Posts by tag: Grey Market

Yamaha October 15, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Cherry Fizzer: 1988 Yamaha FZR400 for Sale

Practical sportbikes like the Yamaha FZR400 generally weren’t babied and pampered, or cherished in the way that seems so common with Italian superbikes: for an FZR400 fan, “to cherish” means to flog mercilessly on a canyon road or tight track, passing bigger bikes around the outside on that skinny 140-section 18″ rear tire… But nice, clean examples still exist, and today’s example has low miles to boot.

The bike followed Yamaha’s formula at the time: an Deltabox frame housing a liquid-cooled inline four, with a six-speed gearbox. It was actually more sophisticated than its bigger 600cc brother, with a frame made from lightweight aluminum, instead of cheaper steel. The engine revved happily to 14,000rpm which isn’t all that unusual today, in a world of 1100cc V4s that can reach similar engine speeds.But the 399cc engine lacked any appreciable power below 5,000rpm and made a claimed 64hp, so extensive use of the shift lever was required to make quick progress. Luckily, that aluminum frame meant claimed weight was just 346lbs dry, so the FZR400 probably still came in under 400lbs with a full tank of gas.

At the time, it was overshadowed a bit by the very exotic V4 Honda NC30, but the FZR400 offered a practical and affordable package, with exemplary handling: many are still used as race and track bikes for riders that believe less is more. In addition to the lower cost, they were actually sold here in the USA new for a while at least, making registration much easier than for some of the other bikes in the 400cc class like the ZXR400, GSX-R400, and aforementioned NC30.

From the original eBay Listing: 1988 Yamaha FZR400 for Sale

1988 FZR400 in excellent running condition with VERY low miles. I imported about 2 years ago from Japan and rebuilt the carbs with a high quality carb kit about 5 months ago and synced them with the Morgan Carbtune, runs great. New battery, everything works. Will need new tires and most likely chain. Has minor oxidation from the Japan climate but much of it will clean off, some will need repaint. The body, tank, plastics, seat are excellent original cond. I prefer to sell it to someone that will actual come see it in person so they know exactly what it is. I can assist with shipping and know a few shippers. It has a clear Florida title. I have it for sale locally and reserve the right to cancel this ad and sell it. Thank you

With just 2,600 miles on the odometer, this bike is probably one of the lowest-mileage examples on the planet, if that’s your thing. Of course, with an asking price of $6,500 it really should be… It did come from Japan recently, so probably worth it to make sure there will be no problems registering it, if you live someplace with a strict DMV, and as the seller mentions: there is some surface corrosion on some of the metal components, a common issue with bikes stored near large bodies of salt water. Ask me how I know…

-tad

Cherry Fizzer: 1988 Yamaha FZR400 for Sale

Suzuki October 2, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Lucky Strike Replica: 1996 Suzuki RGV250 VJ23A for Sale

The 1996 Suzuki RGV250 VJ23 was basically the last gasp for road-legal two-stroke sport bikes, and one of the most technologically advanced. Sure, Aprilia made the RS250 for a few years beyond that, but it was actually powered by the previous generation of Suzuki’s RGV250 engine, and the final examples weren’t even road legal in many markets. Earlier versions of the RGV250 were powered by the expected 90° v-twin, but the VJ23 was pretty much new from the ground-up, and was powered by a more compact 70° unit with slightly undersquare internal dimensions and a dry clutch for the six-speed transmission. Interestingly the new engine’s bore and stroke of 54 x 54.5mm match the Honda NSR250R’s specs exactly, and I’m assuming the increased torque contributed to the new RGV’s improved rideability.

Bodywork was completely new for the bike as well, and resembles the SRAD GSX-R of the period, all curves and bulges, with a functional ram-air duct in the fairing. The new VJ23 also featured an electric starter, a very unusual feature for a flyweight two-stroke, but very civilized and refined. Other revisions meant weight stayed basically the same as the outgoing VJ22, in spite of the starter. Frame was the expected twin-spar aluminum unit, along with the usual asymmetrical banana swingarm.

