Posts tagged as “inline four”

Opposite of Boring – 1983 Suzuki GSX 1260 Katana

Published May 17, 2023 by Mike

A bit of an overbore? Heck yes! A bit boring? Never! The legendary Suzuki Katana from the early 1980s continues to defy description. Essentially a period GS model with funny bodywork, the Katana pushed Suzuki into a class of its own and anointed the Hamamatsu factory as King of the Hot Rods. Today’s RSBFS find is a 1983 Katana 1100 model that has had some very cool resto-mods and a few more cubic centimeters ADDED. The seller should be well known on these pages, as his bikes have been featured more than a few times. As always, this one is beautiful and well presented. If you lust after a Katana but don’t really want that vintage vibe, check this one out:

1983 Suzuki GSX 1260 Katana for sale on eBay

From the seller:
COMING OUT OF MY PERSONAL COLLECTION IS ONE OF MY LOW MILAGE 1983 SUZUKI KATANA 1100’s. SHE IS IN AMAZING RESTORED CONDITION AND HAS BEEN MY FAVORITE KATANA’s TO RIDE. YES LUCKY ME I HAVE A FEW OF THESE AMAZING PIECES OF HISTORY. THIS KATANA HAS BEEN PROFESSIONALLY BUILT TO RUN LIKE A MORE MODERN BIKE. SHE UNDERWENT A FRAME OFF FULL RESTORATION A FEW YEARS AGO AND IS STILL A SHOW WINNER. THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY STRIPED AND REPAINTED IN THE CORRECT SILVER AND THE WHEELS THE SAME. THE BODY WORK UNDERWENT THE SAME METICULOUS RESTORATION PROCESS. WITH ONLY A MINOR BLEMISH HERE OR THERE NOTHING TO EVEN POINT OUT. THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN UPGRADED TO LARGE OVER SIZED FRONT DISCS WITH DUAL PISTON CALIPERS AND SS BRAKE LINES. SHE HAS NEW MICHELIN PILOT ACTIV TYRES AND IS SPORTING OHLINS REAR SHOCKS. THE FRONT FORKES WE REBUILT AND THE ANTI DIVE WORKS PERFECTLY. THE ENGINE HAS 1200 MILES SINCE THE BUILD.

THE ENGINE HAS BEEN SET UP WITH JE 1260 CC PISTON KIT, MILD PORTING AND POLISHING OF THE HEAD, STREET CAMS, HD CLUTCH BASKET AND CLUTCH, UNDERCUT TRANSMISSION, AND A SET OF MIKUNI FLAT SLIDE CARBS WITH K&N PODS,, DYNA IGNITION WITH HIGH OUTPUT COILS AND A MSD MC1, A PERIOD CORRECT KERKER 4 INTO 1 HEADER THAT SOUNDS AWSOME.

THIS BIKE IS TUNED TO PERFECTION, SHE RUNS AS STONG AS ANY MODERN BUSA OR NINJA.

More from the seller:
I HAVE BEEN BUILDING, CUSTOMIZING, REPAIRING, RACING, AND COLLECTING UNIQUE BIKES SINCE GRADUATING FROM AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE INSTITUTE “AMI” IN 1980. I ONLY HAVE THE BEST BIKES IN MY COLLECTION. I WAS JUST AWARDED MOTOR CYCLE COLLECTOR OF THE YEAR AT THE BOCA RATON CONCOURS D’ ELEGANCE 2023. SO I GUESS I KNOW BIKES 🙂

THERE IS OVER $30,000 INVESTED INTO THE RESTORATION OF THIS BIKE SO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS DEAL. DON’T MISS OUT SHE WILL ONLY APPRECIATE UNLIKE YOUR WIFES HANDBAG AND SHOE COLLECTION AND THIS IS FUN TO RIDE!!!

The earliest generation Katanas continue to be hot property in the collector world. Part of the reason is that the bike is such a visceral standout from the UJM sport bike. Another factor is the nostalgic element, as many riders were not in a position to purchase one of these monsters back in the day (still in high school, not even born, etc), while that may be possible for some today. So if you fall into that category – and if you are not in the market for a zero mile, perfectly original OEM example – here is a fantastic opportunity to fulfill that dream. You could not build this for the price today. Check out all of the details on this hot rodded hot rod RIGHT HERE. Good luck, and make sure to tell them you found it on RSBFS!

