Posts by tag: Water Cooled

Honda March 3, 2021 posted by Donn

Class Leader – 1993 Honda CBR600F2

The second generation CBR600F2 was a giant step forward for the middleweight, with a sharp eye on the invoice’s bottom line. This example has somehow been protected from the overuse and outdoor life of so many bargain sportbikes, with just over 12,000 miles and lovely cosmetics.

1993 Honda CBR600F2 for sale on eBay

Updates started with the engine architecture, significantly more oversquare than the F, with flatter valve angles and flow-optimised heads to claim a nice round 100 hp. The twin-spar chassis was executed in steel tubing, holding the engine from top and rear, and containing cost. Conventional forks had been upsized to 41mm, and the adjustable monoshock supported a Pro-Link swingarm. Brakes were mid-sized at 276mm, with weight and yen-saving slide calipers ( dual pistons on the same side ). Wheel sizes were also bumped up from the F, and the cast alloys were RC lookalikes. The full fairing presented fresh if not ram air to the airbox, and was closed in the knee area, sending engine heat overboard.

Coming out of Vegas-based Eurocycle, this CBR doesn’t come with any history, but does have rarely seen turn signals, reflectors, and the tail has been tidied up just a bit. The color saturation had me thinking re-paint, but nothing else about this bike has been updated. A one-liner from the eBay auction:

100% FACTORY ORIGINAL AND UNDAMAGED.

The Honda 600 regularly appeared at the top of magazine review “shootouts”, and later showed up on best used bike compendiums. With many riders thinking lighter weight and better skills, these mid-size bikes are coming into a re-newed focus. By model number it’s not rare, but with so many run into the ground, a really nice one might be a thing.

-donn

Suzuki December 2, 2020 posted by Donn

Just Add Water – 1994 Suzuki GSX-R1100

Occupying the top line of the Suzuki catalog is a real balancing act, with performance and reliability up against MSRP. The newly water-cooled 1100 kept it all in perspective, and this Texas survivor looks great in retrospect.

1994 Suzuki GSX-R1100 for sale on eBay

Suzuki traded the oil cooler for a big coolant radiator, and more stable temps in the new engine allowed an increase in compression to 11.2-to-1, with 156 hp at the bottom line. The chassis was similar to the ’92 but beefier, with multi-adjustable Kayaba dampers front and rear. 310mm Tokico brakes grew an extra pair of pistons in each caliper, helping haul the slightly increased weight down quickly. The fairing was just a bit fuller, and the windscreen offered better protection from the gale-force wind. Powertrain dimensions stayed trim and lean-angle clearances were as generous as ever.

Ownership history was interrupted along the way, but with almost 22,000 miles it was somebody’s favorite at some point. With a very limited collection of road rash, it was a great candidate for the new grips, windshield, rebuilt carbs and calipers, and any expendables. Comments from the eBay auction:

The 1994 GSXR series was the next evolution after the Slingshot era. They share many design characteristics with the Slingshot, but a departure from the air/oil cooled era. Suzuki figured that they could make more consistent power by adding liquid cooling yet trying to offset the extra weight of the liquid cooling.

Today these bikes are quite rare. This bike is a beautiful example that was rescued and completely gone thru. Every system and every surface has been attended to. Most of these bikes were modded but this one is a true survivor, still has factory exhaust and airbox – it is one one the most original 1994 1100s out there, possibly the only unmodded one.

FRESH OIL/FILTER CHANGE
NEW SPARK PLUGS
NEW AIR FILTER
CARBS REBUILT AND SYNCHED
ALL BRAKE CALIPERS REBUILT WITH NEW FLUID
BRAND NEW TIRES
NEW CHAIN
NEW F/R SPROCKETS
REBUILT CLUTCH SLAVE CYL
REBUILT F/R MASTER CYLS
NEW WINDSCREEN
NEW BLINKERS

Bike is absolutely gorgeous, no rust in tank. Starts stops and handles like a brand new bike. Needs nothing.

As the oil-cooled era wound down, Suzuki wanted to keep the liter-plus power but increase reliability while lowering emissions. Couldn’t get the weight to the Fireblade neighborhood, but had a nice advantage against the Kawasaki and Yamaha GT’s. Rebound damping was overdone but could be adjusted to suit. Long term fans might be ready for a steam locomotive in this kind of condition.

