Posts by tag: Two Stroke

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We have 15 years of archives. Please note that posts over a year old may have been updated to point to similar bikes available to bid on eBay.

Yamaha February 2, 2022 posted by Mike

The Year That Was: 1985 Yamaha RZ 350

Really a bike that needs no introduction, the Yamaha RZ350 had a brief couple of year fling in the States until the EPA shut them down for good. Today’s clean looking 1985 model has been mistakenly listed as a 1984 – however unless you lived in California, the differences between the years were minor and largely cosmetic (for CA residents the years available were cut short as well). Let’s take a deeper dive!

1985 Yamaha RZ 350 for sale on eBay

When released in 1983, US riders were once again able to unleash the ring-a-ding, popcorn sounds of the ubiquitous Yamaha parallel twin. In stock form the RZ was decently potent, although it struggled to match the pace of the 550cc middleweights of the same era. Part of the struggle was due to the concessions made to noise and emissions. Most bikes were quickly modified by adding proper expansion chambers (adding performance and shedding serious weight). Once jetting was dialed for the upgraded pipes (usually accompanied by replacing the restrictive airbox with pods), the buzzy 350 was transformed into a hive of angry bees that could run ring-a-dings with four stroke stockers.

From the seller:
~~1984~~ 1985 Yamaha RZ 350 Kenny Roberts addition, well taken care of Beautiful clean condition, much cleaner than most, stored in a clean controlled environment, adult driven its entire life, I have original exhaust if you would rather have it then the Toomey chambers that I just put on it last summer, I also I have the original seat or the solo Corbin seat whichever you would prefer, runs like new with rebuilt engine just to freshen things up, was not broke or blown up, no rusty gas tank issues, new tires, new chain and sprockets, this is a running bike with clean title in hand, located in Michigan, local Ann Arbor Michigan pick up or I can help with shipping at your cost rwarrs@msn.com for any questions you may have

When you consider the condition of this particular bike (including the near stock appearance), it is hard to fathom that it has nearly 22,000 miles on the odometer. Clearly someone cared about this little smoker. The seller notes an engine rebuild – which is an excellent idea for a 37 year old two stroke, and much less involved than a similar task on a four stroker. No details on exactly what was done, but one would imaging rings and seals for starters, and assuming that a refresh was all that was needed.

Like everything else in our modern life, the price for a decent RZ350 is getting more and more expensive. This particular example shows very well, and has been bid up over $9k very quickly. That is only half way to the Buy It Now number of $18,500, and there is a reserve still in place. Given the way this bike looks, it might just get there before this auction is over. Check out all of the details here, and then jump to the comments and share some RZ love. Unlikely to ever go through a major recession, the RZ350 will continue to climb at or above market provided that the condition is as excellent as this one seems to be. Good Luck!!

Suzuki January 29, 2022 posted by William

500cc, And Only 800 Miles: 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma

In the last couple of years there as been an undeniable increase in demand for 80s and 90s sport bikes. Collectors are keen to achieve childhood dreams and this era motorcycle has seen a sharp increase in pricing. Another trend has been that the highest demand is for bikes with the lowest miles. There have been a few notable sales of brand new, zero mile 30 and 40 year old motorcycles recently. This 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma is titled in CA and shows just 800 miles.

The tree production years saw 9284 of these 500cc, two strok, twin cranked, square four cylinder machines made. Many were raced, or just well used. It is uncommon to find a clean example, and even less rare to find one already in the USA. This bike also has a California title, that will certainly widen the appeal.

