Posts tagged as “Survivor”

Clean Slate – 1991 Kawasaki ZX-7 Ninja

Published August 10, 2021 by Donn

A new-to-you classic sportbike often means wading through multiple previous owner’s improvements and mishaps. Not this time, as the 1991 ZX-7 presented here looks un-modified and never down.

1991 Kawasaki ZX-7 Ninja for sale on eBay

The industry had been expecting the EU to declare 100 hp a street-wise maximum, and tuned a lot of engines into conformance. Not a bad thing for a road rider, since the torque numbers were excellent. Most of the ZX-7’s innovations came in the original ’89, but the 1991 model came with 43mm upside-down forks, and using the engine as a stressed member made the chassis lighter and more rigid. New then was a curved radiator, which saved frontal area but still had the volume to cool the 750. Several liveries were available but the green / white / blue is instantly recognizable from the AMA superbike days.

This St. Pete owner came upon this ZX-7 when it was only ten years old, and evidently continued riding carefully. The tail tidy, low-profile signals, and blue windscreen are entirely normal, but the lack of any apparent rash and the factory muffler are pretty unusual. After a time in the garage, some return to duty maintenance is expected, as noted in the eBay auction:

A very rare and collectible ZX-7 Ninja. The last time it was ridden was 2 years ago and at that point it ran great. The bike has been covered in my garage. It has been an amazing bike for me. It needs the regular maintenance a bike that hasn’t been ridden would need to get it in great running condition. I’ve owned the bike for 20 years.

Though a first-year H-model or race homologation K would be more collectible, the J has a nice set of updates and weight savings. With race kit and Muzzy prep, the ZX-7’s went on to multiple crowns on several continents, making that green a key color to fans worldwide. For a rider not quite ready to take a more rare bike on a trip or park it at a cruise night, this example might be a good choice.

-donn

3 Responses.

Featured Listing – 1997 Suzuki TL1000S

Published July 15, 2021 by Donn

7.15.2021: This bike has SOLD in just 5 days! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Suzuki was after some of that V-twin thunderbike love in the 1990’s, and developed the TL1000S which showed some innovative design solutions. RSBFS reader Michael’s TL1000S has had numerous performance upgrades, only 16,565 miles, and just one owner.

1997 Suzuki TL1000S for sale

Suzuki’s 996 cc twin had a breakthrough cam drive, a chain-driven gear which spun both cams, making the engine more compact and pushing 125 hp. Multi-port fuel injection reduced driveability issues normally expected in a big high compression twin. Quite a bit was done to lighten and reduce the mass of the drivetrain, like staggering the transmission shafts and incorporating a compression relief system to allow a smaller starter. The clutch size was reduced with a system of torque-sensitive ramps to increase clutch action under power, which also provided a slipper action on deceleration, smoothing downshifts. Suzuki spec’d a rotary shock to help keep the wheelbase under control, but the proximity to the exhaust caused overheating, stiction, and often replacement with a more conventional damper. The TL had a great-looking supersport fairing, revealing an oil cooler, upside-down forks and a small pillion above the two-into-two exhaust.

Michael has made a close study of all things TL1000S, and upgraded his bike carefully. Also carefully ridden, it shows 16.5K miles, and looks great in the dark green. The high points are the intake, exhaust, Power Commander, Racetech prepared forks, Öhlins shock and steering damper, cast iron rotors, Heli-Bars, and new Metzlers – but read through the list and see that just about everything has been improved and/or lightened –

The 1997 models were the most powerful of the TL1000S series. Suzuki later retuned them as sport tourers when they release the TL 1000R. I’m the original owner. The bike is dark green with 16,565 miles. There is one minor scuff on the lower right side of the fender* and right side mirror, due to a tumble when stopped. {edit: I meant “fairing”. In fact, looking more closely today, I think that it’s only the decal which is scratched.} Given the quality of components used, the thoroughness of preparation, this bike is a standout among TL1000’s. The bike has never been tracked but was tastefully modified with the best components available in the day which I will summarize below.

