Posts by tag: collectible

Honda September 18, 2020 posted by
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Come In For a Test Drive – 1987 Honda VFR-750R / RC30

A ( if not The ) classic superbike at this juncture, Honda’s RC30 has beauty and real-world capability.  This example is slightly under-documented but has collectible looks.

1987 Honda VFR-750R / RC30

The RC30 was designed and built for the Superbike World Championship, which it won with Fred Merkel aboard the two first years.  The version found at the showroom had 112 hp available, with just 400 or so pound to push.  Endurance racing aspirations dictated the single-sided swingarm and quick release front axle, and the era required staggered wheel sizes of 17 front and 18 rear.  The RC30 always seemed more than the sum of its parts, the alloy chassis and big-bang V-4 not quite accounting for its well-balanced presence.

Seller Eurocycle appears to be a new outfit, with locations in Sonoma, Reno, and Vegas.  No history is offered but the condition is excellent for its nearly 24K miles.  Finishes and tires look fresh.  Besides new and used bikes, Eurocycle’s website shows rentals ( no the RC30 wasn’t listed ) and some kind of club membership – maybe a knowledgeable reader could chime in.

Eminently collectible, an RC30 was reviewed as not hard to ride, and might be an inspiring occasional rider for a small stable.  More history or perhaps some catch-up maintenance might be expected before sending this V4 out on a mission.  The ask is a little shy of what might be expected for a nice example, but as with so many things this year, all bets are off.

-donn

Come In For a Test Drive – 1987 Honda VFR-750R / RC30
Featured Listing September 15, 2020 posted by
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Featured Listing – 1982 Honda CB450T with 1,682 Miles !

Update 9.15.2020: The wrong phone number was posted on this listing. Please note the correct contact information. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. -dc

BILLGASH@COMCAST.NET
443.975.8864

Accompanying bigger silver and blue Freddie Spencer replicas to the showroom, Honda’s 1982 CB450T had nice performance for a mid-size, and brilliant looks.  RSBFS fan Bill has been around concours winners for a while now, and presents his just-about-perfect CB450T.


1982 Honda CB450T Collector For Sale

Since the Dream days, Honda has always made room for a middle-weight somewhere in their line-up.  The CB450T might be the ultimate parallel twin, with CB900F styling – a 9,500 rpm redline, SOHC and three valves per cylinder pushing 43 hp.  As Honda would do, engineers put some neat stuff in, 9.1:1 compression and a 6-speed transmission, while bean counters stipulated the rear drum brake and emissions-compliant 30mm Keihin carburetors.  Stylists carried the day with the Comstar wheels and stripes that flowed from tank to the upturned seat spoiler, and just needs a number plate to channel the number 19 CB750F AMA Superbike.

Bill has been following RSBFS since the early days, and knows his way around perfect, having placed Honda bikes in the AMA museum and cars in two leading Honda collections.  He wandered through many CB450T’s before finding his example, several years ago now.  But best to let Bill describe:

MINT condition

One year only model. Honda made the CB400T for 1980 & 1981…but ONLY the CB450T [for 1982] got the extra 50cc and the Silver Freddie Spencer paint scheme, with the uber rare rear spoiler…like the bigger…and matching…CB750F and CB900F.

Last year for Honda SOHC

Honda made about 4,600 total production for US market, about 3,100 were made in the black paint with red and orange strips….only about 1,500 were in the Freddie Spencer Replica AMA Superbike race colors (Pleiades silver with 2 tone blue stripes).

Mine has: 1,682 orig miles from new, ALL fluids new with less than 25 miles including  brakes/ you can literally remove the brake pads and lick them…they are cleaner than your dinner plate, bike always kept in climate controlled, carpeted garage as seen in pics. No stories, no excuses, no rips, tears, no BS…it is FLAWLESS period. Even the chain is immaculate. Bike stays on battery tender 100% ready to go.

Bike has 1 mile on brand new tires..yes ONE (1)

I am second owner from new, I’ve owned since 2012, I am 60 years old, prior owner was 60 when I bought it from him.

Only mods to bike are PERIOD CORRECT K&N gloss black 1.5” lower handle bars and short stem black mirrors. YES, YES I have the original high bars and long stem chrome mirrors and they are ‘as new’ too.

Bill asks $4,500 is open to offers, motivated to sell, and can be reached at: 443.975.8864, or via email – here -.

