Posts by tag: SuperBike

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Aprilia December 15, 2022 posted by Donn

Almost Friday – 2007 Aprilia RSV 1000R Asking $3,800 !

For just a usual down payment, it might be possible to ride off into the California night on a sharp Aprilia superbike. Looks way better than its 63,628 miles would suggest.

2007 Aprilia RSV1000R for sale on Cycletrader

Aprilia threw a kitchen sink of tech at their gen 2 RSV, claiming 143 hp from the 60-degree magnesium cases, thanks to advanced fuel injection and ram air in the nose. Triangulated chassis segments kept things strong and light. Even the basic R components were nothing to sneeze at, adjustable Ohlins forks and remote reservoir monoshock, with Brembo radially mounted brakes. Red and bronze fairings afford the rider all possible protection.

As good as this RSV looks, it would be hard to believe the seller scrimped on maintenance, though having a friend stop by and take a listen might be all the inspection there’s time for. Saying they’re the original owner, the – Cycletrader listing – gives a deadline –

Must be picked up by no later than Friday nite Dec. 16, plus I’m the original owner, bike never been laid down, moving out of state must sell.
2007 Aprilia RSV1000-R, 63,628 miles.
Great condition.

Interested buyers will have to be local or fast on their feet to take delivery by tomorrow night, but a clean RSV1000R will be worth the trouble.

-donn

Almost Friday – 2007 Aprilia RSV 1000R Asking $3,800 !

Honda November 15, 2022 posted by Norman

More Isn’t Always Better – 2000 Honda RC51 RVT1000R

2000 Honda RC51 RVT1000R

For a long time, Ducati was the only one gracing the WSBK and AMA calendars and showrooms with two cylinder sport bikes. Aside from good sales numbers, the twins offered a much different appeal than their 4 cylinder counterparts. The torque and narrower frame that result from a v-twin configuration delivered a much different experience for riders. In 2000, Honda saw an opportunity to cash in and delivered today’s find, a Honda RC51 RVT1000R. Not only did they have success in the commercial market, but also on their first season running the bike in WSBK with Colin Edwards piloting. It is truly quite rare that a manufacturer can enter a new design and win their first season. Just look at Formula 1….

In any automotive experience, the motor should be one of the most dominating parts of the experience. Usually that isn’t much of a problem with sport bikes as high revving 4 cylinders are rarely boring. However, the 2 cylinder is arguably the most intriguing sport bike experience. A hammer instead of a sewing needle if you will.

One of the aspects that make this hammer particularly interesting is the valve train. Unlike the Ducs of the era, the Honda employed a gear-driven valve train as opposed to belts. The whine from the cams combined with the thunderous two cylinder delivered a soundtrack that has built a cult following for the bike.

The later SP2 model came with a host of upgrades that seemed like something you would get in a new generation as opposed to a model year update. New geometry, upgraded swing arm, fueling changes, etc were all tweaks that made it into production from the HRC program. That being said, the SP1 model was not a bad bike. It definitely had opportunities for refinement but one can say that about many modern bikes. At the end of the day, you had a WSBK/AMA-winning platform that is more unique than almost anything else that has been entered into a major championship.

From the seller:

“Up for bid is a very collectible well kept and maybe the most original 2000 Honda RC51 RVT1000R. Tires and brakes recently replaced by the previous owner. Serviced regularly and the best possible care, never dropped or laid down (lady ridden). Always garaged and started every other week. Mostly mountain rides on good weather. Not riding anymore (too fast for me). Fresh Motul oil and filter included as well as the original exhaust pipes and cowl/seat cover. SOLD AS IS/WHERE IS (NO WARRANTY). All funds have to clear my bank before the bike/title can be released to the new owner.”

Our example today seems to be rather clean for the age. Low mile and well taken care of examples still come up for sale today but are getting harder and harder to find. These never made it stateside in typical production numbers so spare parts may be tough to find and the aftermarket is thin. Fortunately the seller has already taken the first step and tacked on the Yosh pipe.

The listing seems to be getting decent traction with 5 days left. 21 bids up to $3,850 so there is some action. 2 RC51s sold in Q2/Q3 of this year on BAT for $7,500 so I’d guesstimate a landing in that area. Good luck!