The biggest concern buying one of these desirable Lucky Strike race-replicas is… whether or not it’s a replica replica. It’s obviously pretty easy to buy new, pre-painted bodywork of varying degrees of quality from overseas, or even have a good-quality paint-job applied to standard bodywork yourself. How can you tell if it’s the real thing? As always, caveat emptor. Consult with an expert before parting with your money to avoid disappointments, especially at the $14,500 asking price.

From the original eBay listing: 1996 Suzuki RGV250 VJ23A Lucky Strike Replica for Sale

Up for sale is a genuine 1996 Suzuki RGV250SP VJ23A Lucky Strike with only 1,444 kilometers (897 miles). Just imported from Japan. Bike is in mint condition showing very little patina. Tank is perfect, upper and lowers are mint no scratches, no dings, no dents, no handling marks. Rear fairing has a few very light surface scratches or boot marks that don’t show up in pictures. All fairings are 100% genuine OEM Suzuki factory. Frame number confirms genuine factory Lucky Strike model. (Number 133 of 200 manufactured) Bike is completely stock. It’s in gorgeous collector quality condition. Runs like new. Comes with new fluids, carb cleaning and new Dunlop Sportmax tires. Comes with two keys and Utah state title. It is titled as a street bike for road use. This Lucky Strike will be the Crown Jewel of any collection! Please text 801-358-6537 for questions and pictures.

Keep in mind also that, if you plan to keep your collectible GP-replica bone stock, that these were intended for the Japanese home market and limited to just 40hp from the factory. This example was imported directly from Japan, according to to the seller, so I’d assume it is the limited power version of the bike. A few “export models” were made, just 360 or so of the 2218 VJ23s that were built. Either way, this was one of the most highly-developed two-stroke sportbikes ever made for use on public roads, and represents the very end of development for the breed.

-tad

Lucky Strike Replica: 1996 Suzuki RGV250 VJ23A for Sale

Suzuki August 2, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Just Right: 1989 Suzuki GSX-R400R for Sale

Update 8.2.2019: This seller has upgraded to a Featured Listing. The bike is back on eBay and is now NO RESERVE! Good luck to buyers and seller! Links updated. -dc

I’m a big fan of smaller, less powerful sportbikes. Sure, maybe that sounds like I’m not a real motorcycle enthusiast, since I’m not addicted to excessive horsepower… But I’ve always found that chasing peak power to be a bit of a pointless exercise: there’s always something newer and faster. I really can’t use the power most of the time anyway, especially on the road. And let’s be honest: neither can most of you. I love the idea of a 250cc inline four, but the meagre power output and small physical size mean they’re probably not practical for my 6’2″ frame, but something like this Suzuki GSX-R400R might be perfect.

Many sportbike fans don’t realize that it was really the GSX-R400 that came first in 1984, a year before the GSX-R750 was introduced. Although they could be easily forgiven, since it wasn’t available in all markets. Unlike the bigger 750 and 1100 versions, the 398cc inline four was actually liquid-cooled, and produced a claimed 59hp, a power figure that didn’t really change throughout the different versions, since it had more to do with government regulation than actual performance. It was the lightest, fastest 400 four-stroke on the market when it was introduced, although other manufactures quickly jumped on the bandwagon and the whole class was hotly contested throughout the 80s and 90s.

The GSX-R400 was redesigned for 1986 and introduced SATCS, Suzuki’s “advanced, three-way cooling system” that used both water and oil to cool the engine. So basically like a normal liquid-cooled engine… I assume it incorporated an oil-cooler so they could tie it in with the bigger, “oil-boiler” SACS bikes, but technical details are pretty scarce online, so I’d love input in the comments. Those 1986 bikes also used an oddly modern-looking rectangular headlamp that wasn’t popular, so the 1987 bikes went back to the twin-round lamp setup. 1988 saw the bike styled to tie in with the whole GSX-R lineup, with “baby Slingshot” looks, a new aluminum frame, regular-old liquid-cooling, and a set of “slingshot” carburetors, along with a shorter wheelbase and a claimed 352lb dry weight. 1989 seen here was virtually the same bike, but added the “R” at the end of the name, probably for added poweR…

The seller is asking $4,999.00 for this particular GSX-R400R. It needs a little bit of mechanical attention to make it a runner but, as you can see from the pictures, it doesn’t need much cosmetic work. The original listing has plenty more pictures if you need convincing.