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Performance –
Indigo Motorsports 50mm stainless steel full, equal length 2-1-2 spring mounted exhaust manufactured by Leo Vince, with carbon fiber oval cans. Front aluminum flange replaced with a welded SS flange to eliminate system droop. System now tucks in close to the engine.
K&N air filter
Airbox vacuum operated flapper valve removed and inlet enlarged to full ID of air filter. Side inlets from front scoops also enlarged. Work done in carbon fiber. I have step by step photos of the modification process and a side by side comparison of the current air box with the original
Original ECU, 32920-02F40 112100-0120 USA (original) replaced under warranty with 32920-02F41 112100-0123 USA (new, per Suzuki)
Dynojet Power Commander
Techtronics Quick Shifter
Suzuki uprated high performance clutch. Kit included springs, friction plates and steel plates
Valves Adjusted around 15,500 miles

Suspension –
Racetech prepared front fork w/Gold valves, uprated springs and Racetech synthetic Fork oil. Inner and out fork bushings, seals and oil changed 500 miles ago
Ohlins Rear shock
Ohlins steering damper mounted to a TL1000S (W) upper triple clamp (purchased new, the “W” means 1998 model year)
Vee Two adjustable rear link w/ increased rear ride height

Brakes –
Braking cast iron full floating rotors F&R. Front rotor carriers are aluminum.
6 piston GSXR-750 front calipers and master cylinders
Goodridge -2 teflon/SS brake lines F&R
Ti rotor and caliper bolts
Ferodo Ceramic metallic brake pads F&R

Controls/Steering –
Heli-bars with SS pinch bolts
Ti triple clamp pinch bolts
Euro right side switch gear with on/off headlight switch

Gearing –
Hard anodized AL rear sprocket w/ original number of teeth
1 tooth fewer countershaft sprocket

Carbon Fiber –
Airtech rear hugger/chain guard in CF
Yoshimura CF front fender
Carbon fiber heel guards and license plate frame

Miscellaneous –
Zero Gravity Windscreen
Zinc plated steel allen bolts replaced with SS cap screws
Fairing mount front turn signals w/o stalks
Twin Fiamm horns
Gel Cell Battery
Factory Suzuki gel seat covered with fabric.
Original saddle as well
Tail cowling included
Lightly stressed bolts (e.g. plastic side covers, fender and hugger) side replaced with AL screws
Front and rear tires (Metzler) replaced about 500 miles ago

Spares Package –
Factory Service Manual (paper binder, not fiche or CD)
2 oil filters
Hand and foot brake levers, clutch lever
1 pr throttle cables
Fuel pump gasket and bolts
Exhaust system springs
Clutch cover Gasket 11484-02F10
Spare Ferodo Brake pads F&R
1 front turn signal
Windshield rubber mounting nuts

Michael asks $4,000 for his TL1000S. Bike is located in Northern California, in Santa Cruz county, about half an hour south of Silicon Valley.

Suzuki saw SBK potential in the TL-S and developed a fully-faired TL1000R for 1998. They returned to the undeniable GSX-R for racebikes in 2002, but the great-sounding twin lived on in Bimota and Cagiva bikes, and still powers the V-Strom. The TL1000S might be seen as a V-twin supersport for fans of the brand or budget concious, but at this point has its own forum and book of knowledge. Michael has made his TL-S very ready for the next owner, who will be rewarded by the low mileage, single ownership, and extensive upgrades. Michael asks $4,000 for his TL1000S.

-donn

Long Term Relationship – 1984 Yamaha RZ500

Published June 5, 2021 by Donn

After Kenny Robert’s 1978-80 MotoGP crowns, Yamaha worked for a few years to bring a two-stroke 500cc V-4 to the showroom. Here’s a Colorado example with touring bike miles but a recent engine rebuild and excellent cosmetics.

1984 Yamaha RZ500 for sale on eBay

Yamaha couldn’t exactly present their dealers with a $1,000-per-pound MotoGP bike, and had to incorporate production two-stroke cylinder tech, much of which came from the off-road side of the house. Still the RZ’s V-4 ( or more exactly, pair of parallel twins turning the clutch input ) was a marvel, with 88 hp at 9,500 rpm. Carburetors fed in from the side after foam filters gave the air a lick and a promise. The powertrain architecture stipulated a cassette gearbox, which was filled with a robust set of close ratios. The small tube chassis was executed in steel, with 267mm brakes and staggered 16-inch front/18-inch rear tire sizes in style for the 1980’s. Air-adjustable forks and monoshock had multiple adjustments.

