Posts by tag: Grey Market

Suzuki July 20, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Devil in the Details: 1994 Suzuki RGV250Γ for Sale

If you love classic racing graphics on your sportbike, but feel guilty about supporting tobacco brands, this Pepsi-liveried Suzuki RGV250Γ could be just the ticket! Just try not to think too much about the obesity epidemic sweeping the country… Maybe the best bet is probably to find a defunct brand that won’t benefit from your cruising around on a sleek, rolling billboard plastered with their logo.

On paper, the Gamma and its 80s and 90s quarter-liter competitors from Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki all looked very similar: two cylinder liquid-cooled two-stroke powerplants, six-speed gearboxes, stiff aluminum frames, triple disc brakes, and wheels shod with the stickiest modern rubber. But they all managed to have their own individual character to appeal to brand loyalists and discriminating enthusiasts.

The Honda may have been the most refined of the bunch, but the Suzuki was the crazy one, with lively handling and a 90° 249cc two-stroke v-twin that was later borrowed by Aprilia for their RS250. All bikes in the class had some sort of power valve to boost midrange flexibility, and the RGV used Suzuki’s SAPC, an acronym for “Suzuki Advanced Power Control” that electronically controlled a power valve and the ignition timing. A distinctive asymmetrical “banana” swingarm provided clearance for the bulging expansion chambers on the right side of the bike.

From the original eBay listing: 1994 Suzuki RGV250 for Sale

1994 Suzuki RGV250 VJ22This very special bike was purchased from the renowned Pete Boccarossa collection. Visit Superbikeuniverse.com to see the listing. I’ve owned it for 3 years. He started the journey to build the ultimate RGV250, I finished it. From Pete’s original listing it was rebuilt with a new crank, pistons, and mild port work. Suspension upgraded with a 2013 GSXR 600 rear shock resprung for a 185 LBS rider, 2008 GSXR 1000 front end with forks resprung, front wheel, and radial mounted brakes. Custom rear brake hanger with brembo rear caliper. Katana 5.0 by 17 rear wheel. Tyga carbon fiber rear hugger. Lance Johnson painted a Kevin Schwartz Pepsi RGV livery that looks awesome. Upon acquiring the bike, I made addition upgrades including brand new Tyga stainless Steel GP expansion chambers with carbon fiber canisters, new Tyga triple trees, new Tyga rearsets, new Brembo front master cylinder, new front braided brake lines, new Michelin Pilot RS tires front and rear, new front brake pads, new fork seals, Suzuki kit 23d10 race SAPC, I sourced from Japan a very rare kit SP close ratio transmission, and complete SP dry clutch. Prior to install, I purchased all new OEM clutch plates and gaskets from the Tuning Works. Dyno used to assist jetting and dialing in carbs. I’m summary, it’s an amazing one of a kind RGV250 that runs as good as it looks. It has a clean Florida title and registration in my name. Sold as is. Inspection by appointment. Contact me with any questions. Full payment due 7 days at close of auction. Buyer responsible for shipping, I will help on my end. Good luck on bidding!

There’s another day or so left on the auction, and bidding is up just above $10,000 with the Reserve Not Met. It looks very clean, but it’s not perfectly original, with lots of aftermarket parts, including those questionable turn signals that aren’t even aimed correctly… The kit gearbox is very nice, and the later GSX-R parts are good quality, but I can’t help but wonder whether or not the forks and radial front brakes might be overkill for a 300lb motorcycle. Overall, it seems like a very slick bike for the right buyer.

-tad

Devil in the Details: 1994 Suzuki RGV250Γ for Sale

Aprilia July 16, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1998 Aprilia RS250 Rossi Edition

Update 7.17.2020: This bike has SOLD in just 24 hours! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Just in time for the start of the COVID-19-shortened MotoGP season, we bring you this 1998 Aprilia RS250 MKII Rossi Edition. This gorgeous, close to original little ripper celebrates the beginning of Rossi’s career, back when he was making it known that he was the next big thing. The bike dropped between The Doctor’s first two championships. He snagged the 125cc crown in 1997 aboard an Aprilia RS125R, before moving up to the 250s in 1998 with the RS250. The next year, his last in the middle class, he secured his second of nine world titles.