Thanks for reading!

Norm

More Isn’t Always Better – 2000 Honda RC51 RVT1000R

Ducati November 6, 2022 posted by Donn

Rider Alert – 1995 Ducati 916 Monoposto

Original 916’s don’t pop up all that often, and hardly ever with touring bike mileage, but today’s looks well cared for and used as intended.

1995 Ducati 916 Monoposto for sale on eBay

Designer Massimo Tamburini made a balancing act out of the design – the lightweight trellis frame versus the 114 hp L-twin, squeaked into the 55.5 inch wheelbase, with the battery mounted amidships to coax the weight distribution to 50:50. 17-inch wheels were at both ends, with adjustable Showa dampers and a slippery full fairing. Brembo cast the 320mm brakes with gold calipers and disk carriers, as well as the single-sided swingarm. Airflow is the final arbiter of balance, with the rider’s wrists lightening and temperature gauge relaxing only above 65 mph.

Coming up on 44K miles but looking extra nice, this 916 might want that “big twin” oil to take care of those rod bearings. The presentation is remarkably original and finishes looks great. Eminently clean with some nice polish on a few bits. Even though it’s not visible in the photos, some patina is mentioned in the eBay auction –

Rides and drives as it should. Very nice 27 year old motorcycle. Bike been maintained and lovingly cared for. This bike has the solo seat from the factory. Termignoni mufflers, Pirelli tires and Brembo brakes. If you’re looking at this bike you know it’s legendary! Bike is 27 years old and has been ridden sparingly over the years. But it is not a museum piece. The fairing has some scratches and cracks but rest of the bike looks like it’s 2-3 years old. Paint is very nice and shines. Bike runs very well , idles nicely and pulls strong.

The bike of the decade, there’s room for even a base 916 in any collection – and a well-used example won’t worry the owner on an occasional ride. The next custodian will have a challenge to keep it as nice, even in a less crowded toy shop. This one is on a no-reserve auction and will be worth watching.

-donn

Suzuki October 24, 2022 posted by Donn

Shocking – 2002 Suzuki TL1000R

Suzuki made their own stab at L-twin Superbike glory, and while a championship wasn’t in the cards, the memorable powerplant made for a great street ride. Today’s TLR looks excellent, with some nice mods and moderate miles.

2002 Suzuki TL1000R

With many changes from the TLS engine, the 996 cc’s aboard the TL1000R claimed 135 hp, an excellent 78 ft.-lbs. torque – plus an interesting sound from the hybrid gear / chain cam drive. Suzuki kept the engine upright to ease intake and exhaust issues, and since the rear cylinder occupied the monoshock’s usual spot, a rotary damper was used on the side of the alloy swingarm. Difficulties with this shock provided most of the criticism when the bikes were new, though weight and lumpy styling were co-conspirators.

For 11,448 miles this TLR presents extra well, with just an isolated rub and certainly clean as can be. The carbon rear mudguard is all but hidden by the Yoshimura mufflers, and the rear signals are likely now built into the tail light. Looks like a Hagon shock kit has replaced the factory deal, a gear indicator has been installed, and though the running light front signals might cause a wince at least they didn’t need another hole in the fairing. Not sure what our nationwide audience will do with the warranty or suspension set-up, but might help a northwest buyer. Notes from the eBay auction –

UNMELLOW YELLOW TWIN

YOSHIMURA RS-3 EXHAUST

FENDER ELIMINATOR + FLUSH MOUNT TURN SIGNALS

ALMOST NEW MICHELIN PILOT ROAD 4

CARBON FIBER HUGGER

WELL MAINTAINED UP TO DATE ON SERVICE

KFG CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED 50 POINT CHECK AND TEST RIDE

1,500 MILES AND/OR 30 DAY WARRANTY

INCLUDES DYNO SESSION

INCLUDES CUSTOM SUSPENSION BASELINE SET UP

As if out-doing Ducati in the L-twin department weren’t enough, Suzuki and Honda were trying to beat each other to the showroom as well as the racetrack. Suzuki may have rushed their homework a bit, and when the TL1000R wasn’t competitive out of the box, they returned to their 25 years of GSX-R development and surprisingly binned the TLR race team. But in just a few years the bike acquired a healthy fan base, and one comment on the drivetrain is that Bimota chose it for the SB8R. As presented here, this TLR is about as different and nice as a Suzuki can be.

