Posts tagged as “Survivor”

Featured Listing – 1993 Kawasaki ZX-7 with under 9,000 miles !

Published September 15, 2020 by Donn

Update 9.15.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

( In your best Rod Serling voice ) “Imagine if you will, riding a quintessential 90’s supersport around town, and attracting very little attention…” This ZX-7 with rather low miles is dressed up in candy apple red, and is in lovely survivor condition.

1993 Kawasaki ZX-7 for sale Asking $4,950

The ZX-7 came ashore in 1989, with the usually green bikes’ eyes on the AMA Superbike series. Some nice improvements were made in 1991, with a seriously oversquare engine layout ( 71mm bore x 47.3 mm stroke ), 38mm carbs, and upside-down forks. The single air scoop was added in 1993, sending ram air to the newly-designed top end. Steering was always a ZX-7 strong point, and incremental improvement was made to the rear suspension over the years. The black painted alloy chassis complements the alternate color scheme perfectly.

RSBFS reader Rocco has tended his ZX-7 carefully, the brandywine red metallic still sparkling. The Muzzy exhaust might be the only update, and tires look to have a lot of miles left. Rocco’s notes on the ZX-7:

1993 ZX-7 (ZX750L) with 8,984 original miles.
Original plastics – All VIN tags in place.
Engine/Frame/etc. all very clean.
Runs and Rides great.
Light damage on right side lower gas tank from falling off lift while stationary
and small crack in upper cowl fairing.
Muzzy full system with correct jetting.
CLEAN OHIO TITLE IN HAND.

So what’s to like here? The low miles, the reasonable price, compared to a more exotic ZX-7RR, the period Muzzy pipe, and classic superbike looks. What’s not to like? The fact that it’s just a standard ZX-7 and the minor damage mentioned.

I doubt these will ever be worth crazy money, but it’s certainly a bike that should go up in value and you’ll be able to ride it in the meantime without worrying too much about either damaging an ultra-rare exotic or devaluing it by adding too many miles.

Extremely well preserved. Runs like it looks, INCREDIBLE. Items included in sale: original owner’s manual, tool kit, matching gloves and helmet, clear title. Rare was the factory brandywine red color but rarer here is a true survivor time capsule ready to take you back – don’t miss it.

Rocco asks $4,950 for his ZX-7

Kawasaki gave Team Muzzy a great platform to start, and they delivered four AMA titles with Doug Chandler and Scott Russell aboard. Almost like a UCF fighter out for dinner in a suit, the brandywine ZX-7 blends in, giving off a more sport touring vibe. What a surprise when the rider calls up the 118hp exiting the next corner ! Rocco’s ZX-7 carves out an interesting corner in the sport bike world – very sporty credentials, practically vintage at this point, hidden under the alternate livery and immaculate presentation.

-donn

Purple Reign – 1994 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade

Published August 26, 2020 by Donn

Honda’s just right ( not a supersport, not a liter-plus ) sized CBR900RR set a 1990’s wave in motion. This preservation contender has seen an almost impossibly low number of previous owner mods, and looks all the better for it.

1994 Honda CBR900RR for sale on eBay

The CBR900RR was legendary Honda designer Tadao Baba’s masterwork, and up-powered a supersport-sized chassis, while doing everything possible to limit weight and centralize mass. There wasn’t really a racing class for the Fireblade, but the 122 hp and 454 lbs. wet weight turned the win-on-Sunday-sell-on-Monday paradigm on its ear. Seemingly out of step design choices like the longer stroke engine provided a great torque signature, and forks were conventional but an imperturbable 45mm. More in step was the 16-inch front wheel, which eased turn-in. Innovations like the swiss-cheesed fairing areas allowed the Blade to slice through the air at least in theory.

Evidently on only its third owner, this CBR900RR has been very lucky. The almost 24K miles really had me thinking re-paint, but the metal finishes are so nice maybe it was only ever ridden in flannel footed pj’s. The outside of the tank is almost as perfect as the inside ! A black windscreen, compulsory tail tidy, and D+D muffler seem like the only acknowledgements to reality. Not sure what the significance of the fork reflectors is, maybe this owner has a very concours example as well. From the eBay auction:

3rd owner of this beautiful bike. The plastics and tank are some of the nicest you’ll find on a ’94. She starts right up and rides great. She’s leaving my small collection as I don’t have enough room to keep her. I’ve tried showing a couple of small areas of deficiency; the plastic behind the seat, couple of minor scuffs and the wheels have some small chips. Note: The front reflectors shown a couple of photos are not on the bike or a part of the sale.

