Posts by tag: Grey Market

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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.

Honda January 18, 2023 posted by Donn

90-Something – Honda CBR400RR / NC29

Toward the end of the Baby ‘Blade’s development, Honda brought out a asymmetrical alloy swingarm which identifies this CBR400RR as a 1990 or later example. Thoroughly renovated by its owner, it’s waiting out the weather in the living room and still priced such that a shipping container beckons.

Honda CBR400RR / NC29 for sale on eBay UK

Mostly intended for the home market, the littler CBR continues to be a popular gray market import. Similarities with the flagship are many, with the twin alloy frame spars, twin headlights, 17-inch wheels, and of course lookalike livery. Because of the lofty rpm’s needed to generate its 59 hp, the 400 uses gear driven cams, giving it a unique audio signature. Dampers are on the budget end of the scale, but right-sized for the light weight, and dual front disks might have been a little more marketing than engineering.

Peculiar that this owner doesn’t state the year anywhere in the auction, but it looks great with many new parts and a nice rendition of the torn paper paint. Even if the odometer has quit, km’s are probably close and at 8,099 quite low. A long list of refurbishments in the eBay auction –

Since purchasing it in 2015 I have only done around 500 miles and spent a fortune on it.

I spent the first 12 to 24 months working on it with professional help.

It is/was always stored in a dry, dehumidified garage and only ever ridden by me in sunshine.

05-01-23 Just had 4 new plugs, 4 new carb seals, New brake fluid, MOT.

03-08-2019 New Coolant

05-07-2018 Carb clean and new jets.

14-02-2018 Front Fork Rebuild, Fork seals and fork oil, rear brake service and fluid.

08-06-2016 New Fairing Parts, New Ignition Switch, New Screen, New Hagon Rear Shock, New Chain & Sprockets, New Pirelli Diablo Rosso 11 Tyres, New Brake Pads Front & Rear,New Complete Stainless Steel Exhaust System & Black Widow Silencer(sounds awesome), New Fuel Pump, New Grips, New Handle Bars, New Mirrors, Pillion Seat Re Upholster,Speedo Converter kph to mph (works a treat, mph matches what it says on the clock, so much easier than trying to work it out or putting stickers on the clock), New Rectifier, Complete Motorcycle Re Spray By Dream Machine

Sounds fantastic and gets admiring looks wherever it goes.

There is a slight scrape to one engine casing (please see pic), but it never really bothered me so I never sorted it.

Also the odometer does not seem to be working but the trip does so again I never really bothered getting it sorted.

Yearly updates seem to have slowed to a crawl with the gull arm, and stopped in 1994, though some sources say the model was sold until the year 2000. Even the full-size FireBlade was a shoehorn fit, and the 400 has a second seat which should leave room for a size M rider. Even accounting for shipping and importation this CBR looks like a winner.

-donn

Honda May 12, 2022 posted by Mike

Instant Collection: Five 400cc sport bikes from the 1990s

The 400cc sport bike set has been a hot topic on the pages of RSBFS, and were in fact part of the early focus of the site when it was entirely dedicated to finding grey market listings for sport bikes not originally imported into the United States. From those humble beginnings RSBFS grew to encompass the best of the rare and exotic, while continuing to harbor a soft spot for imports. Today’s collection of five members the 400cc club – one from each of the Big Four (plus a bonus Honda)- is definitely worth a look, even if some of the details are sparse and the bikes are located far, far away from US shores. The lineup:

Five 400cc sport bikes from the 1990s for sale on eBay

Honda VFR400R

Honda CBR400RR

Kawasaki ZXR400

Yamaha FZR 400SP

Suzuki GSX-R400SP

From the seller:
Collection of all the 90s 400cc sportbikes. All bikes are registered Hungarian bikes, with clean history. Will be sold with all necessary papers to register elswhere!

It is a one time opportunity to buy a collection like this!

These bikes are listed in a package deal on eBay in a Buy It Now (or best offer) format for $19,500 USD. Details are sparse, but as RSBFS writer and collector William notes: “The bikes are appealing, the package is interesting at that price point and the pictures are solid…a deal is always worth exploring.” You must admit that this flock looks great together. And given that the US shores has seen scant appearances of 400cc serious bikes between the 1980s Fizzer 400 and the more recent Ninja/CBR/R3/KTM offerings in 300-400cc sizes, these are undeniably rare in the US of A. You can check out all of the details here. Good Luck!!