Freddie Spencer is certainly due a commemorative, having given the best part of his riding career to Honda.  Beside many AMA Superbike race wins, Spencer helped Honda develop the NR500, NS500, and NSR500, and took both the MotoGP 500cc and 250cc championships in 1985.  The ’82 CB450T is a single year special, partly a technology demonstrator for the SOHC drivetrain, and a great tribute in silver and blue.  Bill has a lot of expertise around the brand, and has curated his CB450T to museum level.

Bill has his CB450T in suburban D.C. and welcomes inquiries on 443.975.8864, or via email – here -.

-donn

Featured Listing – 1982 Honda CB450T with 1,682 Miles !
Featured Listing September 7, 2020 posted by
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Sponsored Listing – 1993 Kawasaki ZX-7 from Speedwerks !

Long time RSBFS sponsor, Speedwerks, has trained their restorative techniques on a 1993 Kawi, and ensured that its outstanding looks are backed up by a healthy dose of attention from their service technicians.

1993 Kawasaki ZX-7 for sale at Speedwerks

Coming out in the heart of the sportbike era, the ZX-7 came with a warranty, but change was guaranteed every year, with manufacturers throwing their level best at the AMA and World Superbikes.  For ’93 an all new top end cooked up 118 hp for the 749cc four, using four 38mm Keihin carburetors and a new single intake for ram air.  Multi-adjustable USD forks and Uni-Trak monoshock, plus 17-inch wheels were found at either end, along with 320mm front disks.  The riding position got good marks and a theoretical passenger is possible on the biposto seat console.

Evidently being re-activated after some years in a collection, this ZX-7 has the full nineties treatment, right down to the orange-fade-to-purple logos.  Exterior condition is way better than excellent, with just an isolated rub visible.  The tail treatment leaves a clean surface under the seat, and the green windscreen shows the previous owner was a fan.  Steve’s comments about the ZX-7:

This is a good rider or bust out your parachute pants, comb back your mullet and become a collector.
We received this machine from a private collection, where it sat on display for years.
It is original sans the Zero Gravity windscreen and Targa undertail.
We preformed a complete service and it is 100% operational, as it would have been in 1993.
The tires are original/period correct Dunlop 208’s, in great shape but should be updated to ride daily.
There are a few scars in the paint work but overall it shows very well.

Speedwerks is asking $6,500 for this time capsule and Steve can be reached on (302)672-RACE or via email – here -.

As evidence of a winning design, with Rob Muzzy’s preparation, Scott Russell took his ZX-7R to the AMA Superbike championship in 1992, and claimed the World Superbike the next year.  Since they occupied the lower pricing tier with Suzuki, few have been babied or cared for like this example.  This might be a show bike for the next owner, but is also ready to provide the superbike experience from almost thirty years ago as well.

Contact Steve at Speedwerks for more information on this exceptional ZX-7, (302)672-RACE or via email – here -. 

-donn

Sponsored Listing – 1993 Kawasaki ZX-7 from Speedwerks !
Ducati September 3, 2020 posted by
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Featured Listing – 2006 Ducati Paul Smart 1000 Limited Edition

RSBFS regular Seattle Used Bikes has a customer’s 2006 Paul Smart LE available, with a moderate 11,812 miles on the clock.  Limited to 2,000 examples worldwide, this commemorative also has the factory fairing lowers with Paul Smart’s racing number.

2006 Ducati Paul Smart 1000 LE at Seattle Used Bikes

Paul Smart’s 1972 race machine boasted the desmodromic valve system, and though the 992cc air-cooled engine from 2006 uses belt-driven cams, it has a lot in common with Taglioni’s earlier design.  91 hp are available on the PS1000LE, along with Marelli fuel injection, and a sculptural trellis chassis painted in the blue-green of the 1972 750 Imola racer.  The rider tucks in behind the classic bullet fairing, and find themselves with the modern 6-speed transmission, adjustable Öhlins dampers, 320mm Brembo brakes, and 17-inch spoked alloy wheels.