The Fireblade had a nice 11-year run with mostly incremental changes, though styling was modernized early and got pointier as time went on. Throughout it was a reviewer’s favorite, with great power, brakes and balance. Not many have survived the years looking so lightly used, and bidding is active early on. Hopefully the reserve will be be met shortly and we can watch where it goes.

-donn

2 Responses.

WannaBe(emer) – 2002 Buell S3T Thunderbolt

Published July 28, 2020 by Donn

Marketeers at Buell must have looked longingly at BMW’s fanbase and wanted to access some of that longer-than-an-afternoon enthusiasm. This S3T has all the last year of production improvements, light mileage, and excellent cosmetics.

2002 Buell S3T Thunderbolt for sale on eBay

Late in the Thunderbolt program, Buell had made a lot of updates to the S3T, like electronic fuel injection tailoring the mixture to 101 hp. The long stroke of the 1203cc Sporty motor, with factory Thunderstorm heads, takes care of providing a healthy 66 ft.-lbs torque at 5,500 rpm. The almost maintenance-free belt drive smooths out most driveline lash and is lighter than a chain. Showa provided their multi-adjustable 40mm fork and underslung rear shock. Buell’s signature 340mm single disk is up front, with a six-puck caliper, mounted to a set of very pretty fabricated Comstar-type wheels. The rear exhaust is tucked inside the frame of its way to the central muffler, and can’t get to your leg. The seat shape was also improved over the years, and the fairing is a nice compromise between local and long distance.

No ownership history is provided, but this S3T has been cared for and shows beautifully. Seems little needed to be done to improve on the factory’s ideals, with just an intake added. Its chunky good looks visually prepare you for the 500 lb. riding weight. The bags are enormous and aren’t an everyday on-off item like the BMW, so they can stay off until a long trip beckons. Comments from the eBay auction:

Buell’s top of the line bike in 2002 with MSRP of $13,395
Equipped with the Deep-sized Detachable Color Matched Saddle Bags that
have fitted removeable luggage per picture.
Wheels are the factory optional Performance Machine Polished Aluminum.
Factory rated at 101 Horsepower and 90 ft-lbs of torque it is not for the timid.
Fuel Injected and with the Harley Belt Drive it is very low maintenance.
Being the last year of the Tube Framed Buell’s it is a future collectable
especially with the rare color combination. (Volcano Gray / Blaze Orange)
This bike is factory stock with the exception of the upgraded Uno air cleaner
and vinyl rim stripes.
Bike is in very good condition with some minor imperfections.
See scratch on front fender in picture five.
Right passenger saddle bag has a minor scuff on side.
Plastic fuel tank cover has some typical Buell air bubbles in the paint.

The S3T reviewed as a sport tourer that didn’t forget about the sport, with the big torquey lump that made the sections between corners disappear. Quality control issues seem to have been largely put to bed this late in the game, though even with the isoplanar engine mount stuff wants to come apart. This Thunderbolt looks unfettered and ready for another 20K miles.

-donn

6 Responses.

Entrée – 2002 Honda RC51 / RVT1000R

Published July 25, 2020 by Donn

As the 20th century wound down, Honda needed a new tool to work on WSBK, and developed a fresh 90-degree V-twin, wrapped in a new aluminum twin-spar chassis. This RC51 is a rider but looks very good with a conscientious maintenance history.

2002 Honda RC51 / RVT1000R for sale on eBay

Surprisingly close to the engine specs for Ducati’s 998 with 100mm bore and 63.6mm stroke, the Honda managed 136 hp in street trim, a skwoshe more than the 998. Programmed fuel injection, two injectors per cylinder and gear-driven cams counted for a lot. Fork and brake specs are identical to the 998, with multi-adjustable 43mm forks and 320mm disks grabbed by 4-piston calipers. The RC51 exhausts make their way to the side of the swingarm, and weight is within a few pounds of the competition.

