Posts by tag: SuperBike

Suzuki September 19, 2020 posted by Mike

Pre-Marketing Replica: 1980 Suzuki GS1000S Wes Cooley

In the early days before serious motorcycle marketing, companies offered up “racer replicas” that often sported the race livery or the team colors of the manufacturer. These replicas were often quite anonymous, and did not utilize the star power available from team riders. Even the marketing juggernaut Ducati – who probably led the way with the Mike Hailwood themed bikes – offered up the green framed 750SS as a replica without a rider’s name attached. As the 1980s progressed, riders such as Hailwood, Roberts and Lawson started to appear on bikes in showrooms – and the tribute race was on! Today’s bike – a gorgeous 1980 Suzuki GS1000S – is often referred to as a Wes Cooley model due to the livery, however it was never marketed as such. Wes was a popular racer in Superbike and had some major success with Suzuki (AMA champion in ’79 and ’80), but failed to be honored with his own bike. Regardless, we still consider these models as Cooley replicas.

1980 Suzuki GS1000S Wes Cooley for sale on eBay

The GS1000S was yet another evolution of Suzuki’s mainstay GS model. Climbing out of the ooze of the naked standard, the GS1000S showed its sporting intent with sophisticated air/oil front fork, and gusseted swing arm, and the requisite bikini fairing. But the real magic was in the steel connecting those pieces together. The frame was more robust than that holding up many contemporary bikes, allowing for better handing for what was not exactly the most powerful or fastest bike of the day. At the race track, this meant everything, and Pops Yoshimura breathed his magic on the motor to make up for the rest. In stock form expect the 997cc air cooled inline four to produce approximately 90 HP.

From the seller:
1980 Suzuki GS1000S Wes Cooley replica
Motor and frame numbers correct as per registry.
Extremely low mileage.previous owner claims original but I have no way of verifying it.
Starts runs and drives perfectly.
I don’t have the original exhaust.
A rare bike.
Can ride anywhere.

This particular model GS – the 1000S line – was limited to a two year production run from 1979 to 1980. The blue/white paint was extra in the showroom, and the Cooley model was the most expensive GS offered by Suzuki for those years. There are some very subtle changes between the years, but the dead giveaways that are most visible are the stepped seat and the slotted rotors – those were 1980 model year items only. And while the original model offered a 4-into-2 exhaust, this one has been upgraded to a period correct (although not stock) 4-into-1. Otherwise, it looks clean and pretty much what you would want in a blue and white special from Suzuki.

This bike is located in Florida, and has a reported 9,900 total miles on the clock. It looks to be very clean, and must have been reasonably well cared for given the overall condition. The seller is not the original owner, but there does not seem to be anything wildly amiss here in the photos. There are some dedicated forums and clubs for this model, so those who are serious should do their homework. The seller has included the VIN which will help with research. Pricing for this Wes Cooley model is a pretty strong $14,000. The seller is open to offers, which might be a good idea given the pricing we have seen on these bikes in the past and the manner in which the market has been swinging. That being said, these are reasonably rare 2-year only models, and few with as low miles and clean in stature. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

Featured Listing September 2, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1986 Honda NSR400R

Two stroke engine, sticky tires, loud pipes in the raw and a classic Honda paint scheme. What more are you looking for in a back road tiny terror? This 1986 Honda NSR400R was treated to a very under the radar restomod a couple years back, with the goal of making an already awesome bike more modern-day user friendly. It has period aftermarket capacitors and an awesome, raw finish JollyMoto exhaust to wake the engine up a touch.

1986 Honda NSR400R for sale on eBay

The chassis has been treated to a Fox shock and custom, 17-inch Comstar wheels, which means it will accept all manner of modern track day-friendly tires. The forks got custom emulators at the same time. Its age and DNA dictate that it won’t run or ride like a modern machine, but if you’re looking for that, go bark up another tree. This bike will instead give you the best possible experience a mid-80s sportbike can.

