Posts tagged as “Survivor”

Miracle (1/4) Mile – 1985 Yamaha V-Max

Published July 17, 2022 by Donn

The V-Max needed just a hair over ten seconds to muscle its way into North American hearts, and was in the showrooms for a surprising 35 years. Somewhere between classic and vintage now, this V-Max pushes all the right buttons, provided they are in a straight line.

1985 Yamaha V-Max for sale on eBay

Hamamatsu had a pretty good take on road racers and dirt bikes, but blueprinted the Venture touring bike V-4 for the V-Max. With revised cams and heads, and a neat intake cross-flow called V-Boost, 145 hp were on call, pretty big stuff in 1985. An early adopter of the airbox-in-the-tank-cover, four gallons of fuel were under the seat, and the low-fuel light wasn’t just a suggestion. The rear tire width was increased to 150mm to help it last, and the shaft drive was lengthened to tame its on-throttle rise. Faux air scoops make their intent known almost like a diagram. Handling was the loser in the compromise, but the marketing team had some of us in the crosshairs.

Presented by a Miami consigner, this V-Max looks to have been cared for and lightly used with 12,722 miles. Some corrosion is present under the clearcoat on alloy components, but considering the age it’s in amazing shape. Raised white-letter tires will ring a bell with musclecar and bike fans, but might want to check those date codes. A couple of notes in the eBay auction –

V-Max in fantastic original survivor condition. Super low miles. Everything works as it should. This bike had a fastidious owner that took extremely good care of it mechanically and cosmetically. Buy with confidence. These first year are shooting up rapidly now.

The V-Max had some presence in Yamaha’s line-up from 1985 until 2020, with a recession holiday in 1987. Everything was built if not leading edge on the V-Max, beefy and bigger than you would’ve thought, except for the 10-and-change second dragstrip times. If your two dimensions are X and time, the V-Max might still be the machine.

-donn

2 Responses.

Murica Buddy – 2007 BMW R1200S

Published July 1, 2022 by Donn

Just in time for the long weekend is an R1200S in stars and bars. The biggest S had a just a three-year run but provided plenty of fireworks.

2007 BMW R1200S for sale on eBay

Though engineers on the R-side knew the S1000RR was in final production engineering, they made one last set of tweaks to the flat twin superbike. The cast backbone chassis was replaced by a front and rear trellis, each locating a Telelever front and Paralever rear suspension. Less weight was good and more power was had with the 1170cc hex-head engine, with four valves per cylinder and 12.5-to-1 compression resulting in 122 hp. 320mm brakes and 17-inch wheels were sportbike norms, along with BMW standard shaft drive, with available ABS and heated grips.

Presented by a pre-loved specialist in suburban Milwaukee, this R1200S looks good and has low miles for the ask. Often a custom re-paint gets started with a mishap, so it’s good to see the title marked clean. Tires look recent and this bike has ABS and heated grips. Likely related to the scuffed right cylinder, that damaged seat fairing could be replaced and the usual black or silver might not even require matching stripes. Notes in the eBay auction –

ONLY 8,491 MILES, CUSTOM AMERICAN FLAG FAIRINGS, REMUS EXHAUST, OHLINS SUSPENSION, ABS, HEATED GRIPS, NEWER TIRES, AND MORE! COOL SPORT BIKE! THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE REAR TAIL HAS SOME SCRATCHES AND CRACKED PAINT.

Light and powerful as Beemers get, the R1200S would still be top in-house dawg but for the HP2. With its focus on stability and longevity, it didn’t worry about liter bikes from other shores. If ridden as intended, this example will be in many pictures with strangers, who probably won’t know of its particular claim to fame. Enjoy the Independence Day holiday as safely as possible !

-donn

3 Responses.

Detail Oriented – 1992 Honda VFR400R / NC30

Published June 2, 2022 by Donn

From down the block the VFR400R looks every bit an RC30, and though disappointment might flash when you see it’s the 400, the careful way it’s put together is a joy. Today’s NC30 is an Ontario resident and in super nice original shape.

