Posts by tag: collector

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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.

Ducati October 10, 2022 posted by Donn

And Still Champion – 1997 Ducati 916

For a model that was in production for just four years, the 916 casts a long shadow on the street and track. Today’s 916 has been in the same family since new, but amassed barely 7K miles in 25 years.

1997 Ducati 916 for sale on eBay

Luck was on the 916’s side when engineer Massimo Bordi and designer Massimo Tamburini agreed to the project. The now-classic L-twin was an evolution of the four-valve 888 engine, and used Weber fuel injection to develop 114 hp. The lightweight steel trellis held fully adjustable Showa forks and monoshock, with a separate seat subframe. Racy touches like underseat exhaust made the tach almost redundant, and the single-sided swingarm was built for quick wheel changes. The unmistakable knife-edged fairing held dual headlights, and got the oncoming air started around the clip-ons and over the rider.

Evidently in Florida since new, this 916 seems very good, with a fairly significant crack near the left headlight and a broken fairing mount on the right lower. Looks quite stock as well, with just the license plate mount looking like a cut down Euro part. Lots of relatively recent service work, though it sounds like a new set of coolant hoses is in order. Serious bidders might want to start a conversation about that set of factory fairings. Notes from the eBay auction –

Always been in Florida, only 7,136 miles, major service in 2018 with 6,812 miles, by Ducati dealer in Pompano Beach Florida – over $4k in service, including new Pirelli Diablo Rosso III front and back.

Motorcycle always kept in a temperature controlled garage. Original fairing in super very good condition, has some small cracks in the belly and in one side of the bike due to age. The bike came with the additional biposto seat brand new in box (never used), also selling the motorcycle with an optional aftermarket BRAND NEW red fairing.

Success followed the 916 to the racetrack, where Carl Fogarty won three superbike world championships on his 916, Troy Corser won one and the follow-on 996 won two. On the road, the cooling system required some extra attention, but not if the velocity could be kept up. Highway speeds or better helped the rider unweight their wrists as well. Recent sales indicate low-to-mid teens for this example, and we’ll be keeping an eye on it.

-donn

Honda October 6, 2022 posted by Donn

Seeing Things – 1995 Honda CBR900RR with 5,587 Miles !

Thought I might’ve covered this 90’s gem back in 2020 – here – but beside the requisite purple and the same garage background, this Fireblade is quite a bit nicer, and pretty spendy to boot.

1995 Honda CBR900RR for sale on eBay

Just the RSBFS contributors have written so much about the CBR900RR over the years that new observations are hard to come by. The model has entered legend territory, helped by supersport weight which made its almost open class power more usable. 1995 was a second generation Fireblade, with the 893cc engine but improved shift mechanism, some new alloy parts to save weight, and added suspension adjustments. Speed holes in the fairings remained, but the dual sealed beams gave way to fox-eye reflector headlights.

Clearly from a careful collector, this Fireblade is almost more notable for what it still has, like factory signals and rear fender, though its lack of the usual faux pas is surprising. Not sure how the clutch and alternator covers could get abraded with no other evident damage, but they are the widest part of this compact package. Notes from the eBay auction –

This is a rare bike regarding mileage and condition. It’s not perfect, but it’s one of the nicest I’ve ever had in my collection and fires right up.
Picking this bike apart, here’s what I see. A scuff on the crankcase and stator cover (replaceable / still in stock), a scratch on the right side of the tank under the clearcoat on the decal, you can’t feel it. Overall, she’s in amazing condition and in one of the most beautiful color schemes ever put on these bikes.

The only non-original part that I’m aware of is the 2 Brothers full exhaust, which sounds awesome and everyone has tried getting from me. It sounds amazing. Other than the exhaust, it checks all the boxes for collectors and most are going to want the 2 Brothers. I do have the original pipe (great shape) without the headers that I will send with the bike.

And hardly off idle, the Two Brothers muffler does have a nice sound in the cold start – video -.

Those more modern headlights won’t attract the attention or cubic bucks of a first year Fireblade, but this is a great year and almost perfect example in period technicolor. The ask wouldn’t have raised an eyebrow last year and still looks worth it.

-donn

Seeing Things – 1995 Honda CBR900RR with 5,587 Miles !

