Posts by tag: Grey Market

Featured Listing 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.

Featured Listings: Pair of 1994 Suzuki RGV250R VJ22 Lucky Strikes

Honda February 15, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Honda Week Continues: 1988 Honda NSR250R for Sale

Oh god, I can only imagine the backlash in the comments as our unofficial Honda Week rolls on! Today, we’ve got a clean MC18 version of the NSR250R, Honda’s little two-stroke sportbike that took the fight to the Suzuki Gamma, Yamaha TZR, and Kawasaki KR-1. And like those bikes, it was a technological powerhouse, squeezing maximum power from the tiny engine. Introduced in 1987, these never officially made it to our shores, but are now old enough that they can be legally imported and registered in most states.

The original NSR250R MC16 was followed by the MC18 seen here in 1988. It was powered by a compact, lightweight, crankcase-inducted 249cc 90° v-twin that used Nikasil-plated cylinders for a slightly undersquare 54 x 54.5mm bore and stroke. An early version of Honda’s PGM electronic ignition and their electronic RC or “Revolutionary Controlled” powervalve gave a more flexible spread of power, and a six-speed cassette-style gearbox put power to the 18″ rear wheel that was matched to a 17″ front.

From the original eBay listing: 1988 Honda NSR250R for Sale

For sale is a 1989 Honda NSR 250 two-stroke motorcycle with rare hard to find CA title and registration for street use. The bike was just serviced so it is in running condition with everything working, it has been owned by its last owner for over 18 years. It is in good shape for its age but it is not perfect. If you have any questions feel free to send me a email.

The odometer shows 17,590km, which means the bike has a little less than 11,000 miles on it. No problem if the bike has been properly maintained, and it has that all-important California title that should make a trip to the DMV somewhat less painful if you want to register it here… Probably. The MC18 is less desirable than the later MC21, let alone the MC28, but it’s still an NSR250R and should go for a good bit less: bidding is up to $3,856.00 with several days left on the auction.

-tad

Honda Week Continues: 1988 Honda NSR250R for Sale

Honda February 12, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Little Brother: 1989 Honda VFR400R NC30 for Sale

If you haven’t seen Honda’s legendary RC30 in person, it’s easy to mistake the smaller, 400cc VFR400R NC30 for that iconic homologation machine. The smaller headlights of the more widely produced NC30 give the game away, although it shares very similar looks, like an RC30 that was put in the dryer on high heat for a little too long. Most importantly, it retains the distinctive single-sided Pro-Arm swingarm that looks trick and simplifies rear-wheel changes under racing conditions.

Both bikes share the same engine V4 engine configuration, with gear-driven overhead cams and the same 360° “big bang” crankshaft that improves traction at the rear wheel. The NC30 is physically smaller than its bigger sibling, but is also significantly lighter at about 400lbs wet, compared to nearly 490lbs for the RC30. That means that the NC30’s 60hp or so can still move the bike along smartly, and the bike is famous for its agile handling.

The non-standard muffler of this example does feature a cool carbon-kevlar weave pattern that looks pretty evocatively 80s, but also betrays a bit of grindage on the leading corner of the can itself, and on the bend of the pipe as it snakes around the rear wheel. Extremely exuberant cornering, or evidence of a minor low-side crash? It’s hard to tell from the pics, but it doesn’t look like there’s any other damage to the frame, fairing lower, or brackets to indicate what’s gone on here. There’s also a bit of corrosion on the front fork lowers, but that’s to be expected on a bike that’s spent most of its life in a salty, humid environment.

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

Rare bike from Japan! VFR400R NC30

VIN: NC30-1007049

Year: 1989

Mileage: 4,500km (2,795 miles)

Condition: There’s tiny scratch, tiny crack on cowling. There’s broken a little bit at back side of right side cowling.

But still looks VERY GOOD condition, Original paint. Muffler is aftermarket product.

Of course, running very well. There is no American title. But Japanese registration, bill of sale and import documents are included.

We have more detail of pictures and movie for this bike. Please contact me feel free if you interested. This bike is currently stored in Florida, so there is no hassle to import in the United States. After a successful bid, go to Orlando, Florida to pick up and arrange a delivery. Please note that shipping fee will be charged separately.

