Posts by tag: Unrestored

Benelli November 17, 2020 posted by Donn

Sei You Will – 1983 Benelli 900 Sei

The 900 Sei was a natural evolution of the 1974 750, which was an engineering masterpiece. Here’s a 1983 example with rather low miles and superb looks.

1983 Benelli 900 Sei for sale on eBay

Just reviewing the numbers, the Sei might not thrill – the 80 hp are nothing dramatic for a 900, and the three 24mm Dell’Orto carburetors are a good compromise but don’t incite a fire-breathing riot. Magic carpet torque made the 5-speed perfectly adequate, and the Sei’s smoothness made the high-ish cruise rpm acceptable. The six-into-two exhaust didn’t photograph like the 750’s six megaphones, but certainly helped keep the weight down. Bodywork flowed from the cockpit fairing to the integral tank and sidecovers, which Honda’s CB900F seemed to reference the next year.

Offered by a Miami classics ( everything from a fire truck to an Africa Twin ) dealer, this Sei shows just over 12,000 miles and has fawned-over if unrestored cosmetics. No word on maintenance except to say that it’s a runner. Turn that O’Neal logo on the left grip to the underside and away you go. Limited comments in the eBay auction:

A rare Original bike in fantastic condition with extremely low miles.

They don’t come up often. Collector quality. Starts, runs and drives excellent.

With DeTomaso’s help, Benelli took an early lead in the 1970’s, but was a boutique brand compared with the Japanese competition. Still their ideas inspired copycats plus some design reverence, and more recent Indian and Chinese partners have kept the engineering offices in Pesaro while moving production further east. The buy-it-now is about all any Sei could muster, but the Make Offer button could be the start of a conversation.

-donn

Kawasaki September 15, 2020 posted by Donn

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

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

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

Triumph December 6, 2019 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 1998 Triumph T595 with just 2,518 miles !

Triumph entered the battle for sport riders’ hearts and minds in 1997 with their clean-sheet design T595. The marketing blunder that left casual shoppers thinking it’s a 600 is far in the rear-view and just adds another point of interest for fans. Seattle Used Bikes presents this slightly used and carefully updated Triumph T595.

1998 Triumph T595 with 2,518 miles!

Triumph built on their success with the T300 engine and produced another triple in the T5, a little torquier and with a scruffier sound than the usual inline four. High compression (11.2:1) and electronic fuel injection conspired to deliver 130hp and 74 ft.-lbs. torque. The twin double-tube chassis was all new and inspired confidence with adjustable suspension and excellent Nissin brakes. The fairing design carved out its own character with dual headlights and Euro parking light, and hard covered pillion.

Seemingly set up for the long run, ten times the mileage would be expected on this T595. But after Dymag carbon wheels, carbon muffler and ECU update, HeliBar risers, and bar-end mirrors were installed it was ridden only sparingly and looks better than excellent. Seattle Used Bikes has added all new expendables ( fluids, battery, and tires ) for the next owner, and asks $7,999. From their – website – :

This beautiful black 1998 Triumph Daytona T595 just arrived on our doorstep last month. This is another one out of a friends private collection. As you can see it just has a bit over 2,500 original miles, it was really set up properly when new by Scott Zollars at the Cycle Barn. Check out the carbon fiber Dymag wheels!! It also has a hard to find, Triumph factory carbon slip on, a remapped ECU, raised HeliBars for added comfort, with CRG bar-end mirrors and upgraded rear suspension link from Attack performance. We just gave it a fresh service, new fluids, new Dunlop Q3’s tires and battery. If you are a fan of the early Daytona 955i’s this is probably the nicest one available for sale at this time. Can go back to stock wheels and save $1200.

Despite coming up on 100 years of Triumph cycles, John Bloor’s re-imagined company didn’t have a generation of superbike racing to lean on, and their 955cc family was never going to challenge those makers on the track. But the T595 and renamed 955i caught quite a following, filling a European-designed niche in the sport market. This example is practically unused and certainly better than new, and ready for next season. Contact Seattle Used Bikes on (206) 535-6812 or by email – here -.

-donn

Check out the other Triumph SUB has Featured on RSBFS: 1998 Triumph Daytona Ex Formula Thunder Race Bike! Dave notes that a deal is possible on the pair! -dc

Featured Listing – 1998 Triumph T595 with just 2,518 miles !

Suzuki December 1, 2019 posted by Donn

Chi Slamma Gamma – 1986 Suzuki RG500

Fully ten years after Barry Sheene won the GP world championship on his RG500, Suzuki had tamed the beast for the showroom. Though the delay missed the window of opportunity in the U.S., many examples have been imported, and this looks like one of the finest.

