Posts by tag: Japanese

Featured Listing August 3, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1988 Honda Hawk NT650

It’s a shame the 1988 Honda Hawk NT650 didn’t see more than a three-year production run in this country, because they’re really incredible machines. Packing just a 60-horsepower 650cc v-twin, on paper they don’t make a big impression, but lift your eyes off the spec sheet and the little ripper might draw you up short. Designated RC31 from the factory, they claim the VFR lineage of the venerated RC30, RC45 and VFR750. That means they were bedecked with top-shelf parts from Honda, including a single-sided swingarm that outclasses their humble power figures.

With a torquey power delivery and a wet weight under 420 pounds, Hawks have gained a cult following as one of Honda’s hidden gems. Think Suzuki SV650 in its Sunday best. Speaking of the SV, the Hawk beat the Zook and the Massimo Tamburini-penned Ducati Monster to the market by a few years, which may have been its downfall. Who knows what might have passed had it launched just a little later.

This example is resplendent in Navy blue, and has clearly been babied over its life. Blemishes are limited to a cracked rear fairing; the rest of the machine presents really well. It has been treated to a rare Two Brothers exhaust system, tail tidy and some bar-end mirrors, but comes with most of the stock parts except exhaust.

From the seller:

This Hawk GT is in excellent condition for its age. Starts, runs, and rides great. Paint and bodywork are very good, except for a 1″ crack on one side of the seat cowl (pictured), and a 1.5″ scuff on the other side. The bike has never been down or dropped. Still has the original owner’s manual and tool kit. Currently the bike has an aftermarket tail tidy, turn signals, and bar end mirrors (removed stock parts also included). A full Two-Brothers exhaust is installed; sounds great. I’ve read this particular exhaust is no longer made and is sought-after.

I rebuilt the forks last winter using CBR 600F2 internals – great upgrade that also adds adjustable preload and compression damping. I also replaced the air filter (OEM Honda), spark plugs (NGK Iridium), and changed the brake fluid (Honda DOT4).

The tires have plenty of tread on them, although they are getting old – the rear tire has a 2003 date code (Dunlop Sportmax D208), front is 2013 (Dunlop Sportmax D207F).

The Hawk no longer has its center stand, but I will include a Pit Bull rear stand.

Thanks for looking and please let me know if you have any questions.

The seller can be contacted through the Cycle Trader listing. At $3,900, this little beast promises to leave a small enough dent in your bank account to leave enough to replace the aged tires. After that, you’re ready to welcome the fall riding season with open arms.

Featured Listing June 25, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1979 Yamaha RD400F Daytona Special

Update 6.25.2020: 32 new images added to the gallery below and price reduced to $6,995 USD. Good luck to buyers and seller! -dc

Before race bikes had to have fairings, custom suspension, and forged rearsets, they looked a lot like streetbikes with number plates, and the 1979 Yamaha RD400F Daytona was among the best. Lighter by half than most of the 750cc and 1,000cc superbikes of the time, the RD could run inside outside and around just about any of its peers. Usually, that means you sacrifice something in acceleration or top speed, but the RD’s parallel-twin 400cc two-stroke mill damn near made up for that.

With ~43 horsepower to push around just 365 pounds, the little RDs were darlings on the street, too. Their modern equivalent is probably something like the Yamaha FZ07, practical, lithe, fast enough to scare you and still accessible enough for a commuter.

This 1979 RD400F Daytona is a beautiful example of the brand, in the classic red/white/gold livery. It’s not perfect, but it isn’t that far off. It’s easily nice enough to put on a stand in your basement and stare at, but I wouldn’t be scared to take it out for a few nice weekend rides, either.