1992 Honda VFR400R / NC30 for sale on eBay

Honda had several years of VFR construction in their memory banks, and gave buyers just what they needed. The four gear-driven cams sing their song, and 59 hp are delivered smoothly with the power band beginning at 7,000 revs. TRAC anti-dive was on earlier VFR400’s, but less unsprung weight was more desirable. Likewise a hydraulic clutch was saved for another bike – can’t beat a cable for feel or simplicity. The full but diminutive fairing with twin headlights had the RC30’s likeable expression. Honda deemed race-bike geometry really wasn’t in their customers’ best interest and the NC30 reviewed as the most approachable of the class. To show off the ELF designed single-sided swingarm with its 18-inch wheel, the single muffler was moved to the near side.

For 30 years and 20.5K miles, this VFR is a special survivor. Seeming to be a UK transplant, it has an MPH speedo ( with a rogue scrape on the bezel ) and the ginormous blinkers. But that’s the only mark to be found, even the heel guards look like they haven’t seen a boot. Workshop photos from a valve adjustment show the beauty is more than skin deep. Comments from the eBay auction:

AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE PICTURES IT HAS BEEN VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND RUNS EXCELLENT.

NO EXPENSES SPARED, IF IT NEEDED SERVICE OR REPLACEMENT IT HAS BEEN DONE.

ALL ORIGINAL EXCEPT FOR THE SCORPION EXHAUST SYSTEM – THAT SOUNDS AMAZING WITH THE COMBINED GEAR DRIVEN CAMS.

GENUINE HONDA FAIRINGS STILL INTACT AND IN EXCELLENT SHAPE.

COMES WITH ORIGINAL OWNERS MANUAL AND SERVICE MANUAL. THESE BIKES ARE SUPER RARE IN THIS CONDITION AND ARE IN A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT CATEGORY COMPARED TO THE GREY IMPORTS.

Rare to see any street bike in this kind of shape after 30 years, and extraordinary considering it was intended for more junior riders. Still no free lunch, and the heady starting bid might be keeping those mouse buttons from clicking. European models were spared the speed governor, though it’s unclear how far past 110 mph a NC30 might go in real life. Too rare for a steady series of comparable sales, this owner seems to have picked a good year and even time of year make a move.

-donn

13 Responses.

Stoney End – 2002 Honda CBR954RR

Published May 31, 2022 by Donn

Wrapping up Honda’s FireBlade legacy was left to the CBR954RR, with the engine closest to the full liter and the lowest weight of the series. Here’s a Colorado example that looks carefully tended, despite the gravelly background.

2002 Honda CBR954RR for sale on eBay

The 2002 ‘Blade might look a little chunky with its twin alloy chassis spars, massive-looking fabricated swingarm and 330mm brakes. But its 154 horses were given less resistance by trimming weight wherever possible – the crankshaft and engine cases are lighter, titanium was used for the exhaust plenum valve and muffler, the valve cover is magnesium, and even the starter motor magnets were made of a new material to lose almost a pound. PGM fuel injectors used laser-drilled holes to maximize dispersal of the go-go juice, and the curved aluminum radiator cools with less frontal area.

Though it has extra-sized frame sliders, this CBR hasn’t challenged that rocky driveway. Just 8K miles over twenty years, with just a magnetic tank pad, Micron muffler and trimmed rear fender to show for it. Very good pictures allay most fears. Enjoy the few comments in the eBay auction –

Exceptionally clean Honda CBR954RR FireBlade Sport Bike. Always garaged; always covered; always loved. Great, fun ride! I just don’t ride it anymore. Micron exhaust – Mag Knight tank cover – always used synthetic oil. Needs tires. One small chip in front fairing. Pit Bull Rear Wheel Stand and Battery Tender will go with the bike. Comfortable ride! Very smooth! Personalized fairing. We have the book and the tool kit.

A 1000RR took the took spot soon after, but made the upstart 900’s all the more special. Just up I-25 from Santa Fe, this RR might benefit from an owner with access to more paved back roads. Still several days to run, but consider your choice of new rubber and get going.

-donn

7 Responses.

Vintage Wrapper – 1991 BMW R100 Classic

Published May 16, 2022 by Donn

Looking like a downtown version of Reg Pridmore’s 1976 Superbike, today’s Beemer is surprisingly rare if not the sportiest. In classic black with white pinstripes, it presents beautifully and seems like a great fan statement.

