Posts tagged as “Survivor”

Family Superbike – 2000 Ducati 996 Biposto

Published December 13, 2020 by Donn

After the 916 set the world alight, the two-seater 996 allowed a close friend to sit by the fire with you. From a collector’s almost-empty garage, this biposto has had recent maintenance for the long term.

2000 Ducati 996 Biposto for sale on eBay

Looking almost as svelte as a 916, the 996 sports 112 hp, sent through its dry clutch and 6-speed. Dual exhausts join forces behind the right footpeg, unhindered by the single-sided swingarm. Showa provided the dampers, partially offsetting the cost of the new Marchesini wheels. Four-piston stoppers from Brembo look as serious as the 160 mph top speed. 2000 brought an updated charging system to the 996, though the cooling system still struggles in traffic. The body-colored pillion promises way more sport than touring.

Fairly low miles for a twenty year-old Duc, and the condition looks excellent. Mods are limited and performance-oriented. Even better, the owner hasn’t scrimped on service, so the new owner should have a fine honeymoon with the new bike. In between the all caps and exclamation points in the eBay auction :

This bike has been recently serviced by Cross Country Ducati in Metuchen, NJ where over $3,000 was spent on a FULL Desmo service, in addition to other items that needed to be addressed, simply due to the age of the classic superbike. You can be 100% confident in this extreme machine with what you are getting, it’s fun and safe to ride. I sold all my other Ducs over the last 3 years and this is the last one to go. I am selling this icon because I simply do not ride her anymore. She sits on stands in my garage with ONLY 7,4XX original miles. This 996 is mostly still as she was when she came out of the factory. The only upgrades are a Full Termi exhaust system, Corbin seat and some minor additions like fully adjustable rear sets, levers etc.

Most collectible superbike auctions focus on the single seat and racier replicas, but it’s nice to see more of a rider preserved so well. The ask is up there and the owner says what he says, but the make offer button is available. Might be worth a shot for an excellent classic superbike.

-donn

One Response.

Just Add Water – 1994 Suzuki GSX-R1100

Published December 2, 2020 by Donn

Occupying the top line of the Suzuki catalog is a real balancing act, with performance and reliability up against MSRP. The newly water-cooled 1100 kept it all in perspective, and this Texas survivor looks great in retrospect.

1994 Suzuki GSX-R1100 for sale on eBay

Suzuki traded the oil cooler for a big coolant radiator, and more stable temps in the new engine allowed an increase in compression to 11.2-to-1, with 156 hp at the bottom line. The chassis was similar to the ’92 but beefier, with multi-adjustable Kayaba dampers front and rear. 310mm Tokico brakes grew an extra pair of pistons in each caliper, helping haul the slightly increased weight down quickly. The fairing was just a bit fuller, and the windscreen offered better protection from the gale-force wind. Powertrain dimensions stayed trim and lean-angle clearances were as generous as ever.

Ownership history was interrupted along the way, but with almost 22,000 miles it was somebody’s favorite at some point. With a very limited collection of road rash, it was a great candidate for the new grips, windshield, rebuilt carbs and calipers, and any expendables. Comments from the eBay auction:

The 1994 GSXR series was the next evolution after the Slingshot era. They share many design characteristics with the Slingshot, but a departure from the air/oil cooled era. Suzuki figured that they could make more consistent power by adding liquid cooling yet trying to offset the extra weight of the liquid cooling.

Today these bikes are quite rare. This bike is a beautiful example that was rescued and completely gone thru. Every system and every surface has been attended to. Most of these bikes were modded but this one is a true survivor, still has factory exhaust and airbox – it is one one the most original 1994 1100s out there, possibly the only unmodded one.

FRESH OIL/FILTER CHANGE
NEW SPARK PLUGS
NEW AIR FILTER
CARBS REBUILT AND SYNCHED
ALL BRAKE CALIPERS REBUILT WITH NEW FLUID
BRAND NEW TIRES
NEW CHAIN
NEW F/R SPROCKETS
REBUILT CLUTCH SLAVE CYL
REBUILT F/R MASTER CYLS
NEW WINDSCREEN
NEW BLINKERS

Bike is absolutely gorgeous, no rust in tank. Starts stops and handles like a brand new bike. Needs nothing.