-donn

Kawasaki May 26, 2020 posted by Donn

Too Close for Missiles – 1985 Kawasaki GPZ900R

Despite being a generation or so in the rearview mirror, the original GPZ900R Ninja had a lot of firsts for Kawasaki and big sportbikes in general. Looking complete and mostly original, this example might be a good riding restoration.

1985 Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja for sale on eBay

Beside being the first Ninja to our shores, the 908cc’s were liquid cooled, had four valves per cylinder, and a counter balance shaft in a compact architecture which kept the center of gravity low. Four 34mm Keihin carburetors and 11.0:1 compression pushed the Ninja well over the goal line with 115 hp. Super-high tech hadn’t quite made it to the steel chassis or pretty conventional suspension, but the triple drilled disk brakes were a plus, and linked to the anti-dive system. At this point the lines are beyond classic, bringing visions of a drag race with an F-14.

Homing in on 28,000 miles, this GPZ900R has been around the world, but on silent more recently. Appearing quite stock, it’s without damage unexpected for its age. The owner is upfront about the work required to bring it back in the eBay auction:

Original except exhausts. Very good condition, does have few nicks and imperfections as per photos Tank has some surface rust inside. Ran well before I mothballed it around six months ago and now sits on top of my car lift with many others due to space constraints so plan to do the basics to recommission it for daily use. It will also need a new battery and regulator/rectifier as it didn’t charge battery while riding. A very easy candidate to turn into a full replica or take to top level. Stating the obvious but this is same bike used in the Top Gun movie with Tom Cruise. Has become much more in demand since announcement of the new movie. I know because I had 5 of them and since I started selling I have one left.

The GPZ900R was popular enough to fight off in-house challenges from liter-size successors, and had almost a 20-year run worldwide. With the delayed opening of the Top Gun re-make, the new owner will have a chance to tidy this one up before donning a flight jacket and heading to a show. The ask seems a shade more than the condition demands, but the Make Offer button is available.

-donn

Too Close for Missiles – 1985 Kawasaki GPZ900R

Aprilia April 5, 2020 posted by Donn

Pedi-greed is Good – 1996 Aprilia RS250 Reggiani Replica

Pictured in last fall’s fading foliage, this Aprilia stands out in the factory’s racing red, blue, and silver. When riding season gets here, the list of recent services makes sure it’ll be ready.

1996 Aprilia RS250 for sale on eBay

Though Aprilia couldn’t waste time making their 249cc engine from their racing RSV250 meet DMV’s requests, they could design exhaust and intake systems for Suzuki’s RGV-250 engine and increasing the output to 73 hp. Displacement was limited, but the thin-wall alloy chassis was overbuilt, as well as a work of manufacturing art. Adjustable Showa suspension could have been for a mid-size machine with a similar banana swing arm. Four-piston Brembo calipers were planning on hauling the little Aprilia down from triple-digit speeds. A little bulbous in street bike paint, the race-rep livery works magic on the single-seater.

Seeming to have been owned only since this RSBFS – post – the owner has kept it nice and improved a few things. Notes from the eBay auction:

The bikes has a clear title and the only additions to it are an Ohlins steering damper, smoked windscreen, and a battery tender lead. The following services have been done to the bike:

New Battery

New Spark Plugs

New black stainless steel brake lines front and rear

New brake pads

New air cleaner

New Pro-Grips

New Chain Guide

All fluids replaced and topped off

Carbs rebuilt

New tires

New chain

I also have a box of take-off parts that are included in the sale that are worth approx. $1000-1500.

RH switch gear

Grips

Flywheel

Voltage Regulator

Clutch Assembly

CDI box

Oil Pump

Rear brake master Cylinder (NEW)

Also including a factory service manual

Make Offer button is lit so forgive the ask and undo the CapsLock button before commenting. Still in the 30’s every night where this RS250 lives, but real spring is just around the corner. Reggiani was an able Aprilia pilot, never achieved the championship but gave the team their first GP win in 1987. The red/blue paint becomes the diminutive RS, and its capabilities would surprise many riders on bigger machines.

-donn

Pedi-greed is Good – 1996 Aprilia RS250 Reggiani Replica

Suzuki April 1, 2020 posted by Donn

Tough Love – 1997 Suzuki GSX-R750

Not far into Suzuki’s water-cooled era, Ram Air Direct became a way to extract just a few extra ponies from 748cc, and were a nice success combined with the new-to-96 alloy twin-beam chassis. This second-owner Gixxer looks worthy of a little TLC.

