Posts by tag: Japanese

Kawasaki January 23, 2020 posted by Aaron

Ride and cherish: 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR

The 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR is the ultimate expression of streetbike muscle from the era when racebikes actually were just tricked out street bikes with hot engine kits, big brakes and slicks. Without someone like Pops Yoshimura in your rolodex, you still weren’t gonna get close to Eddie Lawson’s horsepower numbers, but with a couple number plates and a decent imagination you wouldn’t be far off.

1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR for sale on eBay

The 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR was the company’s marketing play on Eddie’s 1981 and 1982 AMA Superbike championships aboard a very green KZ1000. With bodywork from the previous year’s GPz, a warmed up engine and the hallmark bright green and blue bodywork over gold wheels, the look was perfect. The bikes were always meant to be a little extra special, so they sold few of them and the ones that remain are blue-chip collector bikes.

This one is a Canada-spec machine, with no smog equipment and a kilometers per hour speedo. It shows some wear and tear from its 37 years, but it feels nitpicky to mention them. With just under 11,000 kilometers on the dial, this thing has a lot of cruise nights left in it.

From the eBay listing:

1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR (Canada / Europe spec) This model does not have engine head cover US emission valve as can be seen in photo. Speedometer in Kilometers. Very rare and hard to find period FOX race shocks. Bike is in very good condition with 6822 miles or 10979 Kilometers on the bike. 150PSI plus on all cylinder compression and valves adjusted. Repacked steering head bearings, new petcock seals, rebuilt front forks with seals and 20W fork oil. Good condition and painted side covers with decals and emblems as hard side cover grommets damaged the tabs on the side covers. Bike has new side cover grommets now. Owners manual and partial tool kit as can be seen in photo. Bike runs and have video of bike running . Shifts through all gears and no clutch issues. Brakes work as they should. All lights work. New Metzeler Sportec Klassik tires front and rear. New Yuasa battery.
Clear title in hand.

This bike is very clean and original, but not so gleaming that you’d feel bad about riding it, which we love. For someone out there, this bike is the perfect addition.

Ride and cherish: 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR

Honda January 15, 2020 posted by Aaron

Pre-Tobacco Lawsuit: 1992 Honda NSR250 SP Rothmans

There’s something nicely poetic about a cigarette company springing for the racing efforts of some of the smokiest, dirtiest little rippers to ever grace the grand prix stage. It hearkens back to the devil-may-care days before airbag suits or adequate runoff, and celebrates a certain cavalierness that precious few subscribe to anymore. This 1992 Honda NSR250SP Rothmans will take you back to a time when even street riding required a level of focus that comes with the knowledge that the nerves between your brain and your hands are all there is to save you.

1992 Honda NSR250SP for sale on eBay

When unrestricted, these bikes made nearly 60 horsepower in a knife’s edge powerband and were known for their trim waistlines and extremely agile handling. As an SP model, this one got even lighter magnesium Marvic wheels, a dry clutch and fully-adjustable suspension. There is a lot of edge to this knife, and you have to have a very clear idea of what you’re doing to get the most out of it.

This example is a pure rider’s item. The seller says it wears aftermarket bodywork, which will be a ding for anyone who wants to tuck it into a garage and wait for the auction value to balloon. Those weird, non-stock Playstation stickers have to go, too. But, here is the good part: The bike was last owned by a mechanic and NSR freak, who, according to the seller rebuilt the engine and transmission bottom to top. It also wears recent and thoroughly modern rubber. It’s ready for the springtime riding season.

From the eBay listing:

