Posts by tag: collector

Suzuki May 22, 2022 posted by Donn

Clean Freak – 1985 Suzuki GS1150ES

Makers were working hard to stand out in the post-recessionary 1980’s, and Suzuki evolved their GS1150 into a GT that could pull a 10-1/2 second quarter mile. Today’s GS looks excellent and has had some recent tune-up work.

1985 Suzuki GS1150ES for sale on eBay

Suzuki’s 1135cc mill was an incremental update from the 1100, air cooled with two cams and four valves. 114 hp were readily available, thanks to four 36mm Mikuni carbs. A new square-tube chassis was commissioned, with air-adjustable Kayaba forks and a Full Floater monoshock. Suzuki’s Positive Damping Force anti-dive system combines with a 16-inch front wheel to help in the twistier bits. The distinctive fairing makes a generous hole in the windrush, helping win the 200-yard roll on contest with a 50-to-90 mph run.

Offered by a dealer that seems to pay the rent with a line of pressure-washing trailers, this GS shows under 8,000 miles and had me thinking re-paint, but the overall condition makes that more of a question. Maybe the plastics had a rather liberal splash of protectant, but the metal finishes look like they haven’t spent much time in the hot Texas sun. Love the black chrome mufflers. The seller states they can broker the shipping and has a few comments in the eBay auction-

If you are old enough to remember the debut of the Suzuki GS1150 ES, you remember they were the King of the Hill.

These days these bikes are rare to find – especially in this condition!

This bike is an incredible, unmolested survivor with only 7,600 miles!

Complete recent service including ultrasonic carb cleaning. oil/filter change, new plugs and valve lash check.

Starts/run and stops like it should – everything works!

Beside external GPz/V65/FZR pressures, Suzuki had their own Katana and GSX-R1100 ready, and the GS1150ES was retired after 1986. Reviewers set the PDF forks on their lowest setting ( or disabled them entirely ), and squawked a mid-range vibration in the bars and pegs. Drag racing success meant relatively few survived the long term in anything like the condition seen here. Looking forward to seeing where the reserve is set !

-donn

BMW May 16, 2022 posted by Donn

Vintage Wrapper – 1991 BMW R100 Classic

Looking like a downtown version of Reg Pridmore’s 1976 Superbike, today’s Beemer is surprisingly rare if not the sportiest. In classic black with white pinstripes, it presents beautifully and seems like a great fan statement.

1991 BMW R100 Classic

So rare most sources indicate few than 200 were made, specs for the R100 Classics often show a less classic shape for the tank and front fender. 980 cc’s of air-cooled twin are in front of your knees, with its 60 sea-horses made up for by the low peak-torque rpm of just 3,750 revs. A bit hard to verify, but 40mm Bing carbs appear to have been used, as on a few other R100 variants. All BMW’s of the era had 5-speeds and shaft drive, and it’s reportedly the last year for the Monolever rear. Triple discs haul the mid-500 pounds back from the brink, and early cast alloys have a spare clean look.

BMW also had “classics” going in the RT and GS segments, and many pictures show the older style rounded valve covers, rather than the newer finned covers here. This owner say they are just the second caretaker, and both appear have done a nice job protecting this R100 from the ravages of time. Like the rest of this understated example, even the engine guards are hiding in black paint. The factory seat looks too new but could be installed while the Corbin gets a new cover. Notes from the eBay auction –

I’m very proud of this bike. It’s been ridden across the country, has been well loved, and has a neat history.

This one has been immaculately cared for, new Michelin tires, a fresh Duracell Ultra 30LA 12V 400CCA AGM Battery, and was just detailed from top to bottom.

Lives up to the reliable airhead engine reputation. Always starts the first time and has been exceptionally reliable over the past six years.

It’s the last year of the naked R100 monolever suspension. The engine is the 980cc boxer twin good for 60 horsepower and 58 foot-pounds of torque.

Second owner, originally purchased 31 years ago from a local Chicago BMW dealership.

New engine cover/fairing (both OEM parts—notice the matching custom pinstriping on fairing).

