Posts by tag: Unrestored

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!

Ducati January 10, 2022 posted by Donn

More M than XL – 1984 Ducati 350XL in England

No superbike aspirations, but trying to fly the brand’s flag in developing markets, Ducati’s 350XL was strictly for more carefully licensed countries. This one has some km’s but the 350 desmo shows very nicely.

1984 Ducati 350XL ( Britain ) for sale on eBay

The 349cc two-valver was a 600 Pantah re-cylindered for under 21 ridership, but with 10.4-to-1 compression, Dell’Orto carbs and 40 hp. Adapted from its big brothers were the 5-speed, dual Brembo disks, Paoli suspension, and more than a fairing’s worth of bodywork. With lightly raised handlebars, the riding position was multi-purpose, and the bar-mounted fairing gave some protection.

Maybe not restored, but this 350 is awfully clean, with polished cases and forks. Km’s or miles, 44,555 seems way too many for the condition. Might need a few things but nothing very exotic here, though hard parts might take some research. Comments from the eBay auction:

A beautiful untouched Ducati XL350
Starts runs and rides, been part of a private collection for many years
Slight check over will be needed before use
Full v5 lots of history

As a downsized middleweight, the 350XL carried extra pounds that it couldn’t shed, and gave away market share to pure-bred small sports. Sidecovers that hid the vertical cylinder were stylish, though compromised the brand’s sporting cachet. Likely just for a fan with a garage-ful of red bikes, this one might occupy a niche. And except for shipping, this one’s a can’t bust a hole in the budget and might really be a crowd pleaser on bike night.

-donn

More M than XL – 1984 Ducati 350XL in England

Yamaha December 26, 2021 posted by Donn

Supervivor – 2nd Owner 1985 Yamaha FZ750

Yamaha introduced their 5-valve engine for 1985, turning a sportbike corner with 103 claimed hp. Super clean though un-restored, this FZ750 looks ready to ride in an outstanding number of high-res photos.

1985 Yamaha FZ750 for sale on eBay

Engineers from Iwata found an ideal solution to increasing intake flow and reducing valve mass and friction losses. Smaller valves made the 10,500 rpm feasible, with accessories built behind the crankshaft to keep the engine as narrow as any four. The head was angled forward at 45 degrees, making room for a set of 34mm Mikuni downdrafts under the tank. Weight distribution was just about optimal and a 16-inch front wheel was employed to sharpen the handling. Air-adjustable forks were an -80’s regular, and carried vented front disks. A full fairing would’ve been racier, but the supersport garb allowed the engine easier access to cooling air.

Just two owners is unusual for a 36 year-old machine, and 8,868 miles is rather low. But time marches on, and finishes show some patina in the close-ups. Still it appears stock, complete and without an major mishaps. Even the black chrome four-into two exhaust has somehow made it through. Notes from the eBay auction:

The cosmetic condition of this machine is just as it looks in the photos. Every finish on the machine is original. No part of the bike has been re-painted or re-finished. There are a few imperfections here and there, mostly from the first owner’s long-term storage over the years, but it is a legitimate 8,800 original mile machine that runs like it’s brand new. It is not a trailer queen, and it’s not cosmetically perfect, but it’s a bike that’s perfect for taking out just about any time the weather allows and run it hard. The running condition of the machine is flawless, starting immediately.

This Yamaha has had two owners during its life, the first owner and me. This bike has been part of my collection for a while and is now ridden on a regular basis. It runs and rides with absolutely no issues.

Everything on this motorcycle is original, including the exhaust system, which was usually removed by now. The seat is also in original condition and is beautiful.

The 750 runs and rides the way you expect a machine with this type of mileage to run. All of the mechanical components have been checked over to ensure they work properly including the clutch and brakes. The carbs were completely gone through this season and function perfectly, and there is a new battery installed. The Bridgestone Battlax tires currently installed have comparatively few miles on them, and have plenty of service life left, but they are not new, so if you plan on riding this machine hard, you might want to replace them. There is absolutely nothing you will have to do to this motorcycle to ride and enjoy it this season.