From the original eBay listing: 1989 GSX-R400R for Sale

This is a 1989 Suzuki GSX-R400R GK73. I found this bike in Japan back in 2015, it was a very rare color for 1989, few of them were made and it really caught my eye as being especially unique. The GK73 was an interesting model with the aluminum frame and liquid cooled engine.

I imported this GSX-R legally from Japan and it has a clean and clear U.S. title with plate and street registration.

I did a mini restoration on this bike, it still needs a small amount of work so I am selling it AS IS (at a loss as well as I have over $6000 in it).

The bike currently does not run. I have rebuilt the carbs with the Litetek kit replacing all internal o-rings and seals. I had the bike running well but the fuel inlet o-rings weeped so I replaced those with original Suzuki new OEM ones. One of these leaked and the carbs needed to be synced… somewhat defeated and pulled away on other projects this is how I left the bike. So it will run, but you will at a minimum need to pull carbs and check the fuel inlet o-rings and make sure they are seated/installed properly and then double check carbs, re-fit and sync. The bike has a decent battery installed and all electric/lights work as they should.

The bike has had a FULL service front to back and has ZERO miles on the following.

ALL fresh fluids front to back, brake fluid, coolant, engine oil. New spark plugs. Front forks were rebuilt with new fluid and seals, brand near tires on freshly powdercoated wheels with new bearings and valve stems.

I had the bike completely repainted in the stock colors and using all of the original OEM bodywork! The originally paint had some sun fading and typical scuffs and scratches for its age but no major damage. Likewise the wheels had some marks and corrosion so I had them powder coated, I did not get an exact match of the bronze type color Suzuki used on this unique paint scheme but it is pretty close!

This is a VERY nice GSXR-400R, most of the ones I have seen in Japan and elsewhere need a lot of work. I have done all the hard stuff (and costly work $$$!!) already, it will just need a few hours put into the carbs and some tuning work to have a VERY NICE rider!

I can help arrange shipping anywhere in the U.S. or world wide including crating!

It’s in California and claimed to be “plated” here but definitely do your homework. It’s not perfect, but the simple mechanical work indicated by the seller is something you’d expect of any bike this age, and the cosmetics look really sharp. I’ve ridden a Honda NC30 and you might think that the 60hp of a JDM 400 sounds pretty weak, but you might be surprised. Sure, you do find yourself twisting the throttle to the stop more often than on other bikes, but it means you get to run the bike to redline more often as well. If you and your buddies regularly head out to terrorize the freeways at 160mph, you will find a 400 underpowered. But if twisty canyons are more your thing, you might love something like this.

-tad

Just Right: 1989 Suzuki GSX-R400R for Sale

Featured Listing July 31, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Featured Listing: 1994 Honda NSR250R MC28 for Sale

Update 7.31.2019: This NSR250R is available for $12,500 and interested parties can contact Mark at mark@sloanvalley.com or 250-588-8775. Good luck to buyers and seller! -dc

If you’re a fan of four-stroke motorcycles, two-strokes like this Featured Listing Honda NSR250R MC28 can be a little… underwhelming, the first time you see, and especially hear one. I mean, even with aftermarket pipes, they make an oddly weedy sort of zing as they rev, and generally sound like you’ve strapped a couple of leaf-blowers with fueling issues to your bike. But fans know that’s the sound of a pure, simple, and utterly focused bike that emphasizes handling over brute power. And the MC28 was probably the most sophisticated of the breed and, until recently, very hard to get a hold of here in the USA.

The mechanics of a two-stroke are inherently primitive, and not very eco-friendly, since lubricant is mixed with the air and fuel in a constant-loss system that will spew heavy, oil-rich smoke from the tiny exhaust cans. But that simplicity means a two-stroke engine is incredibly light weight, and makes pretty spectacular power for a given displacement. If you come from a four-stroke mentality, a 250cc sportbike sounds very unimpressive, but bikes in the class weighed in at around 300lbs and could make as much as 55hp at the wheel when properly tuned, or even a bit more if you didn’t mind the occasional engine seizure…

The original NSR250R MC16 was introduced in 1987 and laid down the pattern the others would follow, with a 249cc 90° v-twin that featured an RC powervalve, and PGM electronic ignition, and a six-speed gearbox, wrapped by an aluminum beam frame. The final MC28 version of the bike seen here debuted in 1993 and added a slick ELF-designed Pro-Arm single-sided swingarm and trick PGM-IV electronic ignition system to the mix, making it one of the most advanced sportbikes of any displacement available at the time.