1997 Suzuki GSX-R750 for sale on eBay

After many years of air/oil-cooled engines, the 128 hp SRAD engine had tighter cylinder spacing, crank-end camshaft drive, and even tilted forward to straighten the intake path, presented a very compact package. Magnesium covers for the head, starter and clutch helped contain dry weight to under 400 lbs. The frame and alloy swingarm were an eclectic mix of stampings, extrusions, and castings, and must’ve give the production welders fits. Multi-adjustable suspension was in place front and rear, and wind-tunnel tested bodywork smoothed airflow.

After an owner who seems to have been focused on performance, this GSX-R might respond to a rolling restoration. Complete and not much in the way of external mods, it has been kept running to a high standard. Especially the not-so-intuitive brake modification of going to a four-pot caliper to improve feel. A nice list of mechanical improvements from the eBay auction:

-Wiley Co. Slip-on with larger main Jets Carburetor rebuild kit.
-Steel braid lines front and rear.
-Valve adjustment is done less than 100 miles ago.
-New Throttle cable
-New Spark plugs
-Replaced New fuel pump, filter, complete petcock, and base gasket.
-Replaced the OEM front six-pot (wooden feel) stock calipers for a set of newly rebuilt Nissin 4 pot with new EBC pads (100x better-stopping power over the OEM calipers).
-Replaced the OEM automatic (CCT) cam chain tensioner (known recall issues) with an APE manually adjustable one.
-Replaced the OEM Charging system, with a new stator, Regulator/ Rectifier, and battery. Charging at 14.5 volts now.
-Rebuilt rear caliper with new pistons.
-Rebuilt front forks, new seals/oil, also new bearings for the steering head.
-Racetech rebuilt rear shock new spring and cart; fully adjustable preload, compression, and rebound damping. I have added adjustable rear links for ride height adjustment.
-K/N Filter for the Ram Air.
-Battlax S21 Front and Rear tires
-Front and rear wheel bearings replaced.
-A new chain and sprocket.
-Rear solo seat cowl and passenger seat.
-The seat has been reupholstered with a back pad.

-Undertail fender eliminator.
-New Brembo 19mm RCS Radial Master Cylinder and Clutch lever
-New set frame sliders.
-Stomp Grip traction tank Pads.
-New battery

In a segment where lightness never goes out of style, Suzuki injected a bunch into the SRAD models and combined with popular pricing, had a hit. Hopefully fans will see around the cosmetics of this example and know that the hard work of helping this ’97 survive has been done.

-donn

Ducati December 20, 2019 posted by Donn

By Any Other Name – 1992 Ducati 907 I.E. “Paso”

Massimo Taburrini penned the all-encompassing Paso in 1985, for the still-in-transition Cagiva and Ducati. Not starting from a position of strength, the model fought the good fight for several years and culminated in a fuel injected 90 hp package. Despite 35K miles and 27 years, it still looks great.

1992 Ducati 907 I.E. for sale on eBay

The 907 I.E. incorporated the best features from the Paso, revised some basics like the engine cases, and snuck in a few niceties from the 851, like the alloy swingarm. With fuel injection, power was up to the 100 hp/liter benchmark and tractability wasn’t forgotten. More standard 17-inch rims were a help as were 300mm front Brembo brakes. The soap bar fairing was chockablock with inlets and vents, all in the name of flow.

The California seller appears to be an audiophile as well as sportbike enthusiast, and though not a long term owner, this 907 looks very tidy for 35K miles. From the eBay auction:

This is a great running classic Ducati at very nice price.

Purchased from the original owner last year. We did the following…

New tires front and rear

New drive belts

New plugs

Oil and Filter changed

New fork seals.

Coolant flush

New battery

She runs great and comes with the original seat as well as a Corbin seat.

The eastern juggernaut was not to be denied, but the decidedly classic 907 I.E. made a statement about a wide torque band and careful tuning. Never exactly popular, the Paso gave way to Ducati’s ST series and resides in a fandom of backroad and sport-touring riders. The generation gap between the 907’s introduction and today might be bridged by the sensible buy-it-now and very sharp condition.

