Posts by tag: Unrestored

Yamaha June 24, 2022 posted by Donn

A Mild Thump – 1987 Yamaha SRX250

Yamaha wanted to extend the success of their singles and developed 600, 400, and more rarely 250 variants. Though references to US imports are hard to find, this excellent example has an MPH speedometer.

1987 Yamaha SRX250 for sale on eBay

Even though there were similar Yamaha 250 singles, the SRX engine was its own animal with 10-to-1 compression and a four-valve head. Its 32 hp were more than the dirtbike and quad engines, if not more than enough. Just about all the double downtube frame is visible, in red on the 80’s-era sports livery. Even though it’s lightly built with a single front disc and economical with the drum rear brake, the sporting intent is evidenced by the staggered 16-inch front / 18-inch wheels. A small frame-mounted fairing is accompanied by a chin scoop which hides the exhaust.

Evidently tucked away in Vermont garage for a while, this SRX has amassed 15,641 miles but looks like less. Brake fluid has bubbled the paint on the reservoir and the owner’s keyring has scored the triple tree, but otherwise it looks a few years old and not 35. Thinking the seat has been recovered but only because it looks that good. Noted from the eBay auction –

This bike is very rare. This bike was only made for one year. This bike is in great condition for a 1987. See pictures, they will tell the story. Last fall I put on a new Petcock, rebuilt the carb, and disc brake caliper. Last week I had a professional mechanic tune it up and install a new Yuasa battery. The tank was sealed years ago. Everything works on the bike, lights, blinkers, horn. The speedometer is slightly foggy which I don’t understand because it’s always been kept in a heated cellar or heated garage.

Maybe not the thumpiest single out there, The SRX250 was more of a domestic market sport style for Yamaha fans who needed a 250. For RSBFS readers, maybe a good starter or pit bike with impeccable taste. Plenty of bids but hoping the reserve isn’t out of this world.

-donn

Ducati June 11, 2022 posted by Donn

Sortalight – 1993 Ducati 900SS Superlight #874

Ducati made a some purely sporting mods to the 904cc Supersport which eliminated the pillion and a added a few lighter components. A previous owner undid some of the weight savings but this is still a quite original and very good example.

1993 Ducati 900SS Superlight for sale on eBay

With all the goodness built in from the 900SS, the Superlight’s single seat and higher exhaust were the icing on the cake. Air-cooled 78 hp accompanied improved braking and adjustable Showa suspension bits, and Marvic wheels with aluminum rims married to magnesium hubs reduced mass in the right places. Carbon mudguards and clutch cover imparted extra lightness. Sure can’t argue with the race number prep on the tailcone and edition number plaque on the triple tree. Chrome yellow paint controverted Ducati rosso purists.

With a shade under 30 years and just over 26K miles, this Superlight has a few imperfections, but looks all together and original in places where many aren’t. Presuming the previous owner wanted wider rear rubber, the next owner will want to keep an eye open for a correct rear wheel to go with new tires. Notes in the eBay auction wander a bit but hit all the important points –

I’ve had it for a few years and barely rode it, I mainly just stared at it. LOL This is a beautiful bike and an absolute head turner when it’s out. They are rarely seen out and about.

Here’s the service history since I’ve had it, all work done by one of the great Ducati 900SS experts in the country, Bobby Weindorf. He has extensive experience from working at Pro Italia and as a mechanic and curator for the Moto Talbot collection and more.

June 2021

-Check valve clearances- all good

-Install new belts, check tensioners and rollers

-Flush and bleed brakes

-Flush and bleed clutch

-Replace spark plugs

-Clean and adjust carbs, clean jets, clean out idle circuit

June 2022

-Disassemble carbs, cleaned all jets

-flush front brake system, installed braided steel lines

Fairings are in really great shape and yes they still have the black spongy lining on the inside. I believe this lining is original. This stuff is so brittle it flakes off to the touch, I’m not kidding, it’s a mess when you touch it, but I’m not removing it because I understand some collectors want that intact for originality.

