Posts by tag: gray market

Honda November 17, 2018 posted by Donn

Grey and Gold – 1988 Honda CBR400RR

For a few years in the late 1980's - early 90's, Honda had double coverage in the 400cc segment with two 4-cylinder 4-strokes, the V-4 VFR and the straight four CBR400RR. Marketed somewhat differently, the CBR400RR really only made it to the western hemisphere as a grey import, where it has recently shined. This one comes out of a collection and despite some miles, has been nicely prepared for a future life.

1988 Honda CBR400RR for sale on eBay

Around mid-life for the 400cc model, the NC23 built on past successes and styling from its larger cc brothers. The nicely oversquare 399cc four has gear driven cams, and a pre-ordained 59 hp are available. Air-adjustable forks and dual 4-piston disk brakes are up front, with Honda's beefy Tri-Arm monoshock out back. Tire sizes are staggered 17 and 18 inches, and exhaust goes 4-into-1.

This owner has brought several bikes forward recently, and has taken some flack for his optimistic assessments. This CBR though, looks better than advertised with fresh cosmetics, and the long list of mechanical freshenings take some of the concern out of the mileage. An in depth walk-around is available - here -. From the eBay auction:

1-Entire new Stainless Steel Exhaust System back to the OEM Can with all new donuts & mounting hardware.

2-Installed new fuel petcock

3-Rebuilt BOTH Front Calipers and the Rear Caliper - Repainted Honda Gold

4-Installed new brake pads front & rear

5-Installed New Gold Chain and new sprockets

6-Rebuilt all 4 carbs using only Honda OEM parts

7-Carbs all Digitally Sync to perfection

8-Installed New Tapered Head Bearings both upper and Lower

9-Installed New OEM Air Filter

10-New Spark plugs

11-Valves adjusted (Shim under bucket) - see pics of valve train and condition of the cam shaft lobes.

The cam lobes show almost ZERO wear!!! Installed new OEM valve cover gasket

12-Installed New rubber cushions in the drive hub

13-Installed new radiator - water pump - thermostat - radiator cap and coolant hoses

14-Installed NEW Rear Shock - big upgrade over the stock one

15-Rebuilt Front forks - new seal - dust caps and used 15w fork oil

With its slightly higher CG and different frame geometry, the CBR didn't get the handling raves that the VFR did, but it's a couple of gallons lighter and lives for the twisty bits. Owner-readers will be able to spot discrepancies, but no one can quibble about the sound of the cam train. The owner has elected a no-reserve auction, which seems undervalued with two days to run. Plan ahead for spring !

-donn

Honda March 6, 2018 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 1990 Honda VFR400R / NC30 – Super Clean !

Update 4.16.2018: This bike is SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Long-time friend and regular around RSBFS, Greg at Deftone Cycles had some kind of luck with his last shipment of gray-market machines. This 1990 VFR400R has just about 14,000 km ( 8,500 miles ) but the condition is exceptional. The third generation was certainly the charm for the petite Honda, as the NC30 variant had the widest torque band, least twitchy handling, and outstanding build quality.

1990 Honda VFR400 for sale on eBay

The NC30 was built for 4 years, an eternity in the fast-moving sportbike world. Honda's well-tested 399cc V-4 generates the nice whir of gear-driven cams, as well as 59 hp. The NC30 re-introduced the 360-degree crankshaft, where pairs of cylinders fire together for a torquier delivery. The chassis was revised for the 1990 model year and reviewed as the strongest and most stable of the 400-four stroke group. House suspension is adjustable for preload and rebound, and triple discs are appropriately sized at 269mm. Styled like its 750cc sibling, the VFR400 shows off the single-sided swingarm with a 4-2-1 left side exhaust.

