Posts by tag: V-Twin

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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.

Ducati September 6, 2021 posted by Mike

The French Connection: 1993 Ducati 888 SP5

Update 9.6.2021: We have received word from a reader who is well known and respected in the modern classic Ducati community, that there is some cause for concern with this example. See the thread here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/138029276886641

the Ducati SP5 Community & I have been all over this “genuine” SP5. It’s a fake.

According to the frame VIN, 3 months ago it was a 888 Strada being sold for $13,000 in France. Now it’s $38k.

Thank you for the heads up, -dc

Queue up the Oooh La Las, because regardless on which side your baguette is buttered you are looking at an Italian legend… that has been well preserved… yet definitely ridden… and lives in France. Sure, the global pandemic may prohibit you from taking the Grand Tour across Europe, but you can get Italy delivered via France without ever leaving home right now thanks to eBay.

1993 Ducati 888 SP5 for sale on eBay

The Ducati triple 8 was an evolution of the milestone 851, and incorporated key learnings from the initial seasons of WSBK racing. Namely, more capacity and more power. The 888 produced just 2 ponies shy of 120 HP in the SP5 trim, thundering its way to an 11,000 RPM redline. That is big territory for a twin. This is, in fact, the SPS motor, which therefore includes stronger rods and twin injectors. Limited to 500 units, the SP5 offered a substantial set of components, from race-ready Brembos (including braided lines and a fully floating rear disk), the close-ratio six speed box, solo tail section with the upswept Termi cans, and Ohlins rear shock. Up front the SP5 came stock with a multi-adjustable Showa front fork, but it appears today’s seller rectified that cost cutting measure with a proper Ohlins front unit. Exclusivity was pretty good to start with across the years of the 888 (1991 – 1994 model years), but to ensure stature the 888 SP5 was fitted with a bespoke numbered tag on the headstock. Today’s bike is #369.

From the seller:
for sale this fantastic ducati 888 SP5 N° 369
only 32, 000 km, new complete overhaul.
many rare parts like the magnesium rims “Raymond Roche replica”, the carbon footrests (originals, not replicas ), the ohlins fork, the brembo race brake calipers, the magnesium casing.
a unique opportunity to acquire this exceptional motorcycle.
the engine was completely rebuilt 10 years ago at virginio ferrari and the bike has not been driven since.
it is therefore running in.
Bike is in perfect condition

Unlike many rare Ducatis, this particular beast has been ridden a fair amount. 32,000 KM equates to just under 20,000 American miles, which is a lot for a rare collector. The seller indicates a significant amount of work done on the bike, including a complete engine rebuild. Note that the work was completed 10 years ago, and it is likely the bike was parked soon afterwards. Visually the bike appears to be in good condition, especially when the mileage is taken into consideration. Historically significant, justifiably rare and potent, this 1993 Ducati 888 SP5 is looking for a new home. The seller is asking $38,000 USD, and you can check out all of the details here. Does the 888 touch a nerve in your collector heart? What’s your favorite 888 variant? Be sure to let us know in the comments. Good Luck!!

Ducati August 30, 2021 posted by Mike

Year of the Duc: 1991 Ducati 851

Unsold at a significantly higher asking price earlier this year, this beautiful 851 has been relisted at $13,999 OBO. Links updated.

The year of 2021 needs to officially be renamed as the Year of the 851. I cannot recall ever seeing such an inventory of these milestone machines (check out a search of the RSBFS archives here). So what is so special about the 851? In a nutshell, the 851 contains 3 separate technologies that were a first for the Bologna manufacturer: 4-valve heads, fuel injection and liquid cooling. This combo kicked off a winning spree in WSBK and solidified Ducati’s approach of being a race team that occasionally builds street bikes. Today’s find is an exceptional 1991 model, which includes the popular white frame and wheel combination. I won’t go into the gory details of the model – check out the link above for that – but will simply remark that this is a well-represented version of this model and year.