This is newly-imported, and stashed in Florida, the very epitome of a permissive DMV. It just needs an enterprising new owner to brave the bureaucratic nightmare of their local DMV and give this sharp little bike a new home. I prefer the more common red/white/blue colors, but the miles are extremely low and the bike looks very clean, minor rash on the exhaust aside.

-tad

Little Brother: 1989 Honda VFR400R NC30 for Sale

Suzuki February 10, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Clean Collectible: 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750 Limited Edition for Sale

The original Suzuki GSX-R750 that was introduced in 1985 may have been a “race bike for the road” in theory, and it certainly gave privateers an excellent foundation on which to build a pretty competitive machine. But there are always areas where compromises are made for production efficiencies, so there’s always room for improvement when sharpening a motorcycle to a razor’s edge for competition. This GSX-R750 Limited Edition was created to help remedy some shortcomings the original machine had, and homologate completed machines incorporating those changes for production racing classes.

The original package was pretty potent to begin with: suspended in a cradle-type frame, the GSX-R’s inline four had twin cams and four valves per cylinder, good for about 80hp at the rear wheel. Weight was saved using Suzuki’s Advanced Cooling System that eliminated water-cooling in favor of a high-capacity oil system that included a double-chambered pump and jets directed at the underside of the pistons. SACS proved pretty effective, and the system remained in place for the first two generations of Suzuki’s cutting-edge sportbike.

The Limited Edition homologation version of the bike included a vented dry clutch that made them a popular target for thieves at the time, along with a solo seat, longer swingarm, and electronic anti-dive forks from the bigger GSX-R1100, all for a price that made it the most expensive Japanese sportbike available at the time.

This Japanese-market bike features a distinctive red-and-grey color scheme that looks terrific and appears to be in very stock condition, down to the original rear fender and exhaust that looks much less “vintage,” with a blacked-out heat shield that downplays its bulky, 80s style.

From the original eBay listing: 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750 Limited Edition for Sale

INTRODUCTION:::

You are bidding on a 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750 Limited Edition (in Japanese Domestic Model Specification and original factory color scheme) Suzuki produced the GSX-R750 Limited Edition in red Yoshimura colors only in Japan to celebrate the success of the Yoshimura racing team in the Japanese racing class. According to the January 2017 edition of Pratical Sportbike UK magazine only 150 units were produced by Suzuki in the special Yoshimura red colors… Suzuki only produced 500 units world wide of the GSX-R750 Limited Edition, homologation rules required a certain number of models to be produced by the manufacture in order to qualify for endurance and superbike racing. The Limited Edition models were equipped with many race oriented parts most notably the dry clutch system. Also below this description I have listed all of the special features the limited edition models were equipped with. This particular GSX-R750 limited edition is in all original factory condition, and has 11,235 kilometers (6,981miles). But please feel free to read more about the specifics of this bike and look at the pictures for verification. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. U.S. and International bidders are welcome to bid on this motorcycle but must arrange shipping themselves…

CONDITION:::

All of the body panels are in excellent condition, there are no cracks or major nicks anywhere. The paint is in very good condition and shines very nicely. The original Suzuki exhaust is in excellent condition with no scratches or dents anywhere, the wheels are also in excellent condition with good paint and no major chips anywhere. Basically the motorcycle is a 9 out of 10 cosmetically. Mechanically the bike runs and rides perfect. All of the electrical components work as they should; lights, blinkers, horn, speedo, tach, fuel gauge, all work properly. The bike just had a full service tune up, all fluids were changed, and mechanically everything was inspected and replaced if necessary with original Suzuki parts.

LIMITED EDITION FEATURES:::

The Japanese spec GSX-R750 limited comes with a few extra features that the USA spec limited models did not have: flat slide carburetors, all black ray gun exhaust, fuel gauge, city lights, headlight kill switch, deletion of side reflectors, tinted turn signals… The following parts are unique to GSX-R750 limited models world wide; dry clutch basket, aluminum body rear shock with remote reservoir, wider rear wheel, larger 41mm front forks, NEAS electronic anti-dive system, lightened counter shaft cover, wider handlebar, steering damper, solo rear seat cowl and seat, plexiglass headlight cover, quick release fairing screws, swing arm drop outs for stand, triple tree with milled pattern, larger 310mm fully floating disc brakes.

