Posts by tag: V4

Honda August 21, 2021 posted by dd

1990 Honda RC30 with only 2,048 miles!

1990 Honda RC30 For Sale on eBay!

After 2 days of mental Tug-O-War- here it is. I say “here it is” because I know some of you have been reckless eyeballing it on eBay and likely saying “Why haven’t those slugs over at RSBFS.com presented this?”
Well, rest assured, I’ve been pouring over the pictures and researching a few things because lets face it- some of you are RC30 Guru’s and would call me out for getting it wrong 😉

We all know they’re rare, expensive, have fiberglass bodywork, came stock with funky wheels sizes, aluminum tanks and a sexy Elf/Honda single sided swing arm. Nothing really new there so, lets dive in.

What I like:
-Low Mileage
-It’s a RC30 (duh!)
-The sweet Termi exhaust
-HRC 17″ x 6″ rear wheel- The Holy Grail of RC30 parts
-Seller has the stock exhaust
-Seller has the original 18″ wheel

Honda rc30
This bike has only 2000 miles. I’m the second owner. I Purchased this bike in 1991 and I kept the bike in my living room For all these years. It’s in excellent shape except the body has some damage from storage- it can be easily fixed because the faring is made of fiberglass from the factory. The bike was never raced or abused.
The paint has some bubbles. Mechanically the bike runs great. Currently, the bike has a termignoni carbon fiber exhaust and a 17×6 HRC rear wheel. I will include the original 18×5.5 original wheel, the original exhaust, the race stand, manual and tools. I will not ship the bike- local pickup only

What I’m not so sure about:
-The seller states “It’s in excellent shape”
-The paint is a mess
-The lower fairings and tail section are less than desirable condition
-Aftermarket front turn signals
-The HRC sticker on the upper fairing
-What’s behind the Michelin Man sticker and 3 layers of white duct tape
-An aftermarket rear sprocket on a bike with so few miles
-A $45,000 motorcycle being presented without being detailed

History tells us that RC30’s did have an issue with the lower header coming in contact with the lower right side fairing. We know it caused some discoloration and in some extreme cases even distorting the fiberglass. The Michelin Man sticker seems to be in that location.
The very nice HRC Honda sticker on the tail section is obviously covering some damage, but I’m curious as to how there is (what appears to be) red vinyl over the sticker? Perhaps the tail section has damage over a larger area than what the HRC sticker is covering?

I’m in no way a paint & body expert, but one has to believe it wouldn’t be a cheap process to bring the body panels back to museum quality. I know the factory fiberglass wasn’t super smooth and the finish wasn’t the best, but that’s part of the RC30 nostalgia- right?

For me, this one is stuck in a “grey” area- It’s priced too high not to be near perfect, but it does have the extremely desirable HRC 17″ x 6″ rear wheel, Termi, low miles and the OEM spares. If you put the money into repairing the body work, you’d have an extremely expensive well equipped RC30 with repaired body work.

Would you pay $45,000, call it a 15 footer and ride it or does the low mileage warrant a full blown resto?

Let’s discuss the current RC30 market and figure it out- Keeping it civil of course 🙂

Check out this low mileage RC30 here!

Cheers!

Ducati August 9, 2021 posted by dd

2008 Ducati D16RR Desmosedici

2008 Ducati D16RR Desmo For Sale on eBay!

It’s 2006 and Loris Capirossi and Sete Gibernau are the Ducati Factory MotoGP riders. You’re at the track watching them blast down the straights at 200mph and thinking “Man, I wish I had a machine like that!”. Reading your mind, an official from Bologna walks up and says “I can help you obtain the unobtainable.” Cautiously, you look around and ask yourself “Did I say that out loud or am I dreaming?”. Still cautious and unsure, you feel a startling tap on your shoulder. Mr Bologna repeats himself “I can help you obtain the unobtainable” Your reply is simply “Seriously? Where do I sign up?”. Mr Bologna points to Ducati Island and motions for you to follow him . . .

A signature, $72,500, a 24 month wait and the next thing you know- you’re throwing a leg over a 200hp, fire breathing, Italian Stallion D16RR Ducati MotoGP Racer Replica. Was it worth the wait? Well, truth be told, only 1500 people had to impatiently wait for their dealers to call and it’s safe to say Commonwealth didn’t have my number.