Requiring very little refurbishment, this monochromatic VFR is stock except for the exhaust and without most of the usual corrosion. Greg has this to say about the bike :

100 percent stock. Except aftermarket Header and Silencer.
Condition: Excellent.
Right side lower fairing stress cracks.
Small hairline fracture upper left.
Mileage: 8,647 / 13,917 Km

Though shoot-outs from the day accused Honda of resting on their laurels, the easier-to-ride VFR400 may have been the best solution for its intended fledgling riders, if not aspiring racers. The drivetrain is more tractable than the usual pint-size, and the package is surprisingly capable for a junior - skilled riders will find their rewards. Deftone Cycles asks $7,500 for the pleasure and Greg can be reached - here -

-donn

Featured Listing – 1990 Honda VFR400R / NC30 – Super Clean !

Honda December 8, 2017 posted by Donn

Veteran of Foreign Wars – 1988 Honda CBR250R

Our fans have recently been treated to a fairly steady stream of small-sports, most often nice and sometimes in mint shape. But what if you could pick up a high-mileage rider and restore it on your terms ? This former daily driver didn’t garner any bids last time out and is up again with a sensible reserve.

1988 Honda CBR250R for sale on eBay

Honda introduced the in-line four 250 in 1986, and the peppy mill revs to 18,000 rpm on its way to 40 hp. Gear-driven cams provide a vintage whine, as well as low maintenance. Updates for 1988 included dual headlights, single-disk front brake, and a revised fuel pump. Despite its 350 lb. ready-to-ride weight, the CBR250R has relaxed middleweight ergonomics.

Almost certainly the victim of too many owners, this MC19 has no major damage, but wear, corrosion and rash in every quadrant. Not extreme but fairly high miles, some new parts but needing much more. From the eBay auction-

JDM 1988 Honda CBR250R with 33k kilometers (20,400 miles). New rear tire, windscreen, levers, rear brake pads, intake manifolds. Scratches, paint chips, small dents consistent with being 29 years old. See photos for details.

Yes! It has a clear California title in my name, ready to transfer to a lucky Honda fanatic. You aren't going to get many chances to own and experience one of Honda's most amazing little street bikes, so grab it while you can.

There are forums for these bikes, with a lot of available parts in Australia and Japan. Aftermarket bodywork kits are available from Hong Kong for less than $500 delivered in the US. I bought new intake manifolds for less than $20 and a new windscreen for less than $25 delivered! The bike runs cool all the time and has no leaks anywhere.

Not being the best year or condition, it does appear complete and its Cali title might be its best feature. Though it would be easy to blow the budget, it might be a feasible restoration if the new owner did most of the work and wasn’t a stickler for factory parts. If you look back at my archives you know I’d rather review a mint oddball than a tired legend, but this CBR250R has great possibilities...

-donn

Veteran of Foreign Wars – 1988 Honda CBR250R

Honda October 31, 2017 posted by Donn

Box Cutter – 1990 Honda CBR400RR

Often overlooked since it wasn't the raciest gray-market selection, the CBR400RR was available in Canada where this one lives. The NC29 or Baby 'Blade as it is sometimes known, was a lightweight solution with a free-revving gear-driven cammed four. Despite limited information, it looks complete and ready for a light restoration.

1990 Honda CBR400RR for sale on eBay

Meant mostly for their domestic market, the CBR400RR was pretty racey for 399cc, with 59 hp, alloy twin spar chassis, and RC30 lookalike fairing. 41mm Showa forks and 275mm brake disks were sized for the mission. Four-piston calipers, fresh-air intake tubing, and swingarm shaped to allow the 4-into-1 exhaust to pass underneath really look the part.

With only four pictures and not much in the way of notes, this CBR is not set up to be creampuff, but it doesn't look like an accident victim either. The owner says it ran last in 2014, which spells a cleaning for those 28mm flat slide carburetors. Not seeing many mods but maybe some more familiar readers will corroborate. Stateside registration will also have to be arranged. For a running, driving CBR400RR ( though neither are claimed in the auction ) the ask is surprisingly low.

Reviewed as a dynamite bike for the better half while you're on your RC30, the 400RR is a bit snug, rather light, and does exactly what you tell it. You might have to train yourself to wind the musical engine up to 14,000 rpm, and to use the precise steering to your advantage. Also the maintenance fund will have to be replenished more like a larger machine. If you can do these things, and you're a little on the lighter side, the rewards of the CBR400RR will be a rare and high performing junior.