Owned by a longtime SUB customer, this PS1000LE is immaculate with all the right updates.  New cam service, recent tires and factory updated fuel tank make it very ready for the new owner.  Photographs beautifully and likely rides even better !  Comments from Seattle Used Bikes: 

It is about as nice as they can be found these days, this one also has the very desirable Ducati Performance lower fairings, the Ducati Performance Termignoni 2-1 exhaust with the upgraded ECU, we also have all the original parts, paperwork, 2 black and red key, code card, manuals, welcome letter and brochures..  We have only had it into SUB once for service in April 2014, it had just over 8,600 miles at the time, we performed a minor service, replaced the fuel filter inside the tank and hoses that had gotten soft from ethanol.   When we had the bike in we did notice signs of tank swelling at the time and helped facilitate getting the dealer to replace the tank and made sure to have it sealed inside with Caswell to avoid further issues. It appears tires were updated as well. We do have additional records for 6k service and misc others.   We recently were able to gather all the paperwork and were given the go ahead to get it ready to sell.  Marty just completed the 12K Desmo service, he also made sure its running the way he likes them to.  He noted in the service order “165lbs of compression in both cylinders”.  We’ve gone through everything brought in and given the Paul Smart a thorough inspection, it is very obvious this special Ducati was loved and cherished, articles were kept, brochures, accessory install instructions etc. all archived.

Seattle Used Bikes offers this PS1000LE for $22,000, and they now have a – Deposit Button – to hold the bike while you contact them.

Most SportClassics were more popular after production ended, but the Paul Smart sold out early and stayed desirable.  The Terblanche design combines a reverential look over the shoulder with no-nonsense mechanicals.  SUB also offers this walkaround – video – and welcomes calls on (206) 535-6812.

Featured Listing – 2006 Ducati Paul Smart 1000 Limited Edition
Bimota August 30, 2020 posted by
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Robbiano Report – 2008 Bimota DB6R with 2,040 Miles !

Revitalized in the early 2000’s, Bimota and their sadly late designer Sergio Robbiano presented the DB6R Delirio, powered by Ducati’s latest 1100cc air-cooled engine.  This Long Island example has barely been ridden and looks basically new.

2008 Bimota DB6R for sale on eBay

Even Bimota was compelled to produce an all around naked sport, but the mixed chassis of trellis and billet connectors puts a fine edge on the concept.  Ducati’s injected dual-spark twin pumps 95 hp through the factory slipper clutch, and the stepped seat will hold you in for 160 mph.  Superbike-sized Öhlins and Brembo components are found front and rear, and carbon fiber mudguards cover the natural-finished Marvic wheels.  The complex array of mostly carbon side covers and fairing pieces don’t push the riding weight over 370 lbs.

Just enough information in this auction to make one want more, but what’s here appears clean and without a scratch.  The Delirio came with a modern canister exhaust but the Zard update is a sportier-looking replacement.  From the eBay auction:

This bike is in perfect condition in every way with only 2,040 miles.  It has a carbon fiber Zard exhaust installed by Bimota dealer at time of original purchase.  This may not be factual, but I was told that only approximately 6 of these bikes were imported into the US directly by the Bimota importer, making this a truly collectible and rare bike.

Robbiano started at Ducati, drawing Tamburini’s ideas for the 916, and was taken early from the middle of a successful design career which was always about two wheels.  As intended, the DB6R made a splash in Milan, and the production bike had great reviews.  Seemingly undamaged in many years of under-use, the bidding on this Delirio starts at just half of the list price.  For a fan of the brand or a design buff, a quick change of belts, tires, and liquids will give this Bimota a new lease on life.

-donn

Robbiano Report – 2008 Bimota DB6R with 2,040 Miles !
Honda August 26, 2020 posted by
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Purple Reign – 1994 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade

Honda’s just right ( not a supersport, not a liter-plus ) sized CBR900RR set a 1990’s wave in motion. This preservation contender has seen an almost impossibly low number of previous owner mods, and looks all the better for it.



1994 Honda CBR900RR for sale on eBay

The CBR900RR was legendary Honda designer Tadao Baba’s masterwork, and up-powered a supersport-sized chassis, while doing everything possible to limit weight and centralize mass.  There wasn’t really a racing class for the Fireblade, but the 122 hp and 454 lbs. wet weight turned the win-on-Sunday-sell-on-Monday paradigm on its ear.  Seemingly out of step design choices like the longer stroke engine provided a great torque signature, and forks were conventional but an imperturbable 45mm.  More in step was the 16-inch front wheel, which eased turn-in.  Innovations like the swiss-cheesed fairing areas allowed the Blade to slice through the air at least in theory.