Comes with original toolkit roll, Corbin seat (small scratch shown in photo) and passenger backrest along with mint condition original seat.

Color matched cockpit fairing, pinstriping and gauges, plus heated grips and engine guards. Two original hard saddle bags included—one needs a new latch which can be purchased for $35 on eBay.

Exclusively garage stored, always covered. Rock solid, always reliable.

BMW was just about to launch their oil-cooled four-valve R1100, and the classics may have been a case of parts bin engineering. But there’s almost always room for one more of a popular model run, especially when you can plan on mostly home maintenance and a riding career’s worth of trouble-free miles. The black with white pinstripes was retro thirty years ago, and should really reach back when garaged with a splashy new BMW or two.

-donn

Yamaha May 13, 2022 posted by Donn

King’s Livery – 1985 Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts

Hardly a week goes by that a new* RZ350 doesn’t pop up these days ! While not a show bike, this example shows the Kenny Roberts colors nicely and has a bunch of NLA period updates.

1985 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

Yamaha knew that the two-stroke legality wouldn’t last forever, but kept updating the 59 hp, 320 lb. model – and it kept selling. Liquid cooling made conformance to EPA exhaust and noise regs plausible, and the Power Valve System made the torque band wider than before. Slotted discs were sized for the middleweight mission, and the fairly conventional chassis sported an early monoshock rear end.

On consignment for a long time customer, this RZ has been on display so might need a little help re-awakening. Vintage Toomey chambers, intake, and battery box are of interest – especially since the factory take-offs are included. Matching left and right tank dents are stickered over, and the handlebar fairing looks to have led the way into a couple of close shaves. But the finishes are in good shape and the fork brace is a nice addition. Comments and a list of upgrades and spares are in the eBay auction –

The bike has been very well maintained and is in excellent condition for the year with low mileage and a slew of upgrades and spare parts that come with it! The bike runs excellent and the electric start works, but there is no battery in the bike, as it is stored correctly in a collection and almost never ridden. The factory power valves have been rebuilt by the owner. There are two small dents in the gas tank on either side from the handlebar switches on the bars bumping into the tank over the years which is very common on the bikes (they are covered by the bullet stickers you can see in the pictures). Aside from that, please refer to the pictures for the most accurate description of condition. Aside from the upgrades, this bike is numbers matching and nearly all original OEM, the paint and decals are original and the mileage is true and correct.

-TOOMEY PIPES (VINTAGE 80’S – NOT NEWER PRODUCTION)

-TOOMEY INTAKE (VINTAGE 80’S – NOT NEWER PRODUCTION)

-TOOMEY BATTERY BOX (VINTAGE 80’S – NOT NEWER PRODUCTION)

-FORK BRACE

-BRAIDED STEEL FRONT BRAKE LINE

-STOCK CARBS REJETTED FOR EXHAUST (ONE SIZE UP PILOT AND 420 MAINS)

-TWO SPARE SETS OF OEM EXHAUST (PICTURED)

-NEW SET OF SPARE TIRES (PICTURED)

-OWNER’S MANUAL (PICTURED)

-MANY MANY MORE SPARE PARTS NOT LISTED (PICTURED)

-MANY MORE TASTEFUL PERIOD CORRECT UPGRADES NOT LISTED

More red/white models are in RSBFS recent history than bumblebee’s, and for Yamaha fans of a certain vintage the signature model is the one to try for. Those same fans might be surprised at the bidding with eight days left to run, and further that the reserve is still unknown. But even though the model has had a nice season so far, no more being manufactured, and this one has a nice combination of miles, patina, updates, and spares.

-donn

King’s Livery – 1985 Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts

Honda May 11, 2022 posted by Donn

Premium Six Pack – 1981 Honda CBX

As much as Honda was show-boating with the extraordinary CBX, some owners leverage that six-of-everything into a display of maintenance magic. Today’s CBX has just 13.5K miles, and looks like it just arrived via time machine.