Honda April 2, 2022 posted by Doug

1989 Honda NSR250 MC18 For Sale!

1989 Honda NSR250 MC18 For Sale on CL!

Make: Honda
Model: NSR250 MC18
Mileage: 22,281 km
Price: $14,000
Titled: Yes
Location: Calabasas, CA (Shout out to my boys from P.O.D.)

From the seller
Imported from Japan four years ago, registered in California and slowly restored to exceptional condition. One of the nicest MC18 examples to be had and they’re rare. Most are in poor or un-restored condition. Everything on this bike has been gone through and fixed, replaced or refinished. Compression is perfect, carbs cleaned/tuned and runs amazing. Zero miles on new Bridgestone tires.

– California Title/Reg/Plate
– De-restricted (60hp estimated)
– JHA pipes
– Magtek magnesium rims just repainted
– New wheel bearings
– New Bridgestone tires w/ zero miles
– New Rothmans bodywork, stripes corrected and inside of panels painted flat black
– New fasteners
– New windscreen from U.K.
– New Renthal grips
– Vintage Japanese BEET rear sets
– Reupholstered rear seat
– New lithium battery
– New regulator/rectifier
– New fork seals
– New oil pump seal
– Zinc-plated hardware

I assure you- that list isn’t telling the whole story, but the pictures will complete the list for you. Have a look and tell me what you notice . . .

I see hundreds of hours of elbow grease and several hundred dollars in cleaning supplies. Have you ever laid your eyes on a cleaner 2 stroke? I’m not sure they’re this clean from the factory!

Hello there, Mr. Beet! I think I’m more excited about seeing those in the wild than I am about seeing a MC18 🙂

I know it’s not original, the wheels have been resprayed and it has those pesky aftermarket fairings, but it is 33 years old and comes from one of the harshest environments for motorcycles and yet, it looks amazingly clean, fresh and ready to make some noise.

If you’re in the market for a solid rider this might be where you can punch your ticket, but as always, I’d suggest you reach out to the seller and do your own due diligence to get a better feel for it.

Let me know your thoughts on this good looking MC18 and Smoke’em if ya got’em!

Cheers!

Doug

Honda January 18, 2022 posted by Doug

Featured Listing – 1992 Honda VFR400 NC30 For Sale!

Update 1.18.2022: SOLD to an RSBFS reader in less than a day! Congratulations to buyer and seller!

Contact us to see if your bike qualifies for a Featured Listing! -dc

Make: Honda
Year: 1992
Model: VFR400 NC30
Location: Dover, Delaware
Mileage: 11,782
Price: $12,000
Contact: Steve at 302-672-7223 or steve@speedwerks.com

Steve Says:
This Honda NC30 is from our clients estate collection. We took care of the more modern machines and are very familiar with this bike in particular.
Imported recently, he had us install the Tyga exhaust and jetting work. We also upgraded the radiators and cooling lines. New Chain and sprockets along with a complete service and detailing. This NC has steel braided brake lines front and rear.
This is one of the nicest looking and running NC’s we have had come through here.
Legally imported with all documentation,this machine was not registered before he passed. At 25 years old and with all import documentation, it is ready to be titled in the new owners state and name.

Tyga states their full exhaust system coupled with their Maggot silencer adds 7hp bumping it to 59hp and reduces weight by 50% over the stock exhaust. If 59hp isn’t enough for you, I’m quite certain the boys have a few gallons of leaded Power Mist Fuel to help you reach 60hp. 🙂
As mentioned, you can see the new sprocket, chain and braided rear brake line.

This one hasn’t been out much and only showing 18,962km or 11,782 miles on the odometer.

Dressed in Honda Ruby Red, an 18″ rear wheel takes care of the party end while the 17″ front paired with 296mm dual discs handles the business end.

As you can see by all of the high-res images- this little VFR is in excellent condition and the boys at the shop have it ready to roll. As a matter of fact, this one is so nice it may be better served posted up on a race stand in the toy room.

FREE nationwide shipping is included in the $12,000 price.

Reach out to Steve at 302-672-7223 or steve@speedwerks.com if you’re interested.

Later-

Doug

Yamaha October 23, 2021 posted by Doug

Featured Listing: All Original 1990 Yamaha TZR 250 SP

Update 10.23.2021: SOLD to an RSBFS reader! Congratulations to buyer and seller!