Today’s example has incredibly low miles and has had the wheels painted white to match the bodywork for an extra dash of 90s style. It’s currently located in British Columbia, but shouldn’t be too hard to register here in the US, depending on where you live. California residents, as always, should visit their local DMV with a sack of unmarked, non-sequential bills and a bottle of good scotch…

From the Seller: 1994 Honda NSR250R MC28 for Sale

Up for sale is a beautiful 1994 Honda NSR250R MC28 with only 1,000km (622 miles). Bike is almost in mint condition. It had a stress crack on the right upper cowling around the blinker that has been professionally repaired. You can see the repair from the inside of the fairing but the outside looks perfect. All fairings are genuine Honda 100%. Bike is completely stock, like it was on the Japanese dealership floor in 1994. No dents on the tank (the tank itself was professionally cleaned and rust-proofed in 2018), one tiny chip in the paint. Wheels were professionally refurbished in 2018 and converted from red to white, which as a personal preference, was a game changer for how the bike looks. A brand new OEM rubber chain guide is included in the sale. Only a few handling marks not worth mentioning. Bike looks awesome. Just serviced with new fork seals (2017), new battery (2018), new engine fluids (2019), and Dunlop Sportmax Q-14’s installed front and rear in 2017. Runs like the day it was new.

This NSR was purchased from a dealer in USA in 2017 and can easily be returned to the USA market. I’m happy to deliver this bike to Blaine, WA 98230 to provide an easy loading point for any USA-based buyer. Bike is currently titled as a streetbike for road use in BC, and had similar title in USA. Thank You For Looking. Call 250-588-8775 for more photos or questions.

Price: $12,500
Contact Mark: mark@sloanvalley.com or 250-588-8775

Well, the completely stock condition might mean you’re stuck with Japan’s government-mandated 45hp, but the MC28 version is much harder to de-restrict than earlier versions and originally required a hard-to-obtain HRC ignition card to unleash the full power. For collectors, it means that the stock electronics and wiring harness haven’t been monkeyed with, and 45hp is still plenty of fun in a 300lb package, if the new owner plans to ride it. Aside from the minor fairing damage the seller describes and the non-original paint on the wheels, this thing should be immaculate, given the mileage.

-tad

Featured Listing: 1994 Honda NSR250R MC28 for Sale

Featured Listing July 19, 2019 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1991 Suzuki RGV250 SP2

The 1991 Suzuki RGV250 SP2 was the baddest two stroke sportbike Hamamatsu was kicking out in the early ‘90s, with a dry clutch, wide-ratio box and fully adjustable suspension adding even more agility and precision to the little bike’s already lithe and precise nature. With 60-ish horsepower when uncorked and a shade over 300 pounds to push around, the updates meant the reedy little RGV could seriously hustle. As in, give supersports problems in the twisties hustle.

1991 Suzuki RGV250 SP2 for sale on eBay

Thanks to those crude, dirty little powerplants that make horsepower like the Middle East makes the oil to run them, the bikes didn’t need to be massively complicated to produce prodigious speed. With conveniences like oil injection, the bikes weren’t even that cumbersome to refuel, as long as you checked the oil level at gas stops, you were good to go.

This 1991 Suzuki RGV250 SP2 has been legally imported to the US and treated to a cosmetic restoration and some tasty Tyga go-fast pieces. The bike shows its age on many of the aluminum pieces and the dash, but the wheels and bodywork have been repainted and look excellent.

From the eBay listing:

This may be one of the best looking bikes Suzuki ever made, and this is one of the very rare SP2 versions!!

I bought this bike in Japan about 3 years ago. It was legally imported into the U.S. and it has a clean and clear Arizona street title and plate. In most cases with 11 digit VIN bikes you will not be able to register this in California.

This is a very rare Sport Production II version of the VJ22, the SP2 came with a dry clutch, the wide ratio transmission, fully adjustable suspension front and rear and aluminum lower triple clamp and rotor carriers.

