Posts by tag: V4

Featured Listing March 8, 2019 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1986 Yamaha RZV500R in South Africa

The 1986 Yamaha RZV500R was the neighborhood knee dragger's chance to ride the machine that carried Kenny Roberts to three world titles and helped Giacomo Agostini break MV Agusta's ridiculous streak of 17 Grand Prix titles. It was billed as a 500cc GP machine with headlights and blinkers, though the similarities were actually pretty tenuous. The engine was the bike's closest similarity, a two-stroke, twin-crank 500cc V4, but it was laden with concessions to rideability and emissions. With the right tweaks, though, it would still push out the best part of 90 horsepower.

The RZV500Rs were a Japanese-market special, and came with an aluminum perimeter frame that made them a decent stretch lighter than European and Australian models. This one has had its engine "uncorked," and wears a set of OEM de-restricted exhausts, Boyesen reeds, an overbore and new gaskets and seals. The engine rebuild was part of a more extensive restoration, which included new paint and brake and suspension modifications. Despite having 35,000 kilometers on the odometer, the bike appears to be in excellent cosmetic and mechanical shape.

From the seller:

This pristine aluminium framed 1986 YAMAHA RZV500R, 2 stroker, lovingly restored by its current owner to its original condition.

Engine : professionally rebuilt – cranks, seals, genuine gaskets, Boyesen dual stage reed valves,

Over bored (0,5) with new Mitaka PTFE coated piston kits.

Fully de-restricted (with standard, de-restricted pipes)

Suspension and brakes upgraded.

New, period correct tires.

Professional paint job.

Runs like a train !

Even though it is no longer a rarity to come across grey market two stroke sportbikes on these shores, this bike stands out from the crowd. We see very few RZV500Rs, and a lovingly restored and de-restricted model is a real prize. The seller is asking $17,900, and can be reached at boss@bolandbikes.com

Featured Listing: 1986 Yamaha RZV500R in South Africa

Honda March 2, 2019 posted by Mike

A Nordic Natural: 1988 Honda VFR750R RC30

The multiple motorcycle auctions in Las Vegas in January each year are somewhat of a bellwether for prices overall. Sure, pricing is a bit over-inflated due to peer-pressure, bidding competition and the general excitement of the auction atmosphere, but what sells high at these auctions will generally do well on the open market. If you've never been, you should definitely consider going - at least once. The lights, the noise, and the thousands of bikes that cross the block over multiple days and multiple auction houses are a sight to behold. It also gives you an appreciation for what is hot, and what has cooled off (or failed to make the cut). But you didn't need to attend - or even follow - this year's auctions to know that the RC30 is hot. Possibly the most collectible of the 80s vintage homologation racers, the VFR750R tops the bucket list of many, and remains on a rocket ship trajectory in terms of value. If you want one you will have to stand in line, and bring your wallet.

1988 Honda VFR750 RC30 for sale on eBay

The RC30 is known for good looks, sharp handling, and glorious sound. The latter comes courtesy of a mass-centralized V4 engine, utilizing gear-driven cams for precise valve control - which contributes to that legendary and iconic whine. The flatter sound of the RC30 exhaust is the result of a 360°crankshaft. The approach results in greater traction due to the more widely distributed power cycles (when compared with a conventional 180° crank). Everything that makes beautiful noises also helps with the sharper handling; pull the bodywork off of an RC30 and you quickly realize how packed in tight everything is. Mass centralization is the real deal, and the more you can concentrate weight centrally and down low, the easier the bike will be to flick from side to side, etc. And while those who are lucky enough to see an RC30 in its naked form will call that magical V4 beautiful, the good looks really come from the beefy aluminum twin spar frame and endurance racing inspired bodywork. The twin headlamps are straight out of the 80s, and they went straight into the book of classic looks. The single sided swing arm completes the package, and proved its worth during wheel changes at the racetrack - especially during those endurance events.