Factory rated at just under 100hp and rev’ing to almost 12k RPM, this was an serious performance machine in the day. Sub 11 second quarter mile times are still fast in the automotive world today. There were many outlets to modify these bikes, and some options could net almost 120hp. Weight for the RG was reported to be in the 400 pound range

From The Seller’s eBay Listing:

A near perfect fully tuned Suzuki RG500 Gamma 1986 model. Only 800 original miles and still on the original tires. Sold new in California this Canadian Spec bike spent its entire life with one owner until his passing. In a twist of fate the original importer who sold it got a phone call and bought it back. He had it fully serviced and then help it 5 years. The bike has a California title on non-op registration. Sold with a bill or sale and the pink if you so desire to register it. It came with the manuals tool kit and a full assortment or spares like a head gasket set and the stock Canadian turn signals and the rear seat. The bike currently has the euro turn signals on it. One small stain on the lower right corner of fuel tank from something leaning on it looks to be a rust stain. It’s reported the owner road the bike one summer then put it into his collection and never road it again. Great article about this motorcycle in pictures. Or Google Carrillo Suzuki RG500 Gamma.

Commanding a $60,000 Buy It Now price, this bike is priced aggressively. But with so few miles and preserved in stunning original condition there are no comparable bike to benchmark pricing. This truly is a case that the seller can ask any price and hope to find a collector that wants to add one of the nicest RG500s to their garage.

Odd that the seller used pictures with arrow watermarks for the listing, and did not provide detailed images of the noted tank stain. What can clearly be seen is that this is a very clean example and includes many extra parts and details that make this package very appealing.

Cagiva January 24, 2022 posted by Dan

Featured Listing: One-Owner 2000 Cagiva Mito 125 with 667 Miles !

Update 1.24.2022: This bike has SOLD to an RSBFS reader. Congratulations to buyer and seller!

Check out the Bimota KB2 Laser that Shaun is also offering! -dc

From the Seattle area’s Garage Assassins, today’s Feature is a micro-giant, 125 cc cranking out 34 hp, weighing just 284 lbs. and looking for all the world like a Ducati 916 ! Always in a collector’s hands it has just 667 miles, all DOT equipment, and current registration. We’ll let Duncan pick up the story from here –

2000 Cagiva Mito 125 for sale

The 2000 Cagiva Mito 125 boasts a maximum power output of 34 horsepower and 23 Nm of torque from its liquid-cooled, two-stroke, 125cc, single cylinder powerplant that was mated to a six-speed manual transmission. 284lbs. 3.4 Gallon capacity. Legendary designer Massimo Tamburrini re-styled the bike in 1994, giving it a knife-edge fairing, winged tank and monoposto seat fairing reminiscent of the Ducati superbike. Massimo Tamburrini went on to Ducati where he designed the 916 Ducati. This bike has many of the very same design attributes in a smaller package.

This entry-level machine boasts features such as a two-piece, dual seat, a full-fairing with a small, adjustable windshield, die-cast aluminum wheels, an analogue instrument cluster, a suspension package composed of a 40mm Marzocchi telescopic front fork and an adjustable mono-shock in the rear, a disc braking system both in the front and in the rear and a paint and graphic scheme inspired from racing
motorcycles.

This special find is not even broken in yet. We still have in the box a factory upgrade package. Air intake, special jets for carburetion, rear sprocket plus an exhaust upgrade, still in original packaging.

Duncan asks ~~$14,500~~ $11,400 for the 2000 Mito, and can be reached by email sennaducati79@gmail.com.

This 916 Ducati look alike is a Cagiva Mito 125 2-stroke, the same type of motorcycle that Valentino Rossi started his racing career on at a young age. Back in the day they had a 125cc class of highly modified 2-stroke street bikes for upstart racers in Europe. Cagiva was the bike. Cagiva even sold an entire massive hop up race kit to convert these little rockets into race bikes.

This one owner gem has never seen rain, never down, properly stored in a climate-controlled man cave filled with a proper collection of amazing Italian motorcycles. Owned and maintained by a skilled knowledgeable rider of many years. The bike has recently had a complete proper nut/ bolt go through. Runs perfect and strong. If you plan on riding versus display, we recommend newer tires. The tires are not cracked or damaged, just not as fresh for your riding safety.