Some of the bolt holes on the seat fairing have “spiderweb” cracks from a prior owner over-tightening. See pics. Common but unfortunate. I’ve seen body/paint shops lightly touch these up to hide them. I’ll leave that up to you.

Tank looks gorgeous, no dents dings or scratches, one very small touch up paint spot. Probably a few minor nicks here and there, as expected for a 30 year old bike. The engine/metal parts could use a thorough cleaning with some q-tips and a good cleaner to get into the crevices.

The front wheel is the original Marvic. The rear wheel is not. Previous owner swapped for a wheel off a 1997 916. You may be able to find an original replacement on eBay or overseas, I’ve seen them come up for sale.

Bike fires right up, I mean really fires up! First touch of start button! I’m happy to send you a video.

Probably the Make Offer will get some action on this Superlight, with its miles, recent maintenance and appearance asking for a bit more attention. Superlight worldwide production looks to have been just over 1,300 in 1992, then a little over half that in 1993-95. Since the profit engineers stepped in after the first year, earlier bikes are choice. This example checks a lot of boxes and hopefully the next owner will buff it up to a high lustre.

-donn

Sortalight – 1993 Ducati 900SS Superlight #874

Honda June 6, 2022 posted by Donn

Special Projects Office – 1990 Honda VFR750R / RC30

Though RSBFS mostly posts carefully tended originals, some models will attract major league attention no matter the condition. Today’s subject is a venerable RC30 which was apparently parked and forgotten after just 62 miles !

1990 Honda VFR750R / RC30 for sale on eBay

Not sure what else can be said about the RC30, already the subject of much attention and well-deserved interest. It was made in just enough numbers to homologate the build for the Superbike World Championship, which it won the first two years. Using HRC-designed parts for most major components, it had very little in common with the rest of the VFR line-up, and at $15K in 1990 it was well out of most riders’ reach. Many of the details wouldn’t have been considered for a more sales-oriented machine, like the titanium connecting rods, camshafts running in needle bearings, the oil cooler sending heat to the engine coolant, and the single nut retaining the rear wheel. Even with all that, a race kit was available which gave an alternative exhaust, radiator, gearsets, race wheels, brake calipers, axles and steering damper.

Though it might be fascinating to hear how this RC30 came to be parked so soon, the NY inspection and Florida location will have to do for now. For all the inattention, it looks excellent with no apparent damage and only a minor amount of corrosion. Every system that ever had liquid in it ( and some that didn’t ) await the next owner’s attention. The original accessories are a great addition, being otherwise unavailable. Notes from the eBay auction –

Yes, only 62 miles. The motorcycle has been in storage for the past 30 years and is located in South Florida. One owner, all original, no aftermarket accessories or modifications. Note that the motorcycle has not been touched or cranked over in 10 years. At that time, it was running until all the gas was out. All documentation and everything that it came is included such as the race stand, tools and New York State title. Noted issues (not all inclusive) –

Pitting on both forks

Scratch by the back seat rest

Scratch on gas cap

Gas cap will not unlock

While that fork corrosion wouldn’t normally be worth tending to, in this case the forks will probably be disassembled and re-finished. It’s easy to predict a full restoration for this RC30, but harder to say whether it will ever turn a wheel afterward. Too bad because just the sound of the 360-degree crankshaft engine would be worth it. Seems like each one of the estimated 4,885 RC30’s ever made has at least the potential for a spot in a museum or stadium auction.

-donn

Special Projects Office – 1990 Honda VFR750R / RC30

Honda June 2, 2022 posted by Donn

Detail Oriented – 1992 Honda VFR400R / NC30

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

Detail Oriented – 1992 Honda VFR400R / NC30

BMW May 16, 2022 posted by Donn

Vintage Wrapper – 1991 BMW R100 Classic

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

Yamaha May 13, 2022 posted by Donn

King’s Livery – 1985 Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts

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

King’s Livery – 1985 Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts

Aprilia April 26, 2022 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 1997 Aprilia RS250 with 3,400 Miles !