These are teenagers now and are starting to show their age . . . a little. The D16 looks a little bulbous when compared to today’s MotoGP machines, but in typical Ducati fashion, it looks fast sitting still and drips with motorcycle sexiness.

From the seller-

Excellent example Ducati D16RR Desmosedici w/ 6,444 miles.

Not much to say- I’m thinking they were too busy polishing the drool off of their D16

As a quick reference, I did a deep dive into my RSBFS.com past and found this as a pricing sound board

My post from November 2009

Being completely transparent, I find it hard to believe these haven’t eclipsed their original MSRP’s. I believe these will increase in value, but perhaps the 1500 production number is holding them back a bit. What do you all think? Drop a comment below and let’s figure it out.

Ciao!

Check this Desmosedici out here!

Aprilia August 1, 2021 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 2012 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC

Update 10.4.2021: From the seller:

I have installed AF1 racing lowering links. These links have been track tested and are the only ones that have a certificate of compliance. They lower the rear 40mm, and I adjusted the front as well. I also got Michelin Road 5 tires with a lower profile. The tires are awesome and will last a couple of seasons unlike the Pirellis which are still included. Yes I know I am giving up precious contact patch but Aprilia’s APRC system works well. I’m only 5′ 9″ and now I get both feet flat on the ground. Much better on a windy day waiting at a light. The side stand has been replaced with Soupy’s adjustable aluminum stand. However I am riding the bike now and as the miles go up the price goes down. Offers, trades, cons considered.

Update 8.12.2021: Seller is having issues with his phone service not working reliably. Please use email instead: wfo76@gmx.com or brokeagain@zoho.com

Update 8.1.2021: The very well sorted Factory APRC is still available. The seller notes the following, “I would consider accepting a trade and cash for a 08 GSXR 1000. Must be blue and white model with under 5000 miles and prefer stock with maybe just a slip on can. No crashes or damage.” Good luck to buyers and seller! -dc

Aprilia designed a V-4 liter bike for 2009, and has steadily updated and improved the model. RSBFS reader Dave has also made many upgrades to his 2012 RSV4 Factory APRC, and kept miles low.

2012 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC for sale

With R&D and racing departments sharing the workload, Aprilia created a thoroughly new machine, using a compact V-4, narrower than any in-line liter and the four intakes grouped in the 65-degree vee. Thoroughly oversquare and using ride-by-wire engine management, 180 hp are claimed at 12,500 rpm. The chassis is fabricated from aluminum stampings and castings, light and rigid with adjustable headstock and swing arm pivot. Öhlins racing 43mm forks are up front, with their remote reservoir monoshock amidships, and adjustable steering damper up top. Brembo supplied their monoblock calipers and 320mm rotors, matching the gold anodizing on the forged 17-inch rims. As tantalizing as the specs are, Aprilia’s Performance Ride Control ( APRC ) is the big story, with selectable control of traction, launch, quick-shift, and wheelies. With mid-size car horsepower in a 435-lbs package, it improves performance and safety.

Dave is in high dry Albuquerque, and though he started with a superbike that won a lot of magazine shoot-outs, found a lot of nicer components to replace the factory controls, brakes, exhaust and more. With just 3,700 miles only minor maintenance would be expected. Dave’s comments:

I am looking for someone who can appreciate my mods instead of blue book value and realize this is a pretty good deal. I enjoy building bikes as much as riding them. I am the second owner and the first was an old guy like me so no abuse. The bike has 3,700 original miles and a clean NM title. It has the race ECU. Bike is in Albuquerque and is worth the drive as this is the last year before all the ABS junk. Do the research and add up the retail prices to justify my asking price.

This bike is crying out for a gold chain but the OEM is in great shape with such low mileage.

The YZF-R125 mirrors offer a better view than any sport bike I’ve ever ridden. However they look like antennas! You can install the stock ones for a view of your chest even after you move your arm like you have to on most sport bikes.

Like new Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tires not even scrubbed in yet.

The Brembo 19 RCS M/C and Ferodo XRAC pads will have you out braking Marc Marquez! Braided stainless lines are OEM on this bike. The Brembo folding levers have a great shape and don’t feel like grabbing a knife edge like the Rizomas.

