Posts by tag: World SuperBike

Honda August 22, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: Immaculate 2002 Honda RC51 SP2

Update 8.22.2020: This bike has SOLD to an RSBFS reader! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

The 2002 Honda RC51 SP2 was the first year of the ultimate evolution of Honda’s gorgeous World Superbike conqueror. Built to play on Ducati’s v-twin field and engineered to within a millimeter of its life thanks to Big Red’s engineering might and racing experience, the SP2 gained four horsepower and dropped 11 pounds over the SP1 version. In 2002, Nicky Hayden won the AMA Superbike title aboard the SP2. That coincided with Colin Edwards’ second World Superbike championship aboard a Castrol-liveried RC51 SP2.

The racing success and Honda’s beautiful, 999cc v-twin made the RC51 a cult icon in its day. With the benefit of years, the bike has become a no-concession classic, as Honda has moved firmly toward a safer, more stolid lineup. Coincidentally, the World Superbike wins have dried up.

This 2002 RC51 SP2 shows a shade over 20,000 miles, but you wouldn’t know it to look at it. It’s hard to claim anything this old is flawless, but this machine comes close. It is also loaded with a stable of tasteful, reversible aftermarket parts. The list includes Stomp Grips, CRG levers, Yoshimura exhaust and flapper valve mod. The rest of the list is in the seller’s description below.

From the seller:

Here is an excellent example of a 2002 Honda RC51 with 20,813 original miles. The bike is in nearly flawless condition, mechanically sound, never dropped or crashed. Simple modifications include CRG RC2 levers, Carbon Fiber gauge cover, Zero Gravity dark smoked windscreen, HRC tank protector, Stomp Grip traction pads, Lamin-x headlight lens covers, Proton LED turn signals, HotBodies Superbike under-tail, Pyramid hugger, 520 chain and sprocket conversion (15/41) gearing and Yoshimura slip-on exhaust. Flapper valve mod has been done. There is no fuel injection module on the bike such as Power Commander etc. Battery is two years old. Starts first crank and runs like the true Champion that She is. Clean title in hand, California registration paid until 8/2021.

Asking price is ~~$8,000~~ $7,500

It’s not too hard to find a nice RC51 even today, but it’s a Herculean task to find one this nice. It’s priced according to its condition, but if your next bike must be an RC51, this is the one you want.

Featured Listing: Immaculate 2002 Honda RC51 SP2

Ducati July 30, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: Air-cooled Ducati 749 hot rod superbike!

The phrase “Ducati superbike” is enough to strike panic into the hearts of most mortal bank accounts. Just breathing the name of the storied Italian marque conjures ghoulish visions of microscopic maintenance intervals, climbing cost of entry and woeful consequences should you play Devil-may-care with recommended services. Luckily, what we have before us is the exception to that rule. A Ducati superbike powered by an 1,100cc iteration of Bologna’s venerated L-twin, expertly hung in a thoroughly modern steel lattice chassis.

It’s a chicken-and-egg exercise to try and piece together what this bike started life as, so here’s what we know: Its mill is the stock engine from an 1,100cc Monster that has been treated to pod filters. The chassis is from a mid-aughts 749 Dark and the swingarm began life on a Monster S2R. The rest of the parts roster reads like a WSBK team’s grocery list, so we’ll let the seller describe it in a bit.

The result of all the trickery is a torquey, featherweight track weapon that looks and goes like nothing else. It eschews the usual superbike practice of stuffing five million peaky horses into an aluminum frame in favor of a sweet-handling, friendly torque monster. Fast and friendly is the name of the game. With 85 horsepower under your right wrist, you’re not likely to scare an R6 on the straights, but hold your nerve and momentum will carry the day.