From the seller:

Canadian model 1979 RD400 F Daytona Special sold for only 1 year.
Bike is all original stock.
Low 8100 Miles.
Starts, runs and rides amazing for a 40 year old bike, no issues.
Numbers matching. Low number #403
Matching locks for all 3 – tank, ignition, and seat.
Rust free gas tank, no liner, truly in great shape inside.
Bodywork and paint in very nice shape,
Side covers in great shape very clean no brakes.
All electrical working and no cuts or repairs to wiring loom.
All chrome in great shape including the forks are clean no pits or rust, and gas cap.
Has tool OEM kit.
Things to note the Canadian model received a different crank, electronic ignition, as well as separate carbs similar to the earlier model (that doesn’t have the goofy carb tops and rubber accordion boots that came with the mechanical synchronizing system. Other changes from US model is the exhaust pipes, and have larger diameter for the header and inlet to the exhaust cigar pipes. The Canadian exhaust system also don’t have the butterfly valve.
Huge list of work done including,
Full tune up,
Carburetors just meticulously overhauled.
All work done by red seal mechanic.
140 PSI compression left and right cylinders. Can’t get better than that!!
Many fresh 0km OEM parts.
New air filter.
New spark plugs.
New neutral switch seal.
New shift shaft seal.
New clutch push rod seal.
New seat cover.
New fuel tank rear mounting rubbers.
Petcock rebuilt with new parts.
New exhaust pipe rubber joint gasket.
New black rubber fuel lines.
Fresh Motul trans oil.
Rear brake caliper rebuilt
Fresh brake pads, front and rear.
Bike roles very freely when brakes release.
1 season old battery.
Low km chain and sprockets.
Low km tires.
Probably more just can’t think of it at the moment. many months of love, sweet and work has gone into freshening up this nice original Daytona Special
I would rate this bike as a solid 8.5 out of 10.
Small deficiencies;
1 handle bar mounting bolt is not a match.
Black paint on wheels is starting to fade. comes back nice and black with a little mag product and work.
Front brake is a bit spongy from 40 year old rubber line, looks great, no cracks or splits just flexes more than I like. Yes I’m that picky.
Small marks on fuel tank.
Headlight ears have the dreaded RD400 creases.
Scratches and small weld repair on right exhaust pipe near passenger peg.
Tail fairing underside around mounting bolts has a small piece missing, can not be seen from outside.

Asking price is ~~$7,500~~$6,995 US
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Contact Eric: ericheemskerk31@hotmail.com or by phone 604 837 2967

This one is a Canadian model, which means it’s a little harder edged than the versions we got in the U.S. At ~~$7,500~~ $6,995, it’s not exactly a bargain basement collector’s piece, but it’s definitely one you should want to own.

Featured Listing: 1979 Yamaha RD400F Daytona Special

Suzuki June 2, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 2,600-mile 1999 Suzuki TL1000R

Update 6.20.2020: This bike has SOLD to an RSBFS reader! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Back in 1999, the Suzuki TL1000R was full of promise as a Ducati and Honda-fighting superbike weapon. With a new, 135-horsepower v-twin mill, compact dimensions and innovative suspension to keep packaging tight around the big mill. Alas, the TL didn’t live up to Suzuki’s hopes on superbike grids around the world, but it became a cult classic beloved for its torque, unique looks and relative quirkiness.

You won’t see many nice TLs kicking around the local Craigslist, as those who have nice ones tend to hang onto them. Consider this one the exception. A second-year example in the simplest, cleanest yellow livery, it is spotless and ready to ride. It might not carry the pedigree that the Honda RC-51 earned under the likes of Colin Edwards and Joey Dunlop, but that shouldn’t be a detraction, and it will always draw a crowd at the local bike night.

From the seller:

1999 Suzuki TL1000R

2600 miles, just serviced at MSP Cycle in Atlanta.

I’m the second owner and bought the bike in 2012. Everything is stock except the Yoshimura pipes.

Never dropped or abused and runs perfect. The bike is located at my office in Doraville, Georgia. Can be seen anytime and I am happy to assist with inspection or shipping.

$6,900

The Yoshimura pipes are an awesome addition that will fully unleash the v-twin’s signature snarl. With everything else as it left the factory and so few miles, this TL is the perfect candidate for a periodic weekend mount and conversation starter.

Featured Listing: 2,600-mile 1999 Suzuki TL1000R

Yamaha May 18, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1987 Yamaha FZR400 in Arizona

Update 7.6.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

This gorgeous little JDM ripper is an RSBFS alum, listed here in late 2017 by our buddy Gary out in Utah. Today, it makes a triumphant return, this time in Arizona and bearing its correct model year. Japanese market 1WG models are rare as hen’s teeth as it is, and this one ups the ante with its unobtanium blue bodywork and stellar condition. Gary has always been a fastidious and particular collector, and the current seller clearly carried on that proud tradition.

