Posts tagged as “Liquid Cooled”

Rare Zoot -1985 Yamaha RZ500

Published May 16, 2023 by Mike

Originally available in Canada as one of those morsels of forbidden sport fruit taunting US riders from just over the border, this 1985 Yamaha RZ500 now resides in the US of A down Florida way and is looking for a new home. Sporting updated expansion chamber pipes, a steering damper and a few more stickers than your average display queen, this RZ looks to be largely uncut and in good shape for the approximately 18,600 miles shown on the all KM clocks. The big V4 RZ two-stroke is getting more and more rare as the years go by, so finding one to love and to hold can be a daunting task.

1985 Yamaha RZ500 for sale on eBay

From the seller:
Rare Canada model rz500 ,not rz350 rzv500 rd500 , clear title in my name ready for transfer , runs rides shift as it should has performance pipes and air filters , see stock components in pictures , comes with support products see pictures also a new body in box that i got out of florida / not china . it does have new tires ,brakes and fully serviced ready to ride . I did not think i would ever sell this bike as it always was a dream bike but ordered a new dodge demon 170

The seller has posted a video of the bike showing its condition in a walkaround format. You can watch the video on YouTube HERE

From a pricing perspective the big RZ is an ever-appreciating asset. The market has yet to top out on these, and we have seen them hovering just under – as well as over – the $20k mark for some time. This particular example is being offered in a Buy It Now only format, with the price set at $25,150. The seller is open to offers, however, so there may be room to move if you are looking to move one of these smokers into your stable. You can check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

Find cool RZ500 parts and spares on eBay!

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No Substitute – 1982 Honda CX500TC Turbo

Published April 4, 2023 by Mike

The whole concept of “there is no substitution for cubic inches” was challenged resolutely in the 1980s by the advent of forced induction. Essentially boosting the output by shoving more air/fuel into the motor than it could breathe on its own, forced induction was not a new idea – but it was very new for factory, street going motorcycles. From 1982 through 1985 each of the Big Four Japanese motorcycle manufacturers produced at least one Turbo bike, each lasting for only a year or two. But it was the mighty Honda that fired the original shot here, with the uber technical CX500 Turbo.

1982 Honda CX500TC Turbo for sale on eBay

Starting with the CX platform utilizing liquid cooled, 80 degree, transverse splayed cylinders (ala Moto Guzzi), Honda went to work. First, they went about making the overall CX architecture more robust. This was made easier due to the fact that the CX was already overbuilt. They plumbed a tiny turbocharger into the exhaust loop, and fed the new forced intake tract with computerized fuel injection – which was real cutting edge for the day. Numerous fail safes were developed, including knock detection, lean fuel condition and overboost. Shaft drive was maintained, as were the multi-piece Comstar wheels. Honda wrapped the whole works in Buck Rogers bodywork and festooned it with dayglo paint and numerous TURBO stickers.

From the seller:
1982 Honda CX500TC TURBO. True original unrestored survivor been in storage since 1997 runs amazing brakes have been gone through oil changed. It does need new tires buyer can put on his choice of tires I think the frt tire is still the original tire beautiful bike.

The elephant in the room of the CX500 Turbo (and the follow-on CX650 Turbo) is that it was, well, an elephant. This bike is reasonably tall, and definitely heavy – far north of 550 pounds fueled up and ready to go. And while the 82 HP derived from the 500cc twin was respectable, the delivery was very inconsistent, depended upon RPM, and hit like a light switch (sometimes at inopportune moments). But it is the torque of the TC motor that is so surprising. Roll on throttle from freeway speeds is impressive, and equal to all larger bikes of the day (and most from the current era too).