1991 Ducati 851 for sale on eBay

From the seller:
Beautiful and well-maintained 1991 Ducati 851 Superbike for sale by owner. Have all of the original paperwork and maintenance records, as well as 2 original keys. Iconic and classic motorcycle in mint condition. The bike is all original parts and works flawlessly. Timing belt replacement and valve adjustment have both been done in the past few months. New tires were also fitted 6 months. Always kept indoors in a temperature controlled space. It hurts me to let go of this beautiful piece, but it is time to sell to someone who has the time to care for this motorcycle.

Today’s bike shows a few more miles than some of the museum want to be machines that we have seen previously, but it is obvious it has enjoyed some care and feeding deserving of the breed. Belts and valves are critical for this model, and both have been addressed recently. That means that this beauty is ready to ride off into the sunset right now. Both seat and windscreen look to be aftermarket, but neither should be considered deal killers. The rest looks to be completely stock, right down to the stock cans and stock clutch cover. The asking price on this one is a seemingly high ~~$17,000~~ (now $13,999), but the seller is open to offers. Check out all of the details here, and let us know what you think: Is 2021 the Year of the 851? Good Luck!!

Bimota August 23, 2021 posted by Mike

Past Due: 1998 Bimota VDue

Better than a pension! That is the headline that screams from the ad for this 2 owner, 1,500 mile wonder. And it is a wonder. Part mythical beast and part utter genius, the VDue was the bike that turned Bimota from a kit bike maker and frame builder into a full-fledged motorcycle manufacturer. It also was the bike that utterly destroyed the company, caused the Italian government to step in, and sprung a cottage industry of tuners and parts mongers. This bike is the ultimate legend, largely for all the wrong reasons.

1998 Bimota VDue for sale on eBay

Let’s put the VDue in perspective. This is a 500cc v-twin GP racer for the street: that means Suzuki RGV250 / Aprilia RS250 size, weight and nimbleness with GSXR1100 power. Interested? So was the world. Throw in a solid decade of R&D to try to make a two stroke emissions friendly enough to past muster as a street bike and the GP dream takes a hard left at the end of pit lane. Bimota engineers developed a direct injection system for the VDue – an ingenious and ambitious solution – meant to cure the dirty elements of 2-stroke power and provide plausible fuel economy. Sadly, in the late 1990s the tech was not quite there and the resultant effort – while producing over 110 HP while it ran – was inconsistent, unreliable, and prone to failure. Of the 500 bikes proposed for the series, Bimota produced 340 – all which were recalled. This, coupled with the loss of a major sponsor in WSBK racing who owed them money, left the company in financial ruin. Today, Kawasaki has a majority investor stake in the company, which produces a single model (Tesi H2).

From the seller:
The very last of the legendary stink wheel generation before legislation finally killed off the two stroke engine! This incredible machine has earned its place in the hall of motorcycle frame for lots of reasons, not least of which is the styling which still looks fresh twenty years later, as well as all of the controversy and very Italian politics involved in the very limited production run. This means as you know that not very many were made and even fewer found their way to the UK, this makes them an incredible bike to own for exclusivity, the ultimate riding experience and how could you not agree that this would be a whole lot more enjoyable as an investment than a pension or ISA!!!

In a last gasp effort, Bimota reworked the VDue with Dell’Orto carbs and re-badged the bike as the “Evoluzione,” but in reality it was a step backwards in tech. Only 21 of these bikes made it out of the factory for road use. In the end, Piero Caronni (one of the Bimota engineers on the original VDue project) purchased the remaining bikes, all the spares he could get his hands on, and the rights to the VDue name. It could be said that most of these bikes that are running today are due to his fanatical efforts on this halo bike.

Today’s VDue is located in England – these marvelous machines were never officially imported into the US. There is no commentary as to what has been done, if it retains the original fuel injection (or, if swapped out to carbs, who did the work), etc. These are all questions that should likely be asked by a potential buyer. The bike looks new, as a 1,500 mile example should. By all accounts, a properly running VDue is a joy to ride, but be warned that between fuel consumption, high-end 2-stroke oil and frequent rebuilds these are not cheap to operate. But they are very, very rare, and very, very collectible. These were $30k when new, if you could find one. This one is listed in the UK for £24,999 – which nets out to about $34 large American greenbacks. Check out all of the details here and Good Luck!!