The 1998 Aprilia RS250 Mk II differentiated itself from the Mk I machines with a new look, and had upgraded suspension and a wider front tire. The forks were now Showa units and rear ride height was made adjustable for ’98. Engine particulars stayed the same, which means about 55 horsepower in stock trim, delivered all at once above 8,000 rpm. Though the stock horsepower figure can’t hold a candle to a 600cc four stroke, the little Ape weighed just over 300 pounds dry, and stuck to the road like a gecko on a window. The result is sublime when you get it right, rewarding courage and momentum over a more ham-fisted stop-and-go approach.

Much like Rossi, this bike wears its age like a tailored suit. The paint and bodywork are certainly of their time, but are not gaudy, eschewing Rossi’s traditional fluorescent yellow motif. The seller says the bike is stock with the exception of a set of wave rotors on the front brakes, though the originals come with the bike. Past that, it wears a set of 2020 date code Pirellis in S01 compound, and has had the carbs ultrasonically cleaned before being rebuilt and synced. With a clear California title ready to transfer, this special little Aprilia is ready for the canyons and the cruise nights.

From the seller:

Coming out of my private collection of rare 2-stroke sport bikes is this 1998 Aprilia RS250 Mark II Rossi Edition. This bike is in mint condition. It runs and rides as new. It has just over 5000 original miles (8200km ) and it is 100% stock aside from brand new Pirelli tires and front wave rotors (stock rotors come with bike).
We just performed the following service:

-oil change
-2-stroke oil tank filled
-new Pirelli tires (latest 2020 SO1 compound)
-ultrasonically cleaned the carburetors, synced and balanced as well.
-new spark plugs
-adjusted and cleaned chain
-full detail job

This bike is ready to ride and enjoy or put in a collection. It has been kept in my climate controlled showroom, and is ridden at least every 8 weeks. It only has had ethanol-free fuel. There are no known issues mechanically. The only issues cosmetically are 2 very small scratches, 1 on each side of the belly pan. Please see images. Unless you look close on your hands and knees you cannot see them. Otherwise, this bike is as close to perfect as any bike can be. I included several pictures and also a video of it running. All lights, dash, signals, horn, etc function properly.

This RS250 has current California registration, license plate, and is insured. It has a 17 digit VIN which matches the clear California title, and the year, make and model is correct on the California title as well. The registration was just paid for, it is good through July, 2021

I am going to thin out my collection, as I have reached a pinnacle of owning rare 2-stroke sport bikes, and it is time for others to enjoy them. As these rare 2-strokes continue to rise in value, I truly believe this bike is a solid investment for many years to come. They just dont make these anymore!

This bike I consider a Unicorn. Mint condition, low miles, Rossi edition and California plated. You would be hard pressed to find another with all these features. Price is: $13,900 and bike is located in San Jose, CA.

Featured Listing: 1998 Aprilia RS250 Rossi Edition

Yamaha July 7, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Feisty Fizzer: 1989 Yamaha FZR400 for Sale

“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.

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

Cagiva June 20, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Featured Listing: Texas Titled 1994 Cagiva Mito for Sale

Update 7.16.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Riders like Valentino Rossi don’t spring from the womb in neon leathers, ready to drag a knee on the way out the delivery room. It takes time to hone their skills on smaller bikes as teenagers, before moving up to Grand Prix machines. The Doctor came up the way you’d expect, from 125s to 250s and on up to 500s, back when two-strokes ruled the grid. And back when he was more Doogie Howser, MD than Dr Gregory House, he earned his first championship win in 1994 on a 125cc Cagiva Mito like today’s Featured Listing.