From the seller:

I bought this bike in ’17 from the original owner who commissioned the build. Told Bruce Meyers put it together originally w/ 800 motor (hence the s2r swingarm). Chris Boy at Moto Corse then built and tuned it as it sits. Bike is 100% ready to ride.
749 Dark frame, modified for conversion / vin removed.
Stock 1100 monster engine, less than 2k mi, MWR Pod filters
749r subframe, custom front fairing stay.
S2r swingarm, 749 linkage.
Ohlins rear shock, stabilizer, & 25mm kit in 1098 forks.
Attack triples, 28deg offset.
M4 monoblocks, 320mm full floating rotors, progressive pads.
Yoyodyne slipper clutch and slave.
Woodcraft clip-ons, rearsets, lever guards, & clutch cover.
SC Racing oversized oil-cooler.
QD low-mount exhaust.
Microtec ecu, lightened harness.
Dynojet quickshifter, quick-turn throttle tube.
Shorai battery, Shorai charger included.
520 chain, Superlight sprocket & quick change carrier.
Carbon front fender, rear hugger.
Pirelli sc-1 slicks, ran 3 track-day sessions.
Sharkskin 749 bodywork, fresh paint, stickers over clear.
Plenty of Woodcraft spares and rear stand included.
Bike weighs 375lbs, 49.5%front 50.5%rear, 85hp & 71 ft/lbs at rear wheel.

Bad: Small blemish on fork slider but never blew seal or leaked. Extra 1098 forks (empty) included. Bodywork shows some damage through paint. Rear hugger tight clearance but still clears warmers. Stone chips and small nics, some rash (normal race bike condition).

All service work performed at Ducati Detroit. Belts 2 years old, valves adjusted w/ 1 track day. All fresh Motul fluids, MWR pods oiled, steering head bearings serviced, forks serviced. Fully safety wired.

Price is $7,500 firm. Buyer to arrange and pay for shipping. Located in Detroit Michigan. Contact me at ericfroh@gmail.com for more pictures or any questions. I kept up with built motors in AHRMA. I hope it goes to a good home, it was a dream bike.

Thank you, Eric

It’s clear that this machine has been well-loved over its life, and it deserves a next owner who can heap a similar level of care and attention on it. As track weapons go, it’s hard to think of something that will stand out the way this will.

Featured Listing: Air-cooled Ducati 749 hot rod superbike!

Suzuki June 2, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 2,600-mile 1999 Suzuki TL1000R

Update 6.20.2020: This bike has SOLD to an RSBFS reader! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Back in 1999, the Suzuki TL1000R was full of promise as a Ducati and Honda-fighting superbike weapon. With a new, 135-horsepower v-twin mill, compact dimensions and innovative suspension to keep packaging tight around the big mill. Alas, the TL didn’t live up to Suzuki’s hopes on superbike grids around the world, but it became a cult classic beloved for its torque, unique looks and relative quirkiness.

You won’t see many nice TLs kicking around the local Craigslist, as those who have nice ones tend to hang onto them. Consider this one the exception. A second-year example in the simplest, cleanest yellow livery, it is spotless and ready to ride. It might not carry the pedigree that the Honda RC-51 earned under the likes of Colin Edwards and Joey Dunlop, but that shouldn’t be a detraction, and it will always draw a crowd at the local bike night.

From the seller:

1999 Suzuki TL1000R

2600 miles, just serviced at MSP Cycle in Atlanta.

I’m the second owner and bought the bike in 2012. Everything is stock except the Yoshimura pipes.

Never dropped or abused and runs perfect. The bike is located at my office in Doraville, Georgia. Can be seen anytime and I am happy to assist with inspection or shipping.

$6,900

The Yoshimura pipes are an awesome addition that will fully unleash the v-twin’s signature snarl. With everything else as it left the factory and so few miles, this TL is the perfect candidate for a periodic weekend mount and conversation starter.