The FZ750 might not’ve been an unbridled success, but was up against GSXR competition and certainly proved the Genesis five valve concept. As ever, Yamaha had the engineering chops but the style department stayed a little conservative. Air forks were more sensitive to changes than many expected, though the forward riding position at least kept the rider in the loop. Just a day into the auction, bidding is quite active and we’ll check back to see when someone clears the reserve.

-donn

Supervivor – 2nd Owner 1985 Yamaha FZ750

Suzuki December 22, 2021 posted by Donn

Schlittenglocken – 1984 Suzuki GSX750E in Germany

The 1984 Suzuki catalog had all kinds of wildness – the S3 Katana, RG500, XN85 Turbo, and could even be said to include the Bimota SB4S. The all-purpose GSX750E benefited from all that genetic material but dressed down to a UJM. This almost perfect example begs for a friend’s DHL account number, to get it here in time to hang some sleighbells.

1984 Suzuki GSX750E ( Germany ) for sale on eBay

The GSX had Suzuki’s newer four valve engine, with 9.6-to-1 compression and 84 hp. 50 ft.-lbs. torque spoke through a 5-speed transmission, with a pieplate-sized clutch cover stretching the steel twin cradle chassis. Light looking cast wheels held 16-inch front and 17-inch rear tires. Triple 275mm disks rate Suzuki’s anti-dive system, and should be able to handle anything the 456 lbs. GSX can muster. Just the airbox and battery are hidden by the sidecovers, everything else is free for the asking.

Somehow hidden away near the Austrian border, this Suzuki doesn’t appear to have half of its 10,115 miles. Preparation ( or maybe just preservation ) is at a very high level, without any extraneous polishing. At 37 years, it’s over any discussion of ownership or maintenance, and a nice walkaround video is – here – complete with German synthesizer band soundtrack. Comments from the eBay auction:

Complete ready to go motorbike, with:

– 2 original ignition keys

– 2 original frame lock keys

– original underseat toolbox.

Never damaged/crashed/repaired/refurbished or rebuild motorbike, extremely rare to find, really rarely saved condition for the motorbike, ideal for museum or jeans shop window, fancy stuff shops, coffee bar, etc (it is in so nice condition that is pity to drive it) – looks like has just came from a production line in Hamamatsu !

Who collects motorbikes, here’s a piece of history in its best shape.

Bidders will have to factor careful shipping into their purchase, though having this GSX on display next to some other vintage Suzuki’s would certainly fill out the showroom. The seller is right that the road wouldn’t be right for this example, maybe just a blast down a private airstrip occasionally.

-donn

Schlittenglocken – 1984 Suzuki GSX750E in Germany

Yamaha December 13, 2021 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 1989 Yamaha FZR400R

Update 12.14.2021: Deposit received, sale pending! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Yamaha didn’t pursue the late 80’s race replica phenomenon, but ended up on the slippery slope anyway, with outstanding results. Borrowing as fast as they could from the TT-F3 developments, the FZR-400R was a test-bed for how close a showroom machine wanted to get. RSBFS reader Kevin offers his pristine FZR-400R with just 5,584 miles.

1989 Yamaha FZR400R for sale asking $9,000

As much as Yamaha wanted to design the perfect middleweight for the street, looking like the OW01 generated excitement and the alloy Deltabox chassis could walk the walk. With the EXUP exhaust valve to lengthen the torque band, riders found the 12,500 rpm peak power setting more of a suggestion than a requirement to horse-whip the 4-valve 399cc four. Offset tire diameters were a period solution to tighten handling, but the wider rims and then-new low profile radial tires were a game changer. The chassis solidarity and grip were such that suspension setting could be more compliant. Twin headlights, full fairings, and big number plates on the seat fairing made it easier to think your back road was on the Isle of Man.