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Big Green Monster – 1984 Rickman Kawasaki KZ1000J

Published April 27, 2023 by Mike

Listed as no longer available before we had a chance to post it, this relative bargain of a Rickman beauty went quickly! MI

Another day, another beautiful example of a British Bimota. If you missed out on the Rickman CR900 Kawi last week (or found it a bit too rich for your blood), today finds us with yet another unique Rickman opportunity. This time we are looking at a bare-frame build of a Kawasaki KZ1000, looking every inch the bad-ass Superbike that would have ruled the roost back in the day. This was about as good as internal combustion life got back before the technological arms race started up and left the dinosaurs behind. Until that happened, this 1984 Rickman-framed liter bike must have been near the top of the performance heap.

1984 Rickman Kawasaki KZ1000J for sale on eBay

From the seller:
1984 Rickman Kawasaki 1000. These were built by two brothers in England from the early 60s until the mid 80s.

These are super rare and each one is unique to the buyer. No two are alike. When you bought one you had a choice of different engines, forks, shocks and brakes. A very much one off bike.

The frames were made out of 531 Renolds tubing and then were nickel plated.

Its a little grumpy to start when its cold, because of the Mikuni 33 carbs on it.

Engine was rebuilt with new seals bearings and rings, everything was checked and put back together.

It has all the original racing parts. This is a very fast motorcycle!

Unlike the earlier CR build, this bike is looking downright affordable with a Buy It Now of only $8,000. While the naked bike look might not look as flash as the faired in CR, the performance is certainly there. This bike seems to offer a real hot rod experience with some top shelf components (for the day), and the Kawi lime green offers a slightly softer appearance than the dayglo green of the CR. This is a bike with some serious swagger, and would look at home in any garage, man cave, track day, coffee meet or canyon. It really won’t last long at this price, either. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

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There Are No Words: 2008 MV Agusta F4R 312

Published February 18, 2023 by Mike

Three One Two – simple little words in a strange order. Or you can read it as Three Twelve, Twelve minutes past Three PM, or something just slightly short of Pi. But for our RSBFS faithful, the 312 is meant to be KPH, or the American equivalent of 194 MPH. This was the highest spec, fastest MV Agusta available at the time, built as a limited edition model on the F41000R spec. The 312 offered nearly 10 HP more than the standard F4R, and the top speed was supposedly proven at the Nardo test track in Italy by a 3rd party publication.

2008 MV Agusta F4R 312 for sale on eBay

The 312 was officially labeled as a 2008 model. It took the F4R basics – including the new stiffer frame, monobloc radial brake calipers and Marzocchi forks – but utilized enhanced breathing through hotter cams and bigger valves to bump up the HP. Interestingly, the updated version of the F4 discarded the fabled Torque Shift System (TSS) that was much hyped on earlier models. As to where the concept of the 312 originated, it is likely that the world record attempt of a F41000R in 2006 spurred the factory effort, the former eking out a 299 KPH top speed at the famed Bonneville Salt Flats.

From the seller:
Tach doesn’t work

Speed, like time, is fleeting. By 2009 there was a new 312, this time in “RR” specification that was even more powerful. That, too, was replaced by the F4 1078 RR 312 Edizione Finale in 2010, all 30 units sold exclusively in Japan. There were also lots of new Limited Edition models added to the MV Agusta library of steeds. The 312 seemingly fell by the wayside, overshadowed by bikes named after people (Ago, Tamburini, CC, Senna, LH44, Claudio), colors (Oro, Nero), or other random nomenclature (Mamba, RR, Corse, Veltro, Frecce).

Today’s 312 is a bit of a mystery. Located in Texas with very limited information, what appears to be a dent on the left side top of the tank, some potential fairing mishap, lots of dust (nothing a squirt of the hose and 312 KPH couldn’t fix) and some 17,000 miles, this F4R derivation is being offered in the Buy It Now format. The price is set at $8k which seems fair money for a neo classic such as this model, although the seller does note that the tachometer is inoperable. You can check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

2 Responses.

Featured Listing in Portugal – 2002 Yoshimura Suzuki Tornado S-1

Published February 8, 2023 by Mike

Update 2.8.2023: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

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Bangers and Mash: 1977 MV Agusta 861 Magni