Honda October 3, 2022 posted by Donn

Prequel – 1991 Honda CBR400RR / NC29

Today’s Repsol replica is a CBR400RR underneath and more appropriately sized for Dr. House than the often seen 1000cc superbike. Starting with a clean example makes this re-body a very worthwhile endeavor.

1991 Honda CBR400RR / NC29 for sale on eBay

With some major revisions from the NC17 and NC23 specs, the NC29 echoes the CBR900’s styling. An alloy box-section frame has a welded support to start the seat console, and an asymmetrical swingarm allows the four-into-one exhaust to start upward. 59 hp are pretty good out of 400cc’s with four thumb-sized flat slide carburetors metering the fuel. Components nod to budgetary realities, with single-adjustable Showa forks and monoshock, though the dual 275mm brakes use four-piston calipers.

Must’ve been a labor of love fitting all new fairings and having the tank painted, and comes off as extra sharp if not original. The unusual factory blinkers accompany just a few updates, as detailed in the eBay auction –

The bike only has 8,843 miles on the odometer (14,231 kilometers) and is in absolutely fantastic shape for its 31 year age. The bike runs great and needs nothing. I changed all the fluids and cleaned and lubed the chain in May of 2022 and I had the carbs cleaned and adjusted by TFOG (Denver CO) in 2021. Below are some additional details regarding the bike:

I have a clear Colorado title in my name and the bike is currently registered in Denver, CO

I have all the original U.S. import documentation, the original owners manuals (in Japanese), the original sales brochure and a Haynes Repair and Service Manual for the NC29 (Please see the pictures of these items) that will come with the bike

Since I have owned the bike it has been stored in a climate controlled garage and the bike has never been ridden in the rain

I have only used non-ethanol gas and I always used gas stabilizer

Please note that the bike came originally in a silver, teal and black color scheme (please see the picture) and it has been converted to the orange, black and red Repsol livery with the gas tank painted to match. I do have all the original body panels safely stored in boxes, but please note that there is a small crack in the nose cone

I have put a 3M Clear Bra on all forward facing body panels and on the sides of the gas tank

The stock clutch and brake levers have been replaced with CRG Roll-a-Click levers along with after market foot pegs to match

I have installed a carbon fiber wrapped SP Engineering exhaust unit as well as a carbon fiber rear fender

There are some minor blemishes on the forks and some paint is starting to peel on the right side engine cover along its leading edge. I am hopeful that with the high resolution pictures I uploaded people can zoom in and see the blemishes. Other than those minor blemishes, the bike is cosmetically in fantastic shape

Hard to pick which Honda you would’ve brought home from Japan at that time, with the CBR and VFR both available in medium and large sizes. Largely a budget question these days, with early Fireblades and of course RC30’s requiring a serious commitment. CBR400RR’s are perhaps more rare, and we’ll get a data point on the market in a couple of days.

-donn

Yamaha September 22, 2022 posted by Donn

Smoother – 1994 Yamaha FZR1000

As the 80’s turned into the 90’s, Yamaha’s superbike had ceded some of the sportiest territory but evolved into a mile-eating GT. Today’s has a few choice additions and the original colors in very good shape.

1994 Yamaha FZR1000 for sale on eBay

Genesis and EXUP can’t be found on current Yamaha’s, but back in the day five valves helped the engine make 145 hp and exhaust plenum stretched the 79 ft.-lbs. of midrange torque so the bigger gears of a five-speed transmission could be used. Long-awaited USD forks were fitted with 6-piston calipers, and one finger could haul down the 520 lbs. wet weight. The Deltabox chassis angled around the four downdraft Mikuni’s, and the concept is still found on a new R1. The 1,002 cc’s kept the FZR out of some racing formulas, but open class endurance racers did well.

At this age the list of owners could blow up the comments section, but this FZR presents very well, with a custom seat, Zero Gravity windscreen, and Power Commander to go with the D&D exhaust. New expendables and tune-up are mentioned in the eBay auction –

In original condition with the exception of a four into one exhaust system. The bike has new tires front and rear and a new battery. The carbs have been cleaned and the bike is ready to ride. Condition is cosmetically an 8 out of 10.

