Posts by tag: Grey Market

Honda March 14, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Repsol Replica in California: 1994 Honda NSR250R SP MC28 for Sale

Pretty much the only way this Honda NSR250R could be more desirable would be for it to be in Rothmans colors. Honestly, I'm not even the biggest fan of race-replica schemes, but nobody does them like Honda, and the Repsol colors are a close second. But even in its "generic" colors, the MC28 version of Honda's two-stroke sportbike represents some of the most advanced technology of the time, from the obvious, ELF-designed Pro-Arm single-sided swingarm to the very trick PGM-IV electronic ignition system.

That single-sided swinger increased weight, compared to a more conventional design, but Honda's PGM-IV was incredibly advanced. The bike still used a pair of carburetors to fuel the 90° liquid-cooled two-stroke v-twin, but every other component was cutting edge, taking sensor input from the throttle position, gear-selection, and rpm to create three-dimensional ignition maps for each cylinder and adjust Honda's RC "Revolutionary Controlled" Valve.

There was no conventional ignition key on the MC28. Instead, you need one of Honda's credit card-sized... cards that also housed the bike's ignition map. De-restricting the MC28 is particularly difficult, since, ideally, you'd need to locate one of the factory HRC cards with a full-power map, or you're stuck with the government-mandated 45hp. The SP version of the NSR seen here added a dry clutch to hook the 249cc twin to the six-speed cassette gearbox, along with lightweight Magtek magnesium wheels for reduced unsprung weight and a bit of additional flash.

From the original eBay listing: 1994 Honda NSR250R SP for Sale

1994 Honda NSR250SP
Credit card model
HRC parts
Repsol colors
TSR expansion chambers and exhaust
TYGA triple crown
Ohlins shock
TYGA digital gauge
Racetech forks
Nissan disc brakes
Michelin tires
Excellent condition
Runs fantastic

Call or text for fastest response. 949-290-5162. Thank you, Brian.

Great bike, but so many questions. Why is the mileage listed as "NA"? It's located in California, but does it have a California title? Has it been de-restricted, or is it still rocking the Japanese-market 45hp? All of these things could conceivably influence the value of the bike significantly, and the $10,400 Buy It Now price suggests that the answer to the last two questions could be "no," but it's definitely worth messaging the seller if you're interested in the bike.

-tad

Repsol Replica in California: 1994 Honda NSR250R SP MC28 for Sale

Featured Listing March 8, 2019 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1986 Yamaha RZV500R in South Africa

The 1986 Yamaha RZV500R was the neighborhood knee dragger's chance to ride the machine that carried Kenny Roberts to three world titles and helped Giacomo Agostini break MV Agusta's ridiculous streak of 17 Grand Prix titles. It was billed as a 500cc GP machine with headlights and blinkers, though the similarities were actually pretty tenuous. The engine was the bike's closest similarity, a two-stroke, twin-crank 500cc V4, but it was laden with concessions to rideability and emissions. With the right tweaks, though, it would still push out the best part of 90 horsepower.

The RZV500Rs were a Japanese-market special, and came with an aluminum perimeter frame that made them a decent stretch lighter than European and Australian models. This one has had its engine "uncorked," and wears a set of OEM de-restricted exhausts, Boyesen reeds, an overbore and new gaskets and seals. The engine rebuild was part of a more extensive restoration, which included new paint and brake and suspension modifications. Despite having 35,000 kilometers on the odometer, the bike appears to be in excellent cosmetic and mechanical shape.

From the seller:

This pristine aluminium framed 1986 YAMAHA RZV500R, 2 stroker, lovingly restored by its current owner to its original condition.

Engine : professionally rebuilt – cranks, seals, genuine gaskets, Boyesen dual stage reed valves,

Over bored (0,5) with new Mitaka PTFE coated piston kits.

Fully de-restricted (with standard, de-restricted pipes)

Suspension and brakes upgraded.

New, period correct tires.

Professional paint job.

Runs like a train !