CONCLUSION:::

This is a great opportunity to buy a rare, all original Suzuki GSX-R750 Limited Edition. International buyers please keep in mind that there are some small variations in original parts in different countries; this GSX-R750 limited edition is a Japan market original specifications edition. If you need any additional pictures or have any additional questions please feel free to email us. Domestic & international buyers are welcome to bid but have to arrange the shipping themselves; however we will be glad to help with any loading of the motorcycle. We have assisted in shipping motorcycles overseas for other customers in the past. Please feel free to bid as long as you make the shipping arrangements.

Interesting that the seller mentions the tinted directional lenses: at first I assumed they were non-stock, but they appear to be exclusive to the Japanese-market bikes. This thing is pretty frighteningly clean, and the high-quality photos should give anoraks plenty of information about the bike’s originality. Honestly, the paint on the brake calipers and anti-dive system looks brand new, so I wonder if it’s been restored, or just sealed in a vacuum, since even the low 6,981 miles should see at least a bit of wear-and-tear. Regardless, it’s a very nice example with plenty of time left on the auction.

-tad

Clean Collectible: 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750 Limited Edition for Sale

Aprilia January 4, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 2009 Aprilia RS125 Jorge Lorenzo Edition

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
Contact Matt: matthewsumma@hotmail.com or cell/text 816-914-0516.

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

Cagiva December 21, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Pint-Sized Oddball Exotic: 1986 Cagiva Aletta Oro S2 for Sale

When you see “Oro” in a motorcycle name these days, it immediately conjures images of low-production, high-spec exotics like the MV Agusta F4 750 Serie Oro. This little smoker was really anything but “limited-production” or “high-spec,” and Aletta Oro translates to “golden wing.” Of course, it’s obvious that it has nothing in common with Honda’s famous luxury touring mount, other than it being a motorcycle. Instead, the Cagiva Aletta Oro S2 was intended as a classy, entry-level bike with limited performance and plenty of style.

As you’d expect from an entry-level European machine, the Aletta Oro was powered by a motocross-derived, liquid-cooled 125cc two-stroke, with automatic oil injection to keep the little motor happily smoking. A six-speed gearbox helped newbie riders keep the engine in the meat of it’s meager powerband and make the most of the claimed 23.6hp. Thanks to a 277lb claimed dry weight, the little Cagiva could keep pace with its contemporaries in a straight line and the bike was a nimble handler, although ultimately limited by the budget suspension components.

Styling is very, very 1980s with pearl white bodywork and a red frame. Fuel goes in the normal place at the top of the tank, but the right-side fairing features what looks like a fuel door that hides the radiator cap. The dash is pretty comprehensive, although not shown here, with an absolutely huge tachometer front-and-center, temp gauge, and a digital fuel gauge, as well as the usual speedometer and row of idiot lights.

From the original eBay listing: 1986 Cagiva Aletta Oro S2 for Sale

I purchased this bike off of original owner in about 2017 and installed a brand new Polini 162cc cylinder at my shop in New Hampshire. This is a stock bike otherwise originally 125cc 6 speed liquid cooled 2 stroke auto mix. Dash works and headlight/taillight work. Turn signals are cracked a little and have been repaired once (very poor design). I have personally taken this bike apart and ridden all over NYC this past summer and fall. Bike does a healthy 75+mph and shifts through all gears. Starts 1 kick and sounds very healthy. Can provide videos and additional photos upon request.

CLEAN STREET TITLE AND REGISTERED IN MY NAME. CURRENTLY BEING USED ON ROAD ONCE A MONTH OR SO.

Please keep in mind this is a very rare all original bike and there are almost none of these in the USA. this is not a showpiece but a running riding bike perfect for inner city domination or to hop on the highway for short trips here and there.

I can also deliver up to 350 miles of NYC for Gas/tolls/fee discussed. Thanks.