Now just over twenty years old, this perfect Mito 125 might be a singular opportunity for the next collector.

Duncan offers assistance with worldwide shipping and asks ~~$14,500~~ $11,400 for the 2000 Mito, contact him by email sennaducati79@gmail.com.

-donn

Featured Listing: One-Owner 2000 Cagiva Mito 125 with 667 Miles !

Yamaha January 23, 2022 posted by Mike

Older Display Model: 1979 Yamaha RD400 Daytona Special

To start this post off on the right foot, let’s make it clear: if you win this auction and do nothing, you will have won a static display. Seller claims this 1979 model of the last of the RDs is mint – and cosmetically it does appear to be so. But after sitting quietly since 1986 (for the math challenged that is 36 years of inactivity), some mechanical effort may be required to wake the beast within. Is that worth it? Well, yeah, it is. After all, this is a freaking Daytona Special, and Special is more than just a name.

1979 Yamaha RD400 Daytona Special for sale on eBay

The final year of the RD400 series, the Daytona Special – or “F” model in Yamaha nomenclature – was already a throwback in a new world order of four strokes. Still, the venerable parallel twin had some tricks and some teeth. Updates with disk brakes (single disk front and rear) and industry leading cast wheels, the 365 pound (dry) RD was pushed along by 44 angry bee horse powers. Active riders were rewarded when keeping the tach above 5,500 RPM and on the boil, where the RD exhibits some of its race-bred DNA. Autolube oil injection keeps the two stroke happy while eliminating the gas station shenanigans of oil bottle guesswork. All told, this was the most up to date, refined and “last gasp” serious road-going two stroke available in America before the brief-lived RZ350.

From the seller:
The RD400 has been inside our dealership on display since August 1986. It is in mint condition for a 43 year old motorcycle. It does not currently run/operate. It has a clear Texas title.

The bike comes with 1 key, an original Yamaha brochure, and 2 (Daytona Special 400) stickers/decals.

We can assist with shipping if help is needed.

Well, not really that much info available. It is not clear if the seller has tried to get the bike running and given up, or if this is more of a push-it-out-the-door-as-is affair. Thankfully smokers are not that complicated, although I would firstly be concerned with whether the motor turns over (i.e. pistons/rings not seized in the barrels), followed by fuel system. If all that passes muster, the thing should run. From there a leak down test to check the crank seals is in order; no use getting it running just to have it run lean and seize up at an inopportune moment. And finally, be sure and budget in a new set of sticky rubber to take advantage of what comes next. Is that worth the effort? The Daytona Special is a pretty special bike, both mechanically as well as historically. To find one in such showroom condition with only 3,000 miles on the clock is rare indeed. Check out all of the details here, and then be sure and jump back to the comments and share your RD thoughts and experiences. Good Luck!!

Yamaha January 22, 2022 posted by Donn

Display Model – 1984 Yamaha RZ350 with 1,841 Miles!

Besides being a midsize beast with 52 hp and under 400 lbs., the RZ350 was distinctive having actually been offered in the U.S. for a few years. Today’s Kenny Roberts commemorative has been on display at the dealer since your cell phone was 2G and looks extraordinary.

1984 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

Trying to modernize a venerable engine design, Yamaha threw the book at its 347cc two-stroke, including water cooling, oil injection, their power valve port system, air injection, and a lot more for California-bound bikes. Power delivery was peaky, with relaxed acceleration under 6,000 rpm, and whoa Nellie ! from there to the 9,500 redline. Elsewhere it looked its $2,400 MSRP with conventional steel frame, and suspension with pre-load adjustment only, though the triple disks, alloy wheels, and sharp bikini fairing were nice touches. Almost too obvious to mention, the classic livery celebrates the multiple AMA number 1 and first American GP champion, who went on to become a race bike builder and GP team manager.