The Yamaha FZR400 is a gem of a motorcycle in any guise, with a rev-happy water-cooled four banger pushing around a gorgeous aluminum frame. Club racers loved these things when they were new, and you can still catch them tearing up AHRMA grids today. As with any welterweight ripper, they require handfuls of throttle and reward bravery and momentum with millimeter-precise handling.

The bike appears to have been treated to new tires in the current owner’s care, and he has added just shy of 1,000 kilometers. It remains in incredible condition.

From the seller:

1987 Yamaha FZR 400 1WG , approx 10,399 KM or 6,461 Miles. I take it out at least once a week in AZ. Rare blue JDM bike, Very clean, Japanese tank sticker, Excellent running condition, Excellent overall condition, Everything works like new, New Tires, Previous owner’s recent refresh includes: replaced front master cylinder with new OEM, Engine covers (caps) replaced with new OEM, New fuel petcock, New fork seals, New battery and fluids. All fairings, exhaust, and components not mentioned are 100% factory Yamaha original parts. No rust in tank. No paint touch-ups. Very minor normal light wear. Some corrosion on top of motor. Clean AZ title. $7600

The bike is also listed here on Craigslist, where seller Chris’s contact info can be found. In these trying times, we can’t think of a more entertaining way to practice physical distancing.

Featured Listing: 1987 Yamaha FZR400 in Arizona

Suzuki March 30, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1999 Suzuki TL-1000R

Update 7.7.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

It was supposed to be a World Superbike-dominating Ducati killer. That never came to pass for the 1999 Suzuki TL1000R, but the bike’s sweet engine gained it a huge cult following. With a few choice modifications, TLs can be fantastic weekend mounts, and have an extra edge of panache that Gixxers lack.

1999 Suzuki TL1000R for sale on eBay

This 1999 Suzuki TL1000R comes from a fastidious mechanic whose CV includes stints for Roland Sands and Kevin Schwantz. The list of modifications is long and impressive, and includes a Yamaha R1 front suspension and brake setup, as well as a Bitubo shock to replace the weird stock rotary damper. It also sports a new-used engine with just 6,000 miles on it.

That last point is an important one, as this TL shows a scarcely believable 118,000 miles on the clock. That figure points to the stoutness of Suzuki’s stock bits, but must have been backbreaking for the big bike’s owner.

From the eBay listing:

1999 TL1000R.

I am the second owner.

Fresh light restoration TLR. I’ve built bikes for Roland Sands, and suzuki racebikes for Kevin Schwantz, so this one is done RIGHT.

Dash and title show 118k miles. BUT:

Every nut and bolt on this bike has been touched and cleaned, replaced, or refurbished. Sure, I could have replaced the gauges with some low mile unit and misrepresented, but I feel like being honest here shows how well this bike has been cared for even before I got it and cleaned it up.

Complete R1 wheel, brake, and fork/triple swap. Forks are freshly rebuild with upgraded springs and top of the line seals and fluid. Lower offset on the R1 triples makes this bike feel 100 lighter than standard.

Ohlins steering damper

Woodcraft clipons

Brand new Bitubo aftermarket shock. (It’s eyetalian)

Brand new wheel bearings in the wheels, and all balls steering head bearings.

New swingarm bearings.

New (used) complete engine with 6000 miles.

New M4 complete stainless exhaust with carbon cans.

Nice Michelin tires.

Braided brake lines

Fresh paint with new factory decals under the clear coat.

Zero gravity windscreen

New chain and sprockets

New Barnett clutch

New air filter

Power Commander

I know it’s a lot of money for a TL however, if a brand new showroom bike is a 10, and every abused, neglected TL on Craigslist is a 5, this one is a solid 8.75. It does show its age and mileage in a few areas buts it’s very very clean.

As he acknowledges, it’s a big ask for a 21-year-old Japanese sportbike, but they aren’t making more TLs, and this one is set up exactly as it should be for years of enjoyment. If you’re looking for an escape from the scourge that is COVID-19, what better way to isolate yourself than on a 130-horsepower v-twin superbike?