Featured Listing: 2,600-mile 1999 Suzuki TL1000R

MV Agusta May 5, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 2008 MV Agusta F4 312R

Update 5.18.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

One could argue that naming a sportbike after its designed top speed is unfair. Kinda like naming a kid after Ayrton Senna or John Surtees. It’s a nice honor, but it takes a special person to leave the shadow of a lofty name. In the case of the 2008 MV Agusta F4 312R, being named after its top speed was no issue. With 183 horsepower from a slightly revised version of the regular F4’s radial-valve inline four, the bike had no problem outrunning its long shadow.

The 312R hit three years after the first-gen F4 1000s were introduced, wearing revised 50mm Marzocchi forks and a fully-adjustable Sachs rear shock. Brembo Monoblocs bring everything back into the stratosphere when the road curves or the rider’s nerves give out.

This 2008 MV Agusta F4 312R has been with our buddy Scott since new, and has covered just 2,200 miles in that time. Aside from a custom ECU tune to calm down the famously snatchy stock fueling, the bike is original down to the tires. It has had a recent oil pan gasket and a new battery, but those tires should probably be shelved if you’re going to ride it.

From the seller:

Over time I find my track time increasing so I’m continuing to thin my motorcycle herd due to a lack of street riding. You are looking at a mint 2008 MV Augusta F4 312R with 2200 miles on it. I bought it new, never been down or abused. I fell in love with the looks of it, the power and handling just added to it. The riding position is very similar to the Ducati 916 family. It just had the oil pan gasket replaced due to a slight leak along with the oil and the battery replaced. It’s ready to ride however; I’d consider new tires given the set on it is original so getting up there in age. The bike is stock and shows like new. If you know this model it was the fastest thing out there at the time but its fueling was terrible. Read any F4 MV test back then and fueling was always a sore spot. The throttle was like an on-off switch which made the power band almost two-stroke like, a little unnerving with this much grunt. Not this bike, it was gone through by fuel injection guru Doug Laughlin who came out to work on a few MV’s at Robb’s Dyno is Massachusetts. Essentially what he did was to re-write the entire map code to smooth out the power band. Think of it as a performance ECU upgrade, the bike is so much more enjoyable to ride now. Still scary fast but only when you want it to be. I’m a collector who properly maintains and describes my motorcycles. I’ve sold a few bikes over the years, my feedback is I under promise and over deliver. The new owner of a Ducati 999 I just sold sent me an email telling me I misrepresented the bike, never a good start to an email. However, he said my description did not do the bike justice given once he saw it, he was very impressed. No trades or lowball offer please. Shipping is the buyer’s responsibility however I’m happy to work with your shipper.

Price: $9,500

The first-generation MV Agusta F4s are gorgeous, iconic and scarce. To have the opportunity to get the even rarer F4 312R in beautiful condition and a well-documented issue sorted out is unreal. Scott is asking just $9,500 for this gem, which is bananas when you consider how little new motorcycle that figure will buy you. The days are getting longer, don’t sleep on this chance.

Featured Listing: 2008 MV Agusta F4 312R

Suzuki March 30, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1999 Suzuki TL-1000R

Update 7.7.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

It was supposed to be a World Superbike-dominating Ducati killer. That never came to pass for the 1999 Suzuki TL1000R, but the bike’s sweet engine gained it a huge cult following. With a few choice modifications, TLs can be fantastic weekend mounts, and have an extra edge of panache that Gixxers lack.

1999 Suzuki TL1000R for sale on eBay

This 1999 Suzuki TL1000R comes from a fastidious mechanic whose CV includes stints for Roland Sands and Kevin Schwantz. The list of modifications is long and impressive, and includes a Yamaha R1 front suspension and brake setup, as well as a Bitubo shock to replace the weird stock rotary damper. It also sports a new-used engine with just 6,000 miles on it.

That last point is an important one, as this TL shows a scarcely believable 118,000 miles on the clock. That figure points to the stoutness of Suzuki’s stock bits, but must have been backbreaking for the big bike’s owner.