Evidently on only its third owner, this CBR900RR has been very lucky.  The almost 24K miles really had me thinking re-paint, but the metal finishes are so nice maybe it was only ever ridden in flannel footed pj’s.  The outside of the tank is almost as perfect as the inside !  A black windscreen, compulsory tail tidy, and D+D muffler seem like the only acknowledgements to reality.  Not sure what the significance of the fork reflectors is, maybe this owner has a very concours example as well.  From the eBay auction:

3rd owner of this beautiful bike. The plastics and tank are some of the nicest you’ll find on a ’94. She starts right up and rides great. She’s leaving my small collection as I don’t have enough room to keep her. I’ve tried showing a couple of small areas of deficiency; the plastic behind the seat, couple of minor scuffs and the wheels have some small chips. Note: The front reflectors shown a couple of photos are not on the bike or a part of the sale.

The Fireblade had a nice 11-year run with mostly incremental changes, though styling was modernized early and got pointier as time went on.  Throughout it was a reviewer’s favorite, with great power, brakes and balance.  Not many have survived the years looking so lightly used, and bidding is active early on.  Hopefully the reserve will be be met shortly and we can watch where it goes.

-donn

Purple Reign – 1994 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade
Suzuki August 23, 2020 posted by
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1996 Suzuki RGV250SP VJ23

It’s been a while since we had an RGV250 without Disney cels in the background, but this SoCal example is a wake-up call to the mouse button finger.  This last-of-the-series VJ23 is a Sport Production model with the new 70-degree V-twin, Fla. title and nice cosmetics.

1996 Suzuki RGV250SP / VJ23 for sale on eBay

A lot of RGV250 history was revised with the 1996 engine, beside being capable of 62 hp, it had electric start !  The VJ23 engine was just about “square” and revved to 12,500 rpm, though peak power was back at 9,500.  Expansion chambers and upside-down forks were standard, and the single seat helped keep weight under 300 lbs.  The Sport Production equated to a factory dry clutch and close-ratio gearbox.

This owner imported and federalized the RGV, and installed a full Jolly Moto exhaust.  A fairly extensive re-fresh ensued, and a new gauge cluster sourced, thus the 5,500 claimed miles.  The purple accents may or may not delight, but the overall feeling is very good, and the owner relates some history in the eBay auction:

This bike had 7,200Km or 4,300 miles on it at the time of purchase. Then I went through at great expense to convert it to the full power model. I purchased brand new, not used, at great cost, the full power speedo gauge assembly (240KPH speedo), full power black box, air box lid, clutch springs and finally set of Jolly Moto pipes. The Jolly Moto pipes were not the best fitting with the bodywork, but do they preform outstanding and look great! Carburetors re-jetted accordingly. Then I rebuilt the top end using the full power pistons. They have a different coating on them to help avoid detonation at higher speeds. I installed new clutch plates for the dry clutch, new racing 26mm thick radiator, steering damper, wave rear disk, chain, Steel brake lines with Aluminum fittings, silicone radiator hoses, new chain and sprockets, a fortune in titanium, aluminum and stainless bolts. All jetted just right. Just recently I rebuilt the front forks using all new seals and bushing, all new brake fluid and gear oil, new air filter, brake pads, front turn signals, hoses, and a fresh set of sticky Dunlop Q3’s. Cleaned the carburetors added a new factory petcock and Lithium battery. All the switches, lights, turn signals, starter, horn operate without a problem. Oil injection is still intact. This bike is not all corroded out or full of oxidation like many of these bikes from Japan. Very Clean.

The bodywork on it looks fine for a bike it’s age, but not museum quality. There are small scratches, chips around the bike. All minor stuff. Please look at the pictures. The bottom right fairing has some “waves” from getting hot. That was there when I purchased the bike. Side panels are nice but a mark here and there. The tank is excellent shape. No dent and clean inside with a new factory petcock just installed. Paint is still shiny and bike looks great overall. Remember its 25 years old. Though this bike looks stunning, I built it to be a runner not a museum piece. It really runs great and once you hit redline in third with a little speed and air flow the ram air really kicks in and the bike accelerates hard. Much better than my VJ22. Less temperamental with the jetting.

The bike shows about 2,130 KM or 1,250 miles on it with the new speedo installed. Remember it has 7,200KM or 4,300 miles when I bought it. So do the math for the total. Still the 1,250 miles represents all the mileage I have put on it since I converted the bike to full power and installed the new top end.  Not much. I love this bike but realized, one I have too many bikes sitting around, and second I’m just too old at social security age to be hauling around on it anymore.