As the oil-cooled era wound down, Suzuki wanted to keep the liter-plus power but increase reliability while lowering emissions. Couldn’t get the weight to the Fireblade neighborhood, but had a nice advantage against the Kawasaki and Yamaha GT’s. Rebound damping was overdone but could be adjusted to suit. Long term fans might be ready for a steam locomotive in this kind of condition.

-donn

5 Responses.

Stopped to Rest – 1995 Ducati 900 SS/CR

Published November 25, 2020 by Donn

Across from the 916 in the showroom, the -90’s Supersports had a price advantage and could just about do it all. This Florida rider took a break but appears ready to resume the road.

1995 Ducati 900 SS/CR for sale on eBay

When the “new” generation of Supersports was unveiled in 1991, Ducati had the formula down, with the air-cooled desmodue delivering a smart 84 hp. The front-mounted oil cooler can deal with most engine conditions, helped by the un-faired powerplant. The Cafe Racer moniker could have meant cost reduction, with pre-load suspension adjustments only, steel swingarm, and smaller rear wheel size. Still, the upper-only fairing had rugged good looks and kept the dry weight to 414 lbs. A painted cover on the pillion gave you all the options.

The owner of this SS has returned his CR to the living after some down time, and it looks to have had inside storage at least. Original right down to the aluminum mufflers, you’d expect more than its 9,860 miles. The pictures aren’t great but don’t indicate any ugh-knowns. New tires and brake fluid are all that call attention. From the eBay auction:

CR with 9,860 miles. It’s unmolested and all stock/original with the exception of the Zero Gravity windscreen. I had let it sit for a while and I just went through the carbs, changed the oil and filter, air filter, and plugs and installed a new battery. I bought new timing belts and when I took the covers off to change them, the belts looked like new. I adjusted the tension and reinstalled the covers. The spare belts will be included.

The bike runs, rides, and stops beautifully. All the lights and dash lights work, even the low fuel light. This is a 20 year old machine and has the patina of a bike that’s been well cared for but ridden. There are a few small scratches and chips in the paint as would be expected but it still presents very well. I believe the tires are original and will need to be replaced.

Cycle World and others reviewed this era’s Supersports as great used bikes – very versatile, quick and exotic enough, and often a bargain – even a nice one at Bonhams couldn’t even muster $4K recently. This one requires in-person inspection, but the opening bid is a reasonable starting point. Keep an eye on it, and have a great safe holiday !

-donn

Loose Cannon – 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma

Published November 19, 2020 by Donn

Almost ten years after developing their RG Γ 500 Moto GP bike, Suzuki introduced the road-going version, and even with required street equipment the performance was beyond the norms. Like this one, many were imported on the left coast, but not all have had such careful stewardship over the years.

1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma for sale on eBay

The Gamma shared engine dimensions with the race machine, but had a shock damper between the twin crankshafts and the clutch, and claimed “just” 95 hp ( racers were estimated at 120 hp ). A factory cassette gearbox is fitted, allowing at least a theoretical quick change of ratios. Two strokes of the time used moving exhaust ports to stretch the power band down to 5,000 rpm, and the RG’s are controlled by the Suzuki Automatic Exhaust Control system, in concert with the ignition. Anti-dive forks and Full Floater monoshock took care of the staggered 16-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels.

With just enough photos to wet a buyer’s whistle, the owner can expect a message and visit from any really interested party. Still this RG looks very stock and undamaged, with mostly nice finishes left on the alloys and paint. Hyperbolic comments and specs ( reviewed top speed 147 mph, wet weight 386 lbs. ) from the eBay auction:

Street legal MOTO GP bike from the 2 stroke good old days!! Legally registered in the state of Washington (now with collector plate) and was registered in Oregon. BONE STOCK with just less than 19,667 kilometers on the speed-o (12,220 miles). This is a 200 MPH insane 250 lbs. Rocket!! that I just can’t seem to open up in my area of WA (too many cops). So my baby just sits in a heated garage/shop. Bike has ALWAYS been in a garage, and never used in bad weather!! My loss your gain – first $37,500 gets it!! Also comes with some extra parts to update it, if you so desire. Katana wheels, modern swing-arm, passenger seat, extra forks, NEW euro front turn signals, shop manual, and some other bits and bobs.