Aprilia August 7, 2021 posted by Donn

Black Max – 1995 Aprilia RS250 Mk. 1 Chesterfield

Aprilia had won two 125cc championships when Max Biaggi strapped on the RSW250 and took three consecutive 250cc crowns to affirm their competitive spirit. Today’s RS250 looks excellent even with 13,500 miles.

1995 Aprilia RS250 for sale on eBay

After some poorly timed teething pains with their own motor, Aprilia sourced the engine / transmission combo from Suzuki, with “Aprilia” on the castings and their own heads, ECU and exhaust. 72 hp were available, though mostly above 8,000 rpm, with peak power at darn near 12,000 ! The alloy spars were beautifully crafted and matched the banana swingarm, shaped to let the exhausts by. Twin four-piston front brakes would be overkill except for the absence of engine braking on a smoker and the RS’s supersport power. The fairing is a good likeness of Max’s race machine, and the seat console looks to be carbon but might be faux.

This RS250 visited California in 2018 before the riding season really got going in its home Wisconsin, but looks to have benefited from inside storage all along. Unfaired pictures show the beauty isn’t just skin deep, and the engine and suspension maintenance will pay dividends to the new owner. Might not be too hard to find a couple of nicer signature decals. Comments from the eBay auction:

Fantastic performance, suspension and brakes. The bike has never been put down and the original fairing is in good shape. The decals are not in perfect shape, but are in good condition for the age. The bike decals came originally on top of the clear coat, so after 26 years they have some sun fade, wrinkling and an occasional worn edge. Garaged year round, heated not less than 60 degrees F. in fall, winter & spring. Bike was on display at The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, May, 2018.

All the usual service completed in spring and a new battery this year.

Top end rebuilt at 10K with Wiseco pistons and Boysen reeds

Front & Rear suspension serviced in 2017, new tires 2017

New Battery 2021

After market parts –

Nitron rear shock and spring, 2017

Arrow full exhaust

Toby steering damper

Turn signals

Owners manual, workshop manual, also a OEM tank decal replacement kit

Aprilia’s robust build wasn’t the lightest, but made for a terrific track ride with muscle to spare. Highlights on the black bodywork bring out the best in the brushed aluminum frame and carbon highlights. All of which – including the reserve – will disappear in the rearview mirror when the new owner gives a twist of the volume control.

-donn

Black Max – 1995 Aprilia RS250 Mk. 1 Chesterfield

Honda August 5, 2021 posted by Donn

Max Fun – 1992 Honda NSR250SE

From the sweet spot of a great 13-year model run, the NSR250SE is an epic lightweight – though only available here via the grey market. Here’s a recent import with a great rider vibe.

1992 Honda NSR250SE for sale on eBay

Even though the NSR’s resembled the Moto2 machines, developments from the racing dept. were massaged by manufacturing engineers, and very few parts were shared. Still, the basis was excellent, with the carbureted 249cc V-twin, alloy twin spar chassis, and MC21 developments like PGM-III engine controls and the asymmetrical swingarm. The SE shared most of the rarer SP’s better components but saved yen with 17-inch Enkei wheels from the base model.

A little camera shy, this SE does look very good and sounds like it could be pressed into immediate service. The owner does offer a cold-start video – here -. The stainless exhaust is notable, and the windshield would seem like an easy R & R. No word on any de-restriction, but worthwhile comments from the eBay auction:

Super Edition with 9,800 km on the clock. It has the adjustable suspension and the dry clutch, it might need clutch plates replaced soon if your planning to ride it a lot and or hard. Imported directly from Japan about 5 years ago and has a Florida title. Bike starts almost instantly even after sitting a bit, runs well. Everything works in terms of lights, horn, etc. It has a very nice Ethos exhaust system on it as seen in the pics. It has its wear and tear, scuffs, cracks, scratches, etc. from years in Japan, I repaired some areas on some of the fairing and touched up some areas decently, including the fairing mount and shifter linkage. It could be done better but I wanted to keep it original and I don’t mind minor blemishes. The windscreen seems to be original but has plenty of scratches. I put new tires on it when I got it but they were not top of the line, I knew it would spend most of its time sitting.