Up for auction is a genuine 1992 Honda NSR250R SP (sport production ) Rothmans with a clear California title. I purchased the bike two years ago from a local motorcycle tech and NRS guru who has been working on and enjoying these bikes for many years. This NSR was completely rebuilt by him in his shop just prior to me purchasing it. Every part on the bike was inspected, rebuilt or replaced. The engine and 6 speed cassette transmission were redone using a brand new crank shaft, rods, pistons, and bearings. All plastic panels have been replaced with new. Other parts were repainted or polished as necessary. The original white MAGTEK magnesium wheels look great with newer Michelin pilot power tires. Mileage shown on odometer is not accurate. The original odometer has been replaced with a properly functioning used speedometer/odometer. The bike is all stock except for levers and stainless braided break lines and has also been de-restricted. This NSR performs as it should and is an absolute blast to ride. Unfortunately I am not able to ride it much and have only put about 1500 miles since its complete rebuild. I am a bit reluctant to sell this bike knowing that it will be very unlikely that I could find another one titled in my state. California has banned all future registration of 11 digit VIN numbers. Certainly this also means the value will continue to rise since the existing pool of California titled NSRs will never increase. I have done my best to describe the bike. Please ask any and all questions before bidding. Bike is available for viewing before auction end. I can assist buyer with arranging shipping. Buyer will be responsible for any shipping costs.

Pre-Tobacco Lawsuit: 1992 Honda NSR250 SP Rothmans

Honda January 11, 2020 posted by Aaron

The original: 1993 Honda CBR900RR

The 1986 Suzuki GSXR-750. The 1998 Yamaha R-1. The 1989 Kawasaki ZX-7R. The 1993 Honda CBR900RR “Fireblade.” If you seek a collection of the foursome of Japanese sportbikes that pushed our segment of motorcycling forward in a series of quantum leaps, there are no substitutes. The 1993 Honda CBR900RR you see before you would make an awesome start to such a collection.

1993 Honda CBR900RR for sale on eBay

With around 110 horsepower from an 893cc inline four in a package that was 75 pounds lighter than the Yamaha FZR1000, the Fireblade showed the world that liter-class bikes didn’t need to be pigs, and could, in fact, couple precise handling with wrath-of-God acceleration. There simply was not another bike in the early 1990s that was doing what the diminutive Honda was doing, and it was a good few years before the competitors caught up.

This example may not wear the signature red-white-blue bodywork of the early CBRs, but the black and grey is a worthy second to that livery, and the iconic vented twin headlight face is there in all its glory. It was reportedly kept in a garage as part of a collection, and has been made ready to ride ahead of the sale. The tires look new, and the period-looking Yoshimura pipe is a lovely touch. If the photo gallery is to be believed, there are precious few blemishes.

From the eBay listing:

For sale is a 1993 Honda CBR900RR in excellent condition. This bike is from a collection of 60+ motorcycles and is stored in a climate controlled garage. Brand new battery has been installed and it is ready to ride. Don’t miss this chance to get this iconic motorcycle! You won’t be sorry! Located in Southern California 40 miles north of San Diego.

Buyer pays for shipping but I will be able to help load if needed. Cashier’s check, money order, cash in person, or personal check (once cleared) accepted as payment. Mileage may change slightly and bike is occasionally ridden. Bike is also listed locally.

Unfortunately many bikes in the collection must go and I have many other bikes for sale, some of which are listed on ebay now and the others will follow. A partial list is below and you can text me at 760-521-5837 with any questions about this bike or other bikes available. Please be patient as I will get back to you as soon as I can. All bikes listed come with a CA title and registration for street use!

2009 Aprilia RS125 two-stroke electric start like new! (two of these available in like new condition; one set up for pre-mix but comes with injector parts!)
1992 Yamaha TZR250SP two-stroke 1 of only 500 Excellent condition!
TZR250 SP Parts bundle worth over 11k for sale 8k.
1989 Honda NSR250 MC18 Terra Racing aftermarket panels super fast!
1988 Honda NSR250 MC18 OEM Rothman’s!
1990 Honda CBR250RR Redlines at 19,000 RPM! Cosmetically rough but sounds and runs excellent!
2007 Aprilia SXV 550 Supermoto
1994 Honda RVF 400 available soon!
2008 CBR600RR Konica Minolta aftermarket bodywork Ready to ride!
1996 NSR250RR SE MC28 in Excellent condition. Good luck finding another one like this!

The mileage shows this one was well ridden before it was put in the collection, but that just means it has been mechanically cared for over its life. With a Honda, there should be nothing to worry about. For the rabid Japanese sportbike fan, this thing is a must-have. And if recent Bring A Trailer craziness is anything to go by, there are hungry buyers out there if you decide it’s not for you.