From the seller:
Selling my rc30 vfr750r, very low mileage (3553km) and extremely well take care of. 100% working order. Been standing in the living room as eye candy since bought in 2002.
Got first bought in Germany by the original owner,then driven to Monaco and back, after that parked in his office. I then later purchased it. (2002)

The bike is located in Norway (Sarpsborg).
Contact me for more info/pictures.
Price is 500,000 nok (Norwegian Kroner)
We can help with shipping.

Most RC30 we find these days are collector bikes. It is pretty rare indeed to find a RC30 thrasher, and few are regular riders. This particular bike has but 3,500 KM (2,200 miles) and appears to be in complete, original order. Which brings us to problem #1: as RC30 enthusiasts are not limited to North America, this wonderful example is located in Norway. US-based buyers might want to start consulting shipping and importation guides now. Problem #2: RC30s are no longer $15k, $20K, $25K or even $30k. The asking price on these models continues to rise. This particular example is asking well neigh on $60k. And the worst part for those that have a hankerin' for homologation is that the asking price is not really out of line with where the market is going. We have seen higher asks - much higher - and not just at auction. Check it out here. Look over the pictures. And then decide if you want to board the RC30 price elevator. We have seen nothing but up for these models with nary a dip in valuation over the years. If you want in, you best commit before these are $75k and then $100k bikes. Good Luck!!

A Nordic Natural: 1988 Honda VFR750R RC30

Featured Listing February 21, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Featured Listing: 2017 Suter MMX500 for Sale

Update 2.21.2019: Price has been dropped to $95,000USD and includes a large and generous spares package. Good luck to buyers and seller! -dc

So, I'm going to have to try not to gush uncontrollably here, because this is one of the coolest bikes we've featured recently. A real, live Suter MMX500, a "what if" race-replica from a parallel universe where MotoGP racing never made the switch from two-stroke to four-stroke power. A labor of love built by Eskil Suter of Suter Racing and a bunch of guys who never got over their addition to premix fumes.

Forget all of your shed-built Grand Prix homages with RZ500 engines stuffed into R6 chassis and painted up in Marlboro racing colors. No disrespect intended, but this is what you're looking for, the ultimate paean to the snarling, lethal machines that carried Rainey and Schwantz and Mamola to greatness.

The looks may be stealth-fighter modern, especially in this example's matte carbon finish, but the spirit of those older machines is still there, married to absolutely state-of-the-art racing technology. It's powered by a compact, fuel-injected two-stroke V4 with a pair of counter-rotating cranks based on the Swissauto/MuZ500 raced by Suter in 1998 and 1999. Apparently Suter "had a few crankcases kicking around from the 500cc V4 design," and frames are, obviously, their specialty.

I'm always fascinated by how two-strokes can be mounted in the frame: a lack of cams, cam-drives, or valve gear means they're ludicrously compact, and often oriented in ways not at all intuitive for someone weaned on four-strokes. In this case, the engine is laid over on its side, rotated 90 degrees from what you'd expect, facing forward. So more like a >4 really, at least if you're looking at it from the left-hand side...

The bike may be tagged as a 500, but it actually displaces 576cc, with an undersquare 56 x 58.5mm bore and stroke in an effort to deliver a bit more midrange and help the bike avoid racebike service intervals. Suter acknowledges that most of its customers are skilled enthusiasts, not win-or-crash racers, and the changes to the formula make for a more manageable ride that still captures the feeling of a two-stroke MotoGP machine, but is less likely to spit a rider off in an evil highside when they get in a bit over their head...

Modern electronics and fuel injection help there as well, while offering improved rideability and a better spread of power. Of course, the delivery is still two-stroke abrupt and, with 195hp at 13,000rpm pushing just 280lbs, power-to-weight is still fairly astonishing, so the two-stroke GP character is intact, just slightly more refined.

Head on over to the original listing for the bike, as there are plenty of additional photos for you to drool over.

From the Seller: 2017 Suter MMX500 for Sale

SUMMARY

Model: Suter MMX 500

Origin: Switzerland

Engine: Suter

Last Service: 490 km

Colour: Carbon

Suspension: Ohlins

Brakes: Brembo

OZ 17" wheels

Availability: Immediately in our store of USA

MODEL INFORMATION
Bike in good condition and ready to race. Extra parts included with the bike: rear stand, pistons, rings, reeds gaskets, fiber+steel clutch plates, plugs + caps, filters, front stand, windscreen, seat, engine stand, service manual, owner manual, cover.