This is a lower mile original bike. I STILL HAVE THE ORIGINAL EXHAUST AND REARSETS if you want to put the bike all the way back to stock!

Very low original miles at around 10k, not raced or abused. This bike had some light scratches and sun fading on the bodywork so I went about the painstaking task of getting all the OEM bodywork repainted in original colors! I have also just powder coated the wheels back to an original gloss white.

The bodywork is all original and the paint is perfect with zero miles since it was restored. The bike has brand new Michelin Street Radials, new valve stems, full service front to back including all new fluids, plugs, coolant, new air filter,brand new Tyga Full Exhaust system, new Tyga rearsets and brand new chain and sprockets!!

Bike starts on 1 to 2 kicks when cold and 1 kick when warm. All electrics work and it has a good battery installed. All wiring is intact and original. Oil injection in place. The bike comes with a complete new carb rebuild and full jetting kit, carbs are currently stock and fine, but this kit will allow you to jet the bike for your location/conditions.

There is some light corrosion that I have not attempted to clean up on various parts of the bike as seen, so it will clean up even better than it looks now. ! Some fading on the passenger seat, and to a lesser degree the rider seat as well, bit no tears.

Have not seen an early RGV VJ22 SP with the banana swingarm this clean in a very long time, and few of these survive in Japan…those that do are not cheap…or not for sale. Don’t sleep on this one….really one of the nicer 250 two strokes from my collection.

PLEASE CHECK OUT MY OTHER LISTINGS FOR MORE BIKES!!!

The auction is live for almost another two weeks, but with a Buy-It-Now option, we doubt an RGV this nice will hang around too long.

Featured Listing: 1991 Suzuki RGV250 SP2

Featured Listing July 10, 2019 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1991 Suzuki GSX-R400RR

It’s not a new thing to scan a sportbike forum and find a subset of self-professed sportbike cognoscenti espousing the virtues of supersport 600s over literbikes for daily street use and getting the most out of yourself on a mountain road. The big bikes, they argue, are almost too much for most racetracks, let alone furniture-lined ribbons of arboreal asphalt. A 600 is a much better tool here. You’ll get more out of yourself and the bike without getting to certain-death velocities within the 50 yards between one hairpin and the next. But what if there were something out there even better suited than a 600? A bike that has enough power to get out of its own way, but makes you really work for breakneck speed?

1991 Suzuki GSX-R400RR for sale on eBay

Enter the 1991 Suzuki GSX-R400RR. The RR means this is the sport production version of Suzuki’s second-tier early ‘90s Gixxer, so its handling and chassis are even sharper than the base model’s, and it has enlarged carburetors, a close-ratio box and short wheelbase to enhance its ability to carve a corner.

With 60 horsepower to the back wheel from a screaming, 15,000 rpm four banger, you’re not gonna run down even a 15-year-old 600 on a straight stretch, but there’s a good chance you’ll reel them back in when things get curvy. And even if you don’t, you’ll be able to approach the limit without necessarily doubling the speed limit.

This 1991 Suzuki GSX-R400RR comes from our friends at Moto2 Imports and, as is their way, is in immaculate shape. It has been treated to a new chain, fluids and carburetor cleaning and is fully de-restricted.

From the eBay listing:

1991 Suzuki GSX-R400RR SP Available for Sale – $9,999 or Best Offer

Never available in the US, the Suzuki GSX-R400RR is known for its razor sharp handling and competitiveness on the track. Way ahead of its time design-wise, the 400RR combines power and light weight in a super nimble chassis. Not a replica, but a true factory SP model with upgraded engine, suspension, frame and transmission (details below). Weighing under 350lbs with 60hp at the rear wheel, upside-down forks and big 300mm discs, the 400RR is amazingly fun and capable on both the road and track. Imported direct from Japan, this machine is in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition with 9,500 miles (15,295km). Bodywork is all original in 9/10 condition and frame/engine/components are super clean. Bike has been fully serviced with rebuilt carburetors, new battery, fluids, filters, spark plugs & chain. De-restricted and making full power. Starts/runs perfectly and all lights/horn/signals working properly. Contact Moto2 Imports with any questions or for additional information.

