Posts by tag: Water Cooled

Yamaha October 31, 2018 posted by Donn

Un-mothballed – 1988 Yamaha TZR250

Without being over-spec'ed or blingy, Yamaha's entry into the 249cc learner-sports class was right-sized, nicely put together, and handled straight out of the box. This one has been on display and recently returned to the land of the living.

1988 Yamaha TZR250 for sale on eBay

Like the RD350 whose success it was trying to copy, the TZR250 used a parallel twin engine, the twin Mikuni carburetors ( with bores not much much bigger than your thumb ) making 50 hp. The alloy DeltaBox frame is as close to overdone as anything got on the TZR, but chassis rigidity pays double in predictable handling. The forks were not adjustable and the monoshock for preload only, but reviewers said they got it right. Front brake was a single 320mm disk, but with a four piston caliper. Front and rear tires were 17 inchers.

In surprising condition for its age, this TZR has run just 5,700 miles. No comment about whether this is a gray market import, but there is the KMH speedometer. The previous owner's cosmetic restoration is mentioned in the - video - and here are some of the comments from the eBay auction:

RECENTLY -

New Battery & amp; Battery Tender Hookup - which can also be used to run Electric gear

New front and rear brake fluids flushed and replaced with Honda Pro DOT 4

Carbs were Digitally Synchronized

OEM Air filter checked - is as if new

Perfect Mechanical and Cosmetic condition and needs nothing

Replaced the fork oil with 15W

New transmission oil

Oil Injection Tank filled up

Coolant flushed and replaced

New set of tires have 300 miles on them in 4 rides this last year

Yamaha went on to a reversed cylinder twin ( carbs in front, exhausts in back ) in 1989 and finally joined the crowd with a V-twin in 1991. But the original can often be the best. A bit pricey for a 250, the TZR languished for their last couple of years here. This early and seemingly correct example will go far, but probably not outdoors...

-donn

Buell October 6, 2018 posted by Donn

Imminent Departure – 2009 Buell 1125CR

Buell's last model under the H-D umbrella was the 1125CR, a space-age café racer with a high-tech Austrian V-twin. Despite the prominent scoops to cool the radiators, the 1125CR makes room for Buell's many innovations. This two-owner example seems cared-for and maintained.

2009 Buell 1125CR for sale on eBay

With its up-to-date gear-driven double overhead cams and fuel injection, Buell's choice of Rotax-based power got them to the 150hp doorstep. Water cooling also brought the engine under current noise regulations. Buell fans will recognize the frame with 5-plus gallons of fuel tankage, zero-torsion-load front brake, mass-centralized underslung muffler, and maintenance-free belt drive. High-end Showa suspension was specified, with fully adjustable 47mm forks and monoshock. A vacuum-actuated slipper clutch helped keep things organized when downshifting.

No apparent damage on this Long Island native, with an on-the-low-side 13,500 miles. An upgraded charging system is a mod with value, and the carbon headlight fairing adds some more visible interest. Otherwise stock with recent battery and tires. From the eBay auction:

Second owner and owned for the past 4 years, meticulously maintained, with tasteful aftermarket additions, garage kept its whole life. 135xx miles. Dunlop Q3's installed last fall with 500 miles on them. Have spare key and buyer is welcome to whatever parts/accessories I have specific for this bike including: Castrol 4T 20W-50 synthetic oil (6 qts?), oil filters, o-rings, washers, and anything else I find around. Bike is in excellent used condition.

Aftermarket parts include:
- Ricks Motorsport Stator
- EBR Oiling Rotor
- Factory ECM with race map programmed
- Clubman handlebars
- HID low beam
- Fender eliminator
- New Deka battery this year
- Carbon fiber front cowl which adds an obvious 57whp

I have taken the bike on 250 mile trips to upstate NY and it has never missed a beat. Any charging issues the 2009 1125's were known for are resolved with the installed stator and rotor. I have receipts for the stator, rotor and new rotor nut purchase, I did the installation. Passenger sets are not installed, but are included. Only selling as I am getting a new bike and I have learned from past experience to keep the seat to arse ratio at 1:1.