1981 Honda CBX for sale on eBay

A bit like two 500cc triples with the cam drive and primary take-off between them, the CBX was scaled up from the -60’s 250cc race motor. Displacing 1074 cc’s, it laid down 105 silky smooth hp, and six 28mm Keihin carbs made it quite responsive. Since chrome headers used the place for the usual chassis downtubes, the CBX suspends the engine from a strong backbone frame, and uses that engine to stabilize it. Looking slightly over-scaled for a UJM, the CBX needed those triple disc brakes and the healthy sized tires strapped on the alloy Comstar wheels.

Presented by a Wisconsin consigner, this CBX appears to have a limited amount of “history”, with one owner said to account for the last ten years. No denying the re-paint, but it’s faithful to the original, and compliments the excellent condition elsewhere. Copy from the eBay auction:

The Honda CBX simply took the world by storm with its 1047cc Inline Six Cylinder machine

Derived from the RC165 Grand Prix Race Bike Powerplant

Producing a claimed 103hp, these motorcycles are buttery smooth and make a fantastic noise

This pristine example had been collector owned for the last 10 years

Indicated 13,457 Miles

Finished in beautiful Candy Glory Red

Original Exhaust in wonderful condition

This example did receive 1 repaint, the rest of the motorcycle has been sympathetically cared for

Freshly serviced and ready to be enjoyed

The Honda CBX is once the greats in history and this example is one of the nicest, we have ridden!

Don’t miss this one, these early Honda CBX’s are one of the hottest appreciating classics on the market right now!

Benelli actually originated the six-cylinder street bike, but Honda turned their three carburetors and six exhausts around, using six carbs and a pair of 3-into-1 exhausts. Either way the full liter-plus couldn’t be denied. Neither the engineering, making a looong crankshaft survive is not an amateur affair. Seems like the previous owner knew when professional help was in order as well. Sharp without being overdone, this CBX is quite ready for its next collector.

-donn

Featured Listing April 29, 2022 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 2000 Honda RVT1000R / RC51

Update 5.23.2022: Sale pending! -dc

Dissatisfied with the 1990’s WSBK rulebook, Honda channeled their inner Borgo Panigale and surprised Ducati on their own V-twin turf. RSBFS reader Joe started with an excellent RC51 in storage, and went over it with an eye on the long haul.

2000 Honda RVT1000R / RC51 asking $13,500

More oriented toward the track than the previous Firestorm, the RC51 was built to homologate the design for racing, with the quite oversquare 996cc tuned for 136 hp and 77 ft.-lbs. of torque. The alloy twin-beam chassis used the engine as a load-carrying stiffener, and the side-venting rads kept frontal area low. A scoop between the headlights delivered fresh air to the engine, and individual exhausts sent used air aft. Components on the homologation special included the 320mm Nissin brakes and wide six spoke alloy wheels.

Beside returning his RC51 from the back of the garage, Joe improved every significant corner of this very clean example. Just a few highlights are the race tuned Öhlins front and rear, full Moriwaki exhaust with Power Commander, and Sato rearsets. Here’s how Joe described the build –

Previous owner let it collect dust for 12-ish years. Bike was in stock form with Erion slip-ons (that come with sale). Parts list included in pics. I spent three months refurbishing and building to what it is now with an open check book. About $8,500 in receipts. All paperwork from new, roughly 500 miles on completed bike. It’s too nice and too rare to abuse or damage. Ready for the track or a museum, no excuses. I hope somebody will appreciate the history and opportunity as much as I did to preserve this machine. I got lucky sourcing the full Moriwaki system that never came in country. 4K in Öhlins setup, I typo-ed the gearing in the pics, it’s 15/41 geared and a calibrated speedo healer so the dash is accurate. ALL stock parts plus additional ’04 Hayden bodywork come with the sale along with front and rear stands, original hang tag from the showroom floor, etc. The history and story of the bike are better told in person or over the phone – cannot be duplicated.

Joe asks $13,500 for his RC51 and can be reached at 843-270-2800.

Racers and Honda fans liked the narrow light feel of the new RC, and the gear-driven cams on a liter twin had a sound completely different than anything at the time. It had instant success on the race track as well, taking the Superbike crown in 2000 and then again in 2002. By then FIM was thinking to increase displacements, and Honda returned to the inline four that had built so much of their showroom success. Joe’s SP1 marks an interesting chapter in Honda history, with a lot of well-chosen upgrades.

