Posts by tag: Japanese

Featured Listing August 21, 2019 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1986 Honda VFR750F

Even legends have parents. They don’t often get lauded for their offspring’s exploits, but their influence is indelible, and without their genes, what would our heroes be? The 1986 Honda VFR750F is a minor legend in its own right, but its offspring — the Honda RC30 and RC45, are the beasts everyone remembers. But in 1986, Honda was hungry to catapult itself past the other Japanese marques in the sportbike arms race, and to cure its new V4s reputation for weak valve trains.

The VFR750F delivered. Under Fred Merkel, Wayne Rainey and Bubba Shobert, the bikes cleaned up in AMA. And under a crew from Cycle World that included Nick Ienatsch and a motley crew of racers and journalists, blew the ’86 Suzuki GSXR750’s 24-hour speed record out of the water by nearly 20 mph. Follow the link to that story at the end of this writeup. You won’t regret it. The red-white-and-blue beasts achieved the feat thanks to an improved 105-horsepower 750cc V4 that represented a 20-horsepower gain over the Magnas and fixed reliability questions. The bikes were also something like 40 pounds lighter than the previous model.

Coupled with a roadrace-worthy suspension and wide, sticky tires, the VFR had the goods to take it to Yamaha and Suzuki.

This 1986 Honda VFR750F is in impeccable, low-mile shape, with a long list of recent mods and maintenance to make it even tastier. It sports a Yoshimura exhaust and an RC30-style front fender, among other improvements. Seller Joe spent a long time on his description, so we’ll let him take it away:

1986 Honda VFR750F

Honda collector for over 30 years. My recent focus has been V4 bikes of the 80s/90s, including both RC30/RC45. This is my second 1986 VFR750F, which I purchased in 2016. I bought this bike because of its low mileage and overall survivor condition. Plus, I really wanted one with a pipe. The videos don’t do the sound of this Yosh pipe justice. The bike has 11,357 miles. As you can see from the title, I’ve put less than 100 miles on the bike while freshening up a few things. I have over 20 bikes and like to work on them, but I don’t ride them enough, so it’s time for someone else to enjoy it.Upgrades – all done within the last 18 months: New Honda fuel pump (specific to this bike and $200 for part alone); New fuel filter; New choke cable; New Yuasa AGM battery; New Honda grips; New Metzeler rear tire (Metzeler front matches but older – see code); New DID x-ring chain with rivet; re-zinc’d rear sprocket; Cut down front fender to match race bikes/RC30, and painted to match (includes uncut stock front fender); Valve adjustment and carbs disassembled and ultrasonic cleaned and sync’d (see video – work done by Joe Nelson of VFR Dreams); Fresh oil and filter; New brake fluid front and rear; New clutch master fluid; Known blemishes: 20-25 tank “pimples”appeared over this last winter. Odd, because always stored in a heated garage. Scrapes on left rear cowl/tail. A few very small scratches on windscreen. Hairline crack on LH fairing (3/4”). Normal cracking on mirror arm. Clear title in my name. Includes factory shop manual. I do not have factory owners manual. 2 keys, including original stamped key and a Honda duplicate. Multiple videos show carb sync, cold start, fast idle, fast idle warm up with two other of my bikes. Asking $4000. Contact Joe:joexray77@icloud.com

Cell 414-232-5077

Located in Milwaukee, WI 53207

Shipping is solely the buyer’s responsibility. I can assist with the shipper of your choice. I have used Haulbikes.com and JJ Bagwell Shipping.

VFR750F 24-hour world record recap: https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/hondas-1986-vfr750f-interceptor/

While later sport-touring RC36 VFRs don’t command the same coin (somehow) as the earlier bikes, VFRs are still a bargain compared to a slab-side Gixxer in similar shape. For such a jewel of a machine in such gorgeous condition, the $4,000 asking price is almost a no-brainer.

Yamaha August 13, 2019 posted by Aaron

Museum Piece: 1986 Yamaha FZ600

It’s not every day you see a 1986 Yamaha FZ600 restored to museum quality sporting a fuel tank that has never had gas in it. There are plenty of nice ones around, but their value isn’t commensurate with a full restoration, and most have been ridden enough to just be cool old-school riders. This one is the exception. It hasn’t cracked 3,000 miles, and the seller completed most of a cosmetic restoration with the intention of making a time capsule.

1986 Yamaha FZ600 for sale on eBay

According to the listing, most of the bodywork is NOS, and we assume that includes the fuel tank, since its almost 2,500 doesn’t jibe with the notion that it has never had gas in it. Still, you really just won’t see a more perfect example of a bike from the dawn of fully-faired race replicas.