Aprilia had a championship winner on their hands with the 1991 RSV250 road racer, and took it to the streets in 1995 in the RS250. RSBFS reader Phil has been caretaker and occasional rider of this original and exquisite Mk. 1.

1997 Aprilia RS250 asking $14,500

Engineers put their sweat and tears into the RS250’s artful chassis, formed and welded alloy parts to make it rigid and light if not easy to understand. Knowing that bringing their racing 249cc engine to the road would take some doing, Aprilia tapped Suzuki to supply their V-twin from the RGV250, and made their own intake, exhaust and ECU – resulting in 72 hp. Suspension is leading edge with USD forks and asymmetrical magnesium swingarm, and the brake sizes would have been seen on a superbike just a few years before. Ergonomics take no prisoners but make the rider ready for the next squiggly line on the map, and the peaky powerband coaches the left foot to keep 8,500 revs at a minimum.

Phil’s RS is a grey market import, and the metric odometer indicates 3,400 miles. A friend owned it before him, and let it sit for an extended period, which Phil has reversed by a generous application of maintenance. We’ll let him pick up the story –

My 1997 RS250 has a gray origin history, but the last 2 decades are clear. It is an Italian market bike, imported into the USA sometime in the early 2000s. It is a 17 digit VIN. It was purchased in 2004 by an acquaintance as a track day toy. He intended to ride it on occasion at the Autobahn country club. He had it prepped for use including tires, fluids, adjustments, etc. Not wired. It was stored in a garage awaiting that first ride. Time passed and it never turned a wheel – either on the street or track! I acquired the bike in April 2021 and had it shipped to me in UT. It showed 4,998 km on the clock. I went through a thorough reconditioning replacing the tires, fluids, hoses and fuel lines, complete carb rebuild, caliper rebuild, rear master replace, chain, air filter, and new battery. All with correct parts where available, sourced from APR and European suppliers. The engine was not disassembled. Oil pump, power valves, carb sync and choke cables were all adjusted to specification. New oil pump lines were installed. High altitude jetting was installed to complete evaluation rides in my locale and all was good!

The bike was trailered to Road America to participate in a 2 day trackday in July on stock jetting. The bike was awesome! The odo now shows 5,482 km which is where it will stay for the time being. Jetting remains at stock settings with the tank and carbs drained. Bike starts first kick every time.

The bike is cosmetically a 9/10+. No corrosion anywhere. The V-shaped portion of the belly fairing shows some stone damage. Two other minimal marks exist on the painted surfaces. A couple of rock chips on the nose fairing. No peeling or blistering anywhere. The frame is polished and shiny like it should be with no marks. The OEM key fob left a rub mark on the triple clamp so it has been removed from the key and placed with the original tool kit. The bike is stock save Jolly Moto expansion chambers with carbon silencers. Pillion seat and footrests are missing as are the stock exhausts. All lights and indicators are present and working. I have a clear UT title in my name. The bike can be registered in UT without restriction.

The unfaired pictures show this gem has been detailed even underneath it all. The only bit showing any wear could be easily replaced and the next owner could show or go. Phil is asking $14,500 for his RS250 and can be reached by email – here -.

And here’s a short video-

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The next owner of this RS250 could go either way, hit the back roads and embarrass four-strokes with double the displacement, or get the safety wire pliers out and join the like-minded at the nearest track day. Or in this case do either occasionally ( and carefully ), and show it off in between dates. The original design still looks great 25 years on, and the basic black shows off the chassis beautifully.

Contact Phil with questions at – phil@boxworks.com

-donn

Featured Listing – 1997 Aprilia RS250 with 3,400 Miles !

Honda February 21, 2022 posted by Donn

Red-Blooded – 1996 Honda CBR900RR

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