Posts by tag: SuperBike

KTM January 15, 2019 posted by Donn

Double Fun – 2008-10 KTM RC8 1190’s

Today we have a double order of RC8 V-twin goodness, an orange '08 intro-year with just 1,055 miles, and a black 2010 RC8R with just over 19K. Banking on the year and low mileage, the ask on the '08 is more than double the -R. Tricky decision !

2008 KTM RC8 and 2010 KTM RC8R for sale on eBay

KTM developed their superbike for the 2008 model year and it's become a noteworthy alternative to some other V or L-twins. Initially the Rotax-based engine was 1148cc's and good for 152 hp, and the later -R's 1195cc's checked in with 168 hp - serious stuff ! - and the -R rates a factory slipper clutch. The 6-speed transmission reviewed relatively clunky, but honing a smooth trans takes millions of units. Both years have WP forks and monoshock, fully adjustable of course. 320mm Brembo monoblocks are overkill on the street, but a literal life saver on the track. Like their 1198S inspiration, the KTM have a beautiful chro-moly trellis frame, in orange on the 2010. The angular fairing design and clean rear fender design have become a KTM hallmark.

* * * * *

Seems like both these sellers stuck to the extremes, with the 2010 RC8R asking somewhat below the going rate, and the 2008 RC8's buy-it-now is similarly above the peak. Both appear undamaged, but the 2008 is a 1K-mile cherry, and the 2010 having logged 19,109. The 2008's owner believes it is the 5th machine from that year's production, and the 2010 comes with following statement, " AFTERMARKET EXHAUST, ADJUSTABLE LEVERS, FENDER ELIMINATOR, LED FRONT SIGNALS, MARCHESINI WHEELS, CARBON FIBER FENDER, COOL BIKE! ".

* * * * *

KTM abandoned the superbike market in 2015 saying the machines didn't fit their corporate responsibility ( but somehow the 1290 Duke does ). Now their sole supersport is a 390 cc single and the LC8 is a poignant moment in the 21st century. The big twin is a durable 4-cam beast, if not destined for WSBK fame then a champ on the road. The rest of the package is nothing if not a phenomenal first effort, a nice testament to computer-aided design and manufacturing. Just try and pick one !

-donn

Featured Listing January 2, 2019 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 2005 Honda RC51 SP2

Update 1.2.2019: Brent has renewed his Featured Listing for this RC51. 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 5,000 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 5500 miles and has less than 1000 miles on the latest Q3+ Dunlop’s . Sato Banzai titanium exhaust, Kyle Racing tuned power commander and tail tuck kit.

The bike has never been down or repaired in any way. Spark plugs have been replaced at 4000 miles. Meticulously maintained. I am second owner . Have owned for last 1500 miles. Bike is 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. As previously stated I never intended on selling but the 2017 CBR1000RR SP2 is on the menu. Although I haven’t completely convinced myself that it is a true legacy bike.

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

Honda December 25, 2018 posted by Tad Diemer

Christmas Bonus: 1989 Honda VFR750R RC30 for Sale

Long before "mass centralization" became a popular marketing buzzword for sportbikes, Honda was investing its bubble economy-inflated budget in a bike that took advantage of that very concept, the exquisitely-engineered VFR750R, otherwise known as the legendary RC30. Honda was so invested in sportbikes at the time that it actually sold an I4 and a V4 range of bikes concurrently, with their CBR and VFR filling slightly different niches. But when it came to their homologation bikes, Honda took their hard-won knowledge from the street-oriented V4 bikes and used it to develop the bike seen here, the VFR750R.

If you're passingly familiar with Honda's roadbikes, "VFR" probably evokes images of practical and engaging sport-touring bikes that lean on the sport end of the spectrum. This is not one of those bikes. The RC30 was developed to win production-based racing classes, specifically the then-new World Superbike Championship, although the ELF-designed single-sided swingarm hints at the bike's endurance racing capabilities as well.

At the heart of the bike is obviously a compact V4 engine with a relatively narrow frontal area for good aerodynamics and very centralized mass, gear-driven cams for extremely precise valve control, and a 360°crankshaft that improved traction at the rear wheel, compared to a more traditional 180° unit. The concept of the 360° crank is that the combustion events are clustered close together, instead of spaced evenly throughout each engine revolution to allow the rear tire to "recover," increasing traction and improving tire life. It also gives the bike a flatter powerband and a distinctive soundtrack that can be appreciated, even if your skills don't extend to tire-spinning corner exits. The downside of a V4 is generally increased weight compared to an inline-four and tight packaging, especially with a 90° v-angle, as used here. Stripped of its fairing, the RC30 looks very dense and packed with mechanical bits, and V4s can be a bit of a bear to work on.