Even though it is no longer a rarity to come across grey market two stroke sportbikes on these shores, this bike stands out from the crowd. We see very few RZV500Rs, and a lovingly restored and de-restricted model is a real prize. The seller is asking $17,900, and can be reached at boss@bolandbikes.com

Featured Listing: 1986 Yamaha RZV500R in South Africa

Suzuki March 8, 2019 posted by Aaron

Get Lucky: 1996 Suzuki RGV250 SP VJ-23

For the Suzuki RGV250's last few model years, Suzuki gave the popular machines a thorough redesign, with updated fairings and a brand-new 70-degree v-twin replacing the long serving 90-degree mill that helped make the bikes famous. In most trims, they were choked down to around 40 horsepower. But a limited number of Lucky Strike liveried V-Spec models left the home country with fully de-restricted engines that made closer to 70 horsepower. With just 345 pounds to move around when fully fueled, they were giant killers.

1996 Suzuki RGV250 SP for sale on eBay

The RGV 250 had a long history as a popular club racer and track day machine, as well as a sly way to satisfy tiered licensing requirements and still have some fun. They sold in their millions outside the United States, though, sadly, they never officially made it to these shores. Older models with U.S. street titles pop up pretty regularly, but anything newer than 25 years old will have some issues getting a road title. This 1996 Suzuki RGV250 lives in South Africa, so getting paperwork lined up to ride it here could be tricky, unless you're willing to wait.

From the eBay listing:

Extremely rare Suzuki RGV250 SP VJ23 V spec model.
There were only 120 units produced for the export market of which this is number 89.
The vehicle is in an original mint condition and has had a complete engine rebuild ,including new crankshaft, cylinders, pistons and rings less than 1 500Km ago.
Included in the sale is the original screen, passenger rear seat and tool kit.
All the original factory fairing panels are in great condition and the fuel tank is rust free.

These rare limited edition full power Lucky Strikes do not come up for auction often so dont miss out on the opportunity to own a legendry piece of two stroke history.

Worldwide shipping is available!
Shipping cost to any port of entry in:
North America : $ 950
Europe : $ 875

Shipping cost includes insurance, crating and all other charges at the port of discharge.
Please note that the shipping cost does not include any additional customs duties at the port of entry.

Please contact me if you require any additional info.
Thanks for taking the time to view my auction listing.

According to the listing, the bike is all original and has had a full engine rebuild inside the last 1,000 miles. It appears to be in excellent condition, from the fairings to the frame and running gear. The pictures show it set up as a one-seater, but from the photos it looks like the pillion pad and tools come with it. If you're looking for a very rare, very cool conversation piece that will be eligible for a street title in just two years, you may have found your steed.

Kawasaki February 28, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Lean and Green: 1990 Kawasaki KR-1S for Sale

The entire class of 250cc two-stroke sportbikes has alwasy been forbidden fruit for US-based sportbike enthusiasts. The last real road-burning stroker was the RZ350, a bike that can certainly hang with much more modern machines and punch well above its weight, but the 18” wheels and bikini-fairing mark it out clearly as a bike from a much older era. In recent years, it’s become pretty common to see NSRs, RGVs, TZRs, as well as the much less common Kawasaki KR-1S up on eBay, as importation laws here allow bikes and cars older than 25 years to be brought in and used on the road, although state laws regarding actual registration vary wildly.

Overseas, and especially in their home market of Japan, the quarter-liter sportbike class was hotly contested and although, in principle, a two-stroke is mechanically relatively simple, these little machines ended up being at the cutting edge of motorcycle design, as each manufacturer tried to eke out any small advantage over the others. But despite Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha's serious interest in small two-stroke sportbikes, Kawasaki chose to mostly sit the whole thing out, producing just 10,000 KR-1s during the entire run from 88-92, and the bike saw no significant updates during four years of production, nearly an eternity by standards of the class.

