Posts by tag: Grey Market

Aprilia December 19, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Dealer’s Choice: 2001 Aprilia RS250 for Sale

There’s nothing wrong with knowing your strengths, and Aprilia certainly knew theirs then stuck to them when they created the RS250. They crafted the gorgeous aluminum beam frame, swingarm, and the curvaceous bodywork, but left development of the engine to an outside party. That’s right, this little bit of flyweight Italian exotica is powered by a Suzuki two-stroke v-twin from the RGV250Γ. Hey, outsourcing engines worked for DeTomaso, Iso, Bizzarrini, and half the British sportscar manufacturers of the 60s and 70s…

Originally introduced in 1995, this bike wears the second-generation styling introduced in 1998. One of the few quarter-liter two-strokes officially available outside Japan, the RS250 also remained in production much longer: Yamaha TZR250 production ended in 1995, Honda’s NSR250R in 1996, and the Suzuki RGV250Γ held out until 1998. The bike was on par with those machines, with excellent handling and superlative brakes: the exact same triple Brembo setup was the same as the one found on the much heavier Ducati 916.

You’d be forgiven for thinking Aprilia worked some magic and breathed on the little v-twin: there is some “Aprilia” branding cast into a number of engine components, and the RS250’s claimed 70hp suggests a much higher state of tune than the donor Suzuki’s paltry 45hp. But there are a couple simple reasons for that: those Italian horses are probably a bit optimistic and measured at the crank, while Japanese market regulations required that bikes in the class produce a maximum of 45hp. Many probably made at least that at the wheel, and all could be tuned to make much more “for offroad use only.”

The very clean and thoroughly photographed example is being offered by a Las Vegas motorcycle dealership. So tell me: do you feel lucky? Well do ya, punk? I realize I’m mixing my Vegas references with my Harry Callahan, but you’re definitely gambling a bit with this example. I understand that dealers may not know all that much about the bikes they’re selling, but it’d be nice if they at least went through the motions: this listing includes nothing other than the dealership’s boilerplate legalese, and can be found here: 2001 Aprilia RS250 for Sale.

This particular RS250 appears stock, except for the carbon/kevlar-weave mufflers, although I’d personally hold out for one of the earlier Loris Reggiani replicas if I were in the market for an Aprilia. So what will it take to put this 15,404 mile bike with no indicated history in your garage? Well the dealer is asking $14,995 for it. Aprilia RS250 prices have continued to climb steadily in recent years, but that seems pretty steep. Luckily, I’m sure our commenters will chime in below and let me know.

-tad

Dealer’s Choice: 2001 Aprilia RS250 for Sale

Yamaha October 10, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Rare Homologation Special: 1999 Yamaha YZF-R7 OW02 for Sale

The Yamaha YZF-R7 OW02 was one of the very last 750cc homologation specials and was available for just two years before Yamaha folded their World Superbike team and ended production. Utilizing the frame geometry from their GP YZR500, the OW02 featured many exotic components, as you’d expect from a bike like this. Unfortunately, in road-going trim, the engine put out a disappointing 106hp and its true potential could only be realized using one of several race-kits that included a carbon-fiber airbox that added a ram-air effect and activated a second, dormant set of fuel injectors.

The frame was a modified Deltabox II unit, with adjustable steering head and swingarm pivots, and fully-adjustable Öhlins suspension at both ends. Despite its lukewarm output as-delivered, you can see the potential in the engine, just looking at the spec sheet: a 72 x 46mm bore and stroke with 11.4:1 compression, titanium valves, forged aluminum short-skirt pistons that featured nickel-plated tops, titanium H-beam connecting rods, and a slipper clutch connected to a close-ratio six-speed gearbox.

500 were built for all markets, making these exceedingly rare. This example is located in Australia, and includes the very desirable “race kits” to get the bike into its intended fire-breathing 162hp form.

From the original eBay listing: 1999 Yamaha YZF-R7 for Sale

The bike is originally an Italian model brought into Australia 15 years ago. It is currently located in Melbourne, Australia. I am more than happy to assist with shipping at purchases cost of approximately US$1500-2000.

It comes with stage 1 and 2 kits as new from the factory. As you can see from the photos the bike is in very good condition with very low mileage (the speedo is currently in kilometres) I believe that they can be changed to miles and happy to answer any questions.