Featured Listing January 2, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 2005 Honda RC51 SP2

Update 1.2.2020: Brent has renewed his Featured Listing for this RC51 that also includes all the stock parts. I sincerely appreciate the support and good luck to buyers and seller! -dc

The Honda RC51 got right to the point when it came out, knocking Ducati and the other Japanese brands off their seats at the top of the World Superbike grid beneath future MotoGP star Colin Edwards. To do it, they had taken a page from the Italians’ book, relying on rules that let v-twins have 1,000ccs to take it to the 916 and 998. It won the title again in 2002, and accomplished the same feat in AMA Superbike with the peerless Nicky Hayden.

The RC51 did it all with reliability, aplomb and majestic build quality — the only way Honda knows. It was a death blow to Suzuki’s wayward TL1000R, which never really hit its stride as either a street or race bike, and it showed the Italians that mechanical sex can also be totally reliable. The critical numbers from the throaty, snarling v-twin are: 130-ish horsepower at the crank, and the better part of 165 mph on the big end.

This 2005 Honda RC51 looks incredible, wearing the pretty charcoal fairings of the later bikes, and blessed with the SP2’s updated fueling system, which nixed spotty low-end fuel delivery from the SP1 machines. It has done just 5,750 miles, and wears a Sato titanium exhaust system and a custom-tuned Power Commander.

From the seller:

The RC is #189 and tastefully modified with all original equipment mint and in my possession. The bike has under 5,743 miles and has less than 1,300 miles on the latest Q3+ Dunlop’s. Sato Banzai titanium exhaust, Kyle Racing tuned power commander and tail tuck kit.

Also included: I have both front and rear stands and two OEM oil changes also a fresh set of OEM air filters in the box all
HONDA authentic. New and unworn matching Carbon fiber Bell Race Star RSD CHIEF and matching Honda Racing leather jacket.

The bike has never been down or repaired in any way. Spark plugs have been replaced at 4,000 miles. Meticulously maintained. I am the second owner. Have owned for last 1,750 miles. Bike is in top shelf working condition and needs nothing. Bike was built as is from zero miles. Has gear adjustment and speedo correction performed as well.

Brent, the seller of this magnificent beast, is asking $10,000 and can be reached at 405-613-7607.

Yamaha December 13, 2019 posted by Aaron

King Kenny’s steed: 1985 Yamaha RZ350

The Yamaha RZ350 lived a pretty short life on these shores, eventually leaving us in the face of EPA fleet emissions regulations and sales that paled in comparison to its bigger four-stroke stablemates. But, if you were serious about roadracing, or were a serious fan of the 500cc Grand Prix races of the time, the RZ was your mount. The little parallel twin leaves none of its inspirations to the imagination, wearing the signature of American 500cc ace Kenny Roberts front and center on its red, white and blue frame and bodywork.

1985 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

With just about 45 horsepower, none of which was available until about 6,000 RPM, the 375-pound RZ rewarded momentum and bravery over raw power and speed. Still, even with limited horsepower, the thing managed to click off a 13-second quarter mile at 100 mph in the hands of CycleWorld. That is musclecar shaming performance in a package that will turn with aplomb when you ask it to.

This 1985 Yamaha RZ350 has a few tasteful mods and has covered just under 12,000 miles in its 34 years. It is in very nice condition, with just a few scratches, dings and touch ups on the frame and body work.

From the eBay listing:

1985 Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts

NO RESERVE

11,983 Miles
Fox Shock
New Battery
Powder Coated wheels
New Fork seals and oil
Brakes completely gone through
New EBC rotors and yamaha pads
KN y-boot filter
Hard to find Stock pipes
Tank is clean and rust free inside
Great condition ready to ride
Few minor scuffs as seen in photos
Touch up on frame

Buyer pays shipping (I can assist with shipping) Local pickup in Sarasota, FL area

With no reserve, this thing will sell come hell or high water. With the best part of a week to go in the auction, we’ll be curious to see what this pretty little smoker fetches.

Yamaha November 27, 2019 posted by Aaron

Wild Wolf: 1986 Suzuki RG500 Walter Wolf

If you’re not into oil drilling and late-1970s Formula 1, you might be nonplussed at the handsome red and purple livery that graces this otherwise-standard 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma. But, under the alliterative name and the cool-if-dated graphics lies a story of early business success followed by a longshot investment in a passion project that just so happened to pay off.