The race ECU is necessary with a cat delete and open exhaust. A Bazzaz tune would even make it better.

The Sato rearsets are top quality, offer great feedback and do not get slippery when wet.

Digital volt meter mounted on dash.

The following parts have zero miles and are from my build:

Dark windscreen is by Zero Gravity stock contour.

Brembo 19RCS master cylinder with folding lever, matching clutch lever also.

Rizoma M/C cap.

Ferodo XRAC front pads and sintered grip rear.

Beautiful Sato gold rearsets with black pegs and silver collars.

Light Tech gold chain adjusters and spools.

Sato Racing gold bar ends.

GiaMoto 12 point titanium engraved axle nuts.

CBE top triple clamp and sprocket cover.

Competition Werkes integrated clear lens tail light with stainless fender eliminator.

15/44 gearing.

Bike has red and black Rizoma gas cap, also stock cap included.

YZF-R125 carbon mirrors. Running light to turn signal conversion.

SC project CRT exhaust.

Sato racing rear master cylinder cap.

R&G exhaust hanger plates.

Battery Tender lithium battery.

Digital volt meter, putting out 14 volts at idle. Updated regulator/rectifier.

Extra 10 gauge wire from battery to start relay to cure hot start problem. (tip from the Aprilia forum)

Also included:

2 programmed keys and owner’s manual.

Akrapovic carbon can and mid pipe if you care about your neighbors.
R&G hanger bracket included.

Dark double bubble windscreen by Puig their racing windscreen. Taller than stock.

OEM front master cylinder with Rizoma lever, matching clutch lever also.

Have stock mirrors but wires were cut.

Stock rearsets and Rizoma rearsets.

Red Rizoma oil cap.

Stock bar ends.

Tail Tidy and turn signals.

Stock gearing.

Stock air filter.

Mr. Jay Leno, have you got one of these in your garage? The titanium axle nuts are stunning and even engraved! If you don’t want attention then purchase something else. The pics don’t do it justice. Also never leave it out of sight and invest in a good alarm system. This bike is so beautiful I am confident the first person that sees it will buy it. Even people who aren’t motorcyclists comment how pretty the bike is and the powerful exhaust note sounds more like an exotic sports car rather than a motorcycle. Please leave a message when you call and I will get back to you in a day or two. Repeat your number, state your time zone and the best time to call.

Dave’s price is firm at $12,000. ~~Telephone him at (505) 463-6462~~ Email: wfo76@gmx.com

The RSV4 put Aprilia into the thick of WSBK racing, with championships in 2010, ’12 and ’14. The streetbike was expensive but very competitive with other European makers. Value is built in with solid engineering and APRC features. Dave’s RSV4 has almost too much to list, and too few miles to call it used.

-donn

Featured Listing – 2012 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC

Yamaha May 27, 2021 posted by Mike

Get Your GP On: 1985 Yamaha RZ500

Hot on the heels of the big Gamma we posted earlier this week, it only seemed fair to post the other 500cc competition – the Yamaha RZ500. Seeming more readily available than the Gamma, the RZ500 is another of the GP replica two strokes that were never officially imported into the United States. Today these smokers bring big bucks when presented in decent condition, and it’s easy to see why: Rare, fast and very exclusive, the Yamaha RZ500 was the closest you could come to channeling your inner Roberts, Lawson or Rainey on the street. And who didn’t want to do that?? Today, 35+ years removed, the world of ever-tightening emission and noise restrictions make these screaming banshees icons of a past era, never to be seen again. But today’s example shows that these icons can live on in the used bike market.

1985 Yamaha RZ500 for sale on eBay

Unlike Suzuki’s square four arrangement, Yamaha lined up their GP replica in a 50 degree, V-4 formation. Both brands utilized a twin crank setup – more out of two-stroke necessity than anything else. That meant that this is actually two twin-cylinder engines powering the bike, rather than one bigger four banger. Power from the two engines is harnessed and consolidated in the clutch & gearbox areas, making the whole thing seamless to the rider. The rest is pure two stroke wizardry, with reed valves, exhaust power valves and four individual tuned-length pipes for maximum HP (approaching 90 HP when new and stock). The chassis is a rather pedestrian mild steel affair. The Japanese home market offered a power-restricted version with alloy frame – the RZV – which shaved about 20 pounds off the total dry weight – but those are even more rare than the rest of the world model we see here. The swing arm for both models is aluminum. As per the fad of the times, the front hoop is a mere 16″ to reduce the gyroscopic effect and speed up transitions.