-donn

Yamaha September 22, 2022 posted by Donn

Smoother – 1994 Yamaha FZR1000

As the 80’s turned into the 90’s, Yamaha’s superbike had ceded some of the sportiest territory but evolved into a mile-eating GT. Today’s has a few choice additions and the original colors in very good shape.

1994 Yamaha FZR1000 for sale on eBay

Genesis and EXUP can’t be found on current Yamaha’s, but back in the day five valves helped the engine make 145 hp and exhaust plenum stretched the 79 ft.-lbs. of midrange torque so the bigger gears of a five-speed transmission could be used. Long-awaited USD forks were fitted with 6-piston calipers, and one finger could haul down the 520 lbs. wet weight. The Deltabox chassis angled around the four downdraft Mikuni’s, and the concept is still found on a new R1. The 1,002 cc’s kept the FZR out of some racing formulas, but open class endurance racers did well.

At this age the list of owners could blow up the comments section, but this FZR presents very well, with a custom seat, Zero Gravity windscreen, and Power Commander to go with the D&D exhaust. New expendables and tune-up are mentioned in the eBay auction –

In original condition with the exception of a four into one exhaust system. The bike has new tires front and rear and a new battery. The carbs have been cleaned and the bike is ready to ride. Condition is cosmetically an 8 out of 10.

The FZR name gave way to YZF for 1996, the Thunderace using much of the FZR tech but put on a strict diet. The almost liquid power of the FZR has stayed legend, with short-shifting the norm, and 134 mph through the 1/4-mile traps. This one is on a regular auction and has a reserve indicating the seller still loves the black with neon livery. GLWA and looking forward to seeing where it ends.

-donn

Yamaha August 22, 2022 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1

Yamaha knocked its superbike rivals back on their heels with the R1, packing 149 hp into a light, tight package. Longtime RSBFS reader Erik is making his R1 available, quite excellent with 8,348 miles.

1998 Yamaha YZF-R1 asking $15,000

Trying to keep the chassis compact, Yamaha positioned the transmission input and output shafts vertically, making room for a swingarm that could cope with superbike power. Five valves per cylinder took advantage of the well-developed EXUP exhaust valve, making for a progressive torque curve starting at just 5,000 rpm. The Deltabox II spars are folded alloy, along with a triangulated MonoCross rear. Even components are trimmed for the lighter, faster mission – 41.5 mm inverted forks and 298 mm semi-floating brakes.

Erik is detail-oriented and beside caring for his R1 beautifully, his spec sheet speaks for itself –

Blue/ White all original bodywork/ paint.

8,400 miles

Clean Indiana title in my name. No lien.

All original with very few modifications and tasteful desirable ones at that. With all OE parts included in the sale.

Minor blems. I would give the bike a 9/10 and I am fanatical about keeping my bikes clean. None of them are 0 mile museum pieces, but this one is pretty close.

Stock rear fender intact. Stock OEM turn signals. Even has the warning label on the gas tank.

No rust in the tank.

New OEM engine side covers from previous owner scuffing them.

Bike runs amazing, needs nothing. recent tune up with all fluids changed- engine ice coolant/ oil and filter change and new spark plugs. Always have run Motul 300V under my ownership.   Surprisingly it was as strong on the dyno as my later model R1s.

Mods:

Ohlins Steering Damper with Graves mount Refreshed.

Ohlins rear shock with remote reservoir. Refresh/ revalve sprung for 200 lb rider with gear by DMR suspension.

DMR Suspension Fork revalve

Galfer blue stainless brake lines front/ rear

Galfer brake pads front/ rear

Michelin Power RS tires recent date codes within last 3 years. Less than 1,000 miles on them.

Lower fairing heat guards replaced.

I even have the original tires the bike came with- worn.

Firepower lithium battery- approx 3 years old. always kept on Battery Tender. Battery Tender lead installed

Yoshimura swingarm spools

Factory Yamaha OEM seat cowl- obviously these are rare

Stomp grip tank pads

3M paint film professionally installed

Givi tank lock adapter ring installed. this can be easily removed for the sale if the new owner does not want it. I love the Givi system because the tank bag never touches the paint.