The surprising number of miles on this RZ differ with its spotless presentation and fresh-looking paint. The re-built engine at least partially offsets the high mileage, and the expansion chambers’ music will compete with any band. Comments from the eBay auction:

These were never inported to the USA by Yamaha due to the EPA –

this bike was brought in from Canada about 17 years ago.

Blue printed motor by Wilson performance a few years ago (world renowned RZ 500 performance).

GP stainless expansion chambers and aftermarket bodywork last year!

This bike has 87,000 KM on it (Canada) which is roughly 54k miles.

The complete engine rebuild was done at 83,000 kilometers.

The bike runs flawlessly, we just put in a new battery. Brakes work well , tires are fairly fresh with low miles.

Very rare Bike , imported properly to the USA one owner since its arrival.

Yamaha was never going to get their development costs back from the premium RZ, and retired the road machine after 1986. The RZ continued to do well on the racetrack, but competition in the showroom was brutal. Congratulations to the soon-to-be-previous owner for what seems to be an incident-free mileage record.

-donn

8 Responses.

Blue-Grey Smoker – 1989 Yamaha RZ350

Published May 25, 2021 by Donn

Today’s RZ350 is the fully-faired F2 model which was never imported to the U.S. Looks like a very nice survivor which should be an easy import.

1989 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

Water cooling let the RZ350 make better power with 63 hp, than its air cooled predecessor, the RD400. And the YPVS power valve stretched the power band, though reviewers reported a big character change at 6,000 rpm. Expansion chambers were factory equipment, as were multi-adjustable forks and pre-load adjustable MonoCross rear. Triple 260mm disks were appropriately sized and 18-inch wheels were cast in black aluminum. The full fairing had the same big side vents as the older brother RD500.

The RZ looks quite stock with astounding paint, if it’s indeed original. Details of the faux pas seems to be attributable to a single incident. Both blue and black seats have been seen with this livery, so this one might be factory, though most RZ350 rims have a polished edge so they may have been sprayed. Guess a magnetic tank guard will be a little late to the party but will cover those nicks. Comments from the eBay auction:

Legendary two stroke Yamaha bike in very good original condition (they are only original once as they say).

– Numbers matching – original motor, never taken apart – original tool kit

– Collector owned, stored in indoor heated space. Running and riding bike – has been out for use in 2021

– 11,000 original km (6835 miles)

– Oil injection functional (no need to mix gas/oil)

– Runs great – lots of power

– Canadian spec model – 2^nd last year of production

– Great colour scheme – never available in the USA (Canada’s run of RZ350 went from 1983 to 1990 whereas the USA only got them 1983 and 1984)

– Front brake rebuild 2021

– Tires are in good condition – needs nothing to pass safety certificate

Even though is was only here for a couple of seasons, the bikini-faired RZ was pretty popular, so imports aren’t all that common. The full bodywork hides the water-cooled mill and looks pretty racy to boot. It’s high ( reserve ) season, so we’ll have to keep an eye on where this auction goes.

-donn

3 Responses.

Sun Chaser – 2002 Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans

Published May 23, 2021 by Donn

Moto Guzzi’s most recent Le Mans, the V11 is an interesting mix of brawn and refinement. Today’s Arizona example has been well-loved and preserved for the next owner.

2002 Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans for sale on eBay

New owners Aprilia had sporting aspirations for the V11 and commissioned an up-rated two valve engine, claiming 91 hp and 69 ft.-lbs. of torque. Marelli’s multipoint sequential fuel injection keeps the 9.5-to-1 compression responsive and EPA compliant. The new six-speed trans had the advantage of shifting more smoothly, and a Paralever-style driveshaft limits the torque reaction of the final drive. Under the tank there’s the usual steel spine chassis, stretched to a 1490mm wheelbase for stability. Components are top shelf with USD Marzocchi forks and multi-adjustable Boge monoshock, with typically excellent Brembo brakes. The upper-only fairing is one of the most protective on any Goose, and is well integrated with the 5.4 gallon tank and hideway pillion at the back.