The bidding is currently up to $2,000 with a couple days left on the auction. I highly doubt these will be worth much anytime soon, but you can’t beat a weird 80s Cagiva for novelty value. And, unlike a Motocompo or Monkey, it’s a thoroughly usable novelty, one that could make a great commuter or city bike, as the seller mentions. The biggest issue would likely be bodywork, although I’d expect you should be able to find plenty of used parts, if you’re willing to look online and trust shippers outside the US. This one isn’t pristine, but when will you have another opportunity to pick up something this rare for so little?

-tad

Pint-Sized Oddball Exotic: 1986 Cagiva Aletta Oro S2 for Sale

Suzuki October 29, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Tastefully Modified Smoker: 1993 Suzuki RGV250Γ VJ22 for Sale

Two-stroke sportbikes of the late 1980s and early 1990s followed a very similar format: aluminum beam frame, full fairing, racy ergonomics, and a small two-stroke powerplants packing cutting-edge technology and serious power per cubic inch. But the formula wasn’t really the result of a lack of imagination, it was convergent evolution: the class was ruthlessly competitive, and every component of bikes like the Suzuki RGV250Γ was maximized for performance and minimal weight.

Early on, the quarter-liter two-stroke class saw a variety of configurations: longitudinal and transverse parallel-twins, v-twins… But as time went on, Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki all moved to a v-twin. The original RG250 used a parallel-twin, but by the time of the RGV, the engine was a liquid-cooled, 90° two-stroke v-twin that displaced 249cc, along with a six-speed gearbox, a package that was also used to motivate Aprilia’s RS250.

Naturally, all of the bikes in the class used some form of expansion chamber to help increase the peaky little two-stroke’s flexibility. In the case of the Suzuki, it was their SAPC or “Suzuki Advanced Power Control,” an electronically-controlled power valve and ignition-timing system. An asymmetrical swingarm with a pronounced curve on the right side allowed for the bulging expansion chambers on that side, and the second generation VJ22 version of the RGV250 used 17″ wheels at both ends, meaning you should be able to find good, modern rubber to shoe your whippy little sportbike.

The SAPC graphics and bodywork are very 90s, but upper fairing on this example isn’t stock: normally, the VJ22 has a large, trapezoidal unit in the center of the bike, as opposed to the more cat-eyed style, asymmetrical design seen here. It’s probably meant to evoke an endurance-racing machine of the era, since they often swapped the stock twin-lamp setups for single lights.

From the original eBay listing: 1993 Suzuki RGV250 VJ22 for Sale

1993 Suzuki RGV250 custom with only 10,816 kilometers (6,720 miles). This RGV is gorgeous! Bike is in excellent condition with just a few scratches and blemishes you would expect to find on a used bike. There is a small rub mark on the left side frame down by the foot shift lever and scratches on the right side lower fairing towards the bottom. However there are no cracks in the fairings and no dents in the tank. Bike is really clean and has great curb appeal. All fairings are 100% genuine Suzuki factory OEM except for the custom upper cowling. I don’t normally buy custom bikes but this one is special. The custom single headlight look with the wide front fairing looks awesome! The previous owner changed the rear sprocket 4 teeth down for a higher top speed and added a Sugaya full exhaust system for a few more ponies and awesome racing sound. Original OEM sprocket and OEM exhaust chambers and silencers come with the bike so you can go back to stock if you like. The color looks black indoors but the true color comes out when you take the bike out into the sunlight. It is actually blue metallic and the paint really comes alive outside in the sun. Pictures don’t do it justice. Bike runs excellent and will arrive with new fluids. Bike comes with a Utah state title and is titled as a street bike for road use. $200 deposit due immediately after sale ends thru PayPal. Remaining balance due within 5 business days by bank wire, cash or check. Please text 801-358-6537 for more pictures or questions.

We’ve featured bikes from this seller’s collection in the past and, as a group, they’ve been very nicely preserved examples of various rare Japanese sportbikes, and there’s no reason to expect this would be an exception. Purists might give the aftermarket headlight setup and exhaust the side-eye, but they’re pretty cool updates to what is, in most markets, a pretty commonly available machine. And the bike is priced well, with a $6,750 Buy It Now price!

-tad

Tastefully Modified Smoker: 1993 Suzuki RGV250Γ VJ22 for Sale

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