Reviews then and now describe it as an easy bike to take full advantage of, a bike that rewarded finesse, a bike that just did as it was told and allowed the rider to get on with winning. Power was unremarkable, weight was average, and nothing about the bike screamed "race winner." But win it did, even against stiff opposition from Ducati, Bimota, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki, and Honda only abandoned the V4 formula when it decided that rules in WSBK favoring v-twins were onerous and biased. So they built a v-twin and showed everyone they could win with those as well, but it was clear their hearts would always belong to the V4...

The RC30 is a handsome bike, with nearly perfect proportions and a wealth of amazing details, although it doesn't have the easy wow-factor of something from Italy. It's not often you can accuse Ducati of cribbing styling elements, but the 916's taillights and distinctive single-sided swingarm look awfully similar to what you can see here. And unlike those Italian machines, every single component is carefully thought out to work as part of a complete package, and engineered to near-perfection.

From the original eBay listing: 1989 Honda VFR750R RC30 for Sale

Long term ownership and fewer than 5,000 miles

1989 Honda VFR750R RC30

Frame Number: 2100129

Engine Number: 2100162

Legendary 16-valve gear-driven DOHC 90 degree V4 engine

Reportedly fewer than 3000 produced

Single owner since 1990

Fewer than 5,000 miles from new.

One of the modern era's few immediately collectible classics, the Honda VFR750R - better known as the 'RC30' - was created for just one reason: to win the World Superbike Championship, a feat it achieved in the nascent series' first two seasons of 1988 and 1989. And while American Fred Merkel was bringing Honda its first two WSB crowns, Britain's Carl Fogarty used an RC30 to win the TT F1 World Championship in 1988 and 1989, and the equivalent FIM Cup in 1990. No mere short circuit scratcher, the RC30 and its derivatives proved durable enough to win a hat-full of Endurance Classics too. That this latter requirement was also part of the design brief may be determined from the fact that a quick-release front fork and single-sided swinging arm - essential for speedy wheel changes - were part of an unrivaled specification that included a twin-spar alloy beam frame, 16-valve V4 engine with gear-driven cams, close-ratio six-speed gearbox and four-pot front brake calipers.

All of which did not come cheap: at the time of its launch in 1988 an RC30 cost near double that of other super-sports 750s. Despite the passage of time and progress of motorcycle technology, the RC30 remains a match for the latest generation of sports bikes but possesses an exclusivity that none of them can approach. 'No other bike from the late-Eighties is lusted after like the RC30', reckoned Bike, and few would disagree. And then there's the exhaust note – loud, of course, but soulful enough to bring a pit crew to tears.

This RC30 was only very recently liberated from its second and very long-term owner. Purchased in the UK in 1990, fewer than 5,000 miles have been put on the bike since it was new. Not long after acquisition, the superbike was taken to the Isle of Man where it was driven around the race track, but not actually raced. In 1991 the machine was brought stateside. Regularly maintained since new, the previous owner reports that the RC30 was taken to the local Honda dealer for a pre-sale service within the last couple of months.

Fresh from nearly three decades of single owner care, this legendary machine is offered in excellent condition throughout. The engine starts readily, idles smoothly and has an abundance of power. The clutch is silky-smooth and brakes and suspension are near perfect. I would opt for a new pair of tires before serious road use and am happy to negotiate your tire choice in to the price.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a motorcycling icon of performance and provenance and a must-have for a discerning collection.

For additional information and photos go to ClassicAvenue.com

V4s are all the rage these days, but Honda really pioneered them for modern motorcycle applications. Because who the hell else would want to design around such a packaging headache? Obviously, Honda has a history of doing things just because they can, practicality be damned: their oval-pistoned racebikes grew out of a staunch refusal to adapt to the changing technology of the Grand Prix scene and simply build a competitive two-stroke. And although that particular experiment was a failure, it shows the lengths to which Honda will go when they believe in an engineering concept. Luckily, the V4 wasn't quite so complex and was ultimately vindicated by both in-period success and by the legacy it left behind. This example has very low miles and appears to be in very nice, original condition with an asking price of $44,900 and just one more day on the listing, so if you didn't get what you wanted for Christmas this year and happen to have a bit of your holiday bonus left lying around...