Today’s bike looks to be very clean and original. There is some slight corrosion noted on the valve covers, starter, and around the foot peg area, as well as a scratch on the tank. The bike does have decent miles (10k – proven that it has been ridden), but these are very robust motors and have few mechanical weaknesses. The charging system is the most suspect area of the bike, as the stators tend to burn out in the 25k miles mark. Beyond that, these are bikes that can be ridden every day, and enjoyed without fear of breakage. The seller is asking $15,000 in a Buy It Now format. That is significantly higher than we have seen for these rare, force-inducted machines, but they are definitely appreciating over time. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

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Good, Better, BST – 2001 Ducati 996

Published March 28, 2023 by Mike

Continuing Ducati’s impressive form in WSBK racing, the 996 model picked up where the 851 and 916 dropped off. Largely marketed as a bigger bore evolution of the revolutionary 916, the 996 was actually a pretty comprehensive update to the overall package. Now 20+ years on, the 996 is well into collector status and continues to present well in company of bikes many years newer. Today’s find is a 2001 model in fantastic shape. It also sports numerous component upgrades that really make this example stand out.

2001 Ducati 996 for sale on eBay

The 996 is a much bigger story than simply a bigger bore – yet that is where it starts. Ducati maintained the same 66mm stroke as the 916, bumping the piston size from 94mm to 98mm. To accomplish better power and better power delivery, Ducati engineers touched nearly everything else – from heads, valve size and angles, camshaft, cases and crankshaft, and the entire upper end air flow (air box & updated Weber fuel injection with dual injectors per cylinder). The updates continued to the revised chassis, updated suspension, wheels, exhaust and brakes. The 996 launched as a success – both in the showroom as well as on the racetrack. But today’s seller took things a bit further yet.

From the seller:
2001 Ducati 996 with only 8500 miles. The bike was just dyno tested and it puts out 117HP to the wheel.

It is a very well kept Monoposto with lots of upgrades throughout. Fast By Ferracci parts: clip ons, aluminum mirrors, performance chip and exhaust . It has a Ducati performance carbon airbox and inlet tubes, carbon undertail with breather box incorporated, Corbin seat, BST carbon wheels with brand new Michelin tires. Maintenance was just completed less than 100 miles ago, including new timing belts and valve adjustment, oil change, front and rear brake flush, new performance clutch assembly with both inner and outer seals replaced and new tires at a cost of over $2000.

I have the oem rear sets, clipons, seat, and black oem wheels with rotors and a set of tires.

This particular bike appears to be an extremely clean and loved version of the 996 generation. Maintenance has been called out, including the critical belt change and valve adjustment. But the parts list is what really draws the eye – starting with those stunning BST carbon wheels. The carbon continues in the form of a Ducati Performance carbon airbox, fairing intake runners and under tail assembly. Fast By Ferracci parts start with the carbon cans at the bike of the bike, and are sprinkled up through the front. All in all, this is an impressive build.

Not only is this bike exceptionally clean, it comes with many of the OEM pieces – which is a huge benefit for those that want to bring this closer to stock. It has only 8,500 miles – which is undeniably low for a 22 year old motorcycle. The starting bid is a very reasonable $9,500 with an unbelievable zero bids with a few days left to go. There is a BIN as well, set at $14k (also well within reason). Ducati fans are well advised to check this one out here – it is definitely worth a look. Good Luck!!

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Quatorze – 1992 Ducati 851

Published March 22, 2023 by Mike

Near Toronto, Canada, just above the Great Lake of Ontario, comes this pretty Italian supermodel. The 851 is fabled for bringing together the trifecta of liquid cooling, fuel injection and four-valve desmo heads together in one fantastic package. So good was this bike that it set Ducati on a dominant streak in the WSBK racing series. It also created lust in the hearts of street riders everywhere, which Ducati catered to with the introduction of several road variants. Today’s example is a Strada, the base-spec, two seater that is bound to turn heads wherever it goes.

1992 Ducati 851 for sale on Kijiji

From the seller:
1992 Ducati 851 for sale. Beautiful condition
17138 miles
Fully serviced. Valves done new belts , suspension rebuilt , new lithium battery , new tires.
Runs and drives perfect.

Not a ton of info or pictures on this one, but what can be seen appears to be a well-loved and cared for example of the 851. It retains the pillion seat cover, and is sporting a set of Termis that are guaranteed to wake up the neighbors when you spark up the big twin for an early morning ride. The seller claims valves and belts have been recently completed, which goes a long way to adding to the longevity of any Ducati. And speaking of longevity, this one shows 27,358 KM (17,000 miles) on the odometer. This 1992 Ducati 851 is posted on Kijiji and the seller is looking for $15k. Good Luck!!!