After thirty years on display, this RZ is a fantastic piece but not ready to roll anywhere but into the workshop. It must’ve been well back from the velvet ropes, since there’s not a scrape or bruise to be seen. Every picture shows off its trim lines, period expansion chambers look the part, and the vapor canister missing from the engine bay seems to indicate it’s a 49-state model. RSBFS contributors raised a collective eyebrow at the seller’s use of the word “mint” on a non-running bike, but considering it’s pushing 40 the condition is remarkable. Just a note accompanies the eBay auction:

The RZ has been inside our dealership on display since 1991. It is in mint condition for a 38 year old motorcycle. It does not currently run/operate. It has a clear Texas title.

The bike comes with 1 original key, the original owners manual, and an original Yamaha brochure.

Nothing like a stock showpiece to set the bidding on fire, and with a whole week to go this one will probably set some 350cc records. Tires will stay wooden originals, but a few things could be shined up here and there, and maybe clean out the fuel system for the long term. Then it’s probably off to a private museum for this RZ350, though it had a nice run in the dealership window.

-donn

Display Model – 1984 Yamaha RZ350 with 1,841 Miles!

Kawasaki January 19, 2022 posted by Mike

Anarchy in the UK: 1989 Kawasaki KR-1S 250

Although most RSBFS readers are demographically located in the US, I say never mind the bollocks. Sure, this KR-1S is located in Jolly Olde England, but it is a freaking KR-1s! Possibly the rarest of the regular 250cc two stroke set by manufacturer, the KR series has a reputation for being fast, fast, fast.

1989 Kawasaki KR-1S for sale on eBay!

Of all of the quarter liter smokers, the Kawasaki was generally considered a bit of a failure. Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha dominated the sales floor, as the more rare Kawasaki lagged behind. The downside of the fast, fast, fast component of the KR-1 is that these have also been known to be somewhat fragile, but those that have survived are piquing the interest of collectors. What was a relative “failure” to sell in the day makes this all the more rare today. And today’s sub-8,000 mile example is one that is worth a look.

From the seller:
Kawasaki kr1s 250
1989 g reg
7900 miles from new
1 former owner first for 30 years
Original order as good as they come
Original tool kit under seat /handbooks /
Original number plate /1 key fits all locks
Does run but could do with a service and mot
Bodywork near immaculate
Any questions viewings welcome

There is not as much info as we might like to know, and only a few pics of this beauty. The ask is $11,500 USD – which is significantly below the nearly $18k asked for this 1991 California plated dream machine. If you can handle the shipping and importing, this could be a find. Only 10,000 total units of the KR-1 250 series were made, with fewer being the KR-1S model as seen here (and rarer still, the coveted R model).

Check out all of the details on this 1989 Kawasaki KR-1S here. Good Luck!!

Suzuki January 17, 2022 posted by Donn

Upsizing – 1985 Suzuki RG500 in Australia

Update: this listing expired overnight, but is still worth a look ! Push “See original listing” -donn

Most RG500’s seen on RSBFS chronicle the lucky-if-you-can-hang-on 500 two-stroke, but this Aussie example has been bored out to 570cc and well equipped to handle the extra ponies. It’s finished in a very good dub of Heron Racing’s 80’s livery, and looks just about flawless.

1985 Suzuki RG500 ( Australia ) for sale on eBay

Suzuki had delayed the road-going RG500 until GP technology had moved on a bit ( and engineers had also wrapped up their work on the GSX-R750 ) but it was still heralded as a race bike for the road. Its 95 hp were a revelation for a ride weighing under 400 lbs., though the square four’s airboxes filled out the fairing. Using a small cross section alloy chassis, Hamamatsu carefully engineered the RG500 to handle the power, along with air adjustable forks with anti-dive. Smallish 260mm brakes and staggered 16 and 17-inch wheels were along the smaller, lighter line to quickness.