Published December 21, 2022 by Mike

The MV Agusta Sport 750 America is a special bike. Developed by the company of the Count as a road-going testbed to celebrate and enhance racing exploits, MV Agustas were well known as capable race bikes in the hands of such legends as Giacomo Agostini. And while the 750 America was developed to conquer that emerging market that was the United States, not all examples actually shipped stateside. Incredibly rare, the 750S America is a beautiful example of the quirky mix of performance, engineering and artwork that defines Italian motorcycle design. However this particular bike was ever more special than that, as it was delivered into the hands of Arturo Magni who worked his magic. That magic included a new frame, new suspension, a new driveline (exchanging the shaft drive for a lightweight chain setup) and a complete tear down and rebuild of the engine. While they were in there, they punched out the 750cc bores to 861, while massaging and breathing on everything else. The full Magni catalog applied to the MV Agusta Sport America 750 was one of the most exclusive, expensive and performance oriented bikes you could buy.

1977 MV Agusta Sport America 861 Magni for sale on eBay

From the seller:
1977 Used MV Agusta 750 861CC AMERICA, 861 MAGNI BUILD is offered to you for sale in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, finished in red & silver, this used 1977 Used MV Agusta 750 861CC AMERICA, 861 MAGNI BUILD is one of the many rare and coveted used bikes that used motorbike dealer The Bike Specialists, Sheffield, South Yorkshire have available for sale.

More from the seller:
Here we have for sale a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a piece of Italian engineering history. Built by the legendary Arturo Magni, a household name in motorcycle race engineers, we’re extremely proud to present the MV Agusta 861 Magni. Born in Milan in 1925 Magni’s career began at Gileras racing department in 1947, he was employed to assemble the Piero Remor deigned four-cylinder engine which went on to win the team six world championships. He first began work for MV in 1950 and later managed their racing department during MV Augstas ‘Golden Age’ who won no fewer than 75 world championships under Magni’s direction with riders including Hailwood and Agostini!

After retiring from Grand Prix in 1976 Magni and his sons set up a company producing performance parts for MV 750 Street bikes and began redesigning the 750 Sport and America range. Their bespoke kits enabled customers to be able to transform their road bikes into light weight sportier machines which increased capacity and performance. The most famous by far amongst aficionados was the 861 Magni.

More from the seller:
Our motorcycle is the ultimate example, it began life as a 750 America and was purchased in 2012 with the intent to recreate the original 861 Magni. With the expertise of Giovanni Magni and the original specifications set by Artuto work began to create this wonderful machine. The 750 America was disassembled before being re-built with a new frame designed by Magni himself, the inline-four-cylinder engine was rebuilt with new high-compression pistons, capacity was increased from 750cc to 861cc and new rear forks were fitted to support the Magni frame. Aesthetically the side panels, wheels, aluminium fuel tank and seat unit we’re all painted to exact original specification. The seat rubber and leather was replaced, Conti exhaust pipes fitted and the full fairing was added to create this stunning masterpiece.

Our 861 comes road registered and complete with the original 750 America parts including the frame and exhaust system as well as the owner’s manual, workshop manual and brochure. This machine features exemplary craftsmanship and would be the true jewel in the crown of any collection, please do not hesitate to contact us for further information, we can offer UK and worldwide delivery services.

In today’s market any vintage MV Agusta is in prime territory. These bikes are so visceral, the brand so storied and legendary that open spots in collections have a vacuum for one of the red & silver machines. And while this is likely true of most clean examples, a Magni build such as this goes over the top in terms of rarity. While the truism of collecting is to pick a stock example over a modified one, that rule changes when the modifications are so completely integrated into the bike and made by a handful of recognized icons; Magni certainly qualifies in the that category. Offered on eBay UK, this stunning example of twice-engineered Italian goodness is listed for £99,980. For US-based investors paying in greenbacks, that equates to approximately $121k at the current exchange rate. At that price not only do you get the bike as pictured, you also will receive many of the original, OEM parts such as the original frame (!). There are more pictures online that could not be shown in this post. You can check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

4 Responses.

What’s Old Is New – 1983 Kawasaki GPz550

Published December 12, 2022 by Mike

With apologies to RSBFS readers nearing, at, or possibly over the ripe age of this pristine GPz550 (did I cover everyone?), 40 years old in the sport bike business might as well be 80. And yet in the early 1980s (that’s right – depending on your musical preference it was the same era Ozzy bit the head off of a bat, Michael Jackson released Thriller, and Olivia Newton-John’s Physical hit #1) this mundane Kawasaki was as close to the pinnacle of middleweight performance madness as could be. Today there are few survivors that present this well. And despite Kawasaki’s attempt to produce more of these bikes than the competing examples from the other Big Four, this is a rightfully rare find today.