-tad

Christmas Bonus: 1989 Honda VFR750R RC30 for Sale

Suzuki December 15, 2018 posted by Tad Diemer

Superbike Saturday: 1980 Suzuki GS1000S Wes Cooley Replica for Sale

Ah, the Good Old Days, when a top-flight superbike could offer serious performance, all-day comfort, and room for a date-night passenger in the same package. An era when tires were skinny and powerbands were fat, when one steering damper probably wasn't enough, and engines were fully on display, stuck out into the breeze that served to keep them cool. But even back then, there were bikes that were more about synergy than brute power, bikes like Suzuki's GS1000S.

The GS1000S might not look much like a sportbike by today's origami-plastic-dart standards, but it most definitely was Suzuki's big-bore superbike. How do we know? Well, it was piloted in AMA Superbike racing by Wes Cooley, with engines built by "Pops" Yoshimura. Power output didn't match the Kawasakis and Hondas of the period, but the bike was relatively lightweight and its handling and braking were superior. Their racing success saw bikes with the blue-and-white color scheme retroactively known as "Wes Cooley" replicas, and who are we to argue with that logic?

Wes Cooley Replicas show up for sale fairly frequently, but real ones are pretty exceptionally rare: just 700 of the 1980 models were built, and even fewer were made in 1979, although the seller reverses these production numbers for '79 and '80. Regardless, it's a very rare bike. The 1980 bikes were updated with electronic ignition, slotted brake rotors, and other minor cosmetic changes, including a stepped seat for extra passenger comfort... on your superbike. Otherwise, you're looking at pretty typical 1970s UJM specifications: air-cooled dual-overhead cam inline-four displacing 997cc, five speed gearbox, and a dual-shock rear suspension.

The paint on this one looks very sharp, although there is some surface corrosion on the metal, and the seller mentions that the fork seals are original and will need to be renewed, along with the brakes. Although, how hard can that be? And as a bonus: vintage radar detector!

From the original eBay listing: 1980 Suzuki GS1000S for Sale

I bought this motorcycle almost 40 years ago in Tonawanda New York. Of all the motorcycles I have owned in my life, this was always one of my favorites. This classic Wes Cooley Replica commemorated the AMA championships Wes Cooley won in 1979 and 1980. There were 700 replicas built in 1979 and only 500 built in 1980. This is one of the 500 built as a 1980 model. After moving to Florida in 1986, I didn't ride it as much and it ended up being stored in my garage. The bike has been stored for over 10 years.

This bike is an original Suzuki 1980 GS 1000 S Wes Cooley Replica. Since there were only 500 of this model built of the 1980 model, it is one of the most sought after motorcycles in the last 40 years. As seen in the pictures the bike is in very good condition. I am the ORIGINAL OWNER and have title, bill of sale, owner's manual, shop manual, tool kit and assorted advertising flyers which will be included in the sale.

Recently, I decided to have it overhauled at St. Pete Motorbikes. The gas tank was sent out for restoration and lined with an epoxy finish, new tires were mounted and balanced, intake manifolds replaced, front master cylinder and calipers fixed, O rings, oil and filters, plugs and battery have all been replaced. The bike runs great!

It's tough to part with my classic Suzuki, but I'm not riding anymore and would love for someone else to finish restoring it and enjoy this rare piece of motorcycle history. As you can see by the pictures, this is an amazing machine. Minor scratches, some spots of paint missing and the gas gauge no longer works, but other that that, this beauty of 38 years and 21,165 miles is a remarkable piece of motorcycle history. The radar detector I added so many years ago still works, as well as the rest of the gauges, turn signals and clock. Somehow the side mirror glass popped out while being transported back to my house recently.

Keep in mind this bike is almost 40 years old, and the front fork seals are the originals and will need to be addressed as will the 40 year old brakes. This motorcycle is being sold as is.

Obviously, a perfectly-preserved original might be worth more, but this one works perfectly as a rolling restoration, and the radar detector will keep your insurance premiums low and block any windblast that sneaks around the comprehensive windscreen. This Wes Cooley replica might not offer knee-dragging lean angles or the grunt to keep up with modern superbikes, or even a V6 Toyota Camry, but it's a pretty competent motorcycle, a classic sportbike you could ride every day.