The 1986 Yamaha FZ600 was designed to tap into rising demand for 500cc GP-aping street bikes, and used a modified version of the engine from the XJ600. It was something of a parts-bin special, sharing its engine and brakes with a raft of contemporary Yamaha offerings. It was replaced in 1988 by the much better known and better-loved FZR600. But there is nothing like the original, and this bike embodies its era wonderfully.

From the eBay listing:

99% perfect FZ600 museum piece. I purchased this bike about 5 years ago as a display only keeper.
The bike was in perfect running order but hasn’t been started since it’s minor cosmetic restoration.
If the next owner chooses to ride it, at minimum it will need a battery and gas (the tank is NOS and has never had fuel in it. Other than that it might need a carb cleaning at the most.

When I purchased the bike it was a little beat up cosmetically, nothing major just a scratch here or there. Over the last 5 years I replaced all flawed items with NOS parts including most body panels. My intention was to bring it back to showroom condition.

The FZ is 100% stock, unmolested and is a perfect as you will find, you will not be disappointed.

US sales only/ shipping is buyers responsibility/ 0 feedback bidders will be canceled unless I am assured you are serious.

With more than five days left in the auction, bidding on this cool time capsule has yet to eclipse $3,000. If this keeps up, someone is going to snag a deal.

Yamaha July 30, 2019 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1976 Yamaha RD400C

If you bought a mid-size two-stroke Yamaha streetbike in 1975, you got the very, very good RD350. You also got shortchanged, because buyers who waited just a year got the 1976 Yamaha RD400C, which Cycle World lauded as the perfect motorcycle, and which carried way more improvements than a simple displacement bump.

1976 Yamaha RD400 for sale on eBay

The engine had been gone over with a fine-tooth comb, which resulted in the expected power increase, noise reduction and improved refinement at low rpm. Yamaha worked hard to keep the naturally antisocial two stroke as quiet and easy to ride as tech allowed at the time. The result was 35-ish rear wheel horsepower and a top end north of 100 mph, still impressive figures for a 400.

The chassis got a good going-over, too, with new geometry that aped Yamaha’s all-conquering grand prix bikes of the 1960s and disc brakes front and rear. All that lined up to create the 1970s answer to the RGV250s and CBR400RRs of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The sublime reviews showed Yamaha’s efforts were well spent.

This 1976 Yamaha RD400C is in fantastic restored shape, with a raft of powdercoated parts, a functioning oil injection pump and functional self-cancelling turn signals. It has been kept original with the obvious exception of modern rubber, so the experience aboard this thing will be damn close to what the guys at Cycle World felt 43 years ago.

From the seller:

For sale is a clean RD 400C for sale with a frame up restoration. Bike starts up first or second kick and very reliably. Bike is original to the finest details with original shocks and exhaust. Electronics gone through and checked. Original mileage is approximately 13027 miles. Titled and registered with California clean title in my name. Matching vin and engine numbers.

Numerous work includes:

Motor has been gone through with new seals on the crank

Powder coated frame

re-coated nuts and bolts after complete strip down

Powder coated numerous parts after strip down including swingarm

New or refurbished parts include rubber parts, seals, gaskets and replacement worn parts

New Bridgestone Bt45 tires with new bearings front and back

All electronics work even the self canceling turn signal unit

Tank is free of dents and has been resealed.

Front and rear brakes rebuilt with new master cylinders and Caliper seals brakes work flawlessly suspension is supple in working order for original equipment

new chain

Oil pump intact with rebuild and adjusted

Carbs synced and gone through with new rubber tip float needles no leaks here

This RD was painstakingly gone through to keep to original condition. Although not absolute perfect would be a perfect addition to a collector. Starts and rides brilliantly for age and is great blast from the past with that unforgettable two stroke smell. Too good looking for me to keep and ride this bike is need of a new home with someone who will appreciate its heritage.

Featured Listing July 28, 2019 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1990 Yamaha FZR750R OW01

Update 7.26.2019: Dave has renewed his Featured Listing for his OW01. It is now available on eBay and he also notes that spare body work is also available at additional cost (pictures added to gallery). Thanks for supporting the site, Dave, and good luck to buyers! -dc

There was a time in the late 1980s when you could wander into your local powersports dealer and, if you planned properly, walk away with a bike so close to the WSBK kit that could scarcely be ridden on the street. The 1990 Yamaha OW01 was one such bike, crafted to homologate Yamaha’s efforts to beat Honda at the World Superbike game, and released to the hands of the unwashed and under-insured with a handshake and a stiff monthly payment.