Kevin’s FZR has rather low miles and none of the typical grey market corrosion, but was running many original parts until he caught the show bike up on its maintenance. His notes –

Bike has 5,854 original miles, odometer is in Km so as the one picture shows 9,443 km. Bike is in absolutely awesome condition. I took a ton of pictures to show as many angles as possible. There are close ups of the few very minor imperfections. The bike was imported a few years ago by White Knuckle Motor Sports in Utah, they sold the bike to a collector in northern Virginia where this bike sat along with 27 other classic bikes that were all in impeccable condition, he had a clean clear Virginia title. When I went to the DMV in NJ they issued a new title in my name just like any other bike. So there should be no apprehension on the title front. Bike is original unrestored condition.

When I bought it the bike was sitting as a show piece with the tank drained and carbs drained. The carbs were slightly varnished from what is assumed a little gas left in them. Inside of the tank was flawless like new. I had the carbs professionally gone through by Sun Cycle in Manasquan, NJ. Frank there said he used to race these bikes. Jersey Shore Power Sports my local Yamaha dealer referred me to Sun Cycle. While the carbs were being done I also had a new fuel pump put in and filters, and new rectifier along with a new Yuasa battery from Yamaha dealer. The tires that were on the bike had like new tread but you could see they were old. I replaced both tires with new Bridgestone Battlax. The factory chain was like new but I wanted a gold chain so I ordered a DID gold X ring chain from England. I wanted to be able to drive the bike occasionally and just make the bike as nice as possible. The condition of the bike warranted it.

I did not plan to sell the bike as soon as I am. I recently just sold my VFR750 here on RSBFS. I am not a dealer and I do not flip bikes. I was really hot on getting a 2-stroke grey market bike RGV250 or NSR250 but they are about $15k for real nice original ones. I came across this bike and bought it. I’m 6’4″ – 240 lbs and a bit big for this bike. I just bought a new Ducati Streetfighter. I am available to answer any questions you might have. Please call me. So the bike runs awesome, idles perfect. One thing I love is, the bike is so light it handles ridiculously. It turns in to a corner just thinking about turning. Factory exhaust is still in its original black paint only showing small amount of surface rust (barely) by the collector. Exhaust is very quiet until you get around 8,000 rpm and it gets real aggressive sounding. Bad ass actually. The wheels are in very clean original condition but not perfect. I didn’t want to do anything to take away from the originality of the bike. Spark plugs changed as well. They were the original plugs from the factory. Pictures really don’t capture the condition. Frame and swing arm are flawless zero imperfections. Paint has like new gloss. Please feel free to call me anytime.

Kevin asks $9,000.

Yamaha thought beyond the accurate race replica idea, and toned the FZR’s handling down a tad, so it handled more like the larger 750, and bred confidence into every possible rider. The factory’s strategy was to make the bike a bit easier to ride, let the suspension soak up real-world roads and keep the FZR more stable – willing the rider to add speed. Kevin’s FZR-400R could continue to show or get out and go, depending on the new owner.

-donn

Honda November 30, 2021 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 2000 Honda CBR929RR at Seattle Used Bikes !

Update 11.30.2021: SOLD to an RSBFS reader! Congratulations to buyer and seller!

If you have a bike for sale that would benefit from this kind of exposure, contact us for a Featured Listing. -dc

Superbikes were ultra-competitive in the late 1990’s and Honda got only two or three years out of each re-design of their CBR900RR. The SC44 generation of 2000-01 gave away a lot of displacement to Yamaha’s fresh R1, but the CBR’s compact and lighter weight design proved their mettle. RSBFS’ friend Seattle Used Bikes has a super-sharp CBR929RR with a refreshing lack of mods and a long ownership and maintenance history.

2000 Honda CBR929RR asking $5,999

Read the rest of this post.

Featured Listing – 2000 Honda CBR929RR at Seattle Used Bikes !

Moto Guzzi October 31, 2021 posted by Donn

Gútsy Baseball – 1993 Moto Guzzi Daytona 1000 with 3,454 Miles !

Some have said the Daytona is Guzzi’s last real sportbike, but the factory could change that with a new model. This Ohio example hides its age phenomenally, and hasn’t been stored long term – the owner claims a couple of gallons of super every six months or so.