1991 BMW R100 Classic

So rare most sources indicate few than 200 were made, specs for the R100 Classics often show a less classic shape for the tank and front fender. 980 cc’s of air-cooled twin are in front of your knees, with its 60 sea-horses made up for by the low peak-torque rpm of just 3,750 revs. A bit hard to verify, but 40mm Bing carbs appear to have been used, as on a few other R100 variants. All BMW’s of the era had 5-speeds and shaft drive, and it’s reportedly the last year for the Monolever rear. Triple discs haul the mid-500 pounds back from the brink, and early cast alloys have a spare clean look.

BMW also had “classics” going in the RT and GS segments, and many pictures show the older style rounded valve covers, rather than the newer finned covers here. This owner say they are just the second caretaker, and both appear have done a nice job protecting this R100 from the ravages of time. Like the rest of this understated example, even the engine guards are hiding in black paint. The factory seat looks too new but could be installed while the Corbin gets a new cover. Notes from the eBay auction –

I’m very proud of this bike. It’s been ridden across the country, has been well loved, and has a neat history.

This one has been immaculately cared for, new Michelin tires, a fresh Duracell Ultra 30LA 12V 400CCA AGM Battery, and was just detailed from top to bottom.

Lives up to the reliable airhead engine reputation. Always starts the first time and has been exceptionally reliable over the past six years.

It’s the last year of the naked R100 monolever suspension. The engine is the 980cc boxer twin good for 60 horsepower and 58 foot-pounds of torque.

Second owner, originally purchased 31 years ago from a local Chicago BMW dealership.

New engine cover/fairing (both OEM parts—notice the matching custom pinstriping on fairing).

Comes with original toolkit roll, Corbin seat (small scratch shown in photo) and passenger backrest along with mint condition original seat.

Color matched cockpit fairing, pinstriping and gauges, plus heated grips and engine guards. Two original hard saddle bags included—one needs a new latch which can be purchased for $35 on eBay.

Exclusively garage stored, always covered. Rock solid, always reliable.

BMW was just about to launch their oil-cooled four-valve R1100, and the classics may have been a case of parts bin engineering. But there’s almost always room for one more of a popular model run, especially when you can plan on mostly home maintenance and a riding career’s worth of trouble-free miles. The black with white pinstripes was retro thirty years ago, and should really reach back when garaged with a splashy new BMW or two.

-donn

One Response.

King’s Livery – 1985 Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts

Published May 13, 2022 by Donn

Hardly a week goes by that a new* RZ350 doesn’t pop up these days ! While not a show bike, this example shows the Kenny Roberts colors nicely and has a bunch of NLA period updates.

1985 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

Yamaha knew that the two-stroke legality wouldn’t last forever, but kept updating the 59 hp, 320 lb. model – and it kept selling. Liquid cooling made conformance to EPA exhaust and noise regs plausible, and the Power Valve System made the torque band wider than before. Slotted discs were sized for the middleweight mission, and the fairly conventional chassis sported an early monoshock rear end.

On consignment for a long time customer, this RZ has been on display so might need a little help re-awakening. Vintage Toomey chambers, intake, and battery box are of interest – especially since the factory take-offs are included. Matching left and right tank dents are stickered over, and the handlebar fairing looks to have led the way into a couple of close shaves. But the finishes are in good shape and the fork brace is a nice addition. Comments and a list of upgrades and spares are in the eBay auction –

The bike has been very well maintained and is in excellent condition for the year with low mileage and a slew of upgrades and spare parts that come with it! The bike runs excellent and the electric start works, but there is no battery in the bike, as it is stored correctly in a collection and almost never ridden. The factory power valves have been rebuilt by the owner. There are two small dents in the gas tank on either side from the handlebar switches on the bars bumping into the tank over the years which is very common on the bikes (they are covered by the bullet stickers you can see in the pictures). Aside from that, please refer to the pictures for the most accurate description of condition. Aside from the upgrades, this bike is numbers matching and nearly all original OEM, the paint and decals are original and the mileage is true and correct.