1990 Yamaha FZR750R OW01 for sale on eBay

Where Honda used its might to build the RC30 from scratch, Yamaha made its bones by lightening, strengthening and adding go bits to the FZR750. The Deltabox frame on the OW is hand-welded and unanodized, and held off the ground by a nearly full-race suspension, including an Ohlins rear shock. The bikes also had titanium connecting rods pushing two-ring pistons. The cylinders were fed by five-valve heads breathing through a rack of flatslide carbs. Exhaust was kept manageable on the street and screaming at the track with an Exup valve. The trick engine meant peaky delivery, a voracious appetite for oil and slim maintenance intervals.

This one has been kept stock, ridden mostly on the street and has covered 9,000 miles. You wouldn’t know it to look at it. From the seller:

1990 Yamaha OW01 FZR750R. 9800 miles, (15k in Kilometers). Completely stock. Arizona titled and plated. This bike has seen most of its miles on the street and a few track days early in its life. Never damaged, all original paint and body pieces. If you know bikes, you know these are extremely rare. Looking for a good home for this unicorn. Located in Sunny,Dry, Arizona for the last 27 years.

It might not have the track record of it’s rival from Honda, but the OW01 is a serious piece of kit to this day, and as RC30 values push the stratosphere, the OW is sure to be close behind.

Contact Dave with your interest by email (Realexotica1@gmail.com) or cell phone: (520)977-4541

Featured Listing: 1990 Yamaha FZR750R OW01

Yamaha July 24, 2019 posted by Aaron

Yellow Jacket: 2006 Yamaha R1 LE

To celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2006, Yamaha kicked out 500 extra-special versions of their newly-redesigned, 175 horsepower flagship bike, the R1. Normal R1s that year were on another level from earlier iterations, with frame and engine modifications that took them closer to the all-conquering YZR-M1 MotoGP bike of Valentino Rossi, but marketability dictated that they cut a few corners with parts spec. The 2006 Yamaha R1 LE fixed that.

2006 Yamaha R1 LE for sale on eBay

The most obvious nod to the marque’s racing past is the black and yellow speedblock livery that graced Kenny Roberts’ 500cc GP machines, but the changes go deeper than that. The telltale gold forklegs give away the R1 LE’s tastiest upgrade, the fully adjustable Ohlins forks. At the back, a fully-adjustable Ohlins shock kept everything in line. To keep the thing straight during high-speed braking, Yamaha fitted a slipper clutch. Gold Marchesini forged wheels rounded things out.

This 2006 Yamaha R1 LE is number 221 of the production run, and has barely been ridden in its 13 years. It is bone stock down to the stock rear fender and turn signals, but wears a fresh set of Pirelli Diablos to give the next owner peace of mind. It is as clean and immaculate as you would expect a 2,500-mile bike to be, though the new owner could probably increase that total some without worrying too much.

From the eBay listing:

Like New condition 2006 Yamaha R1 LE. #221 of 500 sold by Yamaha. Starts, runs and rides excellent needs nothing. Has new Pirelli Diablo Super Corsa SP tires. Tires were replaced due to age not wear. Bike has a clear title in our name and we will provide a new title in your name. We are an Ohio motorcycle dealer and are required to collect sales tax from Ohio buyers as well as buyers from AZ, CA, FL, IN, MA, MI and SC.
There is $15 title fee collected from all buyers. No other fees.

At $12,500 buy-it-now, this very special R1 is cheaper than the least expensive version of the current R1, though it will ask you to rely on your right wrist to control traction. If we were faced with the choice, it’s the yellow bike every time.

Yamaha July 23, 2019 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: One-owner 1984 Yamaha RZ350

Update 8.5.2019: This bike has SOLD to an RSBFS reader. Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

This 1984 Yamaha RZ350 wears the iconic black and yellow Kenny Roberts livery and signatures, is original aside from some airbox mods and jetting and is with its original owner. It has 15,000 miles on it, but has been used very sparing over the last few decades, and it wears only its second front tire. The rear is similar, though somewhat unsurprisingly it has had three rear tires.

Built as emissions were about to kill street two strokes in this country, the RZ350 wasn’t as simple as its earlier counterparts, with powervalves to ease the two-stroke hit and catalytic converters to calm the EPA, but it was still a deadly simple and effective package. With just 331 pounds pushed around by 50-ish horsepower and roadracer handling, there was little not to like about the bumble-bee liveried machines. Sure, there were simpler ways to go fast, but there’s a certain joy to unrefined fast.

