Posts by tag: Unrestored

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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.

Suzuki November 12, 2022 posted by Donn

The Fine Print – 1998 Suzuki TL1000R

Suzuki’s TL1000R wasn’t quite ready for bare-knuckle competition, but over-engineered for the road and it was the only Suzuki sportbike configured the big twin way. This TLR looks quite original with low miles, a few notable upgrades and that Bo Diddley beat from the hybrid gear/chain cam drive.

1998 Suzuki TL1000R for sale on eBay

Based on the earlier TL-S engine, the TLR’s was hotted up for Superbike duty with dual injectors, forged pistons, and more aggressive cams. With a little tilt and a massive twin-beam chassis wide enough to put the swingarm pivot very close to the final drive sprocket, engineers achieved a wheelbase under 55 inches. The wind tunnel-designed nose almost gets ahead of the front fender, with stacked radiators making room for ram air intakes.

Presented by an Alabama race-prep and service shop, this TL1000R looks excellent, showing just over 8,100 miles. Just one stress crack is pictured on the left fairing, and paint and decals are said to be all original. Shown in various states of undress, the bike has been comprehensively serviced for the next owner. Way too many details to be printed here, but a worthwhile read. Just the opening comment from the eBay auction –

Original – non butchered – well preserved – climate control stored entire life. 25 years has passed already and this thing is still as sexy looking as any bike being currently manufactured.

Mileage is only 8,183. This bike needs absolutely nothing. Clear Alabama title in hand.

If you’re looking for a premium example of a non molested and non abused – FIRST YEAR version of Suzuki’s almighty V-Twin Ducati slayer – you have found it! Extremely low miles and well appointed. Ready for museum display or a good haul through some mountain twisties.

This stunning machine needs absolutely nothing. It is a collector’s masterpiece and a valuable part of motorcycling history. Bike fires on an instant and idles smooth and steady. Throttle is crisp and raspy – a definite monster to be unleashed. These beasts are becoming more and more rare and collectible as time passes.

Some of Suzuki’s chassis work went toward keeping handling sharp in an admittedly heavy package, and the bike gained a bit of a reputation. The factory had GSX-R and TLR race teams going for a short time, and when the decision had to be made the twin got the back burner. But a close study of the un-faired pictures show how serious Suzuki was about their effort, and what a great example the next owner will have.

-donn

Ducati October 21, 2022 posted by Donn

Weather-Wise – 1993 Ducati 750SS Supersport

A boatload of RSBFS ink has been spilled on Ducati’s 900SS, but the 750 version might be the rarer bird. The seller of this 750SS opted for the half fairing, perhaps due to the sunny Fla. location, and though the auction could be described as skewed with every picture on edge, the SuperSport itself looks excellent.

1993 Ducati 750SS Supersport for sale on eBay

Some have said the early 750SS saved Ducati from extinction, and the 90’s Supersports were the company’s best sellers. The 750SS from this era used the same engine block as the 900, with both bore and stroke a bit less. 66 hp and 53 ft.-lbs are claimed, not class-leading numbers but not bad for a two-valver. Better Showa inverted forks are up front, with an alloy monoshock swingarm at the rear. Five forward speeds, a low maintenance wet clutch and single front disk keep the bottom line under control, and though the rider’s perch is roomy, the dry weight is well under 400 lbs.

Not seeming like the most motivated seller, allowing the eBay app to get sideways and nary a helpful tidbit about the bike. But what can be seen is nice, with 10.5K miles, no apparent damage or mods except the 2-into-1 Staintune exhaust. Tires look recent if not fresh, and that faded carbon key guard should be easy to replace. Some isolated corrosion is noted, almost to be expected on the Atlantic coast.

The 750SS had a small price advantage over most 750 sportbikes, but wasn’t exactly comparable to say a GSX-R750. The torque, handling and low mass made it competitive with other middleweights, and looked great – especially with the half-fairing that would become the CR. Its nemesis was right across the showroom, with most buyers finding the extra motivation to select the 900SS. This one looks like it will go reasonably, maybe to a collector with room for an interesting Supersport.

-donn

Weather-Wise – 1993 Ducati 750SS Supersport

Honda October 1, 2022 posted by Donn

Goshawk – 2003 Honda VTR-1000F Super Hawk

Maybe the nearest Ducati emporium is a bit of a hike but you’d still like to partake of some V-twin liter supersport goodness ? Honda kept their answer on budget and this example looks to have carefully ridden little more than 1,000 miles per year.

2003 Honda VTR-1000F for sale on eBay

First offered in 1997, the Super Hawk was known as the Firestorm abroad, and used an alloy chassis which primarily secured the engine from above, with the swingarm bolted directly to the gearbox case. A pair of 48mm Keihin carbs fed four-valve heads and percolated 110 hp plus a healthy 71.5 ft.-lbs. torque. Forks are of the right side up cartridge variety, and the Pro-Link monoshock is also multi-adjustable. Brakes are supersport-sized at 296mm, with four-piston calipers. Side-mounted radiators vent from the upper-only fairing.