Said to have been passed from friend to friend, this Le Mans has miles but looks excellent. Beside fluid and filter changes, little doubt the recent service included a valve adjustment, all the hearty two-valve engine requires to keep on keepin’ on. The light gold would stand out in greener pastures but wouldn’t raise a sunglassed eyebrow in brighter climes, and almost matches the headers’ patina. Comments from the eBay auction:

This bike has a known history since new. It was purchased in 2002 from AzSuperbike in Phoenix. It has always been owned by 3 friends. It has never been wrecked, raced or abused. Cosmetically it is nice enough that I was asked a few weeks ago if it was new. It’s not, it has some rock chips. But the paint and cosmetics are very good. The valve covers were painted gold and the word “LeMans” on the seat cowl has been painted red by a previous owner. I never changed them as I think they look great.

Mechanically it has 23,400 miles on the odometer which I believe to be correct. Last week I took it to my mechanic to be checked out. He gave it a clean bill of health. Then I took it on a 250 mile shake down run. Absolutely no issues. The Pirelli Angel sport touring tires have less than 500 miles on them. The Ferracci carbon mufflers sound awesome. The only known issue is the trip odometer: it turns, but does not engage. Several extras are included: the original mufflers, a shop manual and a parts manual.

The Le Mans has endurance racing in its genes, but the company has moved on to a line of roadsters, muscle bikes, even an adventurer – so for the moment the V11 is the last Guzzi to refer to Le Mans. Better suited to an afternoon ride on some scenic byways, the V11 Le Mans did review as quick when under the guidance of a skilled rider. This one looks to have been carefully ridden and tended to, and has several watchers mulling over the reasonable buy-it-now.

-donn

Add Blue Here – 1984 Honda VF1000F Interceptor

Published May 11, 2021 by Donn

Honda introduced a V4 superbike just a year after the 750’s intro, but then made significant changes and didn’t refer to it as an Interceptor in 1985, making the ’84 a rarity. Here’s an Ohio example which has low miles and looks quite good.

1984 Honda VF1000F Interceptor for sale on eBay

Honda bored and stroked their 750cc engine, pressed steel liners in and claimed 122 hp. The four overhead cams were chain-driven, and torque was such that a five-speed trans was considered a better choice than six lighter gears. The double basket chassis was crafted of steel tubing, with selectable adjustments on the air forks and Pro-Link monoshock. Triple 276mm disks seem undersized for a liter these days, but not in 1984. The bodywork had a nice flow accented by a racy engine scoop.

This Interceptor looks very clean, and seems to have just a pair of SuperTrapps as mods. The white fuel cap pretty much confirms a re-paint, but the striping is faithful to the original, and even the “1000” on the white! seat is accurate. It wouldn’t take much to push this VF1000F over the goal line – add the blue field on the tank and sidecovers, find a better license plate bracket, refinish the forks and black out the mufflers. Might have to sacrifice that bright seat for a stock cover. Comments from the eBay auction:

With title and only 14,207 miles. This is one of the coolest and fun bikes Honda ever made. This 1000F Interceptor was made in only 1984 before it became the 1000R which makes it very rare. Bike runs and rides great and is fast. Anyone whoever rode one will tell tell you how fun and cool sounding they are. It has very nice pearl paint on it. New rear tire and the front is like new. Everything works like it should.

The compact V4 could do just about anything, except repeal the law of gravity. Quite a few of the early engines succumbed to a cam oiling design deficiency, and Honda re-designed the cam drive with gears in 1985. But at this point a survivor is unlikely to be affected. The succeeding VF1000R had an endurance racer’s full fairing, but hid the big V4 and was no longer an Interceptor. This one should give a lot of capability for the buck, and marks an interesting page in Honda history.

-donn

One Response.

