more modified bikes as well, given that the black chrome movement of the 1980s did not hold up well to elements and repeated heat cycles. Today’s bike is not perfect, but does appear to represent an honest Katana that has been spared many of the maladies that we often see. The seller notes a respray, and has been open about other flaws. The pricing is set accordingly, with a Buy It Now set for $15,500. That is not as high as we have seen for some bikes, so it will be interesting to see if anybody nibbles. You can check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

Benelli September 17, 2022 posted by Norman

Bucket List Ride – BaT 2003 Benelli Tornado Tre Novecento 900LE

2003 Benelli Novecento 900LE

China’s quest for world domination is truly an interesting story. From building strings-attached infrastructure in the third world to selling US companies suspect equipment, they are doing it all. The overall strategy is to slowly sink in their teeth over 20,30,40 years and play the long con. So that begs the question: Was the Benelli acquisition a hope to not only dominate the world economy, but also WSBK tracks? Jealous of the Japanese?

Today’s find is something that pre-dated Benelli’s transition to Chinesium frames and is truly, in my opinion, one of the more interesting bikes to come out of the region for a few reasons: rarity, technology, and looks.

Likely inspired by the racing success of Aprilia and Ducati, the Benelli execs decided they wanted to venture over to the track and enter their own bike in the highly competitive WSBK Championship. Presumably, with the hopes of getting a slice of the exploding sportbike market with a few of their own offerings. With their sights set on WSBK, they needed to build 125 bikes, commonly referred to as homologation specials, for the market in order to gain a spot on the grid. Our seller today has number 107/150 so it is safe to say that there were not many of the much more well-equipped LE models out there.

In 2001, the Tornado did actually debut at Misano under Peter Goddard. Their WSBK hopes faded as they saw little success and the Chinese were looming amidst the lacking sales.

The LE edition has all sorts of special go-fast bits. As seen above, the bodywork is carbon and an ExtremeTech steering damper came standard on the bike as well. Furthermore, you get Ohlins front/rear suspenders, 320mm Brembos,magnesium wheels, and an Arrow exhaust. A couple of design quirks that are not as visible are the glued frame and repositioned radiator. The engineers opted to go for weight savings by not welding the frame but rather using an aircraft-spec glue to hold it together. Many modern cars actually use a lot of adhesives nowadays in order to achieve more rigidity while not compromising on weight. The general idea is that glue can tie together more surface area than a weld. The other interesting design quirk is the positioning of the radiator. The Tornado’s radiator lives below the seat and uses two undertail cooling fans to help flow air through the back of the bike. The reason was to be able to decrease the rake to 23.5 degrees which makes the steering inputs more responsive.

I personally think a lot of the Italian sportbikes from the 2000s are actually quite ugly, except the 748 and 996 of course. The designs just haven’t aged like the Japanese designs have for me. However, this Tornado is something else. All the aggressive lines just seem to work. The polished and gold aluminum mesh really well with the gray/green bodywork to give a fast, exotic look. The undertail fans look like jets too so that’s pretty cool.

From the seller:

“Equipment includes carbon-fiber bodywork and fuel tank, a solo seat, electronic fuel injection, a rear-mounted radiator, electronic ignition, a three-into-one exhaust system with a titanium Arrow muffler, a magnesium lower engine case, Öhlins suspension, triple Brembo disc brakes, a Robby Moto throttle and rearsets, and Marchesini 16″ forged wheels. The alternator gear and shaft were replaced per the Z25 service bulletin, and an oil change was performed in March 2022. This 900LE is offered in Oklahoma with a cover, a suitcase with suspension and sprocket parts, three stands, spare parts, and a clean California title in the seller’s name”

Values of the Tornado have been not been great over the years. However, the homologation specials are definitely the edition to have and would certainly keep up in any collection or bike show. It’s Italian exotica and they’re still relatively cheap as they don’t carry the brand equity today like they used to. The one downside would likely be parts and service as Benelli’s service network (if you can call it that) is likely not well-versed with this bike. The upside is that it’s simple drivetrain that a smart mechanic could probably sort out with the help of a service manual. The engine is also the exact same as the regular Tornado models so you can probably swap parts over except for some special magnesium engine cover parts on the LE model. Great condition. Low miles. Startup and walk around video are on the listing as well. Sounds nasty.

For some reason, of all the bikes I’ve written about here, this is one the that I would ride if I got to pick one. Unmatched cool factor. The bike is being sold on BaT and the bid is currently at $5,500. Good luck!

Bucket List Ride – BaT 2003 Benelli Tornado Tre Novecento 900LE

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