From the eBay listing:

Selling my 1986 Honda NS400R that I imported from Canada ~7 years ago. ~2.5 years ago it completed a full restoration/subtle restomod done by the excellent team at RestoCycle in Tucson, AZ (I can send a link to all the details of the build to anyone interested – just send me a message). The entire bike was gone over from stem to stern to ensure that it was in tip top running shape. The subtle restomod that I had done were all aimed at a better riding experience – custom 17″ Comstar wheels so that you can use more modern rubber, an adjustable Fox shock (freshly rebuilt) for the rear, and custom emulators for the front forks by Cogent Dynamics. The bike runs, ride, handles, and looks great. I did not have it done to a concours level restoration, it was meant to be ridden and enjoyed, so there are a few small nicks and dings here and there, but, overall, the bike looks fantastic. And the sound from the Jolly Moto pipes that the second owner put on are awesome (and, iirc, the bike even visited the Jolly Moto factory when it spent a few years riding around Europe). The only current niggle on the bike is that the low oil light sometimes comes on erroneously (there is plenty of oil in the premix tank) – other than that it is in great shape and ready to go. Currently showing 52654 KM (~32.7k miles) on the odometer – mileage might go up a little as I might take it out for a short spin or two. Lots of spare parts that I will be listing separately once the bike is sold (spare gas tanks, carbs, bodywork, original comstar wheels, gaskets, spare oil pump, some spare bodywork parts, swingarm, seat pan, stock rear stand, etc, etc), but would be willing to sell as a package deal to the buyer of the motorcycle.

This is one of the best, IMO, 2 stroke motorcycles ever made.

Please send me any questions you might have.

Pulling back from a closeup of the mods, the bike is near flawless cosmetically, which is increasingly rare in any bike this age, but especially one of this ilk. The original pieces and spare parts, including the stock Comstars, spare carbs, bodywork and a spare gas tank, can be had as a package deal with the bike, but otherwise will be sold separately. Reserve is set at $10k.

Honda August 27, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 2002 Honda RC51 SP2 in

Update 8.27.2020: SOLD IN JUST 3 DAYS to an RSBFS reader! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

This 2002 Honda RC51 SP2 is a U.S.-market bike that was dressed up from new with European-market bodywork that sets it well apart from the red-black-silver and all-black bikes that were standard here. It also means the bike wears the non-U.S. “VTR” moniker, instead of the “RVT” decals we got on these shores. Confusingly, that means this bike — very much an RC51 SP2 — carries the same three-letter name as the U.S.-market Superhawk. Confusing, till you get below the skin.

2002 Honda RC51 SP2 for sale on eBay

No matter what the lovely white fairing says, this bike carries the same 133 horsepower, 996cc v-twin that made these bikes famous, coupled with the SP2’s revised wheels and lighter chassis. The big, torquey twin shuttled Colin Edwards to a pair of World Superbike championships and Nicky Hayden to an AMA Superbike crown, cementing the bike in amateur knee draggers’ dreams for a generation. Nice ones are starting to command the kind of money that only true cult classics can ask, and this one carries the bonus of being one of a precious few bearing a factory-sourced foreign livery. This is not eBay bodywork of dubious origin and odd proportions — it’s the real stuff, straight from the source.

Around and underneath that bodywork is a raft of special parts. There is Ohlins suspension front and rear to keep movements calm and collected, and a titanium Jardine exhaust, to drop a few pounds, add a couple horses and make the proceedings a bit more sonorous.

From the eBay listing:

Absolutely beautiful 2002 RC51 (SP-2) in Factory OEM Colin Edwards livery. Paint is stunning, and so many great options on this bike. Lusted-for Ohlins FG322 front suspension, Ohlins rear suspension, Jardine titanium 2 into 1 exhaust (sounds awesome and light weight), carbon fiber front wheel, Scott’s damper.