1983 Kawasaki GPz550 for sale on eBay

With DNA solidly rooted in the KZ550, Kawasaki breathed life into the air-cooled, two-valve mill with bumpier bump sticks and higher compression. New technology in the form of solid state ignition juiced up the spark, and Kawasaki added an oil cooler to help keep rising temps at bay. The net result was a respectable 57 HP. On the chassis side, the new bike was fitted with beefier, adjustable forks, and triple disk brakes were added all around (replacing the KZ’s single front disk and drum rear brake). The ’82 onward bikes enjoyed a new single-shock rear suspension. Signifying the sporting intent of the new model – now known as the GPz – a bikini fairing was fitted. And with that, Kawasaki invented an icon that would live on for generations.

From the seller:
1983 Kawasaki GPZ550. Very rare find in unmolested condition. Only non original parts are tires, battery and o ring chain. Fresh out of 18 year storage from original owner. Will come with original title filled out by original owner but not assigned. Video is available on YouTube under my username theoriginalmungaman. Starts and runs as new. This is a legitimate #2 bike. Could be displayed in a museum. You can text me for specific questions or photos. 774-246-9884. I have a shipper who is cheaper than anyone and will assist.

The seller has noted a start-up video of the bike, which is shown below:

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It is incredible to think that this (by today’s standards) humble bike could spark off such a fierce middleweight arms battle, but that is exactly what occurred. Honda upped the sport bike ante the same year with the VFR (initially a 750, then necked down to 500cc to create the mini-ceptor), and Yamaha and Suzuki followed suit. But lost in the intense battles for mid-sized supremacy were the machines themselves; time has not been kind to hand-me-down motorcycles, anything that was fast and cheap, or miles of black chrome (a key Kawasaki ingredient during this time period). Yet this one survived.

Today’s example is a 1983 model GPz550. It shows a tick over 12,000 miles on the odometer, but otherwise looks clean and original, right down to the dual exhaust pipes, bench seat, stickers and turn signals. Recently brought out of storage, this nicely aged beauty is looking for a new home. Check out all of the details here, and be sure and jump back to the comments and share your experiences with this model. Did you have one? Good Luck!!

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Featured Listing – 2014 BMW HP4 Competition Limited Edition

Published December 6, 2022 by Mike

BMW knew the writing was on the wall. The iconic boxer motor – more powerful and efficient than ever – had evolved from air cooled to air/oil cooled, the chassis was on the cutting edge of suspension with the Paralever and Telelever designs, and a successful promo campaign concluded with the Boxer Cup one-make race series. The wildly popular – and expensive – HP2 Sport took the boxer ideal to new heights (as did the stillborn MotoGP project with Nico Bakker). But if BMW wanted to go racing against other companies in the fierce battleground of WSBK and beyond, they needed something more. Enter 2009 and the mighty BMW S1000RR. This homologation machine was continually massaged and updated, including a rare, optional offering specifically for track days and racing – the Competition Package. Today’s 2014 BMW HP4 Competition is one fantastic example of that rare combo.

Featured Listing – 2014 BMW HP4 #5503

To call the S1000RR a successful racer is an understatement. WSBK involvement included riders such as Troy Coarser, Rueben Xaus, Leon Haslam and a win by Marco Melandri (BMW continues to compete in WSBK to this day with riders Scott Redding & Michael van der Mark). The S1000RR was also in MotoGP competition during the era of the CRT class, with Colin Edwards competing on a Suter chassis powered by the BMW engine. Legendary Michael Dunlop competed – and won – at the Isle of Man TT in two different classes on a S1000RR. To say that BMW introduced a competitive machine would be to state the obvious. And for mere mortals like the rest of us riders, the BMW S1000RR makes for a sublime street bike; there is lots of racing DNA built in, but amenities and assistance to keep commuters safe and happy. Win. Win. Win.

From the seller:
2014 BMW HP4 Limited edition bike number 5503. It has 3935 miles on it and in mint condition, all stock except rear fender delete.

The bike is a 2014 HP4 with the competition package, so it has real carbon fiber and aluminum forged wheels. I am the third owner and the bike has been serviced by the owners. Last owner installed a new rear tire on it and changed the oil. I have installed a new lithium battery. Bike runs like new and is in new condition as you can see from the pics. Bike is always stored indoors and has never been down or tipped over. Bike has never been ridden in the rain or the race track. It has a nice tank bag and you can charge your phone inside. The original owner hurt his back and sold it to his nephew, I purchased it from him. Most miles were put on the bike by the original owner, I purchased the bike with 3500 or so miles on it. I am selling because I have other sportbikes and I am planning to build a race car in the spring. Bike is located in Prescott AZ.