The RG500 had a limited market, was expensive to put together, and up against the new GSX-R’s – so in hindsight its green/white/checker run was no surprise. In contrast, the racing RG and subsequent RGV-500 had a ten year run on the circuit. Total production was under 10,000 units, but its only North American import was north of the border, so it’s a rare sighting here. More study is required at this sort of ante, but the owner seems open to offers.

-donn

16 Responses.

Sei You Will – 1983 Benelli 900 Sei

Published November 17, 2020 by Donn

The 900 Sei was a natural evolution of the 1974 750, which was an engineering masterpiece. Here’s a 1983 example with rather low miles and superb looks.

1983 Benelli 900 Sei for sale on eBay

Just reviewing the numbers, the Sei might not thrill – the 80 hp are nothing dramatic for a 900, and the three 24mm Dell’Orto carburetors are a good compromise but don’t incite a fire-breathing riot. Magic carpet torque made the 5-speed perfectly adequate, and the Sei’s smoothness made the high-ish cruise rpm acceptable. The six-into-two exhaust didn’t photograph like the 750’s six megaphones, but certainly helped keep the weight down. Bodywork flowed from the cockpit fairing to the integral tank and sidecovers, which Honda’s CB900F seemed to reference the next year.

Offered by a Miami classics ( everything from a fire truck to an Africa Twin ) dealer, this Sei shows just over 12,000 miles and has fawned-over if unrestored cosmetics. No word on maintenance except to say that it’s a runner. Turn that O’Neal logo on the left grip to the underside and away you go. Limited comments in the eBay auction:

A rare Original bike in fantastic condition with extremely low miles.

They don’t come up often. Collector quality. Starts, runs and drives excellent.

With DeTomaso’s help, Benelli took an early lead in the 1970’s, but was a boutique brand compared with the Japanese competition. Still their ideas inspired copycats plus some design reverence, and more recent Indian and Chinese partners have kept the engineering offices in Pesaro while moving production further east. The buy-it-now is about all any Sei could muster, but the Make Offer button could be the start of a conversation.

-donn

4 Responses.

On My Mark – 1984 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans Mk. III

Published November 10, 2020 by Donn

The third revision to the Le Mans had many technical updates, many setting the stage for the 1000. This Cali example has miles but is in nice shape with a few special touches.

1984 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans Mk. III for sale on eBay

A child of the -80’s but thinking earlier, the Mk. III has bigger valves and NiguSil coating on the cylinder walls, helping net 76 hp from the longitudinal twin. More responsible thinking went into the quiet intakes and exhaust, though the 36mm Dell’Orto carburetors were equipped with an accelerator pump. Air adjustable forks and dual rear shocks reviewed as needing less psi than recommended for the best handling, and the shaft drive and linked brakes had their well known quirks. The frame-mounted secondary spoiler picks up air from the cockpit fairing and further slices the Le Mans through the air.

Almost 40 years old now and in such nice condition, the Le Mans’ past is almost a non-issue. Presented by a Guzzi specialist in Indio, CA, it’s quite clean with special gold anodized alloy wheels, new tires, and apparently un-filtered velocity stacks. Fans will like the billet fork brace and head guards. From the eBay auction:

Made in 11/83 – 29K original miles, motor #VF019393 frame #VF150037, like new motor and tranny. 850cc 76HP motor. This bike came with Rare Astralite gold anodized wheels, and we just put new Avon Roadrunner tires, front and back, We pulled the motor and transmission, fixed all leaks, and replaced a clutch disc, and intermediate plate.

We installed a new timing chain tensioner, fixed the integral brakes, and new battery.

Great Guzzi for a daily driver, Super Fast and fun to ride smooth motor and Easy to handle!

Oddly enough, Moto Guzzi’s attempts to modernize were met with even more reverence for the older Le Mans, though the 1000 had nearly a ten year run. The 850’s were just a hair lighter but the smaller fairings had a sportier vibe. Those gold wheels look sharp on the white / black background, and hopefully the reserve isn’t too optimistic.

-donn

One Response.

Featured Listing – 1986 Yamaha SRX600

Published November 9, 2020 by Donn

Update 11.9.2020: This bike has SOLD to an RSBFS reader in just 5 days! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Practically looking like a custom from the factory, Yamaha’s SRX600 has been the basis for club racers, knobblied flat-track lookalikes, and some cafe racers that make the showroom version look cushy. RSBFS fan Lee’s survivor is a great starting point for Yamaha’s original ideas or maybe yours.