Contact Joe via email – here – or phone 843-270-2800.

-donn

Featured Listing – 2000 Honda RVT1000R / RC51

Aprilia April 26, 2022 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 1997 Aprilia RS250 with 3,400 Miles !

Aprilia had a championship winner on their hands with the 1991 RSV250 road racer, and took it to the streets in 1995 in the RS250. RSBFS reader Phil has been caretaker and occasional rider of this original and exquisite Mk. 1.

1997 Aprilia RS250 asking $14,500

Engineers put their sweat and tears into the RS250’s artful chassis, formed and welded alloy parts to make it rigid and light if not easy to understand. Knowing that bringing their racing 249cc engine to the road would take some doing, Aprilia tapped Suzuki to supply their V-twin from the RGV250, and made their own intake, exhaust and ECU – resulting in 72 hp. Suspension is leading edge with USD forks and asymmetrical magnesium swingarm, and the brake sizes would have been seen on a superbike just a few years before. Ergonomics take no prisoners but make the rider ready for the next squiggly line on the map, and the peaky powerband coaches the left foot to keep 8,500 revs at a minimum.

Phil’s RS is a grey market import, and the metric odometer indicates 3,400 miles. A friend owned it before him, and let it sit for an extended period, which Phil has reversed by a generous application of maintenance. We’ll let him pick up the story –

My 1997 RS250 has a gray origin history, but the last 2 decades are clear. It is an Italian market bike, imported into the USA sometime in the early 2000s. It is a 17 digit VIN. It was purchased in 2004 by an acquaintance as a track day toy. He intended to ride it on occasion at the Autobahn country club. He had it prepped for use including tires, fluids, adjustments, etc. Not wired. It was stored in a garage awaiting that first ride. Time passed and it never turned a wheel – either on the street or track! I acquired the bike in April 2021 and had it shipped to me in UT. It showed 4,998 km on the clock. I went through a thorough reconditioning replacing the tires, fluids, hoses and fuel lines, complete carb rebuild, caliper rebuild, rear master replace, chain, air filter, and new battery. All with correct parts where available, sourced from APR and European suppliers. The engine was not disassembled. Oil pump, power valves, carb sync and choke cables were all adjusted to specification. New oil pump lines were installed. High altitude jetting was installed to complete evaluation rides in my locale and all was good!

The bike was trailered to Road America to participate in a 2 day trackday in July on stock jetting. The bike was awesome! The odo now shows 5,482 km which is where it will stay for the time being. Jetting remains at stock settings with the tank and carbs drained. Bike starts first kick every time.

The bike is cosmetically a 9/10+. No corrosion anywhere. The V-shaped portion of the belly fairing shows some stone damage. Two other minimal marks exist on the painted surfaces. A couple of rock chips on the nose fairing. No peeling or blistering anywhere. The frame is polished and shiny like it should be with no marks. The OEM key fob left a rub mark on the triple clamp so it has been removed from the key and placed with the original tool kit. The bike is stock save Jolly Moto expansion chambers with carbon silencers. Pillion seat and footrests are missing as are the stock exhausts. All lights and indicators are present and working. I have a clear UT title in my name. The bike can be registered in UT without restriction.

The unfaired pictures show this gem has been detailed even underneath it all. The only bit showing any wear could be easily replaced and the next owner could show or go. Phil is asking $14,500 for his RS250 and can be reached by email – here -.

And here’s a short video-

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The next owner of this RS250 could go either way, hit the back roads and embarrass four-strokes with double the displacement, or get the safety wire pliers out and join the like-minded at the nearest track day. Or in this case do either occasionally ( and carefully ), and show it off in between dates. The original design still looks great 25 years on, and the basic black shows off the chassis beautifully.

Contact Phil with questions at – phil@boxworks.com

-donn

Featured Listing – 1997 Aprilia RS250 with 3,400 Miles !