-donn

Honda July 28, 2017 posted by Donn

Not-So-Basic Black – 1990 Honda NSR250R in South Africa

Most often seen in much racier livery, the 1990 Honda NSR250R / MC21 was a comprehensive update from the previous MC18. This South African example creates a subdued excitement in black with grey accents, and quite original with 3,800 miles it's a great candidate for re-location.

1990 Honda NSR250R ( South Africa ) for sale on eBay

The 249cc two-stroke twin ( and its 45 hp ) on board the NSR250R remained quite similar throughout the nine year life of the model. The electronic control unit controlling ignition, carburetion and reed valves was frequently updated, and PGM-III incorporates throttle and gear position sensors in the interest of widening the torque band. The revisions for 1990 included a beefier chassis and curved "gull" swingarm, which allowed more room for expansion chambers near the footpegs. Wheel sizes were matched at 17" and the rear was widened to 4-1/2 inches.

Coming out of Cape Town, this NSR250R has very low miles for its age and appears to have had careful garage mates. Often gray market offerings have led a full life of junior licensees, and sometimes pictures only cloud the issue, but this one looks excellent. Part of the ECU was tasked with restricting top speed and this has been worked around, as well as an aftermarket exhaust. From the eBay auction:

Derestricted, jetted for sea level and fitted with full JHA expansions.The engine is in superb condition, starts first kick everytime even when cold.Low mileage combined with mind blowing performance makes this one not to be missed.The screen has some discolouration due to age. The tires were replaced recently as the original factory tires had plenty of tread but were cracked from being on the vehicle for 22 years. A complete service,including replacing brake pads and and two stroke oil has been done less than 500 Km ago.

The world has certainly gotten smaller and the owner's shipping estimate seems to make sense even from that far corner. Perhaps an inspection by a local shop could be arranged, putting some condition questions to rest. Still the number of tasks to legally bring this bike to your garage shouldn't be underestimated. This excellent NSR250R might be worth the effort for the collector with the right-sized opening in his garage...

-donn

Not-So-Basic Black – 1990 Honda NSR250R in South Africa

Honda March 8, 2017 posted by Donn

Carts and Horses – 1990 Honda CBR250RR MC22

With the sporty styling of its better-endowed siblings, the CBR250RR was a new rider's showroom dream in 1990's Japan. The sweet-handling lightweight was rarely exported from the island by the factory, which makes it a fine entrant to the rarity sweepstakes elsewhere. Though many have come to us by way of a hard life down under, this gem is undamaged and boasts a Washington state title.

1990 Honda CBR250RR for sale on eBay

The RR had the right numbers of everything, if just a bit smaller. The 249cc inline four had four tiny Keihin carbs, alloy perimeter frame, twin front disks. Gear driven cams deliver a quite healthy 45 hp with 350 lb. wet weight equaling almost unequaled responsiveness. The full fairing had a pretty chiseled nose, great factory graphics, and a handy sandwich compartment under the pillion seat ( for which, ironically, there are no footpegs ).

Listed by a parts re-seller, this CBR shows just over 9,000 miles and looks better than 9/10ths. A lot of glamour shots and this description in the eBay auction:

All of the body panels are original and in good condition, there are no major cracks or major nicks anywhere just some light scratches here and there. The wheels are also in excellent condition with perfect paint and no major chips anywhere. Even the windscreen is original and in great condition. Basically the motorcycle is a 9 out of 10 cosmetically.

Mechanically the bike runs and rides perfect. All of the electrical components work as they should; lights, blinkers, horn, speedo, tach, temp gauge, all work properly. The bike just had a full service tune up including new tires, mechanically everything was inspected and replaced if necessary, all fluids were flushed.

Though the factory was busy racing the two stroke RS250, the light four cylinder was a winning solution for the road, and re-affirming their faith in light sports, the factory commissioned a new CBR250 twin last fall. The auction has a surprising number of bids, and while the bidding hasn't gotten crazy give it time. This CBR might be hard to catch in the twisties and harder yet at auction...

-donn

: SONY DSC