From the eBay listing:

1999 TL1000R.

I am the second owner.

Fresh light restoration TLR. I’ve built bikes for Roland Sands, and suzuki racebikes for Kevin Schwantz, so this one is done RIGHT.

Dash and title show 118k miles. BUT:

Every nut and bolt on this bike has been touched and cleaned, replaced, or refurbished. Sure, I could have replaced the gauges with some low mile unit and misrepresented, but I feel like being honest here shows how well this bike has been cared for even before I got it and cleaned it up.

Complete R1 wheel, brake, and fork/triple swap. Forks are freshly rebuild with upgraded springs and top of the line seals and fluid. Lower offset on the R1 triples makes this bike feel 100 lighter than standard.

Ohlins steering damper

Woodcraft clipons

Brand new Bitubo aftermarket shock. (It’s eyetalian)

Brand new wheel bearings in the wheels, and all balls steering head bearings.

New swingarm bearings.

New (used) complete engine with 6000 miles.

New M4 complete stainless exhaust with carbon cans.

Nice Michelin tires.

Braided brake lines

Fresh paint with new factory decals under the clear coat.

Zero gravity windscreen

New chain and sprockets

New Barnett clutch

New air filter

Power Commander

I know it’s a lot of money for a TL however, if a brand new showroom bike is a 10, and every abused, neglected TL on Craigslist is a 5, this one is a solid 8.75. It does show its age and mileage in a few areas buts it’s very very clean.

As he acknowledges, it’s a big ask for a 21-year-old Japanese sportbike, but they aren’t making more TLs, and this one is set up exactly as it should be for years of enjoyment. If you’re looking for an escape from the scourge that is COVID-19, what better way to isolate yourself than on a 130-horsepower v-twin superbike?

Ducati March 4, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 2005 Ducati 999S

Update 3.11.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

What we have here is a gorgeous example of one of Ducati’s most successful — and most controversial — offerings of the last 20 years. The 2005 Ducati 999S overcame somewhat polarizing Pierre Terblance styling over its three-year run to win three World Superbike titles and capture hearts with its incredible engine and chassis.

This one is a special example of the breed for a few reasons. For one thing, it’s black, which is not a shade you see too often on 999s. It’s also of the 2005+ run of bikes, which are a bit more powerful than the earlier models. Finally, it’s a low-mile, one-owner bike with a stellar list of tasteful upgrades. It also comes with all its original paperwork, all three keys and the manuals.

Seller Scott spared nothing getting the bike ready for sale, which we’ll let him tell you about below:

You are looking at a rare 2005 Ducati 999S in black with 6100 original miles. Some have called it a unicorn as very few were made with black livery. The pictures do not do it justice as it’s gorgeous in this color, with an amazing shine and turns heads wherever I ride it. I’m a middle aged collector who is very anal about my bikes. I’ve own this since new and always maintained it, never abused or raced. It’s flawless the only imperfection is a light scrape on the bottom chin of the lower fairing underneath the oil cooler, from a front wheel chock, barely visible. Other than this it looks like the day I bought it.

To prepare it for sale I had my Ducati tech put new belts on, change the fluids, rebuild both the rear shock, forks and install a new battery. Ready to ride, it needs nothing.

Here is a list of upgrades to the bike:

Full Termignoni polished exhaust, looks and sounds amazing.
DP race ECU
Carbon fiber clutch cover, exhaust shield and rear hugger.
Ducati Performance rear sets
Fast by Ferracci raised clip-ons and gas cap.
I’m sure I missed a few things.

This bike is one of my favorite bikes to ride on twisty roads. The reason I’m selling is as time has gone on, I find I only ride on the track with a dedicated track bike so this 999S just sits. It should be ridden and enjoyed!

Thanks for looking, I’m happy to answer any questions. As I’m thinning the herd I’m not interested in any trades. I’m in no hurry to sell this so please no lowball offers.