-tad

Superbike Saturday: 1980 Suzuki GS1000S Wes Cooley Replica for Sale

Honda December 13, 2018 posted by Donn

Island Hopper – 1996 Honda CBR900RR

Pretty much the gold standard for '90-s Superbikes, the CBR900RR ( aka FireBlade ) was a power-to-weight champion. This one has the makings of a great value with excellent cosmetics, just over 4,000 miles, and reasonable starting bid.

1996 Honda CBR900RR for sale on eBay

Revolutionary in 1992, Revision 2.0 of the 900RR came in '96, with a slight bore increase for the carburetted straight four resulting in 919 cc's. Improvements to the shifting internals got great reviews, and extrusions for the alloy twin-spar chassis were thinner and larger. The riding position was incremented toward the street, and a change to the fuel tank shape helped the compact feel. A race-derived front fender gave a little downforce to the front end and directed air up and into the fairing.

Hemmed in by Brooklyn and North Jersey, it's easy to see how a superbike could wind up with low miles. This CBR presents very nicely, substantially stock and showing just a typical rub on the fairing near the (left) grip. Not sure what an easy touch-up that would be, but just replace the levers with your favorite and at least they'll match, and you're off. From the eBay auction:

Bike has a little over 4000 miles and runs like new. This bike is in showroom condition. I purchased this bike a few years ago from the original owner. All scheduled maintenance has been performed religiously and on time. You will never find another bike of this vintage in this great of shape. Awesome bike to add to your stable and to really enjoy. You can feel as if you’ve just stepped back into the 90’s! Any questions don’t hesitate to ask. This bike is not a restoration! It is all original and perfect.

As Honda's flagship, the FireBlade was gifted with outstanding build quality and attention to detail by their engineers. The owner seems realistic even though his claims of "perfect" and "showroom" might require an asterisk. With its low miles and apparently limited damage history, bidding on a twenty year-old superbike might not be a leap of faith in this case.

-donn

Suzuki December 7, 2018 posted by Aaron

Never this clean: 1998 Suzuki GSX-R 750 SRAD

In 1996, Suzuki endeavored to make its GSX-R 750 reclaim its spot atop magazine tests, superbike grids and riders' wishlists with a redesigned frame that aped the RGV500 grand prix bike, and the introduction of the now-legendary SRAD ram-air system. Two years later, when this 1998 Suzuki GSX-R 750 SRAD was built, they had grown up even more, throwing fuel injection into the equation, which meant the little demon made 134 horsepower in a 394-pound chassis. The results showed up in 1999, with Mat Mladin taking the AMA Superbike crown on a final-year SRAD.

1998 Suzuki GSX-R 750 for sale on eBay

This 1998 Suzuki GSX-R 750 SRAD is from the first year of fuel injection, and has managed to avoid being crashed, stolen, hacked or hammered in that time. The seller says it sat in a collection for a decade or more, which definitely helped keep it out of nefarious hands. Trawl your local Craigslist for one of these, and you will be treated to a Murderer's Row of aftermarket fairings, street glow kits, poor lowering jobs and gaudy extended swingarms.

This one isn't without its blemishes, showing scratches and some surface rust consistent with 12,000 miles, but it's a one-owner bike with a de-rigeur period Yoshimura pipe and frame sliders. Not perfect, but much nicer than most.

From the eBay listing:

One Owner Gsxr750 1998 Srad ,fuel injection.
Been sitting for 10+ years,sat in a collection :
New fuel pump
injectors
520 Race chain and sprockets
all fluids were replaced (Brake ,oil/filter...)
K/N filter
ELkA rear shock re gassed
new battery
front and rear tires replaced
The tires,chain sprockets,fuel pump and injectors have never been ridden on all New ...
Yoshimura slipon and crash protection added back in the day
The bike has not been crashed all OEM but due to 20yrs it has marks,chips on it please look carefully .
Single seat was put on it for the first time last week otherwise it always sported the passenger seat including the owners book and first regt (also with the bike)
Very hard to find a Clean untouched gsxr750 1996-99 that hasn't been butchered.
clean title on non op

The mostly clean fairings, new running gear and fluid refresh are all positive signs that this is one of the good ones. These bikes still haven't hit the collectible market with any force, but it wouldn't surprise us if that changes pretty soon.