Suzuki 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 March 4, 2020 posted by Aaron

V4 Cruise Missile: 1993 Honda VFR750 Interceptor

The Honda VFR750 never fails to pop up in forum posts and old magazine articles seeking to name the best all-around motorcycle available. Inevitably, there’s some dentist from Portland who chimes in with 43 photos of his immaculate VFR and a long tale about how he’s put 175,000 miles on it from new and only ever changed the oil and tires. It’s a fact of Internet life, and it gets pretty old. But, if you spend any time at all around the bikes, you’ll discover that those Aerostitch-clad Boomers are on to something. These bikes are, quite simply, phenomenal.

1993 Honda VFR750 for sale on eBay

Of course, I am biased. A red ’97 model sits in my garage, and I sought it out after reading too many dentists telling me how awesome it was. They were right. The gear driven cams make a gorgeous whine on top of the small-block lope of the V4, the power is electric and the handling, while not exactly sprightly, is impressive for something so large and perfectly stable.

This 1993 Honda VFR750 appears to have been babied by one of the aforementioned healthcare professionals, and shows very nicely in white. The way the single-sided swingarm shows off that magnificently ’90s rear wheel is enough to give you visions of Joey Dunlop. With 15,000 original miles, a next to new set of tires and new spark plugs, battery and fuel filter, there is no reason this thing shouldn’t be down for a cross-country road trip tomorrow.

From the eBay listing:

Up for sale is my VERY clean VFR-750. Ultra low miles, adult owned and maintained. Never ridden in the rain, always garage kept on a battery tender when not riding. Has 480 miles on a new set of Michelin Pilots, new spark plugs, new fuel filter, battery is 1 year old, carbs were cleaned and sync’d, K & N air filter, gutted Yoshimura slip on muffler. Always washed after every ride, oil and filter changed every 1,000 miles using Honda oil and filter.

With a hollowed-out Yosh pipe, this thing will make your neighbors hate you, but how could they ever hate this bike?

V4 Cruise Missile: 1993 Honda VFR750 Interceptor

Honda February 27, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1990 Honda RC30

Update 3.5.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

The 1990 Honda RC30 was built specifically to win the World Superbike Championship for Honda, back in the glory days when racing meant almost as much to manufacturers as their retail operations did. People still came out in hordes to watch roadraces at tracks around the world, and the level of talent and daring were visceral in a way that the hyper-controlled environment today just cannot match. Somewhere there is video footage of Joey Dunlop changing a clutch on an RC30 laid on its side on a patch of grass.

The street legal RC30 homologation specials wed that spirit with the highest tech available to sportbikes at the time and created a legend. As a marketing exercise, they executed their mission far beyond expectations. The 118 horsepower seems pedestrian by today’s standards, but the feathery, torquey RC30 rewards focus in a way that modern machines can’t match.

This one, #58, had a fair number of miles put on by the first owner’s wife, before our pal Mark bought it, rode it enough to get the feel for it, then winterized it and put it on display in his house. As a result, it is in beautiful condition, with under 5,000 miles on the clock. It has a CBR600 front wheel to fit modern tires, but the original is included, along with the original rear. We’d keep those around for posterity, but there’s one choice if you’re actually going to ride it.

From the seller:

The bike is #58, which was previously on RSBFS years ago. Original owner put most of the miles on it, his wife rode around NorCal. All the documentation is there including original pink slip! The tires are the originals for display. There’s currently a CBR600 front wheel on it for the 3 1/2″ rubber. I wanted to try the legendary RC30 so I put new rubber on it and then rode it for 50 miles before it went into the basement. It really is a piece of rolling artwork, never really appreciated it until I rode it.

All gas was removed etc. Comes with original stand, in great condition as you would expect from something that’s lived in an air conditioned basement for the last few years. Photos are not great, happy to do a video call with any real buyer that wants to see specifics…..bodywork on or off. There’s nothing to hide, no stories with this one.

Price: $35,000.

The rarer these get, the more desirable and expensive they become. This one is one of the best we have seen, and it has been made ready to ride, display or do double duty. You can’t say fairer than that.