The bike is listed at $9,750. To come close to a new machine with this much pedigree, you need to spend almost double that. With low miles and fastidious ownership, this thing is a great bet.

Honda February 27, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1990 Honda RC30

Update 3.5.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

The 1990 Honda RC30 was built specifically to win the World Superbike Championship for Honda, back in the glory days when racing meant almost as much to manufacturers as their retail operations did. People still came out in hordes to watch roadraces at tracks around the world, and the level of talent and daring were visceral in a way that the hyper-controlled environment today just cannot match. Somewhere there is video footage of Joey Dunlop changing a clutch on an RC30 laid on its side on a patch of grass.

The street legal RC30 homologation specials wed that spirit with the highest tech available to sportbikes at the time and created a legend. As a marketing exercise, they executed their mission far beyond expectations. The 118 horsepower seems pedestrian by today’s standards, but the feathery, torquey RC30 rewards focus in a way that modern machines can’t match.

This one, #58, had a fair number of miles put on by the first owner’s wife, before our pal Mark bought it, rode it enough to get the feel for it, then winterized it and put it on display in his house. As a result, it is in beautiful condition, with under 5,000 miles on the clock. It has a CBR600 front wheel to fit modern tires, but the original is included, along with the original rear. We’d keep those around for posterity, but there’s one choice if you’re actually going to ride it.

From the seller:

The bike is #58, which was previously on RSBFS years ago. Original owner put most of the miles on it, his wife rode around NorCal. All the documentation is there including original pink slip! The tires are the originals for display. There’s currently a CBR600 front wheel on it for the 3 1/2″ rubber. I wanted to try the legendary RC30 so I put new rubber on it and then rode it for 50 miles before it went into the basement. It really is a piece of rolling artwork, never really appreciated it until I rode it.

All gas was removed etc. Comes with original stand, in great condition as you would expect from something that’s lived in an air conditioned basement for the last few years. Photos are not great, happy to do a video call with any real buyer that wants to see specifics…..bodywork on or off. There’s nothing to hide, no stories with this one.

Price: $35,000.

The rarer these get, the more desirable and expensive they become. This one is one of the best we have seen, and it has been made ready to ride, display or do double duty. You can’t say fairer than that.

Kawasaki February 20, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R Eddie Lawson Replica

This Featured Listing is part of the The Bob Benyo Collection. Thank you for supporting the site, Bob! -dc

This 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R Eddie Lawson Replica makes as much of a statement today as it did when it rolled out of Minato City 37 years ago. In ‘83, the bikes announced what those who followed AMA Superbike racing already knew: That Japanese bikes were about to take over road racing for good, with the help of a brave, skinny Californian kid named Eddie Lawson. Today, this bike’s impeccable, unrestored condition sets it apart.

1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR for sale one eBay

With Steady Eddie aboard, the KZ1000Rs stormed to the AMA Superbike title in 1981 and 1982, and the ‘83 ELR looked like it was an eyelash from the bike that did the deed.

The bikini fairing, boxy tank, deep-dished seat and ducktail rear cowl were lifted right from the 1982 GPz1100, but the unmistakable lime green and electric blue livery were all racebike. Gold wheels finished off the look, and a Kerker pipe and reservoir shocks meant it sounded fierce and handled its weight and power with aplomb.

This one has fewer than 1,800 miles on the clock, and has had a minor refresh but is otherwise as it was purchased. The clutch is new, the carbs have been freshly cleaned and painted, and couple cosmetic pieces were swapped out for NOS parts. Otherwise, it’s all original. As a bonus, it will be supplied with a set of NOS bodywork, from the fenders to the tank.

From the eBay listing:

1983 Kawasaki kz1000r Eddie Lawson superbike replica near perfect all original! Multiple award winning with all “NOS” body parts coming out of my private collection.

Multiple award winner just won 1st place best original Japanese bike. The judges from the pebble beach event were blown away at how perfect she was.