From the seller:
Also known as the Race-Developed 500cc Liquid-Cooled motorcycle or RD500LC, the RZ500 was produced in limited numbers from 1984-85 as a road legal production version of the YZR500 2-stroke V-4 Grand Prix factory racer. This rarely seen replica racer was not sold in the United States, and the1985 RZ500 stands as one of the most collectible road-going motorcycles of its era.

Very rare V4
Light and powerful
2 stroke Sports Bike
Liquid cooled, 6 speed
High performance with speed of 148 mph
499 cc
Odometer: 26604 km (16530 miles)

Bike is all stock and original, with the exception of the upgraded exhaust system (stock exhaust system will be included with the bike purchase). Original paint; see picture for a few minor flaws.

Bike is in excellent running condition with everything working.

Given the rarity of these bikes in the US and considering the short life span they had in market when new (model years spanned 1984 – 1986), it should be no surprise that prices on these big smokers are wafting up like the blue smoke they create. Still, these are a pretty good bet for long-term value appreciation since they are popular, approachable, and in limited supply. I don’t see any of those factors changing in the foreseeable future, although the availability of spares might become an issue at some point.

Today’s bike looks pretty good for an older girl (even with low-res photos). There are some unfortunate nicks and cracks in the plastics, but everything appears to be in place. The JL exhaust out of the UK is a nice addition, and the seller notes that the stock pipes come with. Definitely a bonus for the collector. The red handgrips look to be aftermarket, but the rest comes across as an honest example of the breed. With 16,530 miles on the clock this is not a garage queen, so somebody please buy it and get out there and ride! Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

Ducati December 4, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

The Real Thing: Ex-Bayliss 2003 Ducati GP3 for Sale

It’s not often real examples of top tier motorcycle racing machinery are made available for sale to the general public, but here we are. Got some coin to spend? You can have Troy Bayliss’ Ducati GP3 decorating your living room, which is pretty impressive when you have company over. I only know of one other guy who can make that claim…

Ducati had been very active in World Superbike since its inception, but absent from Grand Prix and later MotoGP competition, which had been dominated by two-stroke technology since the 1970s. Ducati of course was famous for their four-stroke v-twins and likely didn’t have pockets deep enough to develop prototype racing motorcycles with no roadgoing application, and weren’t contrarian enough to mirror Honda and their sisyphean attempts to make a competitive four-stroke.

Luckily, MotoGP rules changes in the early 2000s suddenly gave a huge advantage to bikes running four-stroke engines, and Ducati decided it was time to dive in with both feet. Knowing a v-twin would need an outrageously extreme bore/stroke and high revs to produce the power to be competitive, they opted to create a V4 that was effectively a pair of v-twins, with a “Twin Pulse” crankshaft that had pairs of pistons rising and falling at the same time. Ducati even referred to it as a “double L-twin.”

Sixteen valves were operated by Ducati’s signature desmodromic system and led to the “Desmosedici” name. Later machines flirted with exotic carbon-fiber frames and eventually a beam frame design, but this original GP3 uses a traditional and effective Ducati steel trellis by Verlicchi. This machine is in pretty stunning condition, but I’ll let the photos speak for themselves…

From the original eBay listing: 2003 Ducati GP3 MotoGP TB1 for Sale

2003 Ducati GP3 MotoGp ex-Bayliss
The beginning of the Ducati MotoGP history.
Frame TB1
Complete and fully overhauled, on the button, ready to be paraded.
Rare opportunity to acquire a piece of motorcycling history.
Private negotiation. OF COURSE IT’S NOT THE PRICE LISTED!
Bike can be inspected in the UK.
gianluca@stileitaliano.com

Wait, the listed $999,999 shown isn’t the actual price?! Dammit, I thought I had a shot at this one… It’s been a while since I’ve posted up a bike from Gianluca, but his history of offering the coolest bikes you can’t afford clearly continues with this one. The bike is currently located in Italy, but I’m pretty sure anyone seriously considering this won’t be remotely concerned by that.