See all 24 HD pics and cold start video at link below:

Youtube video link (copy and paste into browser)

https://youtu.be/LcJc3IYwSJQ

Race-spec SP model upgrades include:

Fully-Adjustable Suspension

Close-Ratio Gearbox

Shorter Wheelbase

Larger Carbs

Upgraded CDI with Throttle Position Sensor

Legally imported with EPA/DOT paperwork for US street use. Will come with US title.

Moto2 Imports can arrange affordable shipping coast to coast.

For $9,900, you’re looking at a fully-sorted grey market machine that is among a class of bikes that have been spiking in collector popularity on these shores.

Featured Listing: 1991 Suzuki GSX-R400RR

Honda June 20, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Sweet Little V4: 1988 Honda VFR400R for Sale

Sold in 1987 and 1988, the NC24 version of Honda’s VFR400R could easily be overlooked for the gem that it is. Styling is subdued, although the single-sided Pro Arm swingarm hints at something special underneath. This was a V4 sportbike for the masses, instead of an expensive, difficult-to-obtain homologation bike, like the RC30.

As you’d expect, the engine was just a shade under 400cc and the bike made a claimed 59hp, although that lines up with a sort of gentleman’s agreement the Japanese manufacturers had regarding the 400cc class, so I’ve no idea what they really made. A bit of tuning could definitely unleash more! The bike was under 400lbs dry and had a top speed of around 130mph, accompanied by the distinctive whine of the gear-driven cams.

Interestingly, the NC24 had a conventional 180° crank, with evenly-spaced firing intervals instead of the RC30’s 360° “big bang” configuration, although the later NC30 adopted a 360° setup. They also wisely moved the exhaust to the other side for the NC30, to better show off that cool swingarm. The 18” rear wheel, held in place by four nuts instead of the RC30’s sexy single mounting point, is matched to a 16” front that compounds the challenge of finding good tires to shoe this little beast.

It looks like the seller just copy/pasted the bike’s description from an online source that refers to the VFR400R as a “sport touring bike,” which it really isn’t. Later VFR’s certainly became that, but the early Honda V4s were built to go racing. See: Honda’s VFR750R RC30, homologation bike.

From the original eBay listing: 1988 Honda VFR400R for Sale

The Honda VFR400 NC24 model is a sport touring bike manufactured by Honda. In this version sold from the year 1987, the dry weight is 165.0 kg (363.8 pounds) and it is equipped with a V4, four-stroke motor. The engine produces a maximum peak output power of 59.00 HP (43.1 kW) @12800 RPM and a maximum torque of 39.00 Nm (4.0 kgf-m or 28.8 ft.lbs) @10000 RPM. With this drive-train, the Honda VFR400 NC24 is capable of reaching a maximum top speed of 210.0 km/h (130.5 mph). Regarding the chassis characteristics, responsible for road holding, handling behaviour and ride comfort, the Honda VFR 400 NC24 have a Aluminium Twin Spar frame frame with front suspension being 41mm Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped, rebound damping force air adjustable (8psi-11psi) and in the rear suspension it is equipped with Pro-Arm Mono shock, fully adjustable. Stock tire sizes are 100/90-H16 on the front and 130/70-H18 on the rear. As for stopping power, the Honda VFR400 NC24 braking system includes double disc. Nissin 2 pot caliper size 296 mm (11.7 inches) at the front and Single disc. Nissin 1 pot caliper size 220 mm (8.7 inches) at the rear.

This un-restored and stock condition VFR400R is in an excellent running condition with only minor bodywork/paint defects/scratches. (Very rare for this vintage Japanese motorcycle)

Mileage: 20,229 KM (12,600 miles)

Vermont registration.

Starts and run perfectly.

Good battery, chain, sprockets, and tires.

This motorcycle was imported from Japan and is offered with original Japanese title, sales brochure and original Honda Factory Parts Manual.

The early NC24 VFR400 is pretty rare here in the USA. They were never officially imported and lack the “baby RC30” twin-lamp styling of the later NC30s that make them so appealing. But that just means prices are much lower, and the $4,995.00 Buy It Now price seen here seems like a pretty good deal, and the bike looks much more aggressive with the Rothmans graphics. It’s always worth doing your homework when considering a Rothmans Replica, since it’s popular to fit more common models with aftermarket bodywork from China. But from what I can see, the bike is in pretty excellent condition otherwise, so it could be the real deal. Experts should feel free to chime in in the comments!