Spares list:

Pistons, rings, carbon reeds, gaskets, and o-rings; enough for 2 complete rebuilds

fiber/steel clutch plates

plugs & caps

Spare seat #5 of 99

Engine stand, front & rear service stands

Parts, service & dash manuals

bike cover

This is the very first Suter MMX500 I've seen for sale. With just 99 made, I'm assuming they were all snapped up before they were even finished by well-heeled track day and racing fans. If you've got ~~$115,000~~ $95,000 lying around and decide to buy this, please let me know what track days you'll be attending, because I need to see an MMX500 in action. The craftsmanship and passion that went into its creation are impressive, as you can see from the images. Of course, the price is shocking, but this is a very rare opportunity to purchase one at any price, so refinance your home, sell that sailboat, or sell that kidney, and pounce before someone else does.

-tad

Featured Listing: 2017 Suter MMX500 for Sale

Honda December 25, 2018 posted by Tad Diemer

Christmas Bonus: 1989 Honda VFR750R RC30 for Sale

Long before "mass centralization" became a popular marketing buzzword for sportbikes, Honda was investing its bubble economy-inflated budget in a bike that took advantage of that very concept, the exquisitely-engineered VFR750R, otherwise known as the legendary RC30. Honda was so invested in sportbikes at the time that it actually sold an I4 and a V4 range of bikes concurrently, with their CBR and VFR filling slightly different niches. But when it came to their homologation bikes, Honda took their hard-won knowledge from the street-oriented V4 bikes and used it to develop the bike seen here, the VFR750R.

If you're passingly familiar with Honda's roadbikes, "VFR" probably evokes images of practical and engaging sport-touring bikes that lean on the sport end of the spectrum. This is not one of those bikes. The RC30 was developed to win production-based racing classes, specifically the then-new World Superbike Championship, although the ELF-designed single-sided swingarm hints at the bike's endurance racing capabilities as well.

At the heart of the bike is obviously a compact V4 engine with a relatively narrow frontal area for good aerodynamics and very centralized mass, gear-driven cams for extremely precise valve control, and a 360°crankshaft that improved traction at the rear wheel, compared to a more traditional 180° unit. The concept of the 360° crank is that the combustion events are clustered close together, instead of spaced evenly throughout each engine revolution to allow the rear tire to "recover," increasing traction and improving tire life. It also gives the bike a flatter powerband and a distinctive soundtrack that can be appreciated, even if your skills don't extend to tire-spinning corner exits. The downside of a V4 is generally increased weight compared to an inline-four and tight packaging, especially with a 90° v-angle, as used here. Stripped of its fairing, the RC30 looks very dense and packed with mechanical bits, and V4s can be a bit of a bear to work on.

Reviews then and now describe it as an easy bike to take full advantage of, a bike that rewarded finesse, a bike that just did as it was told and allowed the rider to get on with winning. Power was unremarkable, weight was average, and nothing about the bike screamed "race winner." But win it did, even against stiff opposition from Ducati, Bimota, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki, and Honda only abandoned the V4 formula when it decided that rules in WSBK favoring v-twins were onerous and biased. So they built a v-twin and showed everyone they could win with those as well, but it was clear their hearts would always belong to the V4...

The RC30 is a handsome bike, with nearly perfect proportions and a wealth of amazing details, although it doesn't have the easy wow-factor of something from Italy. It's not often you can accuse Ducati of cribbing styling elements, but the 916's taillights and distinctive single-sided swingarm look awfully similar to what you can see here. And unlike those Italian machines, every single component is carefully thought out to work as part of a complete package, and engineered to near-perfection.

From the original eBay listing: 1989 Honda VFR750R RC30 for Sale

Long term ownership and fewer than 5,000 miles

1989 Honda VFR750R RC30

Frame Number: 2100129

Engine Number: 2100162

Legendary 16-valve gear-driven DOHC 90 degree V4 engine

Reportedly fewer than 3000 produced

Single owner since 1990

Fewer than 5,000 miles from new.