Honestly I hate to sell this bike, I truly love owning it. Every time I start it it makes me happy to own it…but too many things going on in life to keep it right now. This bike is not a beater, it is one for someone who loves this bike. So beautiful so fun to ride, so well taken care of. All seals appear to be excellent, not a single leak, new battery, starts immediately every time. Never overheats, just runs perfectly. This bike looks as showroom new as a bike could given it’s 18 years on earth. Obviously no test rides until total price in-hand. This bike is lovingly cared for and has always been.

If you are on the hunt for an RC51, you’ll be hard pressed to find one that sets itself apart so nicely without giving up any originality. This bike achieves that feat deftly.

Featured Listing: 2002 Honda RC51 SP2 in

Featured Listing August 25, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1999 Suzuki TL1000R

Update 8.24.2020: Tim is dropping the price to $6,000. Good luck to buyers and seller! -dc

Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace will cough up examples of Suzuki’s thundering, hairy-chested v-twin superbike bruiser if you really look, but they’re almost never worth a second glance. Generally, they’re wrecked, stretched, rattle canned or all three, and more often than not have been without a title since the Bush administration. The 1999 Suzuki TL1000R you see here is none of those things. In fact, if you’re looking for one, this might be your stop.

It’s a two-owner bike that has been ridden enough to show it was maintained and the bugs were duly dealt with. It looks clean enough to eat off of, and has been treated to an Ohlins rear damper, in place of the notorious factory piece. The seller says it has Penske springs front and rear. It also has Jardine exhaust cans, switched cooling fans, a Power Commander and a toggle switch for diagnostics. The paperwork for the suspension work is present, and the bike comes with a shop manual.

The TL1000R’s history as a race bike is, excuse the pun, checkered, as it didn’t quite measure up to contemporary Ducatis and Honda’s RC51 when it came time to put up or shut up. But the bikes don’t look like anything else on the road at the time, and are known as wonderful, brawny streetbikes and track toys. There’s more than enough power to get yourself into serious trouble, but none of the peakiness of an inline four.

From the seller:

I have 1999 Suzuki TL1000R I am looking to sell. I am only second owner and previous owner was a Suzuki mechanic so it has been adult owned it’s whole life. I have Ohlin’s dampener with Penske spring in back, and Penske racing springs up front. Jardine pipes, upgraded grips, a toggle switch in back that will read the problem codes as well as an auxiliary switch to keep the fans on while bike is turned off to cool oil. I recently rebuilt the original clutch so that is new. I also installed a new drive shaft seal as well as the pushrod seal (the pushrod seal is from an SV1000 and installed backwards…much better fit than the original part as this was a known oil leak issue). Also included are 2 head gaskets, 2 fuel pumps, a crank case gasket, full additional wiring harness and CPU’s, and a full set of shims for the bike. (not cheap stuff). It has just shy of 29k miles. I also have all original parts for it including the rotary dampener and springs, original muffler and additional items for maintenance. It will come with the full mechanic book as well as paperwork for suspension upgrades. It has been very well taken care of and runs perfectly with the power commander.

Seller Tim is asking ~~$8,000~~ $6,000 for this beast, which is [was] the upper end of what TLs are fetching these days. But this is an immaculate, two-owner machine that represents the pinnacle of the nameplate. Tim can be reached at tim.morse33@gmail.com.

KTM June 5, 2020 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 2008 KTM RC8 with under 6,900 miles !

Update 6.5.2020: This bike has SOLD in just 2 1/2 hours after posting! The seller has informed me the transaction is now complete. Congratulations to buyer and seller! Interested in your own Featured Listing? Get all the details! dc

KTM swerved into the Superbike world in 2008, and though not currently in their line-up, they are a singular V-twin experience. RSBFS reader Francisco has a very sharp first-year RC8 with just 6,875 miles.