Maybe that’s because they got it very right the first time, and the bike certainly wasn’t lacking performance, with a class-topping 139mph tested top speed from a KR-1S. It was fast, with excellent, if slightly twitchy, handling. Claimed weight was 270lbs dry, and the liquid-cooled, 249cc parallel-twin slung beneath the aluminum beam frame made the expected... 45hp, as required by Japanese regulations, although it was obviously capable of much more and was highly tuneable. A six-speed gearbox helped riders make use of the available power and a KIPS powervalve system helped make the available power a bit more accessible.

Three versions of the bike were produced, the KR-1, KR-1S seen here, and the extremely rare KR-1R. The S model had wider wheels at both ends, compared to the regular KR-1 and, unlike other bikes in the class, the R model didn’t feature magnesium wheels, a dry clutch, or much else in the way of fancy accessories, although it did have larger carburetors and a close-ratio gearbox. Just a few hundred were supposedly produced.

Note that the bike is currently located in La Chopera, Spain, so be prepared to deal with shipping if you're not currently enjoying your vacation home in Madrid...

From the original eBay listing: 1990 Kawasaki KR-1S for Sale

“Well preserved. Some minor scratches and fairing defects.”

The seller also includes the usual copy/paste specifications, if you're interested, although some history might be nice. Has it been serviced? Is it ready to run? Good information to have, since parts for these are pretty scarce, considering the age and low production numbers. There's not much time left on the auction, and bidding is only up to $2,550, so maybe take a chance and see if he'll take a lowball offer?

-tad

Lean and Green: 1990 Kawasaki KR-1S for Sale

Yamaha February 3, 2019 posted by Aaron

Smoky half-pint: 1991 Yamaha TZR250

Of the plethora of loud, high-strung Japanese two strokes that have come of age to be street registered in this country over the last couple years, the Yamaha TZR250 tends to enjoy a reputation as one of the friendliest and sweet-handling bikes of the bunch. They don't come with the same banshee wail as a Suzuki RGV250, and they're not the whole package like the Honda NSR250, but they fit a Goldilocks role, with comfy ergos, semi-friendly power delivery and Yamaha's famous handling.

1991 Yamaha TZR250 for sale on eBay

In bottled-up street performance trim, the TZRs won't set your pants on fire, but aftermarket exhausts, computers and jet kits are getting easier and easier to come by. There are myriad importers kicking around these days who will gladly sell you a pile of go bits if your two stroke isn't buzzy enough.

This 1991 Yamaha TZR250 is in typical shape for a recently-imported grey-market machine that has had almost 28 birthdays. It has a few minor dents and a cracked tail fairing, as well as some spots of corrosion. Those would need to be addressed along with the paint on the wheels for this one to be called perfect, but it's in very nice shape as-is for a rider. The seller says he never cleaned the carbs and the tires are old, so either get prepared to do that yourself of budget the repair into the purchase.

From the eBay listing:

This is an EXTREMELY RARE 2 stroke motorcycle that was not available in the US due to EPA regulations. This bike was originally a Japanese Domestic bike that was imported to the US and has a clean Florida title. This bike was ahead of it's time in both technology & appearance. This is essentially early 90's race technology. This is a NO RESERVE Auction and the bike will go to the winning bidder!

Mileage is 11747km which equates to 7129 miles

Recent service includes:
- Brake Fluid Flush (front & rear)
- Coolant Flush
- New Yamaha OEM petcock
- New UNI filter
- New Battery
- New Rectifier

Bike runs, but carbs were not yet cleaned/tuned. The bike has 2 small dings in the tank, which could be fixed by paintless dent repair, and a crack in the plastic. See pics. Bike has some minor oxidation here and there from being in Japan.

Bike will need tires. I do have a new set of Dunlop Sportmax tires I was going to install, if I kept it. I didn't mount them, because people are usually very picky about their tires. The winning bidder has the option to add the tires in for the price I paid for them, if they choose, but they DO NOT come with the listing.

Why am I selling? I just bought a few of these Japanese imports & chose to keep a Honda NSR instead. What can I say? I'm a Honda Guy... I prefer to Ride Red.