Yamaha fans go bonkers for these, but I always thought the OW02 looked a little bit too much like an R1 with squintier eyes… However, there’s no denying the bike’s race-bred heritage and exotic components. Here in the USA, we received just 50 examples, and 10 of those were destined for the Yamaha factory teams. Starting bid for this one is $32,000AUS and might be worth a look, no matter what part of the world you’re in.

-tad

Rare Homologation Special: 1999 Yamaha YZF-R7 OW02 for Sale

Featured Listing September 30, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Featured Listing: 1991 Kawasaki ZXR750R for Sale

When you’re searching for very rare motorcycles in the very best condition, you sometimes need to cast a net that extends beyond local borders. Portugal might seem a bit too far for some but, if you’re interested in a bike like today’s Featured Listing Kawasaki ZXR750R, no distance is too great. Or maybe you’re reading this post at your home in Barcelona, and the bike is just a hop, skip, and a jump away…

Known here in the US as the Ninja ZX-7, the ZXR750 was Kawasaki’s entry in the hotly-contested 750cc superbike class war that was raging on track and spilling over into showrooms worldwide. At the time, literbikes were wickedly fast but a bit heavy, with unexpectedly reasonable ergonomics. They were more grand touring machines than roadgoing racebikes so, if you wanted the very best sportbike money could buy, it was the 750s that were the hot ticket for canyon carving and bench-racing sessions.

As was common at the time, manufacturers built limited-editions of their roadgoing machines to “homologate” certain changes to the engine and frame, or the inclusion of components that weren’t practical for mass-produced machines. These rare and exclusive machines were used as the basis for racing machines intended to compete in production-based racing series like World Superbike. The homologation ZXR750R differed from the standard ZXR750 in subtle but significant ways. 39mm Keihin flat-slide carburetors replaced the more road-friendly constant velocity units normally fitted. A lightweight aluminum fuel tank and solo tail helped the bike save a claimed 11lbs over the standard bike. There were higher compression pistons and an 800rpm higher redline, and different ratios in the six-speed box, with a tall first and closely-spaced after that. The fork had thicker [stiffer] stanchions and was fully-adjustable, and the rear shock had 20 clicks of adjustment.

From the original eBay listing: 1990 Kawasaki ZXR750R for Sale

Kawasaki ZXR750R, K version. Mint Condition.

Very rare bike, R model.

Bike is all original.

R model comes with aluminium tank, flat Keihin carburettors, etc.

Year 1991 with 22972 km.

Portuguese documents.

Please feel free to ask me more pictures or videos.

Transport to the UK costs around £550 and it will be Chas Mortimer Logistic Ltd collecting this bike.

On the off chance that you don’t reside in Spain, it’s nice to have that shipping estimate from the seller. The 14,000 miles shown mean this isn’t a museum-piece, but a bike that’s actually been used as intended. That’s good news for the next owner, since adding a few more won’t do much to the bike’s value, and you’ll get to appreciate this homologation special for yourself.

-tad

Featured Listing: 1991 Kawasaki ZXR750R for Sale

Honda September 22, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Some Assembly Required: 1989 Honda VFR400R NC30 for Sale

If your budget doesn’t stretch to one of Honda’s famously rare and storied RC30s, you can find all of the exotic tech in a slightly smaller, much cheaper package with their VFR400R NC30. You get a V4 with a 360° crank and gear-driven cams, a sexy ELF-designed “ProArm” single-sided swingarm, and the twin-headlight, endurance-racing bodywork that is easily mistaken for the RC30 at a glance.

The NC30 is down on power, compared to the RC30, but it also weighs almost 100lbs less, and the 60hp on tap will move the 400lb machine along pretty smartly, with a wide spread of power. But the little V4’s real party trick was its incredibly agile and forgiving handling that made it the darling of the 400cc class both on the road and in racing.

Prices have increased in recent years, but you can still pick these up for very reasonable prices, considering how cool and exotic they are, with Honda reliability thrown into the bargain! This particular example looks solid and complete, but does need a bit of work as outlined in the original listing.

From the original eBay listing: 1989 Honda VFR400R NC30 for Sale

1989 Honda VFR400R NC30 with 12,909 km, approx 7,745 mi, as shown on clock’s photo. This was recently imported from Asia, and i took it as a trade on another bike, so I do not have too much history. Bike looks good for its year, but it was painted in its past life. Plastic looks good as can be seen in photos, not sure if original plastics, but some repairs can be seen on inner side. It has a Vermont transferable registration, most states accept this, but please check with your local DMV. Bike starts and runs using a temporary fuel source, as it looks like its not getting fuel through the petcock, which seems to be a typical issue with these diaphragm petcocks. Bike will come with a new petcock rebuild kit from UK.