As the century wound down, the RGV250 could no longer find a place in the regulations, and though Aprilia stuck with it, even they couldn’t justify re-tooling for the updated VJ-23 engine.  Unfamiliar riders below a certain height-weight quotient might be surprised by the adult packaging of the later models, and the power delivery is epic.  Seems like a lot has been done right with this SP, and glad it’s a rider, not a display model.

-donn

1996 Suzuki RGV250SP VJ23
Kawasaki August 18, 2020 posted by
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Texas Tornado* – 1985 Kawasaki GPz 750 Turbo

Sorry not Colin Edwards, but a turbocharged Kawasaki from Texas – a sharp restoration of the classic 1985 model with sparkling cosmetics and performance mods.

1985 Kawasaki GPZ 750 Turbo for sale on eBay

Kawasaki came late to the gas-crisis turbo developments, but gave us the sportiest and least compromised model.  On boost the 738cc mill makes 112 hp and 73 ft.-lbs. torque, using fuel injection and just 7.8:1 compression.  The engine scoop hides the small turbocharger, which helped push the GPz through the traps at 136 mph.  GT style 18-inch wheels are fitted, along with air-adjustable suspension front and rear.  The frame is cold steel but the fairing is a hot and shapely red.

Too much time has elapsed to worry about ownership history on this Turbo, but the odo was apparently reset during the restoration.  Even with all the work done, the appearance is not far from stock.  The turbo in the exhaust system calms the normally noisy Supertrapp muffler.  Comments and a long list of updates from the eBay auction:

It has been tastefully modified, close to a resto-mod but not too much that its originality is lost. I have the original rear fender, grab rail and chain guard. Stock exhausts are being reproduced and you could make this bike factory original if desired. I also have the stock rear wheel, it is perfect with a near new tire.

Start stops and runs perfectly. This bike has won shows, it is show quality. It turns heads and always draws a crowd. This bike is no joke and it is blindingly fast and when the turbo hits you better be hanging on. It only has 3,500 miles on it since the complete rebuild.

Here is a rundown of what has been done –

810 KIT W/WISECO PISTONS

HTS10 TURBO WITH BILLET IMPELLER FROM EVERGREEN TURBO

K&N INTAKE

1.5″ BOOST PIPE

EXTERNAL BOV

RARE SUPERTRAPP EXHAUST – ADJUSTABLE TONE!

ADJUSTABLE WASTE GATE

ADJUSTABLE FUEL PUMP W/ GAUGE

NEW REWORKED INJECTORS

MRE UNDERCUT TRANSMISSION

NEW CLUTCH W/ HD SPRINGS

HYDRAULIC CLUTCH CONVERSION

NEW CLUTCH/BRAKE MASTER CYLS

BRAIDED CLUTCH/BRAKE LINES

FLOATING FRONT DISCS

NEW REAR DISC

PROGRESSIVE FORK SPRINGS

FFTP ANTI DIVE BLOCK OFF PLATES

PROGRESSIVE REAR SHOCK

5″WIDENED RR FACTORY WHEEL – NEW 160 RR TIRE

NEW MATCHING FRONT TIRE

SPEEDHUT GUAGES WITH MATCHING BOOST GAUGE

WORKING FACTORY BOOST GUAGE – LED BACKLIGHT UPGRADE

L.E.D. TURN SIGS W/L.E.D. FLASHER

L.E.D FACTORY WARNING LIGHTS

ZX7 MIRRORS

NEW ZERO GRAVITY WINDSCREEN

POLISHED SWING ARM AND WHEEL LIPS

CHROMED TURBO “WING”

CUSTOM RR FENDER DELETE (HAVE FACTORY FENDER)

2 STAGE PAINTED INNER FAIRING

RECENT FACTORY PAINT JOB w FACTORY DECALS

630 CHAIN CONVERSION

By the time all four Japanese manufacturers had their turbo models ready, OPEC ministers had peeked around the corner and calmed oil prices.  And insurers saw potential losses in all the leading-edge equipment aboard these bikes, dampening sales further with higher rates.  Still for a while the GPz 750 Turbo was the fastest bike in the showroom, and this one has been worked for even more power – while maintaining its great GPz looks.

-donn

Texas Tornado* – 1985 Kawasaki GPz 750 Turbo