Introduced in 1989, the Mito featured a lightweight aluminum beam frame, from which was suspended a water-cooled, 125cc two-stroke single with bore and stroke of 56 x 50.6mm, along with the expected six-speed gearbox. What you might not expect on a 125 two-stroke is an electric starter, a nice sophisticated touch. Dry weight was just 284lbs, helped along by the lightweight aluminum frame and in keeping the the bike’s sporty image. It also means the little sportbike is surprisingly agile and quick, with a top speed of just over 100mph. This is a serious piece of kit, and a version was even available with a seven-speed gearbox to better make use of the narrow sliver of power from the little engine.

This example is a Mark II version of the first-generation bike, as indicated by the upside-down forks and the single Brembo Goldline caliper up front. If you want a Mito, it’d be hard not to hold out for one of the later machines styled by Massimo Tamburini to look like a Ducati 916 that was washed in hot water and shrunk a bit, but those are very much in demand and can be pricey, when they can be found at all. This earlier version may not have the Tamburini version’s big-bike associations and looks, but it’s still a very good-looking machine and doesn’t scream “learner bike” like many other 125s.

From the Seller, 1994 Cagiva Mito for Sale:

Bike starts and runs and rides well. Is all stock (minus the front brake pump and oil pump delete). I have all original parts.

The bike is a clear Texas Titled (Bonded earlier this year) 1994 Spanish market Cagiva Mito 125cc with 26,301 on the clock.

I have a 4 minute youtube video as well, showing a depaneled tour of the bike, plus cold and hot starts (skip to 2:19 if for the hot and cold starts)

$4,500.

The seller is asking $4,500 for this little smoker and, to be clear, it has some cosmetic issues. As you can see from the photos, there is some cracking of the panels around stress points, and some discoloration of the frame from a bit of fuel that’s spilled. Note that the carbon fiber wrap on the swingarm is actually original, and the bike has 26,301 kilometers on the odometer, which is about 16,000 miles. On the positive side, this little machine is complete and as you can see from the included YouTube video, it appears to run well. The Mito is pretty rare in the US, and the seller is upfront and honest about the bike and its condition. It might need some TLC, a respray, and a bit of elbow grease to get it looking its best, but it looks like a solid little machine for a good price or it could be the foundation of a fun restoration project.

-tad

Featured Listing: Texas Titled 1994 Cagiva Mito for Sale

Honda June 11, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Vee Four: 1995 Honda RVF400R NC35 for Sale

Modern 400s are generally geared towards new or budget-minded riders, but can still be very capable sportbikes: I spent a session or two recently chasing one around Buttonwillow, and it turns out a Ninja 400 can work up a surprising turn of speed. In spite of that, they’re still pretty basic machines, specification-wise. But a couple decades ago, bikes like the Honda RVF400R NC35 gave nothing away to the most exotic roadgoing machines, other than a few cubic centimeters of displacement…

A race-bred V4 engine with a “big-bang” 360° crank, gear-driven cams, a distinctive single-sided swingarm and a rear wheel held on by a single large nut… there were no compromises on the NC35, other than those slightly tacky plastic snorkels jutting out of the tank that feed fresh air to the airbox. The 399cc only put out a claimed 59hp and most of the power is produced up near 13,000rpm, but what is available at lower revs is pretty usable and the bike won’t feel as sluggish as the meager power might suggest.

This example isn’t a particularly museum-quality bike: the tail section doesn’t look original, the no-name exhaust isn’t stock, and those polished wheels definitely aren’t going to be to everyone’s taste. The carbon intake tubes do look much nicer than the plastic originals, but again: not original. All of that also means the $11,990 asking price might be a bit on the high side for a bike that’s more an interesting rider than a really collectible example of Honda’s baby V4 sportbike.

From the original eBay listing: 1995 Honda RVF400R NC35 for Sale

In 1994, Honda introduced the RVF400, or NC35. Successor to the VFR400 (not confusing at all), the NC35 was two things: a mini-me of the legendary RC45 and one of the greatest 400s ever built. Just like its 750cc big brother, the NC35’s fit and finish was top-notch, and the model had all the trappings of a full-size superbike in a potent 400cc package.