This mid-life owner has taken nice care in their ownership, though the RC51 isn’t without a past. The Yoshimura mufflers look a lot lighter than stock, though the pipes are ready for another round of polishing. From the eBay auction:

Very nice condition. All maintenance and service done, maint. log book included. I recently did the first valve clearance check and will include the valve shim kit I purchased for it. Engine is all stock and original except for the Yoshimura Exhaust. The “pair mod” and “intake air flapper” mod has been done, but I kept the original parts to put back to stock. The header is also stock and is in perfect shape. I have other original parts also including the like new original windscreen (Puig wind screen installed). Some other OEM decals and labels included. Has aftermarket undertail but has (what I think is) the original tail light included.

Also has aftermarket rear sets, Stainless Steel front and rear race brake lines (I have all original lines and hardware tagged and bagged) Newer brake pads (I kept part numbers and brand), newer Dunlop Q3’s. OEM Passenger seat pad included. Honda service manual, spare tail fairing in like new condition included. New chain and sprockets where installed as a matched set a few thousand miles ago. A few other parts included (see pictures). Flush mount LED turn signals. The non-oem stickers at the bottom of the fairing where added after a coat of wax so they can be easily removed (I’ll remove them for you if you prefer). New aftermarket adjustable levers.

A short cold start walk-around is shown – here -.

Honda won their first year with the RC51, Ducati replied, and Honda won again in 2002, both times with Colin Edwards aboard. The benefit afforded twins of any brand lasted until the Jonathan Rea era began in 2015, and is awaiting its next resurgence. If the reserve is set with the buy-it-now as reference, this might be a winning entry into the sportbike affliction.

-donn

2 Responses.

Secret Weapon – 1995 Buell S2 Thunderbolt

Published July 5, 2020 by Donn

Early in the Buell / Harley-Dave relationship, the racer and design engineer was thought to be the icon’s entreé into sportbikes. This immaculate S2 has access to plenty of thunder, and every update imaginable.

1995 Buell S2 Thunderbolt for sale on eBay

The S2 had production versions of most of the ideas Erik Buell had been incubating for several years, the quick-steering tube frame, Uni-Planar engine mounts, underslung rear shock and muffler, and extra-large diameter single front disk – all surrounding Harley’s torquey 1203 cc motor. WP supplied upside-down forks and the unusual monoshock which extends as the chassis compresses is from Showa. H-D production engineers fitted their belt drive and put their manufacturing expertise into the sculptural exhaust system. For a bike with planned production of 300 units per year, the frame-mounted fairing, tank and seat console flow together very well.

Obviously owned by a real fan, this Buell looks excellent an has been carefully updated with choice parts, addressing many of the model’s foibles. As much as the tank bra breaks up the lines of the bodywork, the next owner will appreciate all the scratches the tank doesn’t have. The auction shares a – video – and says it’s by the previous owner, which indicates that most of the pictures are as well, so a question or two there. A long list from the eBay auction:

Work and upgrades:

• Borla muffler

• Piggyback kickstand plate (prevents the motorcycle from leaning too much to prevent a fall)

• Updated ISO’s all around (Buell redesigned the ISO mounts in 2001)

• Updated exhaust hanger (Buell redesigned the muffler hanger mount in 2001)

• Updated primary tensioner (HD/Buell update to all Sportsters and Buell in 1999)

• Updated shifter detent plate

• Updated crank seal

• Bronze oil pump gear

• All new James top end gaskets with jug pigtails

• KT Performance heat shield

• Shorai Battery (Lithium light weight battery)

• Original Rear Shock rebuilt by RaceTech

• Original Front Shocks rebuilt by Lance Kuglar (St. Paul HD)

• Corbin Seat Recovered by Baldwin

• Under seat tote and fairing bags

• Screaming Eagle CDI Box

• New signal light control box

• Zero gravity smoke windscreen

• Updated/late style front rotor (Buell redesigned the front brake rotor in 2001)

• Newer continental tires

• Jim’s Mega-nut on bead blasted and sealed front pulley

• CV Performance Carb Kit

Accompanied with the bike:

• Rising road service and parts manuals

• Sales brochures (with some pricing scribbles from 95)

• Borla brochure

• Buell sticker and postcard from the period

• Owner’s manual

• Stock muffler in like new condition

• Rubber stock foot pegs

• Additional lower belt guard

The T-Bolt sold better than expected right away, and the two companies had several good years together, but eventually applied for an uncontested divorce. Even though the S2 is on the softer side of sports-biking, the turn and squirt ( maybe even shift ) ride got great reviews. It’s a strong starting bid for the first real production bike from Erik Buell and friends, but it is a sharp example with all the right upgrades.