Akrapovič Carbon Fiber canister slip on exhaust/ dyno tuned/ rejetted. The bike made 135.7 hp at 10,500 rpm/ 74.2 ft lbs torque at 9,000 rpm on Mounds Motorsports Dynojet dyno, and I have the dyno results.

All service records under my ownership.

I have all of the OEM parts including the stock OEM exhaust, OEM rider and passenger seat, two keys and owners manual, rear shock, brake lines, and as I mentioned even the original tires.

Blems:

Silver wheels show some marks/ scratches and slight discoloration in spots. Could be powdercoated to look as good as new but I did not want to do that preferring to keep the bike original.

Some small air bubbles from the 3M paint film. Very hard to see, but I am a perfectionist.

Small piece of plastic missing from the left lower fairing. Cracked during removal from previous owner.

As per the norm, the white Yamaha lettering on the fuel tank is showing some cracking. It is actually not that bad on the left side, minor cracking on the right side on a couple of letters.

For the full $15k asking price I will include:

brand new in the box OEM Yamaha blue seat cowl (a second for a spare)

OEM lower fairings that look to never have been installed.

Yamaha official 1998 R1 banner featuring Scott Russell. These were unobtainium even back in 1998. I received it as a gift from the head of Yamaha’s marketing department when I was a district manager with them for many years. in all of my years and hundreds of visits to dealerships across the country I have maybe seen 2 of these other than this one.

I would be happy to deliver the bike for free within 150 miles of Indianapolis IN. I can help deliver on the east coast for a mileage fee with my enclosed Sprinter van.

Erik asks $15,000 for his R1 and can be reached via email – here -.

And here’s his walkaround video – Plus cold start video and hot start video:

The R1 is eight generations on, without the trick Genesis valve heads but now with five electronic stability systems. Can’t really compare an original R1 to the latest thing, but Yamaha packed so much expertise into the 1998 launch that it’s still a benchmark. For an ask that is in line with recent collector quality R1 sales, Erik picked an excellent example and has made some nice improvements for the next owner.

Maybe you’re looking for a rider rather than collector, Erik also has a 2000 R1 with low miles and well done flush undertail – check with him via email at deltaboxii@aol.com

-donn

Suzuki July 5, 2022 posted by Mike

Old School Cool: 1979 Suzuki GS1000S Wes Cooley Replica

It is no secret that RSBFS staff members love the old-school nostalgia of AMA Superbike racing. And when it comes to the ’79 Suzuki GS1000S, we have written about it several times. These were days of manly men, doing manly stuff with skinny tires, skinny fork tubes, and relatively flexy frames. And while one might deride a late 1970s ride as slow, wobbly and antiquated, this was the stuff of racing madness back in the day. Time and tech wait for no man, and clearly today’s electronics, braking, engine and aero tech have moved us forward. But when it comes to straight up riding, nothing beats a massive lump of 1,000cc of four stroke goodness. And today’s example is even more so, sporting some period correct Hideo “Pops” Yoshimura add-ons which increase the value, rarity, and performance.

1979 Suzuki GS1000S Wes Cooley Replica for sale on eBay

For more on the background of the Wes Cooley inspired GS1000S I could write up something to recycle all the old collective knowledge on the model and how it came to be. However the seller has already done so below, quoting liberally from this RSBFS post from 2020 (attribution really is the highest form of flattery, not to mention good form). All what was said in that article applies to this bike, however the Yoshimura Stage 3 kit adds horsepower the old fashioned way; displacement, compression and breathing improvements. This example also appears to be fitted with improved brakes (stock rotors appear tiny by comparison to these huge additions).

From the seller:
1979 Suzuki GS1000S Wes Cooley Race Replica w/ Rare Pops Yoshimura Stage 3 Full Kit! – $19,995 – WE TAKE TRADES! TOP DOLLAR FOR MOTORCYCLES, CARS, TRUCKS, RV’S, BOATS, TRAILERS, ETC – 315 Big Road Zieglerville PA 19492 – NATIONWIDE SHIPPING. 610-754-8500

1979 Suzuki GS1000S
Wes Cooley Race Replica w/ Rare Pops Yoshimura Stage 3 Full Kit.

This bike is a gorgeous 1979 Suzuki GS1000S. 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.