I’m going to let the seller do most of the talking, but this bike is a fantastic example of the breed, and is worth every red cent to the right person. He certainly has come to the right place to find the next steward of this wonderful beast.

From the seller:

1984 RZ350, Kenny Roberts Edition. Original owner, 15K miles. 99% original. You won’t find many in this condition. Still has the stock exhaust with catalytic converters. Last registered in 2011. Always stored inside & under cover. Colorado motorcycle so never exposed to moisture & humidity. Have the original sales paperwork, manual and tool kit. I was the service manager at the shop I bought it from. Outside of an 82 YZ490 hold over I bought at the same time, this was the only new motorcycle I ever had. The 490 was just a cheap dirt bike but this was something special.

Only modifications I made was to remove the snorkel from the airbox and drill some holes in the top of the airbox cover, add Boyesen reeds (have the snorkel and stock reeds) and rejet.

It’s on the second front tire (which would need replaced if you’re going to ride it as it has come cracking) and the third rear tire. The second rear tire I put on was a take-off from my road race bike in the late 80’s. Unfortunately it rubbed on the chain guard, so I notched it to clear. In hindsight I wish I hadn’t done that but you can only tell if you look closely at the backside of the guard. Replace the chain guard and top cover of the filter box and it’s 100% original out side of tires, chain and battery.

Original spark plugs and grips. All hoses and rubber are original and in good shape. Paint and plastic are in good condition and still shine. Has some minor scuffs and scratches as would be expected for a rider. Worst is the scratch on the LH side of the fairing and crack at the top of the fairing on same side (from vibration).

To get this in riding condition and ready for selling, the following was done: New battery and chain. Flush out the tank – clean, just a few very minor spots of surface rust near top, Clean carbs: amazingly clean for not being ridden for almost 10 years – only minor varnish in the bottom of one which cleaned up easily. Changed oil and coolant. Clean & oil air filter – which is also original and still in good condition; not falling apart. There was evidence of mice putting some seeds up there but that is all. Changed brake fluid – rear reservoir was very clean. The front one was very dirty and had considerable moisture/crud in it. Sight window is cloudy and shows it age.

Everything works. Runs and rides well – you wouldn’t know this is a 35 year old, non-restored motorcycle. Of course despite it’s great condition, it’s still bought as is.

$8000

The asking price is absolutely in line with the provenance and condition of this machine. We’re not dealing with a Craigslist crapshoot here, and the ask reflects that.

Featured Listing: One-owner 1984 Yamaha RZ350

Featured Listing July 19, 2019 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1991 Suzuki RGV250 SP2

The 1991 Suzuki RGV250 SP2 was the baddest two stroke sportbike Hamamatsu was kicking out in the early ‘90s, with a dry clutch, wide-ratio box and fully adjustable suspension adding even more agility and precision to the little bike’s already lithe and precise nature. With 60-ish horsepower when uncorked and a shade over 300 pounds to push around, the updates meant the reedy little RGV could seriously hustle. As in, give supersports problems in the twisties hustle.

1991 Suzuki RGV250 SP2 for sale on eBay

Thanks to those crude, dirty little powerplants that make horsepower like the Middle East makes the oil to run them, the bikes didn’t need to be massively complicated to produce prodigious speed. With conveniences like oil injection, the bikes weren’t even that cumbersome to refuel, as long as you checked the oil level at gas stops, you were good to go.

This 1991 Suzuki RGV250 SP2 has been legally imported to the US and treated to a cosmetic restoration and some tasty Tyga go-fast pieces. The bike shows its age on many of the aluminum pieces and the dash, but the wheels and bodywork have been repainted and look excellent.

From the eBay listing:

This may be one of the best looking bikes Suzuki ever made, and this is one of the very rare SP2 versions!!

I bought this bike in Japan about 3 years ago. It was legally imported into the U.S. and it has a clean and clear Arizona street title and plate. In most cases with 11 digit VIN bikes you will not be able to register this in California.

This is a very rare Sport Production II version of the VJ22, the SP2 came with a dry clutch, the wide ratio transmission, fully adjustable suspension front and rear and aluminum lower triple clamp and rotor carriers.

This is a lower mile original bike. I STILL HAVE THE ORIGINAL EXHAUST AND REARSETS if you want to put the bike all the way back to stock!