1993 Moto Guzzi Daytona 1000 for sale on eBay

Moto Guzzi dropped a dime on gentleman racer John Wittner, and took his suggestions of four valves, monoshock swingarm, and clip-on controls to heart. Power was snappier than the Guzzi’s of recent memory with 95 hp, and found a home in a chassis design with Dr. Wittner’s tweaks. Premium adjustable suspension paid dividends, and floating cross-drilled brakes didn’t complain. Guzzi lifers will appreciate shaft drive, stable wheelbase, and sporty upper fairing. Even regulators were pleased with Weber-Marelli fuel injection and catalytic converter. Production amounted to just a few hundred per year but attracted a lot of attention in the showroom.

Evidently in the care of a more recent second owner, this Daytona looks barely used. Mileage works out to about 125 per year. Comments from the eBay auction:

This is a two owner bike purchased by me from the original 27 year owner. Always fastidiously maintained as part of an extensive collection and ridden just once or twice yearly to keep everything flexible. Mechanically and cosmetically in mint, original unaltered condition. Very few were made and I would guess there are very few in this condition. Purchased originally by a collector, it was always stored in an inside, climate controlled environment and serviced by a private technician that came onsite to keep all parts of the collection in excellent working order. Ridden a couple times a year for enjoyment and keep everything limbered up. Completely stock and original, auction also includes the biposto seat assembly which has never been installed. Very few scuffs or blemishes in the paintwork, check out the pictures closely. Bike starts, runs and rides like a new one.

The four valves and belt driven cams on the Daytona make the ride-by sound less sedate and more Ducati-esque, and might lead to an irrational exuberance citation. This Goose could go either way, certainly roadable or feed those headers into the vibratory polisher and put it back on display for a while. A great looking classic which would be a shame not to see ( or hear ) going by occasionally.

-donn

Gútsy Baseball – 1993 Moto Guzzi Daytona 1000 with 3,454 Miles !

Kawasaki October 27, 2021 posted by Donn

Chined Doll – 2001 Kawasaki ZX-12R

If an unwritten manufacturer’s agreement hadn’t limited its speed to a mere 186 mph, the ZX-12R would’ve been the most powerful and fastest GT in the early oughties. This example has some miles, but has clearly been pampered and thoughtfully upgraded.

2001 Kawasaki ZX-12R for sale on eBay

The ZX-12R’s air of superiority started right in the engine room, with the 1199cc four using 46mm throttle bodies looking almost straight down on their way to 178 hp. The airbox and chassis wanted to occupy the same area, so Kawasaki engineered an alloy monocoque frame, which serves as the plenum. Stainless headers lead to a four-into-one collector and titanium silencer. Multi-adjustable suspension is fairly conventional but the attention to detail is such that spoilers are cast into the fork legs. The ram air intake funnels air in behind the headstock and keeps the power coming at higher speeds. Winglets inhabit the fairing lowers, pre-dating the winglets that are more common these days.

This original owner looks to have taken fine care of his Ninja, setting it up for some higher-speed touring with Power Commander, Marchesini alloys, and Sargent seat. Corbin bags are shaped to accommodate a co-rider, but passenger pegs have been removed. Notes from the eBay auction:

2001 Kawasaki ZX1200 A1. This rare one-owner ZX-12R is in excellent condition. Most of these bikes have been drag-raced into oblivion. Here’s your chance to own one never raced, never dropped. Mechanically unmolested, the only extras are Corbin Beetle bags, Marchesini forged wheels, a Power Commander, Sargent seat, and a Muzzy’s clutch hub. The bike will come with owners and factory service manuals. Stock rims are available. The chain and sprockets are less than one year old, and the fork seals were just replaced. The bike needs nothing except a new owner that likes to ride FAST!

Besides too lean fuel injection programming ( which the Power Commander solves ) and mirrors big enough for an endurance racing Porsche, the ZX-12R got high marks and held onto the speed-limited throne until the ZX-14 came along. The package was more trim than competing uber-bikes and carried the ludicrous speed flag without forgetting it was a sportbike. Bidding has been active early on and it’ll be interesting to see at what point the reserve falls.

-donn