-TOOMEY PIPES (VINTAGE 80’S – NOT NEWER PRODUCTION)

-TOOMEY INTAKE (VINTAGE 80’S – NOT NEWER PRODUCTION)

-TOOMEY BATTERY BOX (VINTAGE 80’S – NOT NEWER PRODUCTION)

-FORK BRACE

-BRAIDED STEEL FRONT BRAKE LINE

-STOCK CARBS REJETTED FOR EXHAUST (ONE SIZE UP PILOT AND 420 MAINS)

-TWO SPARE SETS OF OEM EXHAUST (PICTURED)

-NEW SET OF SPARE TIRES (PICTURED)

-OWNER’S MANUAL (PICTURED)

-MANY MANY MORE SPARE PARTS NOT LISTED (PICTURED)

-MANY MORE TASTEFUL PERIOD CORRECT UPGRADES NOT LISTED

More red/white models are in RSBFS recent history than bumblebee’s, and for Yamaha fans of a certain vintage the signature model is the one to try for. Those same fans might be surprised at the bidding with eight days left to run, and further that the reserve is still unknown. But even though the model has had a nice season so far, no more being manufactured, and this one has a nice combination of miles, patina, updates, and spares.

-donn

4 Responses.

Fast Lane – 1983 Honda CB1100F

Published April 20, 2022 by Donn

Honda followed up their ground breaking CB900F with the ground pounding CB1100F, playing squarely into the superbike arena. This Missouri example looks to be a lucky survivor, looking mostly original and complete, with fresh cosmetics.

1983 Honda Cb1100F for sale on eBay

Engineers appropriated the head design from the CB1100R homologation special, giving the four valve engine 9.7-to-1 compression and 108 hp. Unlike the R, the engine has rubber isolators to the twin downtube chassis. Up front you’ll find multi-adjustable forks with TRAC anti-dive, and an 18-inch alloy wheel. A 17-inch rear rim makes for a lower seat height. Some sharp details are included, like adjustable handlebars, an effective headlight fairing, and turn signals that help get noticed with a wrap-around side reflector.

Offered by a mostly classic car outlet, this CB1100F looks good for 17K miles and ahem 40 years. Some corrosion here and there tells of some time in the back of the garage, but the repaint is quite faithful and the dealer declares it ready to ride in the eBay auction:

1,100cc DOHC Inline 4 Cylinder Engine, 5 Speed Manual Transmission, 108 HP at 8,500 RPM, Cycle World tested these in 1983 and called them the “Fastest Stock Bike Ever Tested”, One Year Only Model – 1983, New Paint on Bodywork, Great Runner, Ready to Ride, Vance & Hines Exhaust!

The CB1100F did well at the drag strip, though its mid-500’s riding weight made it an experienced rider’s road course bike. For the times, componentry was top shelf, and the torque made it all worthwhile. Cresting the CB750/900/1100 range, the CB1100F testified to Honda’s steady development strategy. This example deserves a little attention, but the next owner will reap the benefits.

-donn

2 Responses.

Red-Blooded – 1996 Honda CBR900RR

Published February 21, 2022 by Donn

90’s CBR’s are normally seen in a multi-colored lightning storm of graphics, but here’s a plainer red wrapper. Presented on an eBay classified, it looks excellent with moderate mileage, just some light scrapes, and limited mods.

1996 Honda CBR900RR for sale on eBay

1996 was the first year of the 3rd generation 900RR, with a 1 mm bore increase to 919 cc’s, and strengthened the bottom end. The revised chassis used thinner walled extrusions which were larger to handle the 130 hp. Forks and monoshock got revised internals, and the swingarm and its pivot casting were beefed up with webbing on the back side. A GP-inspired front mudguard contributed some slightly subjective gains, and handlebars raised a bit in concert with the new fuel tank shape. Gear changes were smoothed out with a new shift drum.

With an eBay handle like – webuybikes – no history was expected, though it looks great and the mileage looks to be 17,322. Close-ups show it’s been down on the right but not terribly. The Micron carbon canister, tail-ectomy and tank bra might be most of the updates. This consigner seems to have around 600 bikes on offer, so find a Chi-town buddy to drive out to Wauconda and take a look before pushing any buttons.

With an ask just shy of half the MSRP, this CBR900RR might be a bargain in a pretty silly season. Got to do the homework, but if there aren’t any surprises here it’s a super lot of bike for the money.

-donn

4 Responses.