2008 KTM RC8 #3 of 50 For Sale

KTM’s history is primarily off-road, and joining the superbike market in the late oughts left it no time for reverence to any past. The 1148cc engine is their advanced 75-degree V-twin, a fast-track design project with fuel injection, four valves per cylinder, three oil pumps, 12.5:1 compression and 152 hp ! The trellis chassis holds the engine from above, with a steel headstock, and the cast alloy swingarm pivots directly in the rearmost bosses. WP is a subsidiary of KTM and supplied the 43mm forks and adjustable monoshock. The alloy seat subframe is hidden, but the angular bodywork makes a lasting impression, especially in the company’s chosen orange and black.

Francisco is the original owner and has kept his RC8 perfectly, with the hard to find factory accessories. He has this to say about his RC8:

2008.5 Limited Edition KTM RC8 with under 6,900 miles. Number 3 of the first 50 RC8 bikes produced for North American delivery. It even comes with the commemorative metal plaque identifying it as #3 of 50. The bike is totally clean and completely stock. It only has 6,875 miles. It is registered in California. It has always been covered and garaged and is has been lovingly maintained. Never dropped. It comes with a factory tank bag, factory passenger pad, factory passenger pegs (never used) and the rare factory tail bag. I have all the original manuals and the original brochure. I have all the keys including the plastic key and the Key code card.

It runs great overall. As with any new first generation bike it had its problems initially, but I was fortunate to have the top KTM tech correct some early water pump problems this model had. Also, the low end gear changing when cold is not BMW smooth but loosens up once the bike warms up. The ride and handling are fantastic. The engine pulls like a tractor across a really wide power band and its stock exhaust sounds throaty and crisp. The adjustable suspension works great to give you a great tight feel across even the bumpiest of roads.

Of all the sports bikes I have owned I enjoyed the comfortable upright seating position of the RC8 the most. It really is a lot of fun to ride and you can even do long trips on it. I rode it to Laguna Seca a couple of times and I was never tired or sore. The bike is located in Thousand Oaks, California. Looking for someone to buy it that really wants it, not just someone looking for a deal.

Francisco asks $8,500 for his RC8.

KTM campaigned the RC8 with some success in World Superstock, and did well in regional superbike championships in Germany, Britain, and the AMA. Reviewers loved the handling and ergonomics, and the computer-aided design gave no quarter. The company bowed out of the superbike sweepstakes in 2015, likely to free up development resources for their return to MotoGP. KTM’s RC8 is a stand-out design, with the well-developed LC8 drivetrain, and though competitively priced when introduced, they’re a downright bargain these days. Francisco’s original and cared-for example is about as nice as they come.

-donn

Featured Listing – 2008 KTM RC8 with under 6,900 miles !

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

MV Agusta May 5, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 2008 MV Agusta F4 312R

Update 5.18.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

One could argue that naming a sportbike after its designed top speed is unfair. Kinda like naming a kid after Ayrton Senna or John Surtees. It’s a nice honor, but it takes a special person to leave the shadow of a lofty name. In the case of the 2008 MV Agusta F4 312R, being named after its top speed was no issue. With 183 horsepower from a slightly revised version of the regular F4’s radial-valve inline four, the bike had no problem outrunning its long shadow.

The 312R hit three years after the first-gen F4 1000s were introduced, wearing revised 50mm Marzocchi forks and a fully-adjustable Sachs rear shock. Brembo Monoblocs bring everything back into the stratosphere when the road curves or the rider’s nerves give out.

This 2008 MV Agusta F4 312R has been with our buddy Scott since new, and has covered just 2,200 miles in that time. Aside from a custom ECU tune to calm down the famously snatchy stock fueling, the bike is original down to the tires. It has had a recent oil pan gasket and a new battery, but those tires should probably be shelved if you’re going to ride it.