-tad

Sweet Little V4: 1988 Honda VFR400R for Sale

Honda June 13, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Rothmans Replica: 1991 Honda NSR250R SP for Sale

Many Japanese bikes aren’t intentionally sexy, in the way that a Bimota or MV Agusta often is, and they often fall flat stylistically when they do try to put style ahead of function. Italian machines are almost gratuitously beautiful, full of details that don’t enhance the bike’s performance, they just make the parts more interesting to look at. But Honda’s two-stroke NSR250R SP isn’t that kind of bike. Introduced in 1988, the MC18 version of the bike was motivated by a liquid-cooled, two-stroke 90° v-twin with a cassette-style six-speed gearbox, with the SP or “Sport Production” version adding a dry clutch and Magtek magnesium wheels, along with fully-adjustable suspension.

At its heart, a motorcycle is lean and elegant, and should include nothing that doesn’t absolutely need to be there. That’s especially true for a lightweight machine like Honda’s NSR250R, where every extra ounce is an enemy of speed. Instead of swoopy fairings with exposed carbon fiber details like you’d see on something else, it just has simple, elegant bodywork to enclose the hard parts, channel air to the radiator, and improve the aerodynamics.

Instead of an Aprilia’s organic, sculptural frame, it’s just a pair of extruded aluminum beams with cast sections, light and strong. A cool “gull-arm” swingarm allowed clearance on the right-hand side for the exhaust and expansion chamber to tuck in close to the bike for improved cornering clearance. And all that elegant simplicity adds up to one of the best-looking bikes of the era. It just looks right.

Of course, the “elegant simplicity” goes right out the window with the Rothmans Replica. Subtle, it isn’t, but it works, and this is one of my favorite sportbikes of any period. Obviously, I’m not alone, and the NSR250R and Rothmans Replicas in particular are highly sought after, especially clean, low-mileage examples like this one.

From the original eBay listing: 1991 Honda NSR250R SP Rothmans Replica for Sale

You are bidding on a 1991 NSR250 MC21 with the Rothmans Blue/White livery paint scheme. I purchased this motorcycle from Moto2 Imports in February of 2017 with 8,050 kilometers (5,002 miles) on the odometer. Moto2 Imports brought the NSR250 in from Japan and completely refurbished it. In the 27 months I have owned it I have only put 335 kilometers on the bike and all those miles were mainly for dialing in the correct jetting for my high-altitude riding in Colorado. The NSR250 is in perfect condition and has been stored in my heated garage along with all my other motorcycles. In addition, I installed a 3M clear bra on the upper and lower fairings. All the fluids are fresh and the battery is in great condition as it is hooked up to a trickle charger/conditioner that also desulphanates the battery. I have reluctantly come to the decision to sell my NSR250 for two main reasons, 1) My knees just can’t take the relatively cramped riding position, and 2) I have 4 other motorcycles competing for my limited riding time in the summer months and the NSR250 just won’t get ridden much and it is just doesn’t make sense to me to own a great motorcycle like the NSR250 if it is not going to be ridden as I am not one to just have a motorcycle to look pretty on stand in my garage.

Please note the NSR250 is titled in the state of Colorado and it is also currently registered in the city of Denver. It is the winning bidder’s responsibility to check with their local state, county and city of residence to ensure the NSR250 can be registered there. I will be glad to answer any questions or provide any additional photos if desired

The winning bidder is responsible for all shipping charges, but I will be glad to assist with the pick up on my end. I can recommend a couple of motorcycle transport companies I have had good service from in the past if desired.

This example is in very good condition, and has covered only 5,210 miles from new. As the seller mentions, you should check with local laws if you plan to register this for road use, as they vary pretty wildly from state-to-state. It’s good that the seller is selling because he isn’t interested in a display bike, as these machines were built to be ridden. But I think we can all agree that, if you did want a bike to adorn your garage or living room with some two-wheeled art, the Rothmans Replica would make a great candidate!

-tad