If you have a bike for sale that would benefit from this kind of exposure, contact us for a Featured Listing. -dc

Location: Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Mileage: 17,540km/10,898m
Price: $16,000

Straight out of a private collection is this amazing 1990 TZR 250 3MA. 1 of 500 produced solely for the JDM in it’s original state. No paint work, OEM body panels, original windscreen, original turn signals and ready to roll (see video below).

In 1990 Yamaha threw every available option at the TZR SP. It came from the factory with upside down forks, braced swing arm, the latest YPVS offering and a dry clutch. It is very close to the full on race version TZR 250W. If you’re not familiar with Yamaha’s reverse cylinder design- the carburetors face the front wheel and the exhaust exits on the rear of the cylinder which is why Yamaha designed a true under tail exit exhaust for the ultimate Racer Boy look!

The seller has gone above and beyond the call of duty to accurately describe their machine with hi-res photos. Please take your time- browse through them all and enjoy how well this 3MA has been preserved. I did some research today and poured over the RSBFS.com archives where I could only find 1 other 1990 3MA ever listed on our site. So, based on our 14 year history- you are looking at a truly rare machine.

I hope you enjoyed that video as much as I did. There’s nothing quite like a 2 stroke buzzing down the road at 10k rpm and hearing the rattle of the dry clutch when slowing down- especially when you can do it without worry. That’s right, this TZR 250 is titled, tagged and completely legal under the 25 year old rule. This is a no hassle 2-stroke purchase.

Is this the one you’ve been waiting for? Will you ride it or put it on display?

Featured Listing: All Original 1990 Yamaha TZR 250 SP

Honda August 18, 2021 posted by Doug

Whacky Wednesday Mixed Bag-O-Bikes!

Last night, I was kicking it and lounging around, sipping on a cold snack with some time to kill. The normal hot-bed of rare sport bike supply was a little slow so, I stretched my short legs and ventured out on the dark world wide web in search of some tasty eye candy for all our highly regarded followers. I have to admit, I didn’t have high expectations, but my dung luck would prove me wrong once again.

Grab your favorite sudsy beverage and feast your eyes on the gems I found.

1988 Honda Hawk NT650

Cool bikes! Narrow v-twin, low on power, but high on the cool factor with the single sided swing-arm. Bonus points if you can find a Two Brothers Kit 😉

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1991 Honda NSR250

Super small machines! This is said to have less than 200 miles since a complete rebuild. Ask plenty of questions! Bonus- It has a Vermont plate! (fist pump)

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1987 Suzuki RB50 Mini GSX-R!

My boy Mike E Mike is gonna love this one! I think it’s cool and smooth as a fresh jar of Skippy.

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1986 Yamaha SRX600- MINT!

Release the white Pigeons! MINT MINT MINT with only 861 miles! These were only imported for 1 year. Super rare and sought after. Don’t let it get away.

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1993 Yamaha GTS1000

Miles are high, but these were cutting edge back in the day and still draw a crowd to this day.

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1981 Honda CBX 6 cylinder BEAST!

I have no words for this one . . . Okay, maybe “STUNNING!”

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1990 Suzuki RGV250 Gamma

Meh, it’s needs some work to be complete, but RGV’s don’t come around often. Thoughts on this one?

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1996 Suzuki GSX-R 750 “Big Body”

Good miles and Team Colors. I always liked these and this one seems to be in pretty good shape.

There you have it! Did you finish your sudsy drink or make it through 2? I consumed 1 1/2 while searching the dark web for these.

Drop a comment below and let us know if you like these kind of posts or if you’ rather not see them. Also, feel free to let us know if you pick one of these up.

Cheers!

Yamaha July 20, 2021 posted by Tad Diemer

Feisty Fizzer: 1989 Yamaha FZR400 for Sale

Update 7.20.21: Previously seen this time last year, this exceptionally clean and low mileage FZR400 is back on eBay. Current bid is $5,600 reserve not met with 4 days remaining. Links updated. Thanks for the heads up, William! -dc

“Probably the nicest in existence” is an overused phrase on eBay, but might be an apt descriptor for this Yamaha FZR400 with less than 1,000 miles on the odometer. Modern liter bikes scream around the dial to 14,000rpm and beyond with regularity, but back when the FZR400 could be found in dealer showrooms 11,000 was much more common. And you needed every one of those 14,000 revs to make full use of the 64hp produced by the 399cc inline four.