Reviewers found the -CR's fuel injection much better than the introductory 1125R's, and despite its light weight and tight dimensions, handling with the top-shelf Showa dampers was composed. The design might take a little getting used to, but not the performance. A more modern V-twin was a change-up for Buell, but the experience no doubt helped EBR after Harley retired the Buell brand late in 2009. A serious Buell statement, and the buy-it-now attempts to address long term concerns with Buell and EBR both retired...

-donn

Ducati August 24, 2018 posted by Donn

R Favorite – 2008 Ducati 1098R #70/300

In -R trim, the Ducati 1098 was actually a homologation special with the new 1198cc engine. In a win-win for the dealerships' best customers, Ducati ceded some trackside modifications to get increased displacement, meaning that the showroom -R came with equipment that the racers would need, and street riders normally could just dream about.

2008 Ducati 1098R for sale on eBay

After the 999 styling debacle, the 1098 returned to classic Ducati superbike design, and a revised cooling system took some of the urgency out of escaping stop-and-go traffic. 180hp made for an instantaneous exit when conditions allowed, and though factory traction control kept the rear wheel under the bike, as the suffix implies the -R is really better suited to the track. Suspension, brakes and wheels are very high spec, with Ohlins twin-tube monoshock, Brembo 330mm monoblock brakes, and forged Marchesini alloys.

Offered by a specialty auto dealer in St. Louis, this 1098R looks excellent for its 11,000-plus miles. Normally a few high-end farkles would be expected, but they're really not needed on an -R. From the eBay listing:

This example is in phenomenal condition. Never having been laid down, all fairings, handlebars, and and levers are original. This bike is still completely in stock form. It runs and rides perfectly. While we are not a motorcycle dealer, the previous owner is a long term local client who owns a buys only top-notch merchandise. This 1098R is said to never have been tracked, and it shows. The condition is as good as it gets.

This -R has been ridden though not on the track, and likely dealer-maintenance could easily be verified. Presuming this will make a rider happy, some riding and shop visits are probably better for the bike than a long time in the foyer and yearly oil change. The 1098R offers massive performance in a now-classic trellis frame and carbon fairing, and the race dash offers timing and analysis. The ask looks right up there until you look at the MSRP, which was double that just ten years ago. Worth a close look if you have ready access to some fast roads...

-donn

Yamaha August 16, 2018 posted by Donn

1989 Yamaha FZR400R with just 1,300 Miles !

In the pint-size world of gray market imports and coastal residents with evidence of outdoor storage, here is a minty FZR-400 with just 1,300 miles. Wearing aftermarket fairings to preserve the pure sports originals, this '89 has a retro look but appears ready to ride.

1989 Yamaha FZR400R for sale on eBay

Yamaha watched from the sidelines for a couple of years before introducing their mini-racer in 1986. The aluminum Delta Box frame suspends the steeply inclined engine allowing downdraft carburettors. The 60 bhp flow through a wet clutch and 6-speed transmission on their way to a 4-into-1 exhaust. With full fairing and 3.9 gallons of super, the package weighs just under 400 lbs.

Yamaha imported the FZR here and though the owner doesn't give much history, this one has the MPH speedo. Metals are pristine and of course the new replacement bodywork is. Factory plastics are pictured and look great. From the eBay auction:

Never raced.

This bike comes with two sets of plastics.

The plastics on the bike currently are excellent condition Freddie Sheen Japanese racing repro's (hard to find).

The bike comes with the original plastics in fantastic condition.

In addition the bike comes with original manual, rear footpegs, back seat,
spare perfect condition radiator and hoses and a new red front fender.

The bike does not smoke or drip.

Tires are older and should probably be changed before serious riding.

There is a hairline crack in the original front fender not noticeable unless you look for it.

The original pipe has a couple of scratches but no dents or dings.

Tank is clean and the bike runs and shifts perfect.

Bike is currently registered and has clean Colorado title in my name.

Yamaha didn't forget that even though factory rider Toshinobu Shiomori won the All Japan F3 championship in 1988, the FXR-400R was a road machine, and slowed the handling a skwosh. It reviewed as more at home on a TT course than a technical GP circuit, and as such more fun on the street. Build quality was on par with the big red machine, as was MSRP. This one has been nicely preserved and the replacement fairings are just gravy. For a 1,300-mile sweetheart, the ask seems reasonable, but if you disagree, the Make Offer button is available...