One of the modern era's few immediately collectible classics, the Honda VFR750R - better known as the 'RC30' - was created for just one reason: to win the World Superbike Championship, a feat it achieved in the nascent series' first two seasons of 1988 and 1989. And while American Fred Merkel was bringing Honda its first two WSB crowns, Britain's Carl Fogarty used an RC30 to win the TT F1 World Championship in 1988 and 1989, and the equivalent FIM Cup in 1990. No mere short circuit scratcher, the RC30 and its derivatives proved durable enough to win a hat-full of Endurance Classics too. That this latter requirement was also part of the design brief may be determined from the fact that a quick-release front fork and single-sided swinging arm - essential for speedy wheel changes - were part of an unrivaled specification that included a twin-spar alloy beam frame, 16-valve V4 engine with gear-driven cams, close-ratio six-speed gearbox and four-pot front brake calipers.

All of which did not come cheap: at the time of its launch in 1988 an RC30 cost near double that of other super-sports 750s. Despite the passage of time and progress of motorcycle technology, the RC30 remains a match for the latest generation of sports bikes but possesses an exclusivity that none of them can approach. 'No other bike from the late-Eighties is lusted after like the RC30', reckoned Bike, and few would disagree. And then there's the exhaust note – loud, of course, but soulful enough to bring a pit crew to tears.

This RC30 was only very recently liberated from its second and very long-term owner. Purchased in the UK in 1990, fewer than 5,000 miles have been put on the bike since it was new. Not long after acquisition, the superbike was taken to the Isle of Man where it was driven around the race track, but not actually raced. In 1991 the machine was brought stateside. Regularly maintained since new, the previous owner reports that the RC30 was taken to the local Honda dealer for a pre-sale service within the last couple of months.

Fresh from nearly three decades of single owner care, this legendary machine is offered in excellent condition throughout. The engine starts readily, idles smoothly and has an abundance of power. The clutch is silky-smooth and brakes and suspension are near perfect. I would opt for a new pair of tires before serious road use and am happy to negotiate your tire choice in to the price.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a motorcycling icon of performance and provenance and a must-have for a discerning collection.

For additional information and photos go to ClassicAvenue.com

V4s are all the rage these days, but Honda really pioneered them for modern motorcycle applications. Because who the hell else would want to design around such a packaging headache? Obviously, Honda has a history of doing things just because they can, practicality be damned: their oval-pistoned racebikes grew out of a staunch refusal to adapt to the changing technology of the Grand Prix scene and simply build a competitive two-stroke. And although that particular experiment was a failure, it shows the lengths to which Honda will go when they believe in an engineering concept. Luckily, the V4 wasn't quite so complex and was ultimately vindicated by both in-period success and by the legacy it left behind. This example has very low miles and appears to be in very nice, original condition with an asking price of $44,900 and just one more day on the listing, so if you didn't get what you wanted for Christmas this year and happen to have a bit of your holiday bonus left lying around...

-tad

Christmas Bonus: 1989 Honda VFR750R RC30 for Sale

Honda December 19, 2018 posted by Aaron

Signed by the King: 1985 Yamaha RZ500 RN

This 1985 Yamaha RZ500RN is a bread-and-butter bike for us here at RSBFS. It's an old, rare, iconic Japanese sportbike in excellent shape topped off with a few unique touches to separate it from the rest of its thin herd. What's not to like? It has covered fewer than 5,000 miles (just over 7,000 kilometers) in its 33 years, and sports a raft of recent, but period-correct, mods. Oh, yeah, and a front fender signed by 500cc Grand Prix World Champion Kenny Roberts.

1985 Yamaha RZ500RN for sale on eBay

In addition to a recent .030-over rebuild and those lovely JL pipes, the bike wears immaculate paint, and all the plastic, rubber and vinyl surfaces show evidence that the machine was stored indoors and extremely well looked after. Aside from the pipes, the mechanical rebuild featured a carb rejetting, which should work with the exhaust to wake the bike up from its corked stock specifications.