1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma for sale on eBay

Unthinkably complex in this day of 400cc singles, the RG was actually two 250cc twins geared to a common lay shaft, which was protected by a shock damper on the road machine. The low-profile 28mm Mikuni carburettors and their air shared filter are wedged against the sides of the fairing, with disc induction valves underneath. Suzuki’s Automatic Exhaust Control power valve system and expansion chambers made their way aft closer to the centerline. Alloy chassis and cast frame connectors are seemingly more modern than the earlier race bike, the seat fairing covering the upper exhausts and stretching all the way to the footpegs.

With just over 6,000 miles, this Chicago resident is even better looking than the odometer would suggest, with no evident runs, hits, or errors. The owner says this in the eBay auction:

As you can see from the photos in the photo section as well as the body of the description, 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 looked at a quite a few of these bikes before I finally bought this one, and I’ve never seen a better original one before or since.

The paint on all of the fairings, tail section and tank is original, and have never had any type of paintwork or touchup. The fairings have never had any type of cracks or damage. The bike has never been in any type of accident or been dropped at any time.

The RG500 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 fuel delivery system was also completely gone through this season and functions perfectly.

Suzuki began the square four saga with two 125’s making 250cc, and offered a 400cc variant alongside the 500 in appropriate markets. But the RG500 was the race winner, and the great powertrain was in a 340 lbs. ( dry ) package, a power-to-weight ratio that was years ahead of its time. Bidding is quite active but hasn’t met the reserve, and we’ll be keeping an eye on this one.

-donn

Suzuki November 22, 2019 posted by Donn

Real / Rough – 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750R Limited Edition

Not often seen but always appreciated, the GSX-R homologation special for 1986 had a single seat, alloy fuel tank, and dry clutch. This SoCal example might have some questions better left unasked, but has great potential as a riding or racing restoration.

1986 Suzuki GSX-R750R Limited Edition for sale on eBay

Suzuki had only just introduced the GSX-R750 in 1985 when its light weight and rugged reliability made it a natural for the race course. To homologate for Superbike racing, the -R was built, not changing the alloy chassis or oil-cooled engine, but adding a few special parts. To help cope with a 106 hp race machine, brakes and anti-dive were borrowed from the 1100cc model, along with 18-inch wheels front and rear. The oil-cooled four was coated in a dark gray, and the steering damper is needed more on a 1985 short swingarm model.

The first owner must’ve been hard on a bike, since this auction pictures a past salvage title and damage to lowers on both sides. It’s a study in contrasts, with the good-looking frame and swingarm but a massive gash in the tank. Luckily the VIN can be researched and the dry clutch is undeniable. Many comments in the eBay auction, here are just a few:

When I bought it the fairing was scraped up. the lowers were missing as well as the turn signals along with a few other small bits.

Fluids have been regularly checked and replaced

The carbs have been removed and cleaned

Brake fluid change

Clean fuel added

New battery

Tires have plenty of tread and no cracking

Electrical works as it should

The exhaust is a first gen Yoshimura from R &D America, USA.

It’s loud even with fresh packing

The drive-chain is near new but marks show in the middle of the adjustment of the swing-arm

The scratches on the gas tank and wind screen are compliments of the original owner. I was having the upper fairing repainted by guy that didn’t know what the heck he was doing, the color was wrong and the paint was super thin so I stopped and just left it as you see it.

I have an extra set of the NLA OEM stickers for the gas tank and for the upper fairing.

The lowers and middle side covers are livable.

The ask seems out of line for such a project until you look at some recent listings, these very rare -R’s arrived in just the hundreds, and are likely down to only dozens. This R750R might return to trackday duty while the restoration is planned, perhaps never to begin.

-donn

Real / Rough – 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750R Limited Edition

Benelli November 17, 2019 posted by Donn

Almost Ostentatious – 1979 Benelli 250 Quattro

When most manufacturers were making 250cc singles do, Benelli – with help from new leader DeTomaso – showed their engineering chops with a super-smooth 250 inline four. This rarity comes to you from northern Italy and shows nicely with just under 1,900 miles.

1979 Benelli 250 Quattro for sale on eBay

To accompany their newer and bigger offerings to the showroom, Benelli engineers shrunk the SOHC engine so that cylinder bores are just under two inches, but still makes 27hp ( at 10,500 rpm ! ) with 26mm carburetors. Chassis and suspension are standard for the day, though the tank/seat fairing is quite innovative with integral tank pad and gauges built into the folded-looking tank. Kick-starting is all that was required, and a single 260mm disk suffices with a drum rear. The chrome and alloy interplay is completed by the 2-into-1 exhaust and alloy wheels.