The FZR name gave way to YZF for 1996, the Thunderace using much of the FZR tech but put on a strict diet. The almost liquid power of the FZR has stayed legend, with short-shifting the norm, and 134 mph through the 1/4-mile traps. This one is on a regular auction and has a reserve indicating the seller still loves the black with neon livery. GLWA and looking forward to seeing where it ends.

-donn

Honda September 14, 2022 posted by Donn

Intercepted – 1984 Honda VF1000F

Since many if not most GP teams have embraced the V4’s intrinsic balance and mass centralization, Honda may have been ( way ) ahead of the power curve with their 1980’s VF collection. Here’s a very sharp classic with original looks and single-year rarity.

1984 Honda VF1000F Interceptor for sale on eBay

The capstone on the 750 and 500cc Interceptors, the 1000 was the big wheel, with 122 hp and period 16-inch front / 17-inch rear rubber. Reviews said the torque made downshifting optional, and the 550 lbs. half-full weight lent stability to unusual situations. Brakes seem optimistic with triple 276mm disks, but TRAC anti-dive forks slide on 41mm tubes. FJ and GPz models scored a little higher on the sportiness scale, but even then the Honda name counted for a lot.

Offered by a northeast PA dealer, this looks like a really nice survivor, with original black chrome pipes and the easier maintenance done. Sure an effort to give the carburetors an ultrasonic bath could be mounted, but one could get started with a carb cleaning fuel additive and address a few rusty fasteners. Honda fans of a certain age are waiting for the next owner to lean back on that blue seat and chat. Part of the comments from the eBay auction –

13,000 original miles, 1000cc, V-4. As far as I can tell this machine is an Original, number’s matching, iconic survivor from the the golden era of sport bikes. This rare bike looks, rides, and runs great. This was purchased along with another just like it at auction and was part of a 43 bike collection displayed in a climate controlled setting. The stunning Shasta White, Candy Aleutian Blue and Candy Bourgogne Red paint is basically perfect, I see no scrapes, scratches, chips, fading, or dents, shines like new. Seat is perfect, no rips, tears, or discoloration. Aluminum is not corroded, plastics are smooth and glossy, gauges are clear, colors are bright, all rubber components are soft with no cracking, inside of tank is clean, exhaust has no scrapes, dents, etc, windshield is clear with no scratches. All lights, headlight, hi-lo, instrument lights, indicator lights, tail light, brake lights, horn and blinkers work. Inside of tank is rust free and this bike has not been modified in any way that I can see.

Slain by many darts rather than a single arrow, the VF1000F was pestered by association with an earlier model’s camshaft metallurgy, design quirks, a dearth of racing success, and new competitive bikes with aggressive pricing. The updated VF1000F2 succeeded it, but only for a couple of years. The -84’s classic Interceptor styling continues to look good, and the GT performance makes for a great street ride. Bids are coming in on this auction, which shows a buy-it-now which isn’t that far away.

-donn

Aprilia September 11, 2022 posted by Donn

Mighty Max – 2011 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE

Max Biaggi brought Aprilia to the top of the world superbike show in 2010, and the factory commemorated the achievement with a limited edition for 2011. Today’s RSV4 has all the bells and whistles, low miles, and plenty of farkles.

2011 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE for sale on eBay

Priced at $25K back in 2011, the SE had everything an Aprilia fan could dream of – the latest ride-by-wire V4 with selectable engine maps, intake horns and exhaust chamber controlled by the ECU – not to mention 180 hp. The twin spar chassis and swingarm are intricately fabricated of alloy pressings and castings, and offers adjustments for the steering head, swingarm pivot height and even engine position. A suite of APRC electronics offers traction, wheelie and launch control, as well as a standard quick shifter. Fairings are trim and angular with matte carbon details.

Even as a pre-loved bike, the APRC would require a committed rider, which with 7,365 miles it must’ve had at some point. It presents very well if not clean enough to show, and while collection of sliders is almost scary, they appear un-used, save a scorch or scratch on the right lower. The seat console looks better without the factory thong / license plate holder, and the Austin muffler isn’t that much smaller than the original equipment. Hopefully the rear stand and prayer mat are included in the deal. Notes from the eBay auction –

350 produced worldwide. A one year only model. Commemorating the 2010 World Superbike Championship with Max Biaggi in the saddle. 50-70 are estimated to exist in the USA.