This Hawk is a bit unusual in blue, and looks very good for a little over 24K miles. Recent baloney skins and coolant hoses are noted, and looks very original save the blinkers and tail tidy. Not many pictures but no doubt more are available. Comments from the eBay auction –

Known as the poor man’s Ducati, Honda developed the VTR as an answer to the 996 and produced a fabulous bike in the process. This bike may be 20 years old but is just as nimble and powerful as today’s sport bikes. If you have ever ridden one, you know. These are getting really hard to find and this one is in really good condition. Always garage kept and never down. This is not a show bike as it is a daily rider, but is above average for its age. New tires this summer, all new coolant hoses, all new fluids. No cracks anywhere in the fairings and the original paint is still shiny with no signs of fading.

Reviewers gigged the Super Hawk on its range and sometimes weight, but otherwise it was above average in every way. Not sure about the Super Hawk / RC51 relationship, unless the VTR was a proof-of-concept exercise before HRC was brought in to design the RC51. Ever just a street machine, the Super Hawk delivered grounds for acquittal at a popular price. Still a few days to go on this auction and hope the seller hasn’t set to optimistic a reserve.

-donn

Goshawk – 2003 Honda VTR-1000F Super Hawk

Suzuki August 21, 2022 posted by Donn

Almost NOS – Low Mile 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750

This classic Suzuki has an interesting story behind it, a replacement instrument cluster, and not exactly verifiable miles. Ordinarily it would be met with an eye-roll, but the surprisingly original finishes and equipment make this listing practically a scholarly reference.

1986 Suzuki GSX-R750 for sale on eBay

’86 was the first year for a stateside GSX-R750, and it’s such a landmark bike that revelations about the model are hard to come by. The small-pattern alloy chassis was lightweight and finned engine had an oil cooler almost as big as a water radiator. Wheelies and stoppies seemed to be the way to faster lap times, and the GSX-R750 was happy to help out. A big mac over 400 lbs. wet, its light weight surprised reviewers at the time.

Kicking around dealer facilities for 30-plus years, this GSX-R got only a few hints of rash which were easily corrected. As discussed in the eBay auction, major 2019 maintenance took care of the deferred items –

In April of 2019 the following servicing was done at the time of my purchasing:
I insisted he open it up to check the valvetrain tolerances, to help me verify the story. The valves were in proper adjustment. ( They were spot-on from the Factory )
The Carbs were Rebuilt.
The Brake Master and Clutch Master Cylinders were rebuilt and both systems serviced.
ALL Other Fluids were serviced.
Tires were replaced.
Chain serviced.
New Battery.
New Shifter and Brake Rubbers (dry cracking)
New kick panel Protector Sticker (dry cracking)
Suzuki OEM Tool Kit.

Maybe you had one in 1986, or passed on a nice used one in 1996 – even that is a generation in the rearview mirror. Surprising this auction wasn’t done a while back, and more than a little interesting that a few days have passed with no bids. It really is the bike that started the GSX-R dynasty, and is practically how it left the showroom. This one’s got its own tab for the duration.

-donn

Almost NOS – Low Mile 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750

Laverda August 4, 2022 posted by Donn

Be the Speed – 1983 Laverda RGS1000 with 7,671 Miles !

In the moto business since 1949 ( and agricultural engines way before that ), Laverda saw the lights of the oncoming bullet train in the late 1960’s and set to developing a three-cylinder engine. The RGS featured new developments all around and this example looks just about as delivered.

1983 Laverda RGS1000 for sale on eBay

Laverda’s air-cooled triple had been in the line-up since 1969, and the RGS had the latest double overhead cams and 120-degree crankshaft. A conservative 83 hp were on rubber isolators, with 32mm Dell’Orto carbs and a 5-speed transmission. Marzocchi dampers and 280mm Brembo brakes were premium components for the time, along with 18-inch alloys. Innovative footpeg carriers and fuel filler were distinctive and complemented the bodywork which flowed from headlight to tailcone.

Offered by an eBay consigner, this Lav is reportedly in Illinois and looks pampered. Might be ridden occasionally but at 39 years young, not very far. Just the 3-into-1 exhaust, oil cooler, fork brace and what seems to be a Corsa brake upgrade catch the eye, besides the overall unrestored beauty. Some of the detailed comment in the eBay auction –

The cosmetic condition of this machine is just as good as it looks in the photos. Every finish on the machine is original. No part of the bike has been re-finished. The running condition of the machine is flawless, starting immediately. This bike has been part of the owner’s collection for a while and is ridden on a regular basis. It runs and rides with absolutely no issues.