NSR250’s have been imported in all sorts of conditions and histories, since they were hot sellers domestically, and a low-mile creampuff is a rarity since production ended at the turn of the century. But if the condition of this one checks out, and a reader on the lighter side wants a rider rather than a show bike, it might be worth the premium buy-it-now.

-donn

Honda July 29, 2021 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1989 Honda VTR250

Update 7.31.2021: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

If you spend your free time scurrilously poring over our pages, chances are you are intimately familiar with Honda’s three-years-only VTR250 Interceptor. But in case you aren’t: The 1989 Honda VTR250 Interceptor was Honda flexing its manufacturing might on an entry-level bike just because it could.

The littlest Interceptor was approachable, but packed enough punch to interest more seasoned riders, and enough weird details to keep collectors entertained 31 years later. The most striking oddity is its inboard front disc brake, an experiment that didn’t pan out for Big Red, but one that helps further separate the VTR250 from other small bikes. Couple that with a 90-degree liquid-cooled v-twin that made about 30 horsepower, deft handling from a featherweight chassis and a top speed approaching The Ton, and you have the makings of a cult classic.

This one wears a livery so garish and awesome that it could only have been produced in the decade of excess, and is in very nice preserved shape. The odometer, set into a very period set of square dials next to a 13,500 rpm redline tach, shows just over 13,000 miles.

From the seller:

This is a 1989 Honda VTR250 – Honda’s high tech pocket rocket. Released to the learner market, the VTR250 was way more advanced than most other 250cc bikes at the time – a liquid cooled 90 degree V Twin, with twin cam 4 valve heads and twin downdraught carbs, with a 6 speed transmission. It’s light, nimble and fast, and is a cult classic for lovers of small sport bikes. Producing a touch under 30 bhp, and coupled with light weight and a beam frame it matches bigger bikes in the corners, and revs out to 13,500rpm with useable power all the way off idle. To add to the fun, there is a second power band around 9000rpm and when you get there it takes off again. I’ve had plenty of riders on bigger bikes stop me after I have tailed them relentlessly on twisty roads and ask just what the heck the bike is that I am riding.

This example is very close to stock and has been lovingly maintained by the owner. It has a Goodridge front brake line and just had an oil and filter change in September. Coolant was exchanged last year. The reg/rectifiers on these are famous for failing, so this one has an upgraded one from a Honda VF500. Tires and brakes are in good shape with plenty of life left, and the inboard ventilated disc was serviced last year. Engine inlet rubbers were replaced in September with new ones from Japan, where the VT250 is still in production and spares are plentiful there.

It comes with the official Honda workshop manual, the owners manual, and spare front/rear brake pads/shoes.

Mileage is now 13,325, and I had the local Honda dealer supply and fit the optional genuine center stand.

For just $1,800, this awesome little 250 is begging to join a stable of bigger bikes and watch them turn green with envy as they get passed over for weekend jaunts and blasts around town.

KTM July 24, 2021 posted by Mike

Euro Speed: 2010 KTM RC8R

If you are looking for a great open class sport bike that does not go the way of the Japanese Big Four or that Italian V-twin factory – in other words if you want something different – smart money might just put you on a KTM RC8. But today’s example is not just a vanilla RC8, but rather the high end, punched out, lightweight R model. As with Ducati, the R spec in the KTM world equates to a formidable piece of near-race ready machinery.

2010 KTM RC8R for sale on eBay

Unlike the base model with it’s measley 1148cc, the 75 degree Rotax V-twin on the R model is punched out to a massive 1195cc. With a lightweight valve train which includes materials such as titanium, the big K bike can spin to above 10,000 RPM where power peaks at a stunning 170 crankshaft HP. This twin has a lot of bang, in part due to it’s extremely high compression ratio of 13.5:1. Keihin fuel injection helps feed the monster, and beneath the angular bodywork hides a massive radiator to keep things cool. The chrome moly frame is built in-house, but like Ducati many of the ancillary components (wheels, suspension, brakes) are farmed out to reputable manufacturers of note: Marchesini, WP and Brembo monobocks, respectively. Tipping the scale at 400 lbs, the RC8R is a powerful weapon in the hands of a good rider.