I would say this is an easy project completion bike for somebody with repair ability, I have not ridden it, and it is 31 years old but the previous owner noted they did substantial work to the bike, but please expect to correct and fix other items not described. I have other previous projects, so I’m moving this one on.

Here’s what I was told the previous owner completed recently, which looks about correct.

New screen, brace and mirrors. New battery with tender connection. Full service, air and oil filters, new oil and plugs. New radiators, hoses, replacement fan and fluid. New ignition and gas cap/keys. New throttle and choke cables. Carbs were removed, cleaned and rebuilt with new carb kit from Japan, including boot rubbers. Refurbished rear brake caliper and new pads all around with new fluid.

What I visually see that need’s to be corrected or finished, but I have not disassembled, is as follows.

General wiring needs to be checked and reconnected, like front and rear flashers, kill switch, radiator fan wiring, as fan was from a different model, but spins with power added, and general wiring. As i said, it turns over, and starts with temp tank, so looks like only general wiring to lights, flashers , gauges and sensors, etc, need a going through. Rev counter needle is partially broken, as can been seen in photo. Rear tire has some age cracking. Front tire is newer, but loosing air over time, maybe issue with wheel rim and seal. Rear Exhaust canister has some wear marks, as can be seen in photos, missing springs to pipe. Rear seat unit is missing lock unit, but new spare lock is included, but seat is east to open, I can send a video.

Bike comes with Haynes Manual and some spares like cables, carb kit, etc.

This is a 31 year old bike, with only the above history known, but with some good finishing, would make a nice collectible piece. But again, its a 31 year old bike, so expect some additional work for a vintage bike like this, if you purchase.

For a guy to claims not to know much about the bike, the listing is pretty comprehensive, and includes a long list of work that’s been done, as well as work that will probably need to be done. All-in-all, it seems like a fairly presented project with a reasonable asking price: $6,550. That’s a fair bit below what a good, running NC30 is likely to cost, and most of the work seems to be, as the seller suggests, relatively straightforward.

-tad

Some Assembly Required: 1989 Honda VFR400R NC30 for Sale

Honda September 2, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Featured Listing: 1990 Honda CBR250RR MC22 for Sale

Update 11.16.2020: Due to an email issue on my end, the seller tried to contact me back in September that this bike sold just a few days after we had listed it. My apologies for the confusion, and congratulations to the buyer and seller! -dc

We featured this grey-market Honda CBR250RR MC22 a while back. Here it is again over on Craigslist, with just a few more miles on the odometer to keep it in top running shape and some up-to-date images. If you’re not familiar, the CBR250RR was produced between 1986 and 1996 and was intended primarily for the Japanese market, where sophisticated, small-displacement motorcycles made financial sense.

In North America, bikes like the CBR250RR make very little financial and marketing sense due licensing laws, taxes, emissions and production complexity driving up costs. This means that sophisticated and relatively expensive 250cc sportbikes don’t make much marketing sense here. Not that there isn’t a market for them, since the spec sheet reveals they’re anything but entry-level, although the power they make can be categorized as modest, they still make around 200 horsepower per liter, right up there with the best sport bikes available today.

The aforementioned spec sheet suggests a serious sportbike: it may only displace 249cc, but it has four tiny pistons and sixteen valves operated by gear-driven cams, with a six-speed gearbox putting 40hp or so to the rear wheel. Triple disc brakes and an aluminum beam frame, combined with a 348lb wet weight mean the little RR can stop and turn with much bigger bikes as well. Best of all is the metallic shriek of the engine as it stretches towards a 19,000rpm redline, making you feel like a GP racer, as it rushes to it’s 110mph plus top speed.

From the Seller: 1990 Honda CBR250RR MC22 for Sale

Japanese Domestic Market Honda CBR250RR or MC22 to use the proper Honda designation. The bike is a 1990 model which is the most desirable of the CBR250RR line. It has 8,904 kilometers (roughly 5,400 miles) on it which is remarkably low for a 30 year old bike. As you can see in the pictures it is still in bone stock original condition. It has lots of little scratches and small areas of surface rust on some of the brackets and nuts/bolts. It runs and drives perfectly. The only known issue with these are that they are hard to start if they have been sitting for a while. The idling screw hole and idling jets are really small on these and they do tend to get a bit clogged up but if you drive it often and use ethanol free gas you are in good shape. However there is a workaround for the starting issue which I will explain to the prospective buyer. It develops 48hp at 16k rpm and revs to 19k rippems. It has a clean North Carolina title in my name and is ready to go to a new home. No disappointments and if you want references to others whom I know and whom have ridden the bike or whom I ride with, I can get you connected with them.