Odometer is in kilometers (16,209 kms or 10,075 miles)

Ride away at a price you’ll love. Our selection of pre-owned powersports are certified to the highest maintenance standards, ensuring that all of our customers are not only riding in style, but that they’re also riding with safety in mind. Since 2018, we’ve dedicated our efforts to guiding and advising our clients about the best units on the market. We offer a wide range of options, and our professional team is here for your every need.

The RVF400R is pretty uncommon here in the USA, but not impossible to find if you look around, or have the means to import one. If the seller is willing to negotiate on that price, it could be a pretty cool rolling restoration while you track down original bits from overseas, or a really fun project if you raid the Tyga parts catalog for bodywork and performance upgrades…

-tad

Vee Four: 1995 Honda RVF400R NC35 for Sale

Aprilia April 19, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1996 Aprilia RS250 Mk. 1

Update 6.9.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

This 1996 Aprilia RS250 Mk. 1 is an RSBFS alum that has come back for a master’s degree looking much sharper than it did the last time it crossed our desks. For one thing, the year has been corrected, the VIN shows it’s a 1996, not a ’97 as we said before. Oh yeah, and the seller has spent more than $4,000 making it even sharper than it was last time we saw it.

Modifications include a set of BST carbon fiber wheels and a 2015 Suzuki GSXR front end, which means radial brakes and much more modern fork internals than this thing originally relied on. It also comes with almost $3,000 worth of spares, including Lance Gamma engine cores, new fork tubes, the original Aprilia wheels and front end, a battery tender, the original KPH speedometer and on and on. It is, in a word, sorted.

The 250cc Suzuki-supplied two stroke mill was refreshed at around 12,000 miles by the previous owner, and the seller has added just 400 to that total since he purchased it in August of 2018. With 72 horsepower available at 12,000 rpm, Suzuki suspension and feathery carbon wheels, this Aprilia RS250 is an expression of what Aprilia would have done with an unrestricted budget and technology.

From the seller:

Over $4k in updates since purchase:
2015 GSXR 600/750 front end
Tubes have some rash – 2 brand new black tubes (with spares)
New steering head bearings and seals
Galfer wave rotors and titanium hardware
Unpainted GSXR fender
BST Carbon Fiber Wheels
3.5×17 for GSXR with ceramic bearings
5.0×17 for RS 250 with ceramic bearings
Metzler M7 tires 120/70 & 160/60

Rode less than 200 miles since 8/2018 – less than 15 with BSTs and no speedo. Garaged entire time and looks like it did when I bought it in 2018.

Over $3k in spares:
Battery Tender
Lance Gamma RG 500 core and spare RG400 case
Pit Bull front and rear stands
(2) 51131-14J00 Black Outer Fork Tubes
MK2 ft end
Original MK1 front end and both wheels
Original passenger seat and passenger pegs
Original KPH speedometer
Original clear windshield
A *new* set of factory style stickers
Parts and repair manuals
All receipts from last and current owners
Original German government documentation

Seller Steve is asking $13,500 for this sorted Italian icon. That number buys you a lot of bike on any market, but with the list of mods and spares this one has, it could be the perfect escape from COVID-19.

Featured Listing: 1996 Aprilia RS250 Mk. 1

Aprilia April 14, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 2009 Aprilia RS125 Jorge Lorenzo Edition

Update 7.22.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Before the three MotoGP world titles made him synonymous with factory Yamaha, Jorge Lorenzo made a damn solid case that he was the next GOAT on 125cc and 250cc two-stroke Derbis and Aprilias in the big show’s feeder series. After three seasons on Derbis in 125, Lorenzo made the leap to 250s with Honda in 2005.

But in 2006, he moved from Honda to Aprilia and everything changed. He put the series on his back and ran to the next two world titles aboard the Fortuna-liveried Italian machines. This 2009 Aprilia RS125 pays tribute to those machines and those championships in the “Spain’s No. 1” livery that Fortuna used in countries that forbade tobacco sponsorship.