Despite their winning lineage, wild engines and potential for pace, these bikes weren't bought at the same fever pitch as their four-stroke stablemates, so finding them these days, especially ones this nice, is a feat. Prices have been a little across the map, but none can be had for cheap.

From the eBay listing:

FROM MY PRIVATE COLLECTION A PRISTINE HARD TO FIND 1985 YAMAHA RZ 500RN WITH A CLEAR FLORIDA TITLE.

I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL RZ'S/RZV"s AND THIS IS THE ONE THAT I KEPT FOR MYSELF.

RUNNING OUT OF SPACE FORCES ME TO PART WITH AND SHARE THE ENJOYMENT OF A FEW OF MY PRIZED COLLECTABLES.

THIS PIECE OF YAMAHA HISTORY THAT (NOT SOLD/OFFERED IN THE UNITED STATES) FEATURES LOW MILAGE 7423 KILOMETERS/4612 MILES (MILAGE IS IN KILOMETERS) IN IMMACULATE, PRISTINE CONDITION MY RZ 500RN HAS WORLD CHAMPION KENNY ROBERTS SR AUTOGRAPH ON THE FRONT FENDER, A PERFECT NOS FUEL TANK (THE BEST PAINT THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN), AND THE REST OF THE PAINT IS MUSEUM QUALITY.

FITTED WITH A PERIOD CORRECT J L EXHAUST, THE ENGINE WAS GONE THRU A FEW YEARS/250K AGO, WIESCO .030 PISTONS, NEW BEARINGS, SEALS AND GASKETS, CARBS RE-JETTED AND JUST THOROUGHLY CLEANED AND SYNCHRONIZED, NEW TIRES, A NEW LITHIUM BATTERY, THE HARD TO FIND OWNERS MANUAL, THE SOLO SEAT WITH EXACT MATCHING PAINT (THEY NEVER MATCH), NOS ROTORS AND PADS, REBUILT MASTER CYLINDERS, NOS TAIL LENS, NOS REAR TURN SIGNALS, NOS MORRORS

THE AUTOGRAPHED HELMET IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS AUCTION, BUT IS ALSO AVAILABLE. THE HELMET WAS SIGNED BY KENNY ROBERTS, EDDIE LAWSON, WAYNE RAINEY, JORGE LORENZO, ANDREA DOVISIOSO, BEN SPIES, AND ALVARO BAUTISTA, AND WES COOLEY. THE BEST IN THE WORLD. ALSO AVAILABLE ARE 2 NOS STILL IN THE BOX MID SECTION FAIRINGS.

THE BIKE LOOKS, RUNS, AND RIDES BETTER THEN NEW! THIS IS A MULTIPLE SHOW WINNER AND A VERY FUN BIKE TO RIDE.

I HAVE BEEN RIDING, RACING, COLLECTING AND RESTORING BIKES SINCE GRADUATING FROM AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE INSTITUTE IN DAYTONA BEACH IN 1980. I TAKE MUCH PRIDE IN THE FEW BIKES THAT I OFFER FOR SALE. ONLY THE BEST WILL DO IN MY MINI MUSUEM. SO BID WITH CONFIDENCE. THIS BIKE STARTS UP ON 1 KICK IDLES BETTER THEN WHEN NEW AND RUNS/RIDES LIKE A DREAM.

SERIOUS BUYERS ONLY PLEASE. $500 IMMEDIATE DEPOSIT THRU PAY PAL. THE BALANCE DUE WITHIN 3 DAYS CASH OR A WIRE TRANSFER. I CAN HOLD THE BIKE UP TO 30 DAYS IN MY SECURE CLIMATE CONTROLLED FACILITY. I CAN ALSO ASSIST IN SHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS. THE CLEAR TITLE WILL BE SENT VIA FED EX ALONG WITH THE KEYS AFTER FULL PAYMENT.

ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL OR TEXT 954-816-0806 BOB

HAPPY BIDDING:) BID HIGH SO YOU DON'T MISS OUT.

The buy-it-now for this machine is set pretty close to as high as you'll see them listed, but it does come with touches that similar machines can't offer, and is in really nice shape.