As you can also see from the photos, the machine has had absolutely no restoration performed to any part of it. The condition is exactly what it looks like in the photos. I have been a fan of Laverda for some time, and have had two of these RGS machines in the past as well as this one.

The paint on the tank, side covers, and cowl is, as far as I can tell, original, and have never had any type of paintwork or touchup. The bike has never been in any type of accident or been dropped at any time.

The machine has 7,671 original miles on it, and is in perfect running condition with a compression test having being recently performed. The cosmetic condition of the engine finishes, apart from some minor age freckling, is very nice, with the aluminum and cast parts being particularly beautiful for their age.

The seat is original and in perfect condition, and the rear cowl is easily removable, allowing for two up riding. The wheels are original to the machine, are the rarer and more desirable gold version, stamped Laverda, and are in very nice original condition. Please note the original specification smoked windscreen is present and in beautiful original condition.

The RGS 1000 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, which were recently serviced and adjusted. The carbs were completely gone through this season and function perfectly, and there is a new battery installed.

Laverda had a long racing history and produced some beautifully equipped road bikes, but without a gazillion smaller bike sales to fund development, even their latest designs were a little quirky and relatively expensive. But sometimes a fascinating, Euro-centric design with provenance is just the ticket, and if this era and continent strike a chord, it might be a while before a nicer example is available.

-donn

Be the Speed – 1983 Laverda RGS1000 with 7,671 Miles !

Suzuki July 30, 2022 posted by Donn

1998 Suzuki GSX-R750 with Under 7,000 Miles !

Toward the end of the SRAD era, Suzuki wasn’t resting on their laurels and went to fuel injection for the GSX-R750. Here’s a beauty with just a couple of oil changes’ worth of miles and lots of recent maintenance.

1998 GSX-R750 for sale on eBay

One might quibble over the value of Ram Air Direct tubes at anything but top speed, but the switch to EFI had a measurable effect with 134 hp. The system samples manifold pressure as well as throttle position, resulting in better low-rpm running and less emissions. Elsewhere the changes were incremental, slight improvements and weight reduction from the SRAD re-design in 1996. Some were visible like the re-located steering damper and revised windscreen, but most were harder to detect – lightened crankcase bolts, brake disks 0.5mm thicker, and exhaust headers 20mm shorter. Some changes weren’t intuitive together, like the lighter 525-series chain but a wider rear wheel and 190mm rear tire. Unchanged were the aggressive good looks and domed cover for the pillion.

Almost camouflaged in the alternate livery, this GSX-R is easy to overlook but looks excellent in the few pictures provided. Along with the hard miles it hasn’t done, there are a host of typical mods it doesn’t seem to have had, just easily reversible Micron exhaust, tail tidy, frame bobbins and faux carbon levers. Knowledgeable readers might chime in with what they see. The list of recent work is hard to argue with, looking to make this SRAD ready to resume its fun mission. Notes from the eBay auction –

Mechanically 10 out of 10 , cosmetically 9 out of 10 for a 24 year old bike, a true head turning classic with rare low mileage – turn key bike.

-6,976 original miles, frame sliders, Micron exhaust

-new Michelins (5 miles on them)

-new battery

-new coolant Engine Ice

-new Amsoil oil and filter change

-new spark plugs

-new OMC air filter

-gas tank was taken off completely sandblasted and treated, new seals and new fuel lines

– new rear brake pads

-new stator

-clear title

Ready to ride !

The GSX-R750 designed its way into an epic period of 750cc superbike rules, and came away with every championship Suzuki put their minds to. While not the ground breaking Slabbie, the SRAD’s had the advantage of a lot of new tech and kept the hits coming. Rarity could be challenged but this paint, mileage and condition make a good case. Three days to run on a quiet no-reserve auction but we’re predicting fireworks for the end !

-donn

1998 Suzuki GSX-R750 with Under 7,000 Miles !

Ducati July 28, 2022 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 2002 Ducati 748 with 6,087 Miles!

SOLD!

One of Seattle Used Bikes’ service customers has a plan for a new ride, and SUB is repping the sale of this beautiful 748. The upgrades to this single-seater are nice, but for the next rider, the comprehensive maintenance is even better.

2002 Ducati 748 for sale at Seattle Used Bikes asking $13,500

Ducati brought a companion to the showroom for its flagship 916, but in this case the desmoquattro had originally been designed for the supersport. The smaller bore and stroke allow an 11,500 rpm redline, with 98 hp 500 revs before. In most other ways the 748 borrows from its older brother, the chassis and geometry, ergonomics and bodywork. Suspension is from Showa, fully adjustable, USD forks and remote reservoir shock. Accompanied by 320mm Brembo brakes and a close ratio gearset, it reviewed as a better choice for the street.