-tad

The Real Thing: Ex-Bayliss 2003 Ducati GP3 for Sale

Honda September 22, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Some Assembly Required: 1989 Honda VFR400R NC30 for Sale

If your budget doesn’t stretch to one of Honda’s famously rare and storied RC30s, you can find all of the exotic tech in a slightly smaller, much cheaper package with their VFR400R NC30. You get a V4 with a 360° crank and gear-driven cams, a sexy ELF-designed “ProArm” single-sided swingarm, and the twin-headlight, endurance-racing bodywork that is easily mistaken for the RC30 at a glance.

The NC30 is down on power, compared to the RC30, but it also weighs almost 100lbs less, and the 60hp on tap will move the 400lb machine along pretty smartly, with a wide spread of power. But the little V4’s real party trick was its incredibly agile and forgiving handling that made it the darling of the 400cc class both on the road and in racing.

Prices have increased in recent years, but you can still pick these up for very reasonable prices, considering how cool and exotic they are, with Honda reliability thrown into the bargain! This particular example looks solid and complete, but does need a bit of work as outlined in the original listing.

From the original eBay listing: 1989 Honda VFR400R NC30 for Sale

1989 Honda VFR400R NC30 with 12,909 km, approx 7,745 mi, as shown on clock’s photo. This was recently imported from Asia, and i took it as a trade on another bike, so I do not have too much history. Bike looks good for its year, but it was painted in its past life. Plastic looks good as can be seen in photos, not sure if original plastics, but some repairs can be seen on inner side. It has a Vermont transferable registration, most states accept this, but please check with your local DMV. Bike starts and runs using a temporary fuel source, as it looks like its not getting fuel through the petcock, which seems to be a typical issue with these diaphragm petcocks. Bike will come with a new petcock rebuild kit from UK.

I would say this is an easy project completion bike for somebody with repair ability, I have not ridden it, and it is 31 years old but the previous owner noted they did substantial work to the bike, but please expect to correct and fix other items not described. I have other previous projects, so I’m moving this one on.

Here’s what I was told the previous owner completed recently, which looks about correct.

New screen, brace and mirrors. New battery with tender connection. Full service, air and oil filters, new oil and plugs. New radiators, hoses, replacement fan and fluid. New ignition and gas cap/keys. New throttle and choke cables. Carbs were removed, cleaned and rebuilt with new carb kit from Japan, including boot rubbers. Refurbished rear brake caliper and new pads all around with new fluid.

What I visually see that need’s to be corrected or finished, but I have not disassembled, is as follows.

General wiring needs to be checked and reconnected, like front and rear flashers, kill switch, radiator fan wiring, as fan was from a different model, but spins with power added, and general wiring. As i said, it turns over, and starts with temp tank, so looks like only general wiring to lights, flashers , gauges and sensors, etc, need a going through. Rev counter needle is partially broken, as can been seen in photo. Rear tire has some age cracking. Front tire is newer, but loosing air over time, maybe issue with wheel rim and seal. Rear Exhaust canister has some wear marks, as can be seen in photos, missing springs to pipe. Rear seat unit is missing lock unit, but new spare lock is included, but seat is east to open, I can send a video.

Bike comes with Haynes Manual and some spares like cables, carb kit, etc.

This is a 31 year old bike, with only the above history known, but with some good finishing, would make a nice collectible piece. But again, its a 31 year old bike, so expect some additional work for a vintage bike like this, if you purchase.

For a guy to claims not to know much about the bike, the listing is pretty comprehensive, and includes a long list of work that’s been done, as well as work that will probably need to be done. All-in-all, it seems like a fairly presented project with a reasonable asking price: $6,550. That’s a fair bit below what a good, running NC30 is likely to cost, and most of the work seems to be, as the seller suggests, relatively straightforward.