Search for Ducati 851 performance parts on eBay!

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Crazy Cat Lady – 1985 Yamaha RZ350

Published March 18, 2023 by Mike

Keeping the pre-mix party going is today’s very rare, totally stock (right down to the factory catalytic converters) 1985 Yamaha RZ350 in red/white colors. Much has been said regarding these little RZs, and they are generally a much-lusted after bike despite the smaller capacity. This bike has low miles, and looks to be pretty authentic.

1985 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

From the seller:
Listed for sale is an all original 1985 Yamaha RZ350 with 5,739 miles. Other than a few cosmetic blemishes, it is an all original properly maintained vintage liquid cooled 2-stroke performance survivor. Unlike most RZ350 motorcycles, this has not had any modifications to engine, exhaust, or suspension. It also has the original tires with a new set included (see photos) with the sale. This motorcycle has catalytic converter exhaust and is California emissions compliant. The RZ350 starts on the first kick, idles, shifts, runs, and brakes properly for an original RZ350 with low miles.

Unique opportunity to buy an all original, collectible, high performance 2 stroke. Will make a nice addition to a collection or provide miles of enjoyment to the vintage motorcycle enthusiast.

Any RZ worth collecting as original needs to be original. That means the fun go-fast parts do not apply, such as replacing the factory airbox with pods, bumping compression by milling the head, porting, expansion chambers, etc. That makes this particular bike very rare, as it appears to be in factory, unmolested condition. Pretty crazy given how many modified RZs we find in these pages, although if I must pick at nits, the handgrips are clearly not OEM and there appears to be a bit of rub rash on the fairing. This is a Buy It Now format classified on eBay, with an ask of $16,500 OBO. That is not the most we have seen in terms of asking price for this model, but for sure it is a big number. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

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I Think I’m Turning Japanese – 1985 Suzuki RG500G Gamma

Published March 16, 2023 by Mike

Spring has not yet sprung, but the ring-a-ding-ding sounds of our favorite smokers continue this week with a very cool RG500 Gamma. We don’t see enough of these square-four monsters on these pages, and rarer still in the black & red livery. This particular bike is on the ground in Japan, purportedly a full-power example out of Australia. It doesn’t matter to me what flag it runs under, because as an American this is one awesome looking 38 year old piece of forbidden fruit.

1985 Suzuki RG500G Gamma for sale on eBay

The RG500 magic starts with the engine – which is actually TWO engines. Think of the RG as a pair of independent, parallel-twin, 250cc two stokes, complete with independent rotary valve induction (there is a very thin, Mikuni flat slide attached to every cylinder), exhaust and crankshaft. Now stack those two on top of each other, one right behind the other. Connect the two cranks via gearing, and route that whole hot mess through the gearbox. You end up with a very powerful, very compact and dense package that can be placed far forward in the chassis for optimal weight distribution. And speaking of chassis, that would be a double down tube cradle style affair, exquisitely constructed in aluminum alloy. A 38mm, air adjustable front fork and Full Floater single rear shock complete the package.

From the seller:
SUZUKI RG500G GAMMA(Type HM31A, motor type M301)Export car full power (Australian specification) There is an aluminum caution plate on the left side of the frame. (Year 1985)500cc 2-stroke square 4-cylinder full power engine It is a very valuable vehicle. First year registration date in Japan (April 1994)

*Restore & Custom*The engine has been fully overhauled at a specialty shop (there is a list of work, change parts, etc.).
* Replacement of uotani SP II coil, headlight relay kit, etc., harness wiring, other electrical system refresh (work, change parts, etc. list available).
* Restoration around the car body (work, change parts etc. list available).In addition, customization and maintenance at the shop
* Racing chamber for Sugaya 500 Gamma (at that time).
*Equipped with carburetor O/H setting and oil check valve.
* Ohlins rear shock (separate tank with height adjustment).
* O/H with white power front fork springs and hard OL.
* Change to external aluminum F sprocket outer plate.