Collectible. Fun as hell to ride. Better than a new RSV4 in many respects. $24k new + $4k in parts upgrades, in 2011

Transferable warranty good through 7/16/25 or 49,790 miles. $50 deductible.

Traction control, launch control, wheelie control. The first Aprilia with APRC. Track oriented gearing. Upgraded oil system. Slipper clutch. Adjustable chassis (not on the regular factory model). Quick shifter. As close to Max Biaggi’s bike as one could get outside of the same year WSBK replica bike.

$4k in quality upgrades. All receipts. Full owner and bike history. Maintenance history.

Ohlins setup for 180 lb rider. Tuned with race ECU and exhaust. Great sound.

MAINTENANCE
Oil changed too many times to count
Motul 300v 20w-50 used by 2nd owner. Fresh synthetic as of last oil change 8/19/22
Fork oil changed twice
Fork seals replaced
Spark plugs replaced
Brakes bleed every other year
Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tires front and rear are brand new with 11 miles on them

EXTRAS
New extra set of lower fairings (ones on the bike have a scratch and were never swapped out)
New extra front carbon fender (the original yellows over time)
Aprilia special edition bike cover which has been folded away and stored to preserve it—never used
Owners Manual
Stock parts besides exhaust

Fans who missed out on the 2011 SE got another chance in 2013 after Biaggi was the 2012 champion, though only the 2011 SE has the #3 graphic. Aprilia parlayed their superbike success into a Moto GP team starting in 2015, and Aleix Espargaró and Maverick Viñales have been on the podium often as not this year. The 2011 model might be more rare and commemorates Aprilia’s first WSBK championship.

– donn

Mighty Max – 2011 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE

Featured Listing August 22, 2022 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1

Yamaha knocked its superbike rivals back on their heels with the R1, packing 149 hp into a light, tight package. Longtime RSBFS reader Erik is making his R1 available, quite excellent with 8,348 miles.

1998 Yamaha YZF-R1 asking $15,000

Trying to keep the chassis compact, Yamaha positioned the transmission input and output shafts vertically, making room for a swingarm that could cope with superbike power. Five valves per cylinder took advantage of the well-developed EXUP exhaust valve, making for a progressive torque curve starting at just 5,000 rpm. The Deltabox II spars are folded alloy, along with a triangulated MonoCross rear. Even components are trimmed for the lighter, faster mission – 41.5 mm inverted forks and 298 mm semi-floating brakes.

Erik is detail-oriented and beside caring for his R1 beautifully, his spec sheet speaks for itself –

Blue/ White all original bodywork/ paint.

8,400 miles

Clean Indiana title in my name. No lien.

All original with very few modifications and tasteful desirable ones at that. With all OE parts included in the sale.

Minor blems. I would give the bike a 9/10 and I am fanatical about keeping my bikes clean. None of them are 0 mile museum pieces, but this one is pretty close.

Stock rear fender intact. Stock OEM turn signals. Even has the warning label on the gas tank.

No rust in the tank.

New OEM engine side covers from previous owner scuffing them.

Bike runs amazing, needs nothing. recent tune up with all fluids changed- engine ice coolant/ oil and filter change and new spark plugs. Always have run Motul 300V under my ownership.   Surprisingly it was as strong on the dyno as my later model R1s.

Mods:

Ohlins Steering Damper with Graves mount Refreshed.

Ohlins rear shock with remote reservoir. Refresh/ revalve sprung for 200 lb rider with gear by DMR suspension.

DMR Suspension Fork revalve

Galfer blue stainless brake lines front/ rear

Galfer brake pads front/ rear

Michelin Power RS tires recent date codes within last 3 years. Less than 1,000 miles on them.

Lower fairing heat guards replaced.

I even have the original tires the bike came with- worn.

Firepower lithium battery- approx 3 years old. always kept on Battery Tender. Battery Tender lead installed

Yoshimura swingarm spools

Factory Yamaha OEM seat cowl- obviously these are rare

Stomp grip tank pads

3M paint film professionally installed

Givi tank lock adapter ring installed. this can be easily removed for the sale if the new owner does not want it. I love the Givi system because the tank bag never touches the paint.