This bike underwent minor clean up/refresh at my shop globe motorcycles limited. I used a full set of “NOS” body work so very hard to find i only have 2 full sets left. I swaped out the engine side covers with “NOS” units and new OEM gaskets and seals.

I have had this bike for several years and it has been the elr that i ride. She looks and rides as good as she did back in 1983.

The engine:
Serial number kzt00je041780 the engine is the original that came with the bike. I get asked this question all the time, why are’nt the ELR engine numbers ever close or similar to the frame numbers? The engine numbers have a specific range they must fall into for 1982 and 1983 kz1000r’s. This is the engine that came with the bike when she was new and is in the correct serial number range for a late 1983 elr.

With only 1789 miles it the engine ran great when i got her but i opted for her to run a bit better since i wanted to ride her. I installed a new hd clutch, all new OEM seals, pushrod, and gaskets (its just what i do). The engine itself has never been painted so no paint whent where it does not belong. The engine side covers were replaced with “NOS” units, very hard to find.

The carburetors were completely disassembled ultrasonically cleaned, and painted just as the factory did, resembled and synchronized. I re-jetted them with #132 main jets and raised the jet neddle with one washer to aid in running better with the competition baffle.

The frame:

The frame and swing arm are all original paint and look better then any of the other original elr’s i have had.
The tires have been replace with Dunlop k400’s (k300’s are not available). The grips, levers, mirrors, , end caps are all “NOS”.
The seat is all original with no blemishes.

The Kerker KR exhaust is the original unit that i had re coated to the original kal*gard finish and installed with OEM copper gaskets. The Kerker side emblem, the hanger bracket/bushing assembly, and the large competition baffle are all NOS ($500). The fuel tank, petcock, fuel guage sender, fuel cap, side covers, front cowl, rear cowl, front fender, tail light, wind shield and rubber seal, emblems, and associated hardware are all “NOS over $7500 worth of unobtainium. A modest amount of NOS/OEM hardware was used.

Tell your wife this is a great investment that will only go up in value unlike her shoe and handbag collection :). So here is your chance to own the best example of 1 of the 750ish 1983 Kawasaki kz1000r Eddie Lawson superbike replica’s ever built for north America. It is as close to when it came out of the crate with the exception of the Dunlop k400 tires and a very small amount of patina on the wheels. I will refinish the wheels to exact OEM specs for the new caretaker at my cost if he or she prefers “NOS” looking wheels (a very expensive process). I will for sure cry when it sells but i am blessed to have a few more ELR’s.

I have owned more then 20 ELR ‘s in the 15 years and have the largest inventory of ELR parts so bid with confidence. This bike will not disappoint. Please feel free to contact me with any questions 954-816-0806 Bob. Please come see her first if you have any doubts. I have been riding, racing, fixing, restoring, and collecting special bikes since graduating from American motorcycle institute “AMI” in Daytona beach Florida.

This ELR belongs in a museum so don’t miss out. I restored and preserved more bikes then i can count and have satisfied owners around the world with giant smiles on there faces every time they look at what the bought. The last 2 ELR s i sold (a 1982 and a 1983) went to Japan. They both had NOS body parts on all original bikes with low miles and sold for $28,500 and $36,000 and just not a perfect as this one.

The original tool kit, owners manual, and 2 keys come with the bike. The first buyer to hit the buy from the 2 ELR’s i have for sale will get my autographed custom painted 1983 bell helmet. The second one will end up with a custom painted 1983ish bell helmet that we will have to send to Eddie and wait for him to sign it.

Lets keep e-bay a great place to do business and only bid if you are planning to buy it.

$1000 deposit and the balance within 3 business days in cash or bank wire. I can store the bike for a few months and help arrange shipping

With ELRs getting rarer by the day, and NOS bodywork essentially unobtanium, we imagine it would be impossible to find another one like this. It’s a collector’s dream and an absolute museum piece.