From the seller:
You are looking at an adult owned KTM RC8* R version. The bike is in immaculate condition and turns heads whenever it is ridden. The bike is in great condition with little to no wear. The bike is unmolested engine wise and sports several tasteful cosmetic upgrades. One of is a 100% authentic Alcantara seat. Other modifications include shorty levers, carbon fiber front fender, fender eliminator, swing arm sliders, and other minor misc parts. The bike rarely gets driven (once a week to the my gym) and back to my performance shop. All the maintenance on the bike is up to date and should not need servicing for about 3k. The RC8 is a super rare bike, but the RC8 R (which this is) is even more rare. This is a superbike and it not meant for 1st time riders or those who do not have experience riding motorcycles. The bike is ready for a new home and for someone to enjoy the sounds and beauties of a v twin!

One piece of the puzzle that many riders do not consider is comfort. How well you fit on a bike determines how well you can ride said machine. In this area, KTM shines beyond any other bike of the era with the sheer number of components that can be adjusted. A short list: Both levers are adjustable, handlebar adjustable for height, seat and rear subframe adjustable for height, Footpegs, shift lever and rear brake lever, front forks, rear shock, and rear ride height. And if that wasn’t enough, the clever LCD gauge package contains several different functions and views, including a track mode and lap timer.

The RC8R was a monumental performance boost over the RC8, and a monumental price boost as well. Buyers could expect to shell out $20 Large for one of these very rare bikes. And sadly in just a few short years KTM removed themselves from the big-bore street bike game altogether in the name of public safety. That helps with the rarity and maintains the uniqueness of the model. This particular bike looks to be well cared for, has some minor mods, but otherwise appears stock-ish. The asking price is just over $10k as a Buy It Now, which represents a 50% savings over new. These bikes have not yet earned their due on the collector market, and are very likely to be a target for value appreciation in the coming years. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

Aprilia July 22, 2021 posted by Donn

Comfort Zone – 2003 Aprilia SL1000 Falco

Not quite as cutting edge as the Mille, Aprilia’s Falco provided plenty of excitement for less Euros. Just under 8,000 miles and of legal drinking age, this Falco has had a careful owner or two, and looks excellent.

2003 Aprilia SL1000 Falco for sale on eBay

Slightly less compression ( still 10.8-to-1 ) than its big brother RSV gives the Falco 118 hp to work with, and an alloy chassis plus adjustable suspension to carry it. Aprilia component choices are typically upper crust, with USD Showa forks and Sachs monoshock. Likewise the 320mm Brembo brakes. Even the fairing is more than the typical supersport, with modified lowers and a rarely used pillion. Lower seat height and pegs, with higher clip-ons, made for a friendlier experience.

Offered by a Florida specialty dealer, this SL1000 looks un-modified and ready to rumble, though those particular mufflers might be something new – or maybe the only stock set ever seen on a Falco. The exuberant frame sliders don’t appear to have been used, and the sticker kit will come off easier than it went on. Capitalization is by the seller in the eBay auction:

This Bike has a Great Running Water-Cooled Fuel Injected V-Twin Engine that Produces 111 Horsepower with just the twist of the throttle. This bike has a smooth Shifting 6-speed Transmission. The Factory Dual Exhaust on this Bike Sounds Like an Orchestra, there is nothing else that has the sound of an Italian V-twin Revving up to Speed through a pair of perfectly tuned mufflers. This Bike is Like the Lamborghini of Motorcycles. If you are Searching for a Beautiful Investment that you can ride and will only go up in value over time, this could be the one you have been waiting for. Truly a Gorgeous Modern Classic Italian Motorbike.

The Falco might be happy in its junior role, a good helping of performance without the expectation or quite the expense of the superbike. Reviewers loved the power band, called for an upgraded rear shock, and praised the moderate riding position. The buy-it-now is just about in RSV territory, but maybe bidders will find the reserve before time runs out.

-donn