-donn

5 Responses.

Unlimited Edition – 1987 Suzuki GSX-R750

Published May 31, 2020 by Donn

Suzuki made a tsunami-sized splash with the 1986 GSX-R750, with 100 hp and a hair over 400 lbs. soaking wet. This Florida example looks preserved rather than having just survived, and has been made ready to ride or show by just the 2nd owner.

1987 Suzuki GSX-R750 for sale on eBay

Introduced just the year before, the 1986 model’s biggest change was a 1-inch extension of the swingarm to bring the handling more to the street. The air/oil-cooled 749cc’s pushed 10.6:1 compression and carried a performance car-like 6 quarts of oil but saved the weight of a water system. The small-tube alloy chassis also saved several pounds, and held the 41mm conventional forks and Full Floater monoshock. Wheels and brakes were closer to and endurance racer spec – matched 18-inch rims and 310mm dual front disks. The full fiberglass fairing carried dual headlights and a cushy dual seat.

The seller picked an extraordinary example of this iconic bike and polished it like a gem, beside going through most of the systems and making things better than new. Presents as very stock and the sprocket change is a great idea for a classic bike with a possibly vintage rider. Comments from the eBay auction:

I bought from the original owner, the guy that walked in the showroom in 1987 and drove her home. It needed carb cleaning, brake pads and calipers cleaned, new tires, new chain and installed 2 new sprockets (15T520P front and smaller rear to make the gears longer and it runs sooo much nicer with this ratio). The original solo seat cowl (which I have) has a crack on the side where it bolts to seat but I was able to find this blue replacement and simply bolted on the original pad however the sale comes with the original white cowl as well. I bought her along with the original exhaust, which is included in sale($$).

She was garaged kept in a cool environment and the paint is original and looks like the day it came off the showroom floor since I buffed and polished fairings. By the time I was done getting her tuned and dialed in and installing new chain and sprockets, new battery and fluids, and solid tune after carb removal and cleaning and rebuild, I honestly dropped about $1500 in parts and labor for the things I couldn’t do myself and it was well worth it the way she runs now. I even have the original bar ends in a box which I think would make her 100% stock. There are some minor imperfections I will be happy to share with you if you are interested, but most are not visible and normal for a 32 year old machine.

I have been riding her just about every other weekend for 20 or 30 miles and only run ethanol-free fuel and she continues to turn heads and put a smile on my face. It is one of the finest 100% vintage and authentic GSX-R750 I have ever seen – and is turn key, sitting in my garage, looking for a new home. I have an extra set of plugs as well, the Title is clean and in house, and it has never, repeat NEVER been dropped or scraped .

Suzuki did well with GSX-R on the World Endurance circuit and TT-F1 races, but with Yoshimura managing in 1989, won the Daytona and AMA Supersport titles with Jamie James aboard. It was just the first few chapters of a multi-volume history that is still being written, at least in North America – the model has been retired elsewhere. Arguably the first endurance racer set up for the road, the early GSX-R750’s focus on light weight and handling made it special even without the Limited Edition’s homologation parts. This looks like a well and carefully loved example.

-donn

7 Responses.

Too Close for Missiles – 1985 Kawasaki GPZ900R

Published May 26, 2020 by Donn

Despite being a generation or so in the rearview mirror, the original GPZ900R Ninja had a lot of firsts for Kawasaki and big sportbikes in general. Looking complete and mostly original, this example might be a good riding restoration.