From the seller:

Over time I find my track time increasing so I’m continuing to thin my motorcycle herd due to a lack of street riding. You are looking at a mint 2008 MV Augusta F4 312R with 2200 miles on it. I bought it new, never been down or abused. I fell in love with the looks of it, the power and handling just added to it. The riding position is very similar to the Ducati 916 family. It just had the oil pan gasket replaced due to a slight leak along with the oil and the battery replaced. It’s ready to ride however; I’d consider new tires given the set on it is original so getting up there in age. The bike is stock and shows like new. If you know this model it was the fastest thing out there at the time but its fueling was terrible. Read any F4 MV test back then and fueling was always a sore spot. The throttle was like an on-off switch which made the power band almost two-stroke like, a little unnerving with this much grunt. Not this bike, it was gone through by fuel injection guru Doug Laughlin who came out to work on a few MV’s at Robb’s Dyno is Massachusetts. Essentially what he did was to re-write the entire map code to smooth out the power band. Think of it as a performance ECU upgrade, the bike is so much more enjoyable to ride now. Still scary fast but only when you want it to be. I’m a collector who properly maintains and describes my motorcycles. I’ve sold a few bikes over the years, my feedback is I under promise and over deliver. The new owner of a Ducati 999 I just sold sent me an email telling me I misrepresented the bike, never a good start to an email. However, he said my description did not do the bike justice given once he saw it, he was very impressed. No trades or lowball offer please. Shipping is the buyer’s responsibility however I’m happy to work with your shipper.

Price: $9,500

The first-generation MV Agusta F4s are gorgeous, iconic and scarce. To have the opportunity to get the even rarer F4 312R in beautiful condition and a well-documented issue sorted out is unreal. Scott is asking just $9,500 for this gem, which is bananas when you consider how little new motorcycle that figure will buy you. The days are getting longer, don’t sleep on this chance.

Featured Listing: 2008 MV Agusta F4 312R

Suzuki April 8, 2020 posted by Donn

Dust-Off – 2001 Suzuki GSX-R1000

Suzuki returned to the liter-bike spectrum with the K1, an expanded and powerful upgrade to the GSX-R750R. Released from the back of the garage, washed, and photographed, this Maryland example would like to help you spring forth.

2001 Suzuki GSX-R1000 for sale on eBay

An evolution of the long-developed GSX-R750R, the 2001 liter borrowed the 750’s engine cases, slightly bored and very stroked to 988cc and 160 ( ! ) hp. The stroki-ness of the motor meant good torque could be expected, and it delivered 81 ft.-lbs. at 8,500 rpm. The alloy twin spar chassis was lengthened a hair and extrusions thickened .5 mm, which for test engineers resulted in a 10% stiffer frame. Kayaba provided some of their finest street bits, the upside-down fork sliders with titanium nitriding and the monoshock with a piggyback reservoir. Tokico’s six-piston calipers ride 320mm floating disks providing plenty of stoppage, and area to mount DOT reflectors. Riding position is aggressive but reviewed as do-able for a long day’s ride.

Sounds like this owner is the third, with not all that many miles for any of them at under 11,000 total. As much as the roll-it-out-and-wash-it photo shoot bugs me, the bike looks excellent. From the eBay auction:

Just under 11k miles, completely stock, no modifications, it has a Yoshi Slip on, but I do have the original exhaust, in mint condition, to go with bike. Garage kept since birth. Only 2 owners, both professionals. Never raced, never abused. Bike runs, drives, idles, like new. I Have both keys and complete tool kit. I do not have owner’s manual. Bike needs nothing but fresh fluid changes for the season.

Suzuki’s big success in the -R1000 was weight control, with a ride-away weight more in line with a 750 than other flagships. Handling reviewed as a nice balance, not quite up to Honda’s 929RR standard, and the torque took Yamaha’s R1 to task. Suzuki and Mat Madlin were in the middle of running the AMA Superbike table, and the GSX-R1000 was in the showrooms on Monday, bigger and more comfortable than the 750, but every bit a Superbike.

-donn