Akrapovič Carbon Fiber canister slip on exhaust/ dyno tuned/ rejetted. The bike made 135.7 hp at 10,500 rpm/ 74.2 ft lbs torque at 9,000 rpm on Mounds Motorsports Dynojet dyno, and I have the dyno results.

All service records under my ownership.

I have all of the OEM parts including the stock OEM exhaust, OEM rider and passenger seat, two keys and owners manual, rear shock, brake lines, and as I mentioned even the original tires.

Blems:

Silver wheels show some marks/ scratches and slight discoloration in spots. Could be powdercoated to look as good as new but I did not want to do that preferring to keep the bike original.

Some small air bubbles from the 3M paint film. Very hard to see, but I am a perfectionist.

Small piece of plastic missing from the left lower fairing. Cracked during removal from previous owner.

As per the norm, the white Yamaha lettering on the fuel tank is showing some cracking. It is actually not that bad on the left side, minor cracking on the right side on a couple of letters.

For the full $15k asking price I will include:

brand new in the box OEM Yamaha blue seat cowl (a second for a spare)

OEM lower fairings that look to never have been installed.

Yamaha official 1998 R1 banner featuring Scott Russell. These were unobtainium even back in 1998. I received it as a gift from the head of Yamaha’s marketing department when I was a district manager with them for many years. in all of my years and hundreds of visits to dealerships across the country I have maybe seen 2 of these other than this one.

I would be happy to deliver the bike for free within 150 miles of Indianapolis IN. I can help deliver on the east coast for a mileage fee with my enclosed Sprinter van.

Erik asks $15,000 for his R1 and can be reached via email – here -.

And here’s his walkaround video – Plus cold start video and hot start video:

The R1 is eight generations on, without the trick Genesis valve heads but now with five electronic stability systems. Can’t really compare an original R1 to the latest thing, but Yamaha packed so much expertise into the 1998 launch that it’s still a benchmark. For an ask that is in line with recent collector quality R1 sales, Erik picked an excellent example and has made some nice improvements for the next owner.

Maybe you’re looking for a rider rather than collector, Erik also has a 2000 R1 with low miles and well done flush undertail – check with him via email at deltaboxii@aol.com

-donn

Suzuki August 21, 2022 posted by Donn

Almost NOS – Low Mile 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750

This classic Suzuki has an interesting story behind it, a replacement instrument cluster, and not exactly verifiable miles. Ordinarily it would be met with an eye-roll, but the surprisingly original finishes and equipment make this listing practically a scholarly reference.

1986 Suzuki GSX-R750 for sale on eBay

’86 was the first year for a stateside GSX-R750, and it’s such a landmark bike that revelations about the model are hard to come by. The small-pattern alloy chassis was lightweight and finned engine had an oil cooler almost as big as a water radiator. Wheelies and stoppies seemed to be the way to faster lap times, and the GSX-R750 was happy to help out. A big mac over 400 lbs. wet, its light weight surprised reviewers at the time.

Kicking around dealer facilities for 30-plus years, this GSX-R got only a few hints of rash which were easily corrected. As discussed in the eBay auction, major 2019 maintenance took care of the deferred items –

In April of 2019 the following servicing was done at the time of my purchasing:
I insisted he open it up to check the valvetrain tolerances, to help me verify the story. The valves were in proper adjustment. ( They were spot-on from the Factory )
The Carbs were Rebuilt.
The Brake Master and Clutch Master Cylinders were rebuilt and both systems serviced.
ALL Other Fluids were serviced.
Tires were replaced.
Chain serviced.
New Battery.
New Shifter and Brake Rubbers (dry cracking)
New kick panel Protector Sticker (dry cracking)
Suzuki OEM Tool Kit.

Maybe you had one in 1986, or passed on a nice used one in 1996 – even that is a generation in the rearview mirror. Surprising this auction wasn’t done a while back, and more than a little interesting that a few days have passed with no bids. It really is the bike that started the GSX-R dynasty, and is practically how it left the showroom. This one’s got its own tab for the duration.

-donn