1985 Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja for sale on eBay

Beside being the first Ninja to our shores, the 908cc’s were liquid cooled, had four valves per cylinder, and a counter balance shaft in a compact architecture which kept the center of gravity low. Four 34mm Keihin carburetors and 11.0:1 compression pushed the Ninja well over the goal line with 115 hp. Super-high tech hadn’t quite made it to the steel chassis or pretty conventional suspension, but the triple drilled disk brakes were a plus, and linked to the anti-dive system. At this point the lines are beyond classic, bringing visions of a drag race with an F-14.

Homing in on 28,000 miles, this GPZ900R has been around the world, but on silent more recently. Appearing quite stock, it’s without damage unexpected for its age. The owner is upfront about the work required to bring it back in the eBay auction:

Original except exhausts. Very good condition, does have few nicks and imperfections as per photos Tank has some surface rust inside. Ran well before I mothballed it around six months ago and now sits on top of my car lift with many others due to space constraints so plan to do the basics to recommission it for daily use. It will also need a new battery and regulator/rectifier as it didn’t charge battery while riding. A very easy candidate to turn into a full replica or take to top level. Stating the obvious but this is same bike used in the Top Gun movie with Tom Cruise. Has become much more in demand since announcement of the new movie. I know because I had 5 of them and since I started selling I have one left.

The GPZ900R was popular enough to fight off in-house challenges from liter-size successors, and had almost a 20-year run worldwide. With the delayed opening of the Top Gun re-make, the new owner will have a chance to tidy this one up before donning a flight jacket and heading to a show. The ask seems a shade more than the condition demands, but the Make Offer button is available.

-donn

2 Responses.

Fox Eye Lady – 1999 Honda RVF400R / NC35

Published May 20, 2020 by Donn

In many ways a template of the Superbike RC45, the middleweight RVF400 ( NC35 ) had its own character and predatory facial expression. This Wisconsin rider looks very good despite some prodigious miles.

1999 Honda RVF400R / NC35 for sale on eBay

Honda made a substantial update to the VFR400R, with a new chassis, inverted forks and 17-inch wheels front and rear. Changes to the carburetors and valve timing could improve the torque curve but power was legislated to be 59 hp. Air scoops and tracts over the handlebars deliver fresh if not ram air. Forks and monoshock are adjustable for pre-load and rebound, and 269mm brakes are Nissin branded. From down the block, the styling could fool you into an RC45 sighting.

Though it has seen 37K miles, this RVF shows nicely and has just a few wear marks to show for it. Un-faired photos show the beauty to be more than skin deep. From the eBay auction:

Clean and titled low-mileage 1999 Honda RVF400 (NC35). Registered and plated in Wisconsin. Clean title on hand. Some history on this bike: This bike is the little brother to the legendary RC45. The NC35 is a classic for collectors or exotic bike enthusiasts. As an evolution to the VFR400 (NC30), the NC35 comes with upside forks and 17” rear wheel for improved handling. Other unique features include a lightweight aluminum frame, and single-sided swing arm. Not to mention Honda’s V4 bullet-proof gear-driven engine with its distinctive rev whine. I purchased it from a private collector and have ridden it regularly. Bike starts right up and runs flawlessly. This bike has only seen non-ethanol fuel.

It is currently kept on battery tender and Pitbull front and rear stands. Cosmetically in great shape. OEM fairings show signs of age, but was very well maintained. The paint/decals throughout are still glossy. A couple of minor blemishes from prior ownership: tank has a small chip which was touched up. Details shown in ad photos. No other cracks or blemishes that I am aware of. Again, I rode this bike for many years. It is not in pristine show room condition. I’m happy to provide additional pictures if desired. Minor modifications I added to the bike – steel braided brake lines, CRG levers and a carbon fiber pipe (original canister available). Overall bike condition is very clean and well cared for; with some normal signs of wear for twenty-one year-old bike. It is a blast to ride and a conversation starter as many have never seen this bike.

The NC35 might’ve been considered a beginner’s bike here, but it was offered only in Japan and made its way around the globe in the gray market. Lighter race riders have embraced its handling and build quality. Unlike the racy singles being proffered today, the RVF400 has an exotic V-4 engine with a soundtrack provided by gear-driven cams. While a collector could keeping shopping for less miles and patina, a rider might be happy it’s not perfect.

-donn

2 Responses.