1989 Yamaha FZR400 for sale on eBay

That Genesis inline four was canted forward at 45° to allow the air a straight shot into and out of the engine, and lowered the center of gravity for better handling. There were just four valves per cylinder, instead of the five valves found on the FZR1000, but the aluminum Deltabox frame was just as trick as the one found on the bigger machine. All-in weight was around 410lbs wet, and that endowed the little FZR with impressive agility. A 17″ front wheel was matched to an 18″ rear, and both were wrapped in relatively fat rubber for such a small machine.

Lacking the Honda NC30’s race-bred glamour, values of the FZR400 have remained surprisingly low, considering the sophisticated specification, and many found themselves turned into cheap track-hacks, or had FZR600 engines stuffed into them to create hot rod canyon carvers. Very few remain with low miles, and this does look to be one of the best you could possibly find, and it appears to be bone-stock.

From the original eBay listing: 1989 Yamaha FZR400 for Sale

I have decided to sell off some of my collection and the bike you are looking at is probably the nicest FZR400 in existence and this is an excellent opportunity for collectors and enthusiast alike as bikes of this caliber don’t come along often so now is your chance. I think the pictures will speak for themselves. Call or text Jamie with any all questions 703-407-1242

Bidding is up to $5,500 at the time of writing. FZR400s have been pretty cheap to buy for a long time and, although prices haven’t really shot up yet, there can’t be many left in such time-capsule condition. That should increase the value for sure, and I’m curious to see where this one ends up.

-tad

Feisty Fizzer: 1989 Yamaha FZR400 for Sale

Kawasaki July 7, 2021 posted by Mike

Home Market Hero: 1995 Kawasaki ZXR400R

There are so many cool things about today’s listing. For starters, it is an ultra-rare (in the US) 400cc Ninja that was only available in Japan. As we know, the small-bore market in Japan is serious business which means that they get serious hardware. Think of this as a bike just as potent as any of the 600 hyper-sport or 750cc Superbike set, in a smaller size. What else is cool? How about a California title? For a grey market import, that is mecca (and usually very, very difficult to obtain). Dig deeper and you will see that this bike has been listed on RSBFS before way back in 2017. Even better? This came out of the indoor man cave(s) of Utah collector Gary, who listed a significant number of bikes on the site. All signs point to something wonderful.

1995 Kawasaki ZXR400R for sale on eBay

The little 398cc inline four featured 16 valves and screamed to an unheard of 14,500 RPM. Today those revs seem expected, or even tame for a four stroke, but 26 years ago that was a pretty big deal. Those revs paved the way for the 62 HP worth of very angry bees – and shows you just how serious the Japanese home market was compared to what was released into the US. The 350 pound package is reportedly scalpel-sharp in the braking and handling department, while similar to a two stroke in terms of powerband; if you are in the lower half of the rev range, better click down a few gears in order to find motivation.

From the seller:
1995 Kawasaki ZXR400R.
This is the single seat R model. Very rare, never sold in the states. California titled with correct vin and year. Should easily transfer to any state. Bone stock, never molested. Still has original Japanese stickers on windscreen and tank. All original paint that’s in amazing shape. It is unrestored and doesn’t need it, so it’s not perfect. 16k kilometers. Runs like new. Bike screams with a 15k redline. Basically a baby zx7R. One of the most gorgeous bikes you will ever see. I’m 6’1 and fit perfectly on it. Surprisingly roomy. Has fresh motul fluids. The petcock and fuel system has been gone through recently. New chain.

Writeup on rarest sport bikes in 2017 of this bike. Lots of info and pics. I’ve put 300 miles on it since then.

The seller has included a startup video of the bike in question. If it is in similar condition to when it sold from the Utah collection, one could expect a very well sorted and well loved machine. By all counts, the pictures and video show that to be true.

The value equation on these rabid 400s is skewed – there is no doubt about that. If you are looking for cheap fun, look elsewhere. Any number of larger capacity bikes could be had for much less money, while offering better real world performance. However if you are looking for something rare, something that expects more from you as a rider than simply twisting your wrist, something that challenges you to be your best at every corner entry, every apex, and every exit – your next ride is waiting for you. Located in sunny California and titled and plated in same, this gorgeous and rare 1995 ZXR400R is on the market and looking for a good home (preferably inside – we know it is housebroken, after all)! Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!