Please keep in mind, I have this motorcycle for sale locally, so reserve the right to end the auction at any time, for any reason. If you would like to personally inspect, please feel free to make arrangements.

Though it most likely needs the carbs looked at, it's wearing a host of new parts and looks like it was pretty well kept in its previous life. It's listed on a no-reserve auction, with a starting bid just below $7,000.

Honda January 6, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Terra Racing Replica: 1989 Honda NSR250R SP for Sale

When you mention "race replicas" the phrase tends to conjure up images of lurid colors and graphics freed from any need for subtlety or adherence to an aesthetically-pleasing color palette. Or is that just me? Maybe just me. Anyway, as much as I personally don't tend to be a huge fan of them, there are obviously exceptions: I love the Rothmans and Repsol designs, in spite of their unsubtle styles, and MV's Reparto Corse graphics are pretty cool as well. Of course, the vivid colors and striking graphics obviously serve an important purpose: to help draw attention to what are essentially rolling billboards for the sponsors who pay big money to have their names and logos slapped on these speedy machines. This Honda NSR250R SP Terra Racing Replica is surprisingly subtle, however.

The NSR250R was Honda's standard bearer in the two-stroke sportbike class that was hotly contested pretty much everywhere but the US, where vast distances, straight roads, emissions legislation, and licensing requirements [or lack thereof] meant that the class is virtually unknown to the mainstream biking community these days. The original MC16 version introduced in 1987 set the tone for the series, with a 90° v-twin, alloy twin-spar frame, RC powervalve, PGM electronic ignition, and giant-killing performance.

Of course, competition from Suzuki, Yamaha, and later Kawasaki were pretty killy as well, and the intense competition saw the bike quickly evolve into the MC18 in 1988 and the MC21 in late 1989, followed by the final MC28 that came along in 1993. This appears to be a late MC18 R6K, the middle-child version of the bike, since it lacks the larger headlight and distinctive "gull-arm" swingarm of the MC21, and the SP denotes the "Sport Production" version that came with a trick dry clutch and Magtek magnesium wheels, along with fully-adjustable suspension.

Power from the 249cc engine would have been rated at 45hp for Japanese-market bikes, but bikes intended for foreign markets and de-restricted versions can make much more. Even in restricted form, the NSR is pretty quick, with less than 320lbs wet to push around, although two-strokes require quite a bit of work to extract the available performance. If you're interested, top speed is around 130mph, but that's not the point of the bike. Find a tight racetrack or a set of canyon curves that would tie even a modern literbike in knots, make sure you eat a light breakfast to save a couple pounds, and spend a Sunday morning worshiping at the Temple of Lean.

From the original eBay listing: 1989 Honda NSR250R SP Terra Racing Replica for Sale

Up for your consideration is a 1989 Honda NSR250 SP TERRA RACING. This bike is all original minus the full Jha exhaust system, and stainless steel brake lines. From the factory the bike is equipped with a HRC dry clutch, magnesium wheels, and a fully adjustable suspension. The bike sounds amazing and starts first kick every time. The bike has been fully deregulated and runs absolutely great and is extremely quick despite the cc size. All fluids have recently been serviced as well as two new spark plugs. Please view all images as this is a 30-year-old original bike with minor imperfections.The bike was legally imported into the United States and I do have a clean and clear Arizona title as well as a full set of aftermarket stock plastics still in the bubble wrap. I do encourage all bidders to please come and view the bike in person, or send someone on your behalf to inspect and view the bike. Please don’t hesitate to email for more information as well as pictures videos of the bike running if needed.

Bidding is currently up to $5,900 with the reserve not met and very little time left on the auction. There are some minor chips in the decals and paint, and some aftermarket farkles like the steering damper, brake lines, and the front brake rotor buttons are obviously not original and are of questionable taste, but simple enough to change or remove. Although they are surprising, considering the claimed [and indicated] miles. Regardless, it is a clean-looking bike and worth a look if the reserve is set at a reasonable point.

-tad