1986 Yamaha SRX600 for sale on Bend, OR Craigslist

Almost looking to out-simplify the 1960’s British singles, the SRX came to the U.S. with just a kickstarter, and a 96mm bore thump which ran smoothly to 6,500 rpm ( and 45 hp ) thanks to its balance shaft. Dual front disks and alloy wheels were up to date, the 5-speed relied on a generous torque curve, but dual rear shocks seemed more for show than go. The very visible chassis and poured-in-place tank and sidecovers show a clear adherence to the design mission.

Lee’s SRX has 13,250 miles, looking good despite the years. Helping the four-valve 600 breathe freely is almost a requirement, and this one has the Supertrapp exhaust. Some patina, but nothing unexpected makes it look like a great resto-rider with a good collection of spare parts. Lee’s comments from his – Craiglist post –

The ultimate cafe bike. Only imported into the US in 1986. Single cylinder 600cc kick start only. All original 13,250 miles with Supertrapp exhaust. Just serviced with new petcock, valve adjustment and oil change. Shorai lithium battery, new seat cover. Spares include unique 2-1 intake manifold for Mikuni carb. Great platform for making yourself a rare cafe bike. If you know motorcycles then you know you don’t see a bike like this.

Lee asks $3,200 for his SRX600. Lee is the US Importer for the Austrian glove brand RACER and can be found here, – racerglovesusa.com –

Yamaha followed their fans back to the basics of motorcycling, but it didn’t result in many sales outside of the home market, where there were 400 and 250cc variants. The 600 didn’t show up on 1987 U.S. line cards, but soldiered on in Europe for a few more years. Reviewers and owners praised the honest engine, light weight and crisp handing – and took the kickstarter and single cylinder as badges of motorcycling honor.

-donn

Steam Train – 1990 Honda CBR1000F

Published October 21, 2020 by Donn

Over on the GT end of the spectrum, Honda’s all-growed-up CBR looked and weighed like adult rider material, and had power to match. This suburban Portland example is a lot of bike for the buy-it-now.

1990 Honda CBR1000F for sale on eBay

Everything about the 1000F is at the big end of the range – quite oversquare, the bores are 77mm across, fed by four 38mm Keihin carbs. Power is superbike strong but more torquey at 132 hp and 77 ft.-lbs. Brakes are ’90-sized at 296mm, but have Honda’s thoughtful take on linked braking, where the lever and pedal each operate both front and rear brakes, splitting the caliper pucks proportionally. Creature comforts got raves, with the big seat, windscreen and full fairing make reeling off the miles a ( lack of ) breeze.

Sounds like the owner also has an interest in a used bike parts outfit, and recently put all new fluids and rubber on this Honda. Miles aren’t much at 8,462, but once you park a bike time picks up speed. Apparently victim to a zero-speed character builder or two, this 1000F still looks very good and quite original. Refinishing faux pas like the generator cover and clutch fluid spill should make a nice difference. Comments from the eBay auction:

The condition is excellent. The bike has 8,462 miles on it. We just put new tires on it. Changed the engine oil and filter with Honda oil and a Honda filter. Changed the coolant with Honda coolant. Changed all of the brake fluid and clutch fluid. New battery. Cleaned the carburetors. New air filter. This bike is ready for the road. There is a couple of scuffs in the paint as seen in photos. There is one crack in the left side fairing seen in the photos. The seat has a small tear or rub spot as seen in photos. The bike is 100% stock with no modifications done. I am including the original invoice from when the bike was bought new in 1990. I am the second owner of the bike. I bought this from the original owner.

The owner also posted a 10-minute video for which offers some nice close-ups – here -.

Though it’s not a fire-breathing track machine, the CBR1000F still has the superbike pedigree and engineering to build up speed quickly. Then the all-encompassing body makes a quiet, still, almost separate world for the rider. This example is an advertisement for inside storage, with new looking finishes except where fate tripped up the previous owner. Though an admitted flipper, the seller has recommissioned the big CBR properly, and left the Make Offer button lit.

-donn

3 Responses.