1986 Suzuki RG500 Walter Wolf for sale on eBay

After making his money selling oil drilling parts, Austrian-via-Canada businessman Walter Wolf in 1975 bought most of the Williams Racing Team and all of Hesketh Racing and made a go at Formula 1 ownership. Soon after, he rebranded the team with his name, hired Jody Scheckter and won the first race his team entered with the new branding. Not bad. After another couple seasons, Wolf got bored and sold the team, but the cool graphics and handsome livery needed somewhere to land.

Enter, the 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma. With Wolf’s colors painted on, Suzuki had a defacto special edition of the already potent twin-crank parallel four two-stroke GP hero. This one is a Japanese market model that landed in South Africa in 2013, where it received a mechanical refresh less than 120 miles ago. Throw some new tires at it, and the 95-horsepower knife’s edge animal will be ready to be a backroads thrill seeker or garage display artifact.

From the eBay listing:

Thanks for taking the time to view my listing on this extremely rare Suzuki RG500 Walter Wolf.
She was imported from Japan in 2013 and formed part of a private collection until recently.
Cosmetically and mechanical the vehicle is an superb condition. She starts on the first kick every time, even from cold with the help of the choke.
The RG has been serviced less than 200 Km ago which included steering neck and wheel bearing replacement as well as complete carburettor refurbishments.
The period correct tyres that’s currently fitted are fine for display purpose however I would recommend that they be replaced if the Gamma is going to be ridden with some proper enthusiasm as Suzuki intended.
Here’s a link to the 360 degree view and engine sound: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSlSKVJnTEQ&feature=youtu.be

Worldwide shipping cost to:
Europe: $850
U.S.A, Canada :$950
Asia and Australia: $970
Shipping cost includes crating, insurance and handling.
The shipping will be taken care of by a trustworthy reliable agency that specialize in transporting motorcycles across the globe.

Please contact me should you require any additional info.

As you can hear and see, this thing idles like a champ and is in truly immaculate cosmetic condition. At $18,500, this special edition of a rare bike is priced as what it is, but there’s no doubting that some lucky collector will roll home with an absolute gem.

Wild Wolf: 1986 Suzuki RG500 Walter Wolf

Featured Listing November 22, 2019 posted by Aaron

Featured Listings: Pair of 1994 Suzuki RGV250R VJ22 Lucky Strikes

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

Kawasaki October 25, 2019 posted by Aaron

Red, white and smoky: 1985 Kawasaki KR250S

The 1985 Kawasaki KR250S was a street-going version of a two-stroke road racer that took home four championships in the 1970s. They weighed less than 300 pounds, made 45 horsepower and packaging was kept tight with a weird “tandem twin” engine design. The mill was essentially two singles in a line with a unified crank. Before the KR-1, this bike carried the two-stroke banner for Kawasaki.

1985 Kawasaki KR250S for sale on eBay

This 1985 Kawasaki KR250S is in excellent shape and was just imported to the U.S. from Japan. It wears the marks and blemishes of its years and has not been treated to U.S. paperwork. In California, you won’t have any luck with documentation, but it might be worth trying in other states. Even so, as a vintage ride, limited trackday mount or museum piece, there is real value to the collectors among you.

From the eBay listing:

1985 Kawasaki KR250S located at our shop in Santa Ana, California. The pictures in this auction were taken at our shop in Japan. This bike is in excellent condition for it’s age. Bike only has 2691 KM = 1614 Miles. Engine runs very good. KR250S in this condition are very hard to find in Japan now. More info is available on our website. Bike is sold with a bill of sale only. I don’t have a title for the bike and can’t get one here in California. If your living outside the USA, you will have to arrange your own shipping. I can recommend a good shipping company. USA buyers will also have to arrange there own shipping. Bike is sold as is, no returns. So, ask questions and look at the pictures carefully before you bid. Payment must be received no later than 3 business days after auction close. Sorry, no Paypal

With a starting bid at $6,200, this thing is prepped for the collector or the well-heeled two-stroke connoisseur, but we dare you to find another one.