The seller is asking $7,800 for this little ripper, and includes a video of the bike starting and running from cold. It’s very complete and in good cosmetic condition, with some of the usual surface corrosion common to bikes that have spent time in salty sea air. More importantly, all of the bodywork is in good condition and the bike should be a great candidate for a rolling restoration if you want it to be absolutely showroom fresh. In the meantime, you can relish the screaming cam-gear whine as you wind it around to that 19,000rpm redline and beyond!

-tad

Featured Listing: 1990 Honda CBR250RR MC22 for Sale

Suzuki August 31, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Featured Listing and NO RESERVE: 1987 Suzuki RGV250Γ for Sale

It’s a shame that we never really got any of the incredibly focused quarter-liter sportbikes from Japan here in the USA. Luckily, a few have sneaked in over the years, followed by a veritable flood of Japanese market bikes that have been brought over in recent years, since most are now over 25 years old and much easier to import. The spec sheets would have you believe they’re all virtually the same bike, but each had its own unique character, and today’s Featured Listing Suzuki RGV250Γ was the wild-child of the bunch.

1987 Suzuki RGV250Γ for Sale on eBay

Introduced in 1987 as a 90° v-twin followup to the parallel-twin RG250, the new RGV250 “Gamma” went through VJ21, VJ22, and VJ23 iterations before disappearing. The liquid-cooled two stroke engine displaced the expected 249cc, with a bore and stroke of 56mm x 50.6mm, and was backed by the equally expected six-speed gearbox. The bike used a 17″ front wheel and an 18″ rear as was common in the class, although later models featured matched 17″ hoops.

The “Real Sprinter Slingshot” emblazoned on the tail sounds like the sort of technical jargon the Japanese are known for but, as far as I can tell, it’s just a bit of a tie-in to the four-stroke GSX-R of the period that featured “Slingshot” carburetors. Later bikes featured swanky asymmetrical “banana” swingarms and electronic power valves, all shoutingly-proclaimed in bright acronyms on the fairings. Those bikes were more developed and more refined but, at just 282lbs dry, the VJ21 seen here was the lightest and most powerful of the bunch, and perhaps the most pure as well.

From the original eBay listing: 1987 Suzuki RGV250Γ for Sale

NO RESERVE This model not sold in USA, Direct import Japanese Domestic Market bike, 62hp pre-restrictions model, lightest weight year. Pretty much 250GP bike with lights added, cassette gearbox, all the right stuff! This is my favorite bike I have ever owned, absolute joy to ride, moving to where there are no roads, so gotta part with it. Runs great, shifts great, rides great. Recent sticky Dunlop Alpha 13 dot race series tires. Current MD tags and title. Original front fender cracked, see pic small cracks on fairings nothing major. Includes racing replica plastics from Hong Kong. Includes lots of extras, complete good running and shifting spare black Walter Wolf engine (no carbs, shift lever or kickstarter), original white wheels (18 in rear.) Zeeltronic programmable ignition box/ exhaust valve controller, spare exhaust valve actuator. Only bad, fork seals leak therefore front brake pads are oily. 29,614 km, or 18,401 miles. Unrestricted first year production for the V2, year after these were made Japanese law limited engine HP output. Also advertised locally so if ended early, that’s why.

Note that the seller does have this listed as a 1987 model and it’s probably titled that way, but it looks like a VJ21 model from 1988. That may just be a quirk of titling and registration, or the bike was a very early production VJ21. This is obviously not a perfectly-preserved museum piece. It’s a rider, and comes with some spares to change the look, or just keep the bike running. Or maybe you just happen to have an engine-less Walter Wolf RG250 lying around and can use the included engine to get that project rolling. The aftermarket panels might not be remotely original, but I like the idea of installing the included aftermarket, race-replica bodywork for a bike that’s intended to be ridden hard, instead of being displayed in a hermetically-sealed garage.

-tad

Featured Listing and NO RESERVE: 1987 Suzuki RGV250Γ for Sale

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.