-tad

Some Assembly Required: 1989 Honda VFR400R NC30 for Sale

Honda June 11, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Vee Four: 1995 Honda RVF400R NC35 for Sale

Modern 400s are generally geared towards new or budget-minded riders, but can still be very capable sportbikes: I spent a session or two recently chasing one around Buttonwillow, and it turns out a Ninja 400 can work up a surprising turn of speed. In spite of that, they’re still pretty basic machines, specification-wise. But a couple decades ago, bikes like the Honda RVF400R NC35 gave nothing away to the most exotic roadgoing machines, other than a few cubic centimeters of displacement…

A race-bred V4 engine with a “big-bang” 360° crank, gear-driven cams, a distinctive single-sided swingarm and a rear wheel held on by a single large nut… there were no compromises on the NC35, other than those slightly tacky plastic snorkels jutting out of the tank that feed fresh air to the airbox. The 399cc only put out a claimed 59hp and most of the power is produced up near 13,000rpm, but what is available at lower revs is pretty usable and the bike won’t feel as sluggish as the meager power might suggest.

This example isn’t a particularly museum-quality bike: the tail section doesn’t look original, the no-name exhaust isn’t stock, and those polished wheels definitely aren’t going to be to everyone’s taste. The carbon intake tubes do look much nicer than the plastic originals, but again: not original. All of that also means the $11,990 asking price might be a bit on the high side for a bike that’s more an interesting rider than a really collectible example of Honda’s baby V4 sportbike.

From the original eBay listing: 1995 Honda RVF400R NC35 for Sale

In 1994, Honda introduced the RVF400, or NC35. Successor to the VFR400 (not confusing at all), the NC35 was two things: a mini-me of the legendary RC45 and one of the greatest 400s ever built. Just like its 750cc big brother, the NC35’s fit and finish was top-notch, and the model had all the trappings of a full-size superbike in a potent 400cc package.

Odometer is in kilometers (16,209 kms or 10,075 miles)

Ride away at a price you’ll love. Our selection of pre-owned powersports are certified to the highest maintenance standards, ensuring that all of our customers are not only riding in style, but that they’re also riding with safety in mind. Since 2018, we’ve dedicated our efforts to guiding and advising our clients about the best units on the market. We offer a wide range of options, and our professional team is here for your every need.

The RVF400R is pretty uncommon here in the USA, but not impossible to find if you look around, or have the means to import one. If the seller is willing to negotiate on that price, it could be a pretty cool rolling restoration while you track down original bits from overseas, or a really fun project if you raid the Tyga parts catalog for bodywork and performance upgrades…

-tad

Vee Four: 1995 Honda RVF400R NC35 for Sale

Honda March 4, 2020 posted by Aaron

V4 Cruise Missile: 1993 Honda VFR750 Interceptor

The Honda VFR750 never fails to pop up in forum posts and old magazine articles seeking to name the best all-around motorcycle available. Inevitably, there’s some dentist from Portland who chimes in with 43 photos of his immaculate VFR and a long tale about how he’s put 175,000 miles on it from new and only ever changed the oil and tires. It’s a fact of Internet life, and it gets pretty old. But, if you spend any time at all around the bikes, you’ll discover that those Aerostitch-clad Boomers are on to something. These bikes are, quite simply, phenomenal.

1993 Honda VFR750 for sale on eBay

Of course, I am biased. A red ’97 model sits in my garage, and I sought it out after reading too many dentists telling me how awesome it was. They were right. The gear driven cams make a gorgeous whine on top of the small-block lope of the V4, the power is electric and the handling, while not exactly sprightly, is impressive for something so large and perfectly stable.

This 1993 Honda VFR750 appears to have been babied by one of the aforementioned healthcare professionals, and shows very nicely in white. The way the single-sided swingarm shows off that magnificently ’90s rear wheel is enough to give you visions of Joey Dunlop. With 15,000 original miles, a next to new set of tires and new spark plugs, battery and fuel filter, there is no reason this thing shouldn’t be down for a cross-country road trip tomorrow.

From the eBay listing:

Up for sale is my VERY clean VFR-750. Ultra low miles, adult owned and maintained. Never ridden in the rain, always garage kept on a battery tender when not riding. Has 480 miles on a new set of Michelin Pilots, new spark plugs, new fuel filter, battery is 1 year old, carbs were cleaned and sync’d, K & N air filter, gutted Yoshimura slip on muffler. Always washed after every ride, oil and filter changed every 1,000 miles using Honda oil and filter.

With a hollowed-out Yosh pipe, this thing will make your neighbors hate you, but how could they ever hate this bike?