Evidently built and imported from England, this RG500 shows beautifully and has some later, larger brakes to go with its additional horsepower, and lightweight modular Astralite wheels. Not quite sure what year this animal is, but there’re no significant differences over the three model years. Suzuki had their own Skoal livery for a few limited editions, but this more faithful replica has a bit more flash. Comments from the eBay auction:

Well this is a hard one as I absolutely LOVE this bike.

Bike was built in England and I have many many receipts, can’t remember when she was brought into Australia but it was a long time and has been previously registered in WA, so no issues there.

The bike is now a 570 with Jim Lomas pipes, Astra Light Wheels and bigger brakes etc, all of the original parts paper work and workshop manual go with the sale.

Plastics are all original Suzuki, also have the original pillion seat.

I ride this bike at least twice a month and it absolutely beautiful to ride, I am fortunate enough to have two RG’s and this is my favorite but due to downsizing she has to go.

This bike is an absolute show stopper and I doubt you will see another one like her, irreplaceable in my mind.

Team Heron was contracted when Suzuki took a break from a works GP team, and had some significant success with factory support. They even commissioned a series of – carbon fiber chassis and swingarms – which gave the fire breathing lump a stable if all-enclosing platform. Suzuki’s Skoal livery was a tribute to the team’s efforts, and appeared on a few different models. Nice to hear this example is ridden regularly, and looks so great even so. The ask is right up there and the post-transaction costs won’t be insignificant, but could be a smart investment given the current market.

-donn

Upsizing – 1985 Suzuki RG500 in Australia

Jawa January 11, 2022 posted by Mike

Czech All the Boxes: 1990 Jawa 350 Twin Sport

Another interesting option in the sub 400 category is this rare little gem – a BRAND NEW Jawa 350. Offered by a seller in Portland, Oregon, this Twin Sport throwback is a two stroke parallel twin straight out of Czechoslovakia. The story of Jawa is an interesting one, with Czech businessman Frantisek Janecek purchasing the motorcycle division of German manufacturer Wanderer in 1929 (the automobile division of Wanderer became part of the Horch-DKW-Audi concern known as Auto Union in 1932, which today is known simply as Audi). Frantisek named the new company JAWA, using the first two letters of his last name along with the first two letters in Wanderer. Perhaps best known in the US for speedway style dirt track racing (Bruce Penhall fans, anyone?), Jawa continues in operation, building mopeds, smaller motorcycles and a Rotax-powered 650cc model. Some models are built under license directly in India. Sadly, the brand remains most populous in Latin America and Europe, and is not imported into the US.

1990 Jawa 350 Twin Sport for sale on eBay

While a 1990 model, this 350 really hasn’t changed much from the 1970s. Witness the front and rear drum brakes, laced onto robust spoke wheels (which is traditionally a more forgiving setup than cast wheels for marginal/unimproved roads). Suspension is basic hydraulic front fork (conventional) with twin shocks in the rear. The parallel twin is a two stroke, and as basic as it is reliable. Air-cooled for simplicity, the 350 utilizes a single carburetor and is estimated to pump out 27-30 cracking ponies. Power is transmitted via a 4-speed transmission and chain final drive. Weight appears to be 330-ish pounds dry.

From the seller:
Brand new 1990 Jawa 350

Not much info from the seller here, other than the bike appears to be in great cosmetic shape and looking like it was parked indoors for some time. No oil stains, grease, scratches or dents are noticeable, and all the pieces seem to be in place – right down to the nifty mudguard protecting the front of the engine case from rocks and debris strewn up by the front wheel. The odometer seems to verify the “new” status as well, showing only 1 kilometer and change on the metric clocks. Already imported into the US (although no note on title, licensing, etc), this unique 350 might have spent all its existence in a man cave. Who wouldn’t want to pour in some premix and seat those piston rings in properly??! Check (Czech?) out all of the details here, but be warned that new and unique does not come cheaply – the Buy It Now is a rather steep $8,500. The seller appears to be open to offers, so gaze at the photos and then give it your best shot. Good luck!!