Very low original miles at around 10k, not raced or abused. This bike had some light scratches and sun fading on the bodywork so I went about the painstaking task of getting all the OEM bodywork repainted in original colors! I have also just powder coated the wheels back to an original gloss white.

The bodywork is all original and the paint is perfect with zero miles since it was restored. The bike has brand new Michelin Street Radials, new valve stems, full service front to back including all new fluids, plugs, coolant, new air filter,brand new Tyga Full Exhaust system, new Tyga rearsets and brand new chain and sprockets!!

Bike starts on 1 to 2 kicks when cold and 1 kick when warm. All electrics work and it has a good battery installed. All wiring is intact and original. Oil injection in place. The bike comes with a complete new carb rebuild and full jetting kit, carbs are currently stock and fine, but this kit will allow you to jet the bike for your location/conditions.

There is some light corrosion that I have not attempted to clean up on various parts of the bike as seen, so it will clean up even better than it looks now. ! Some fading on the passenger seat, and to a lesser degree the rider seat as well, bit no tears.

Have not seen an early RGV VJ22 SP with the banana swingarm this clean in a very long time, and few of these survive in Japan…those that do are not cheap…or not for sale. Don’t sleep on this one….really one of the nicer 250 two strokes from my collection.

PLEASE CHECK OUT MY OTHER LISTINGS FOR MORE BIKES!!!

The auction is live for almost another two weeks, but with a Buy-It-Now option, we doubt an RGV this nice will hang around too long.

Featured Listing: 1991 Suzuki RGV250 SP2

Featured Listing July 10, 2019 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1991 Suzuki GSX-R400RR

It’s not a new thing to scan a sportbike forum and find a subset of self-professed sportbike cognoscenti espousing the virtues of supersport 600s over literbikes for daily street use and getting the most out of yourself on a mountain road. The big bikes, they argue, are almost too much for most racetracks, let alone furniture-lined ribbons of arboreal asphalt. A 600 is a much better tool here. You’ll get more out of yourself and the bike without getting to certain-death velocities within the 50 yards between one hairpin and the next. But what if there were something out there even better suited than a 600? A bike that has enough power to get out of its own way, but makes you really work for breakneck speed?

1991 Suzuki GSX-R400RR for sale on eBay

Enter the 1991 Suzuki GSX-R400RR. The RR means this is the sport production version of Suzuki’s second-tier early ‘90s Gixxer, so its handling and chassis are even sharper than the base model’s, and it has enlarged carburetors, a close-ratio box and short wheelbase to enhance its ability to carve a corner.

With 60 horsepower to the back wheel from a screaming, 15,000 rpm four banger, you’re not gonna run down even a 15-year-old 600 on a straight stretch, but there’s a good chance you’ll reel them back in when things get curvy. And even if you don’t, you’ll be able to approach the limit without necessarily doubling the speed limit.

This 1991 Suzuki GSX-R400RR comes from our friends at Moto2 Imports and, as is their way, is in immaculate shape. It has been treated to a new chain, fluids and carburetor cleaning and is fully de-restricted.

From the eBay listing:

1991 Suzuki GSX-R400RR SP Available for Sale – $9,999 or Best Offer

Never available in the US, the Suzuki GSX-R400RR is known for its razor sharp handling and competitiveness on the track. Way ahead of its time design-wise, the 400RR combines power and light weight in a super nimble chassis. Not a replica, but a true factory SP model with upgraded engine, suspension, frame and transmission (details below). Weighing under 350lbs with 60hp at the rear wheel, upside-down forks and big 300mm discs, the 400RR is amazingly fun and capable on both the road and track. Imported direct from Japan, this machine is in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition with 9,500 miles (15,295km). Bodywork is all original in 9/10 condition and frame/engine/components are super clean. Bike has been fully serviced with rebuilt carburetors, new battery, fluids, filters, spark plugs & chain. De-restricted and making full power. Starts/runs perfectly and all lights/horn/signals working properly. Contact Moto2 Imports with any questions or for additional information.

See all 24 HD pics and cold start video at link below:

Youtube video link (copy and paste into browser)

https://youtu.be/LcJc3IYwSJQ

Race-spec SP model upgrades include:

Fully-Adjustable Suspension

Close-Ratio Gearbox

Shorter Wheelbase

Larger Carbs

Upgraded CDI with Throttle Position Sensor

Legally imported with EPA/DOT paperwork for US street use. Will come with US title.

Moto2 Imports can arrange affordable shipping coast to coast.

For $9,900, you’re looking at a fully-sorted grey market machine that is among a class of bikes that have been spiking in collector popularity on these shores.