-donn

By Any Other Name – 1992 Ducati 907 I.E. “Paso”

Honda November 19, 2019 posted by Donn

Your Lying Eyes – 1984 Honda VT-500FT Ascot

Honda’s middleweight Ascot shared the legendary dirt track’s name with a basic fun-looking design. Marketing knew better than to play up the innovative engine and low-maintenance shaft drive. This low-mile example has been lightly customized as an HRC lookalike.

1984 Honda VT-500FT Ascot for sale on eBay

Never just sticking a toe in, Honda had carefully considered the VT engine, and used a traditional-looking 52-degree angle, but offset the crank throws to reduce vibration. Engineers had also been at the heads, and specified a three valve arrangement with twin spark plugs, grabbing 50hp from the 491cc’s. Water cooling kept the rear cylinder cool and made the fins a styling element. Brakes were on a budget with a single front disk and drum rear, and the shaft drive had just the right geometry to not over-react. High pegs, small tank ( and seat ) and low bars kept the emphasis on sport.

This California owner has done a masterful tribute with a paint scheme evoking HRC’s RS750 racer, and incorporated Ascot Park’s logo on the side covers. 35 year-old mechanicals have been freshened up with a dual exhaust, carb cleaning, and new rubber. The round headlight is a nice touch. From the eBay auction:

The bike has some nice new or newer accessories on it including:

* Beautiful new HRC paint scheme professionally done with period decals.

* A nice two into two chrome exhaust system getting rid of that boat anchor, restrictive OEM system..
* New Dunlop K180 rear tire. Front tire is almost new.

* Control Cables.

* New battery.

* Carburetors were cleaned.

* New turn signals and round headlight (replaces the ugly square one).

* Starts right up and runs, shifts and stops as it should.

Lightweight and peppy little shaft drive bike. Really cool around town or even for medium distance freeway rides. Sounds nice with this new exhaust system. Slick 6 speed transmission with a cute little light that says OD when you shift into 6th. Be the only one in the pits with a “one off” RS500 Honda! All electronics work. Headlight, hi/low beams, turn signals, horn, etc.

Leave it to Honda to have a sportily camouflaged bike with a bunch of the latest technology aboard, almost maintenance free to boot. Precious little in common with the fire breathing four-valve RS750 which took the Grand National Championship 1984-87, but the VT engine went on to power a gazillion Shadows. The factory exited the flat track arena after intake restrictors were introduced, but had certainly proved their point. This knowing homage looks to be a lot of fun with a low starting bid.

-donn

Your Lying Eyes – 1984 Honda VT-500FT Ascot

Ducati December 22, 2018 posted by Donn

Suit That’s Red – 1992 Ducati Paso 907 I.E.

– Sold on the buy-it-now while this post was being scheduled, hopefully to a sharp RSBFS reader !

Like a back-lit tinsel tree in its hometown Santa Monica, this rather red Paso is all dressed up for Xmas. The last-generation desmodue was a fuel-injected 9th inning home run, which unfortunately couldn’t extend the Tamburini model into extra innings.

1992 Ducati Paso 907 I.E. for sale on eBay

The all-enclosed Paso was one of the first Ducatis under Castiglioni stewardship, intially as a 750cc and later a 904, both with a single Weber. More linear electronic fuel injection and 90 hp came in 1991, transforming the ride. Hiding under the soap-bar is a peculiar square-tube frame, and Marzocchi suspension peeks out. Brembo made both the four-piston calipers and wide 17-inch wheels. Intakes and vents are arrayed over the fairing with the aim of funneling cold air to the airbox and radiator, and warm air out and away from the rider.

With nearly 48,000 miles, a full rebuild and restoration is likely in this Paso’s past, and though there’s no mention of it in the auction, the buy-it-now is in the upper end of the range. No evident damage and it’s spotless all around. Nothing out of the ordinary except for a missing turn signal lense and a nicer seat cover. From the eBay auction:

This final year example of the 907ie is offered in the classic Ducati red livery. Showing an astonishing 47,926 miles, the bike looks like it has a fraction of that. Regular servicing by a local independent shop has kept the bike in fine riding condition. A recent trip to the shop ensured that the bike was ready for sale.

The 907 I.E. got high marks for its torquey delivery, spot-on fuel injection, hydraulic clutch and 17-inch wheels. The all-encompassing body was an acquired taste though, and production never really got much over 1,000 per year, ensuring its rarity. This Paso would have some stories to tell, about some long sporty tours and that season getting a makeover. And a super previous owner…

-donn