More from the seller:
Restore & custom
The engine is full overhauled at a specialty shop (listed, changed parts, etc.).
*New speedometer at the same time as engine O/H.
Current mileage 6533km (30400km before O/H) There is a possibility that the odometer will increase due to handling.
*Replacement of uotani SP II coil, headlight relay making, harness wiring, and other electrical refresh (list of work, change parts, etc.).
#Restore around the body (list of work, change parts, etc.).
*Sugaya 500 Gamma Racing Chamber (at that time).
*Cabretta O/H setting, oil check valve is installed.
*Orleans -made rear shock (separate tank, vehicle height adjustment).
*O/H with white power front fork spring and hard OL.
* Changed to external aluminum F sprocket outa plate.
* Changed to XAM front sprocket, aluminum rear sprocket, 520 chain.
* Brembo front master cylinder
* Mesh brake hose before and after.
* Yamaha TZR High Slottle / OW type thin handle switch.
* Seat leather reupholstered
* Various bearings around the body, dust seal replacement.
* Suzuki genuine key x 2 (main key, gasoline tank opener, gasoline tank cap, same seat).
* At the time of sale, such as the body, front and rear wheels, exterior, it is almost for Suzuki genuine export. (FRP non-genuine under cowl)
* The inside of the gasoline tank seems to be rusted.
There is no big wound due to falls or accidents.
* Although it was stored indoors, there may be scratches, cracks, rust, dirt, etc. Be sure to check the image for used cars, and ask if you do not know.
* No issues with riding at the moment.
* Accessories other than the main unit (used goods include scratches, rust, dirt, etc.
* Buyers are responsible for paying transportation costs, taxes.
* An export cancellation registration certificate is attached.
* Tandem seat and manufacturer genuine 500 racing stand (at that time). If you wish,we will ship separately.

A full power RG500 is published as 95 HP – which is a fair amount of poke for a sub 350 pound (dry) machine. This gives the big RG its bona fide GP replica status, and general reputation as the fastest of the street-going two strokes. This one is safely tucked away in Japan, indicates nearly 23,000 miles on the KM clocks, and has been cared for and maintained in a manner that allows it to show very well indeed. Paperwork, shipping, taxes and importation hurdles notwithstanding, this auction has an opening ask of $36,500 USD (no takers yet) and a BIN of $48,000 USD. Check out all of the details here – including a walk around video – and Good Luck!!

Featured Listing – 2009 Aprilia RS125 Track Bike

Published March 13, 2023 by Mike

Continuing in our recent form of fantastic two strokes comes today’s Featured Listing – a 2009 Aprilia RS125 Track Day bike. If you are a RSBFS reader and have seen comments in recent smoker posts you will know that there is nothing sharper for the track than a lightweight, focused two stroke. And when the bike in question comes from Aprilia – a company renowned for their small-bore racing exploits – and has been massaged and reworked to optimize track performance, you know you are looking at a bike that can punch well above its weight class.

Featured Listing – 2009 Aprilia RS125 Track Bike

The heart of the RS125 is a single cylinder, liquid cooled, reed valve inducted two stroke breathing through a single Dell’Orto carb. Power is fed through a wet clutch to a close-ratio 6-speed final drive. On the chassis side, the main attraction is a beautifully crafted box section aluminum alloy frame, to which is mounted very sophisticated suspension components. Out back there is an asymmetrical alloy swingarm with rising rate linkage, curved and braced to allow the exhaust to mount up high and tight for maximum cornering clearance. Up front the forks are oversize and upside down, mounted to a strongly braced frame stem. There is only a single disk up front, but it is a 320mm unit squeezed by a four piston, radial mount caliper; more than enough to aggressively stop the 280 pound (dry) package.

From the seller:
Up for sale is a rare TRACK ONLY Italian performance 2 Stroke moto. This bike is one of one hundred and fifty imported in to the U.S. in 2009. It is #17 out of 150. Purchased brand new from a dealer in CO in 2021 with 1 Km.