For more info, contact Jim Demonte (jimdemonte@gmail.com) 609-932-6898

Asking Price: $18,500

According to BMW, the Competition Package – known as ordering code 197 – included HP carbon engine spoiler and trim, HP folding clutch and brake levers, HP adjustable rider footrests, standard forged wheels finished in Racing Blue Metallic, decal kit and added approximately $4,500 to the MSRP. This was over and above the $20k+ cost of a new HP4 in 2014, which already included 193 HP, weighed in at 373 pounds (dry), offered race-tuned ABS braking with Brembo monoblock calipers, ride by wire throttle and an impressive array of tunable, electronic traction controls, Dynamic Dampening Control (DDC) to allow the suspension to automatically adjust to conditions, launch control, a “shift assist” feature to allow for full throttle, clutch-less upshifts as well as a slipper clutch for smooth downshifts at speed. The HP4 in any guise is a limited and impressive machine – the optional Competition Package takes that up a few notches further.

This beautiful 2014 BMW HP4 with Competition Package is located in Prescott Arizona. The seller is the 3rd owner, but all told this wicked machine has traversed fewer than 4,000 miles. The pictures tell the tale; crisp and clean with no hint of damage. The seller notes a rear fender delete is the only adjustment from stock. If you are in the market for one of the truly great bikes of the current century there are few offerings that combine the power, performance and civility of the BMW S1000RR. This rare HP4 with the optional Competition Package is priced at $18,500, and interested viewers can contact Jim for more information and details. Good Luck!!

The Tamburini Tango – 2005 MV Agusta F 4 1000 Tamburini

Published November 10, 2022 by Mike

When you are the designer of arguably the most iconic and beautiful motorcycle every made – the Ducati 916 – and after multiple iterations you decide to move on, what do you do next? Well, if you are Massimo Tamburini, you do it all again. This time celebrating the re-launch of the famed MV Agusta brand with a new take on the old icon, merging familiar and unique, to create the MV Agusta F4. And if you are fortunate enough to do it again – and do it right – you might just get a special edition of the bike named after you. Which is what the 2005 MV Agusta F4 1000 Tamburini is all about. Contrived by Claudio Castiglioni – the genius behind reviving the Ducati and MV Agusta businesses and founder of the Cagiva Research Center – the Tamburini was to be a limited edition (300 units) rolling artwork to honor his friend.

2005 MV Agusta F 4 1000 Tamburini for sale on eBay

The overall shape of the F4 was unchanged for the Tamburini, but the clothes were all made from carbon fiber cloth, left largely visible. This is another example of artwork and performance that show throughout the bike. The fuel-injection and DOHC radial valve heads help the F4 1000 churn out approximately 173 HP. This was aided by the Torque Shift System (first introduced on the Tamburini), which varied the intake trumpet length in order to maximize power across the rev range. This was Formula 1 level stuff, which along with the slippery shape of the F4 allowed the Tamburini to achieve a 190+ MPH top speed. Not that many of the only 300 were ridden in this fashion.

From the seller:
2005 MV Agusta F4 1000 Tamburini . If you are familiar with this model and Massimo Tamburini then you know how special this bike is.
300 units were produced and only 59 of them were imported to the U.S. With only around 170 miles this bike is one of the lowest mileage examples left.
21 pieces of carbon fiber on this bike including the fairings, front clip, rear tail section etc. Anodized aluminum wheels are super light. Super Cora tires for ultimate performance.
Freshly serviced and running great.

There are a few small blemishes that I noted in the photos.
Message or call for more info, pics, videos etc . 808-783-3221
I can assist with shipping.
Don’t be afraid to make offers.

The seller has included some videos of the bike in question, the first showing a cold start situation, and the second highlighting some of the referenced blemishes:

Today’s bike, while not cosmetically perfect, IS one of the few Tamburini models in existence. It is made slightly more rare as it is in the United States, meaning importation should not be an issue. Miles are super low – only 170 claimed. And as a bonus, this bike is located in beautiful Hawaii, which means checking it out in person is all the more pleasant. Pricing is set at $46,999, which is not much beyond what these went for new; if you could find one. The seller is open to questions and offers, so check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

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