-donn

1989 Yamaha FZR400R with just 1,300 Miles !

Suzuki August 13, 2018 posted by Donn

Summer Fling – 1987 Suzuki GSX-R400

For 1987 Suzuki left the GSX-R400 substantially unchanged from '86, but thankfully returned to the twin headlight fairing. In a catchy single-year iteration of Suzuki blue and white, Deftone Cycles has brought this GK-71F with low km's and Ohio title.

1987 Suzuki GSX-R400 for sale on eBay

Suzuki had introduced the 400 Gixxer in 1984 and made steady improvements over the years, the '86-87 models using water, oil, and air cooling to keep temps down. Since it was a JDM progressive license machine, horsepower was stuck at 59 by statute. Still the topped-off weight of just 365 lbs. made the most of the available ponies. An interesting concept was the Deca Brake system, with a separate brake pad for each caliper piston, ten in all, hoping to work around some unhelpful disk brake dynamics. New vents on the endurance fairing help draw heat out of the fairing and away from the rider.

As very few GSX-R400's were exported by Suzuki, most recent arrivals have some cosmetic issues from long storage. Deftone has gone over the bike to insure trouble free running, but doesn't try to gloss over the truth. A short cold start video is available - here -. This is a low-mile fighter that could easily be a lover with some TLC. Greg's comments from the eBay auction:

8,484 Miles (13,653 Kilometers) Completely original and unrestored. Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC 4 valves per cylinder. One-year color scheme. Mechanically Sorted. All fluids are fresh. Shifts and revs to redline perfectly. Starts effortlessly every time. Very Honest Bike. Very few scratches overall. Left lower fairing is where most of the issues are. Please see Images. Fuel tank is Rust Free.

Having stayed mostly in the home market, Suzuki's 400 gave ground in the period shoot-outs, but had their usual simpler, stronger, lighter cards to play. Now rarer, they often don't have their original price advantage. But this one is more affordable, if there was ever a 400 to doll-up as you learn to ride a lightweight, this might be it...

-donn

Honda April 10, 2018 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 1989 Honda VFR400R / NC30

Update 4.26.2018: Greg informed me that the eBay buyer fell through on this one after it was shown as sold for $9,300. However another buyer stepped up and this bike is SOLD. Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Our friend Greg at Deftone Cycles has made a good name for himself choosing clean sportbikes for import and making them ready for riding season. This V-4 399cc mini-superbike is a great example.

Built from 1986 to 1992, the VFR400R used gear-driven cams and had four valves per cylinder, generating the kind of performance that has helped keep the grey market alive after all these years. The NC30 is the third generation of three, with updates like the left-side exhaust, Pro-Arm monoshock with 18-inch rear wheel, and 360-degree crank timing. The styling is so reverential to the 750cc RC30 that riders will find themselves fielding questions about the bigger bike.

Deftone realizes the appeal of an un-restored sportbike, and chooses their candidates carefully. This one has complete factory fairings, undamaged though there is a little patina here and there. The front brake calipers appear to have been refreshed, not a bad thing for a rider. All new fluids and tune-up are part of the commissioning. There is a dent in the left heel heatshield, but overall very few distractions on this machine. From the eBay auction:

Completely original and unrestored. Mechanically Sorted. All fluids are fresh. Shifts and revs to redline perfectly. Starts effortlessly every time. Very Honest Bike. Very few scratches overall. Two blemishes to be aware of, Exhaust heat shield does have a dent. Fuel tank Dark Blue Stripe is showing some hairline cracks. This is very common with the Type 1’s original tanks. Dark blue stripe is a decal that over time has been known to deteriorate. Please see Images. Fuel tank is Rust Free. Has Vin Matching State of Ohio Title.

The VFR400R reviewed as a spot-on handler and was intended for the fan-base in progressive license markets. It was offered intermittently in the Euro zone but often for more than competing 750's and 900's, insuring showroom failure. But word got out, the legend grew, and there has been a steady demand for track-day machines and rare street-sports here and in the U.K. The auction has just opened with a starting bid of $6,500, and you can send Greg questions via eBay's "contact seller" link or email - here -.

-donn