With just 28 horsepower, you’ll never challenge a Lorenzo lap record on one of these things, but with less than 300 pounds to push around, there’s plenty of fun to be had, especially when the road gets skinny and twisty. With just 10 miles on the dial, it’s safe to say this one hasn’t been fully enjoyed yet. It’s a US version, which means its lights are inoperable and it hasn’t got mirrors. Thanks to the EPA, this thing was never going to be legal on these shores. But as a short-track blaster or a pure collector’s item, its pedigree is hard to argue.

From the seller:

For sale is a 2009 Aprilia RS125 Jorge Lorenzo Special Edition. This bike is like new, show room quality with only 10 original miles. This is a motorcycle collectors dream! Not only are they super rare in general, but you won’t find one in this condition with this low of miles unless it’s still in the crate.

Price: ~~$6,000~~ $5,000

You can park this little ripper in your shop for $6,000, which is less than a dime-a-dozen Suzuki DR-Z.

Featured Listing: 2009 Aprilia RS125 Jorge Lorenzo Edition

Suzuki March 12, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listings: Pair of 1994 Suzuki RGV250R VJ22 Lucky Strikes

Update 3.12.2020: The VJ22 with Arrow exhaust has sold. Gary’s FINAL gray market bike from his outstanding collection is now on eBay with No Reserve. This last Lucky Strike is a fitting way to close. Links updated – act quickly before it’s gone!

It shouldn’t need to be explained how deliciously apt the Lucky Strike livery was for the Suzuki RGV250R, a competition terrorizing, rule-bending hooligan of a lightweight sportbike that smoked like a chimney and is as un-PC as grandad at an open bar. These little Suzukis are the stuff of my mid-1990s bedroom wall, and our friend Gary in Utah has not one, but two of the little curs. For the price of a new Hyundai, you can have a brace of the finest oil-burning track machines Japan ever spat out.

Built around a 90-degree v-twin that was good for around 70 horsepower uncorked, the 1994 Suzuki RGV250R VJ22 made its name shirking tiered licensing rules and treating roadracers to quick, precise handling that you just couldn’t match on a bike with loads of horsepower and a big waistline. On these bikes, the heritage as a racetrack terror is carried to the bodywork, where the big Lucky Strike logos ape Kevin Schwantz’s 500cc GP World Championship machine. We could think of few people to better personify the RGV250R than the waifish, aggressive Texan.

The pair here, in true Gary fashion, are immaculate, though one is ever so slightly nicer than the other. The bike with the Arrow pipes and black passenger seat is a little straighter, and has newly powdercoated wheels wearing a new set of Dunlop Sportmaxes. It comes with a standard exhaust should you want to take it back to stock. The bike with stock cans and a red seat needs a powdercoat and comes with an aftermarket exhaust if the stocker is too tame.

As with anything Gary touches, they have recently had all mechanical systems checked and refreshed.

From the seller:

Both bikes are 1994 models. Vin numbers confirmed genuine lucky strike models. L.S. With Arrow exhaust system has newly powder coated wheels and new Dunlop sport max tires. New drive chain. All fairings are 100% genuine OEM Suzuki factory. Genuine OEM new black passenger seat. Bike comes with OEM stock exhaust system. Customized with gold anodized bar ends. 7,427 kilometers.

L.S. with stock pipes and red passenger seat has 4,903 kilometers. Aftermarket exhaust comes with the bike. All stock condition. All fairings and components are 100% genuine OEM factory Suzuki. Bike could use the wheels powder coated but still looks very nice. Tiny ding in the front right side gas tank. Both bikes are minty low mileage examples. Both come with Utah state titles and are titled as street bikes for road use.

Both L.S.’s run like new. Both have had carb cleans….They both have new engine fluids, new brake fluid and both have had fork seals replaced and new fork fluid. Electrical components are 100% operational as new.

Askng $11,900 each.

Contact: rmurangemasters@aol.com (Gary)

Maybe you and a friend are in search of the next track day thrill, or maybe you want a buddy bike for weekend canyon carving, or, hell, maybe you just want one to ride and one to polish. Whatever floats your boat, these things have you covered.