Gen. 2 – 1997 Honda CBR900RR FireBlade

Published April 8, 2021 by Donn

Mid-1990’s Honda heard footsteps and made a major update to the CBR900RR, keeping weight in check with a healthy power increase. Here’s a Tennessee survivor that has been somebody’s baby.

1997 Honda CBR900RR for sale on eBay

One millimeter increase in bore gave the new FireBlade 918cc’s, and a claimed 80 percent new engine resulted in 130 hp. 38mm constant velocity carbs from Keihin remained, and the first four gears moved around a bit ratio-wise. The chassis kept most dimensions but was made lighter but more rigid, leading to reviews of a solid ride. Magnesium valve covers and lightweight alternator helped keep the pounds in check. House forks and monoshock had internal improvements, and a noticeable rise in the bars and seat height gave riders a lighter feel.

This CBR has a light 13,414 miles and shows very well, with only one apparent blemish, maybe a trailering mishap. Sounds like a comprehensive service was done last year, and it has new Battlaxes and newly cleaned fuel system. Except for the exhaust, mods are hard to see. Details from the eBay auction:

A few weeks ago I had new tires put on this bike. (Bridgestone Battlax S21 Hypersport )

Last week this bike went to Honda and had the entire fuel system cleaned including carbs. ($1,200)

I change the oil every other year and last year performed a full tune up including:

– OEM spark plugs
– OEM oil/filter
– OEM coolant
– Motul RFB brake fluid
– Ballistic EVO2 Lithium battery
– OEM choke, clutch, throttle cables

This bike has the many custom accessories including:

– Two Brothers can with fiberglass insulation wrap on the exhaust
– Stage 1 jet kit
– BMC air filter
– Custom undertail
– Galfer steel braided brake lines
– Tinted windscreen
– Valentine One Radar detector wiring with remote screen (wiring and remote screen only – radar detector is being sold with another bike)
– The brake calipers have been powercoated black

I am including the following with the purchase of this bike:

– Honda Shop Manual
– Rear stand (see pics)
– Front stand (see pics)
– Ballistic Battery Charger
– Handle bar strapping harness
– Shoei large helmet
– lots of small powder coated parts

Though its in-between engine meant it wasn’t a racebike equipped for the road, the combination of pretty good power and light weight did the FireBlade well in Formula Xtreme and Formula USA. And won many media shootouts. At half the cost ( or much less ) of a new sportbike, this ready-to-ride survivor might again bridge the supersport to superbike classes for a new generation, or one returning to the hobby after a long delay.

-donn

Class Leader – 1993 Honda CBR600F2

Published March 3, 2021 by Donn

The second generation CBR600F2 was a giant step forward for the middleweight, with a sharp eye on the invoice’s bottom line. This example has somehow been protected from the overuse and outdoor life of so many bargain sportbikes, with just over 12,000 miles and lovely cosmetics.

1993 Honda CBR600F2 for sale on eBay

Updates started with the engine architecture, significantly more oversquare than the F, with flatter valve angles and flow-optimised heads to claim a nice round 100 hp. The twin-spar chassis was executed in steel tubing, holding the engine from top and rear, and containing cost. Conventional forks had been upsized to 41mm, and the adjustable monoshock supported a Pro-Link swingarm. Brakes were mid-sized at 276mm, with weight and yen-saving slide calipers ( dual pistons on the same side ). Wheel sizes were also bumped up from the F, and the cast alloys were RC lookalikes. The full fairing presented fresh if not ram air to the airbox, and was closed in the knee area, sending engine heat overboard.

Coming out of Vegas-based Eurocycle, this CBR doesn’t come with any history, but does have rarely seen turn signals, reflectors, and the tail has been tidied up just a bit. The color saturation had me thinking re-paint, but nothing else about this bike has been updated. A one-liner from the eBay auction:

100% FACTORY ORIGINAL AND UNDAMAGED.

The Honda 600 regularly appeared at the top of magazine review “shootouts”, and later showed up on best used bike compendiums. With many riders thinking lighter weight and better skills, these mid-size bikes are coming into a re-newed focus. By model number it’s not rare, but with so many run into the ground, a really nice one might be a thing.

-donn

7 Responses.