Bike has been my dedicated track bike for the 2022 season. It has been cleaned and serviced after each track day. Currently has 979km which is equivalent to about 607 Miles. Autolube feature so no pre-mixing. I run AMSOIL Interceptor as the oil and only 110 Octane Race gas. Bike is always garage kept and on a battery tender. Bike comes with a few extras.

More from the seller:
Included:
•Front and Rear stands
•Certificate of Origin
•Chicken Hawk Tire warmers
•Full printed Service Manual
•Original OEM Spain Plastics, Rear Seat and windscreen

Installed:
•RG Frame Sliders
•Racing Windscreen
•Renthal Grips
•Adjustable Levers
•Lever Guards

More from the seller:

Location: Vacaville, CA

Contact Mikkel at 707-666-5556 or tronomikkel@gmail.com

Price: $8,000

These dedicated track bikes from Aprilia are very rare in the United States, but offer the most pure antidote to your track day addiction short of a full-on GP bike. With a snappy and zingy two stroke, light weight, and excellent brakes and suspension the RS125 when ridden properly can obliterate more street-oriented bikes many times its size. And while the Aprilia is a great mount for riders of any level, it teaches smoothness and momentum conservation much more so than a bigger bike. With automatic oiling and electric start it takes no more work than a bigger four stroke, without those pesky oil change and valve adjustment intervals. That is all win!

RSBFS fan Mikkel is offering this bike at $8,000. Located in California, the bike comes with some key additions (frame sliders, levers and guards) as well as desirable paddock accessories in the form of tire warmers and stands. The bike also comes with the original bodywork to maintain authenticity. Interested readers should reach out to Mikkel here, or give him a call. A bike like this does not come our way often, and if you are committed to improving your riding by attending track days there could be no better way to do so. Good Luck!!!

Double Header – 1992 Yamaha TZR250R 3XV

Published March 9, 2023 by Mike

If yesterday’s ’91 model year TZR250 in the muted grey colors didn’t quite get your motor running, how about a fresh-from-Japan ’92 model year in the bright and cheery white/red livery? This is a bike that looks like it is going fast even when it isn’t, and as a 250cc v-twin two stroke pushing a lightweight, aluminum-framed sport bike, it could actually back up those looks.

1992 Yamaha TZR250R 3XV for sale on eBay

The 3XV variant of the TZR converted the little 250cc two stroke from a parallel twin to a 90 degree vee – as was done by Suzuki with the RGV series. This allowed for the bike to be a bit narrower, generally improved packaging and weight distribution, and achieved perfect primary balance. While the latter is less important at the track for comfort, it does lead to higher revs and engine longevity and avoids heavy balance shafts or counterweights.

From the seller:
Recent acquisition from the Japanese market. If interested message me .New Michelin Pilots, runs amazing ,is nimble ,and unbelievably fast for a smaller displacement motorcycle. Japanese title and all paperwork included for transfer of title. 17800 kilometers. Trades for Ducati or MV’s or rare motorcycles considered. Video available upon request.

As a recently imported motorcycle (and no notes from the seller to indicate otherwise), this is a restricted home market machine. That means 45 buzzing ponies are the limit. De-restriction is possible, which generally consists of opening up the exhaust and intake. However – and RSBFS faithful help me out here – I believe that the updated 3XV platform requires ignition box changes to get beyond the government-mandated 45 HP limit.

This example looks to be very clean and quite free of corrosion or damage. There appears to be some minor scratching on the left side of the tail section, but not much else. There are some extra stickers on the bodywork, so hard to tell if those are covering up anything – but it certainly does not appear that way due to the rest of the condition of the bike. The KM clocks show just over 11,000 miles, and the bike comes with a Japanese title. Since it is over the 25 year mark, re-titling in most states (here’s NOT looking at you, California) should be possible. This looks cleaner than yesterdays example, with an opening bid of just $5k and a Buy It Now set at $11,500. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

Purchase Yamaha TZR250 Parts on eBay

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