Ducati April 8, 2022 posted by Donn

New Heritage – 1981 Ducati 500SL Pantah

Fabio Taglioni designed a new valve train for the next generation of Ducati’s and with it, a revised future for the company. Here’s a classic rider that shines up beautifully for its nearly 35K miles.

1981 Ducati 500SL Pantah ( England ) for sale on eBay

Bevel drive desmodue’s were expensive to build and the easier “rubber band” proved a reliable way to turn the single overhead cams. The engine worked within the new trellis frame for a solid chassis, and the swingarm pivot was cast in the back of the crankcase. 35mm forks and dual rear shocks were in-keeping with the sub-400 lbs. dry weight. New 18-inch alloy wheels and 260mm disc brakes completed the running gear. Though the eyes stumble over it, the fairing allowed the 45 hp bike to slip through the air at 120 mph.

This offering appears to be from a private seller in southern Britain, and looks quite excellent. Long past any worries of a maintenance schedule, only the age of the tires and belts ( and maybe the fuel ) would be something the next rider would want to know. For the condition, the ask is more than reasonable, as this original Pantah hovers somewhere between classic and vintage. A short summation of the model from the eBay auction –

The first of Ducati’s ‘new generation’ desmodromic v-twins, the 500 Pantah made its debut at the 1978 Cologne Show. Designed by Fabio Taglioni, the Pantah engine abandoned the Bologna company’s traditional shaft-and-bevel-gears camshaft drive in favour of toothed rubber belts. With 46bhp available at the back wheel the Pantah was capable of close to 120mph, which was some going for 500cc four-stroke in those days. A straight-tube trellis frame and triple Brembo disc brakes ensured that Pantah handled and stopped as well as it went in a straight line.

Pantah’s went on to 600, 650, and 750 cc models, but this would be one of the most original. Reviewers found power and torque adequate in the upper third of the rpm range, and the overall package nimble. Many of the concepts introduced on the Pantah are still in use, as this lovely example could be for the next owner.

-donn

Kawasaki February 27, 2022 posted by Donn

Soul Survivor – 1990 Kawasaki KR-1S in England

Auction ended due to an error in the listing, but still worth a look – push “See original listing”… Donn

Maybe because so much of the Kawasaki KR-1S came from the racey end of the gene pool, very few of them have made it to the new millennium. This example has some miles but shows beautifully, and was on display before the seller decided to find it a new home.

1990 Kawasaki KR-1S ( England ) for sale on eBay

Kawasaki stuck with their parallel twin engine after most others had gone to Vees, maybe since their home market power limit of 45 hp was easy to attain. In select other countries their tuning and KIPS power valve made 59 hp available, with more certainly possible. Norms for the race-derived class are here, with extruded alloy chassis and six speeds to help keep the engine above 7,000 rpm. Plenty of braking from twin disks and 4-piston calipers, and the wheel size is looking toward the end of the staggered era with a 17-inch front and 18-inch rear. The KR-1S also had one of the lightest dry weights in the class, swapping ounces with Suzuki and staying under 290 lbs.

This central England owner states they’re number four, a fairly low number of caretakers for 32 years. Looks great in the alternate green and black livery, and the Nikkon exhausts look purposeful if not as showy as a rarer metal. Comments from the eBay auction:

First registered 14 August 1990

12k Mileage

4 Previous owners

This has been in my house as a show piece and not used for a year, I put some premix fuel in and it fired straight up and sounded sweet (as all fluids have been drained for indoor storage)

These are the fastest street production 250 2-strokes ever produced

and not many are still here to tell the tale

Fitted with Nikkon race pipes give it that well known 90’s 2-stroke sound

Upgraded Fuel Tap

New Chain and sprockets

Overhauled the calipers new pads and seals

Original Kawasaki key fits all locks

Perhaps because Kawasaki wasn’t active in Moto GP then ( busy winning AMA Superbike and World Endurance Championships ), they seem to have barely pursued the segment and sold only 10,000 or so KR copies over the four years. Add in the wide repute for quick steering and over-damped forks, and the few that were exported had little hope of a long life. This one looks worth finding an agent to handle shipping and import, or plan on using some free time to chase paperwork.

-donn