Photographed on the road with a license plate, this 250/4 seems a very good survivor, with paint and chrome that fib about the many years since new. The comments offer worldwide delivery and show their last crating job as evidence. Notes are spare in the eBay auction:

Excellent unrestored bike, ultra rare first series, frame number 10008. 2 owners. 100% original. Sold by Benelli Bari dealer in southern Italy.

Obviously for a Benelli fan or collector, a 250 Quattro would be a special purchase. This one could be ridden to sample a cavallo di battaglia from the late 70’s, without worry of damaging a true museum piece. We saw such an example go over $15K at Mecum in January, this one is about ninety percent of the value at slightly over half the ask.

-donn

Almost Ostentatious – 1979 Benelli 250 Quattro

Suzuki November 6, 2019 posted by Donn

Superbad – 1990 Suzuki GSX-R750

Suzuki made some nice updates for the 1990 model year, but puzzlingly held a few from the U.S. version. This one-owner time machine appears to have been ridden – but carefully, and nicely maintained.

1990 Suzuki GSX-R750 for sale on eBay

Suzuki introduced the GSX-R750 in 1985 and in the first five years made several minor changes and two comprehensive re-designs. For 1990 the engine returned to a 4mm longer stroke design, which deepened and stretched the torque band. Lighter weight pistons and connecting rods that were threaded to accept the rod bolts ( without nuts and washers ) lowered the mass of the rotating assembly and helped the 115 horses survive the 12,500 rpm redline. The stateside edition kept right-side-up forks on the revised frame, but did get the adjustable Full Floater monoshock and wider rear wheel.

Pushing thirty, this Gixxer looks excellent considering. Complete and very clean, just one bonk to the tank and some age-related discoloration. Pictures are numerous if not high-res. Comments from the eBay auction:

Such a bad ass bike!! This bike is the real deal, one owner, never down and unmolested. No cracks in fairings, 100% stock and original. Starts instantly, runs and rides perfectly. Owned by retired airline pilot who purchased it new in 1990.

One small dent in right side of tank as seen in pics (can be repaired with paintless dent removal) other VERY minor blemishes as expected for 30 year old machine. Paint and clear coat are in excellent condition. Right fork reflector missing in some pics but was replaced with original lens that had been knocked off in the shop.

New Battery

New oil

New Pirelli tires with less than 20 miles

New Renthal sprockets front and rear

New D.I.D chain

New fork oil, seals and dust boots

Carbs 100% disassembled, inspected, cleaned, rebuilt and tuned

Brake fluid flushed and calipers cleaned

Master cylinder rebuild

Original Suzuki tool kit

Notarized Arizona title ready to transfer

This Slingshot is super clean for the age and runs and rides like a new bike. It is a very nice example of a rare GSX-R750 Slingshot that is worthy of a collection.

Reviewers portrayed a GSX-R that responded to strong ridership with speed, but this example appears to have had a gentleman owner. Surprisingly free of damage, it’s also been kept ready for the next owner maintenance-wise. The seller even offers flat-rate shipping to most of the western states. Despite its bad boy vibe, this GSX-R has racked up some miles but kept its nose clean. The unusual combination of nice condition, choice year, and low starting bid has led to some early activity – we’ll keep watching for the reserve.

-donn

Honda October 22, 2019 posted by Donn

Right-sized – 1986 Honda VF500F Interceptor

Following the 750 Interceptor to the showroom but actually descended from the diminutive VF400F, the 499cc version was just about right for an intermediate rider ( or cognoscenti ) in the American market. Most got ridden to a fair-thee-well but this New Hampshire example shows beautifully with just over 6,000 miles.

1986 Honda VF500F Interceptor

Honda had a world-beater in their new V-4, and the 500 was distinct from the 400. The square-tube basket frame showed off the supersport fairing, and had air-adjustable suspension at either end. Dual 255mm brakes are now period items as is the 16 / 18-inch stagger. Weight was under control at just over 400 lbs. dry, refreshingly light for the time, all the better for the handling.

Shown in a gallery setting, this Interceptor appears excellent, with only the triple tree cover showing wear from the key ring. The seller has this to say about their baby:

This is likely as close to a New 1986 Honda Interceptor 500 you likely to find.
Ultra low mileage ( 6,266 original miles ) This bike belongs in a collection.
This bike has been professionally serviced including New Tires (Factory correct)
New Brakes, New Fork Seals, New O-ring Chain, New battery, Carbs completely rebuilt and synchronized
New sparkplugs, New fluids. This bike runs and drives as it should.

Honda kept a V-4 in the line-up before and after other manufacturers toyed with the idea. Foreseeing the mass centralization paradigm, designers worked through the complex packaging issues. The 500’s power-to-fun ratio made it a good pick that riders didn’t grow out of too soon. This example post-dates the cam lubrication issue that forced a recall of earlier VF’s and Magnas, and seems an outstanding original.

-donn