This 748 has been a SUB client longer than its individual owners, and a recent valve train service should relieve any worries. The chronically over-stressed coolant tank has been replaced by a robust aluminum unit, the fuel pump serviced and steering head bearings replaced. The upgraded Marchesini wheels and Termignoni exhaust take this 748 very close to how an S was delivered. That nick on the tailcone could be handled with a touch-up, and a repair to the inside of the front fender would be just about invisible. Dave at Seattle Used Bike’s provided more detailed comments –

The current owner purchased the 748 April of 2018 from one or our former customers. Looking at our past records, we performed basic maintenance and tuning on this 748 starting in 2016. It started life as a base “E” model, not an “S” model, but has a few of the “S” upgrades like quick disconnect Dzus fasteners on the fairing, 5 spoke wheels and a Termignoni 3/4 exhaust system with a proper FBF eprom and a nice carbon SP style heel guard on the exhaust. The biggest upgrade is the early 5 spoke Marchesini magnesium wheels front and rear. These were some of the lightest wheels back in the day, with the rear weighing in at 8.7lbs vs stock 5 spoke wheels at 12.4lbs. Their condition looked perfect, no visible damage, no paint issues, rear was indexed properly and there is no wheel damage in mount points.

A few other items like the carbon open clutch cover and gold EVR pressure plate and springs. Chain and sprockets look in great condition, a nice carbon chain guard is in place, up front there is a carbon fender that has been matched to the red paint but leaving a peek of carbon. This 748 was originally sold from Ducati as a Mono seat model, that can be verified from the matching VIN under the seat. These did come with the steel biposto sub frame so it could be converted to a 2-seater if needed.

We got the go ahead to perform the recommended 6k desmo valve service, including timing belts, all fluids, fuel filter and coolant. To our delight we found our favorite reusable air filters in place from BMC. We also decided to pull the cams during the service to answer the question we often hear on this desmoquattro series, “how are the rockers”? All were in great shape, normal wear but no signs of the dreaded flaking. New OEM O-rings and gaskets were used to replace all items disturbed during the service. We included pictures of internals while disassembled. This 748 has healthy compression reading with 140psi Horz & 155psi on Vert, checking leak down, 5% H and 4% V, good numbers.

We replaced coolant reservoir tank in 2017 with a Corsa Dynamics aluminum unit. This time around we gave the entire chassis a thorough inspection, replaced the steering head bearings as they felt a little notchy, pulled the rear spindle, inspected, cleaned, greased and reassembled. The inside of the tank is also in great shape, the factory lining is still intact. We replaced fuel filter and hoses inside the tank. We then installed a fresh set of Pirelli Diablo Rosso’s as we buttoned things up. We did find some damage on the front fender where the brake lines cross over at the rear, it is fairly well hidden, most likely caused by oversized front tire it came in with. That is about the only damage worth noting on a 20 year old Italian beauty. We have our service records, 2 factory keys, tool kit, Pitbull rear stand and a clean WA title.

Seattle Used Bikes asks $13,500 for this 748, contact Dave on (206) 535-6812 or dave@seattleusedbikes.com

And here’s SUB’s video walkaround –

Dave also included this sharp analysis of the 748 –

The hot-blooded Italian middleweight was a mirror image of the bigger 916 but with a smaller, higher-revving motor. Handling was legendary and performance numbers registered mid 11’s in the quarter-mile and 150 MPH on the big end. If you can ignore the idiosyncrasies it’s a small slice of heaven. Ducati’s 916 deserves all its iconic status and then some. But for many people who were lucky enough to ride both, the smaller 748 was the better bike to ride. It’s a long-running Ducati trait – the 750SS was more enjoyable than the 900SS and the later 749 was almost the perfect early-noughties sports bike where the 999 was grumpy, difficult to ride and needed to be going a lot faster than we actually went for it to work properly. The 748 came out a year after the original 916. It’s easy to think of it as a sleeved-down 916, but the changes are much more than that. Bore and stroke are both different, the smaller capacity loses a bit of bottom-end power, but the lighter flywheels allow the 748 engine to rev much faster meaning the lack of bottom end doesn’t really matter. It feels like a very different bike and, bizarrely, while the 916 feels like a massive, powerful engine has been stuffed into the chassis of a 250, the 748 feels like it has exactly the right engine for the chassis.

Contact Dave for more info at dave@seattleusedbikes.com or on (206) 535-6812

-donn

Featured Listing – 2002 Ducati 748 with 6,087 Miles!

Aprilia July 24, 2022 posted by Donn

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

Update 7.24.2022: This bike has SOLD to an RSBFS reader! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

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 $12,500

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 $12,500 for his RS250.

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.

-donn