More from the seller:
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 racetrack, 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 prior to the upgrades. This bike has a very rare Stage 3 Pops Yoshimura 1100 Big bore kit with short skirt/Slipper pistons, and camshaft.

It’s an original owner bike with only 20k. It also has period correct Billet Aluminum Performance Machine PM wheels, PM master cylinder, PM Calipers, and rotors. Numbers matching. Runs flawlessly. Just put about 50 miles going through the gears and making sure everything was in good working order. I opened her up in excess of 120mph just to shake off the cobwebs and she had plenty more. With the performance upgrades you get a much broader power band you’ll appreciate.

More from the seller:
This particular model 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.

This bike is very clean, and has been very well cared for. That being said, these are reasonably rare 2-year only models, and few still around with low miles and fantastic condition. Only 500 were sold in USA and Canada.

Historically significant since Wes Cooley won the AMA Superbike Championship in 1979 and 1980. On October 16, 2021, Two-time AMA Superbike champion and two-time Suzuka 8 Hours winner Wes Cooley died at the age of 65.

Priced at $19,995 it’s a appreciating collectible that may never come up for sale again.

Over the years we have seen a fair number of these GS1000S models in reasonable condition. This particular bike has some upgrades, but is perhaps closer to the spirit of a Wes Cooley Superbike replica than the stocker. Regardless, this is one clean looking example of the breed that is being offered in a classified format. The price – like prices we have seen on motorized collectables everywhere – is high. If you want to party like it’s 1979, you’d better be prepared to pony up nearly 20 grand in today’s dollars. That is a lot, but these are relatively low volume, short production year bikes that you do not find every day. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

Honda June 4, 2022 posted by Donn

Wet Look – 1983 Honda CB1100F

Honda offered a few different flavors of the CB1100F, and North America got one of the nicer packages. No denying the restoration done on this CB1100F, but appears faithful with some rare factory parts.

1983 Honda CB1100F for sale on eBay

As the ultimate update to the CB750, the 1100 had internal and external updates to let it cope with 108 hp. Four 34mm Keihin carbs handled the fuel mixing, which required premium gas for the 9.7-to-1 compression ratio. Dual 296mm disk brakes, TRAC anti-dive forks and needle bearings for the swingarm kept the F’s composure under way. New tubeless alloy wheels were staggered sizes, but the UJM way with – 19 up front and an 18-inch rear. The handlebars were slightly higher than Euro models, tucked in behind the sharp bikini fairing, and four-into-two exhausts were presented in black chrome.

Not sure if the West Palm shop presenting this CB1100F worked on the restoration ( stated to be 12 years ago ), but presently appears to be more of a resto-builder on the scrambler end of things. The 980 miles showing on the clocks has apparently been since the restoration, when a NOS dash was installed. A close-up of the right sidecover looks to be in original condition, and shows how well the paint work was done. The seat might have been plumped up and the tail tidied, but the factory signals are still there. Maybe that flat black exhaust could go visit the Cera-Kote guys, but there’s always time for that in the winter. A cold start – video – is available, and here’s just a bit of the comments from the eBay auction:

EVERYTHING functions as it should, brakes, lighting, engine have been sorted, and came from a previously very loving home (a personal friend of mine). This gorgeous example received a cosmetic restoration about 12 years / 976 miles ago, and received the last known NOS dash in the world, which is in lovely shape and no fading or cracks.

The seat is in wonderful shape, with no cracks or tears. The tank is perfect, and the inside is clean and shiny. Avon Roadrider tires were fitted at the time of restoration and have plenty of meat with 95% tread left. The inside of the gas tank in nice, clean, and shiny.

This model has been fitted with the period correct Yoshimura Exhaust System, and sounds wonderful.

The original exhaust system and center stand are included with sale (see photos). The original mirrors are in very nice shape and included as well.

For all its successes, the CB1100F would soon be retired with the V4 generation taking center stage. Seems like when things just can’t get any better, big changes might be on the way. No bids on this classic air cooler just yet, but it’s such a pleasure to look at I’ll be checking occasionally.

-donn