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.

The post Featured Listing: Air-cooled Ducati 749 hot rod superbike! appeared first on Rare SportBikes For Sale.

Introduced in 1981, Suzuki’s Katana looked so radical and futuristic that it polarized the motorcycling community. Since the GSX-R that followed a couple years later really set the standard in terms of styling for pretty much every sportbike that followed, the Katana ended up with a kind of retro-futurist vibe, a bike from an era that only really happened in the minds of the designer. The bones were very traditional, with a twin-shock rear suspension, a 19″ front wheel, and Suzuki’s well-developed but hardly cutting-edge inline four. There’s obviously nothing wrong with 111hp and wind tunnel tested aerodynamics, but those looks were the biggest attraction both then and now. And those looks are on display in this gorgeously restored example.

The striking styling was done by BMW designer Hans Muth and Target Design, and aerodynamics developed using Science! gave a claimed 147mph top speed. Later bikes featured a pop-up headlight that was always intended for the bike, and I’ve always loved the compact gauge cluster that tucks in behind the minimalist screen. The rest of the bike was based on conventional, workmanlike components and proven technology from Suzuki’s vast catalog.

The engine was plenty stout and very reliable: an air/oil-cooled 1074cc dual overhead cam inline four with 16-valve heads and Suzuki’s Twin Swirl Combustion Chamber technology powered the beast, hung in a twin-shock cradle frame that provided stable handling for the hulking, 535lb wet bike. Anti-dive forks up front were a nod to modern technology, although they never worked all that well.

After its introduction in 1981, the bike made it to US shores in 1982 fitted with a 998cc version of the TSCC engine to qualify for Superbike racing, with the full-sized 1074 arriving in 1983. At the time, performance would have been quickly superseded by the GSX-R that soon followed, but those wild looks and musclebike performance make it a fast-appreciating collectible today.

From the Seller: 1983 Suzuki Katana 1100 for Sale

The seller has posted bikes with us in the past, and all look to have been of the highest caliber, and this one is no exception: unless a pure, time-capsule museum-piece is your goal, you’re unlikely to find a first-generation Katana nicer than this one.

-tad

The post Featured Listing: 1983 Suzuki Katana 1100 for Sale appeared first on Rare SportBikes For Sale.

Ducati found its Taglioni-engined twins a good match for the fledgling Formula TT series, and produced road and track versions.  This California example has apparently never seen the road, and not much of the track as evidenced by the unfettered condition.

1987 Ducati 750 F1B ( Racebike ) for sale on eBay

The F1 refers to its Tourist Trophy class, the 600-750cc segment of the race series which got its start when FIM decided the Isle of Man was too dangerous a venue.   As presented for the street, the F1 claimed 63 hp, with two valves per cylinder and 36mm Dell’Orto carbs.  The artfully crafted chrom-moly chassis and swingarm had Marzocchi dampers front and rear.  Brembo brakes are not oversized at 280mm, and the six-spoke alloy wheel sizes were staggered at 16 inch front, 18 rear.  The sub-400 lbs. weight came through judicious use of lightweight materials and drilling everything else.

Hard to expect a full ownership and maintenance history for a find like this though the seller does posit an odometer issue.  Can’t tell all from the pictures provided, but the finishes look excellent and lack the patina that not much actual use would provide.  Carburettors have been upgraded to 38mm Mikunis, and fuel plumbing had to be changed to accommodate.  From the eBay auction:

1987 Ducati F1B that was never titled for the road. The speedometer has 4 miles. I don’t believe it to be original miles. The 750 F1 was a factory prepped track bike that saw very little use. The paint is in beautiful condition and as you can see in the photos. Bike is fitted with a harness for track, with out a left side headlight switch. The bike starts and runs flawlessly. Carbs are Mikuni race 38 mm flatslides. The bike would need little work to return it to a road bike but at the end it is a original factory 750 F1. The frame paint shows no use and is in beautiful condition without any damage or scratches. The bodywork has some small spider cracks on the mono seat, fairing is in beautiful condition. The plastic windscreen shows a small crack visible in the photos.

Ducati started out in Formula TT with their 600 F2 under Tony Rutter, who laid down 4 consecutive championships.  The 750 F1 wasn’t quite so lucky, but has become an iconic model.  Special F1 editions commemorating wins at Montjuich, Laguna Seca, and Santamonica may have put Ducati on the path to continuing limited editions.  This F1B is a classic piece of exotica and has the ask to match – but looks worth a daydream or two.

-donn

The post Lighter Makes Righter – 1987 Ducati 750 F1B appeared first on Rare SportBikes For Sale.

Update 8.2.2020: Price lowered to $29,000. Good luck to buyers and seller! -dc

Honda went endurance racing in the early 1980’s, to learn things there was really no other way to know, with long stretches of Wide Open Throttle for unlimited class machines.  RSBFS reader Par brought this homologation special home from Europe and has had it tuned to match the very nice cosmetics.

1983 Honda CB1100R for sale in Phoenix

Though it has passing similarities to the CB1100F and 900F, the CB1100R is engineered for long weekends at the track.  With 10:1 compression and upgraded cams, the 1100R would like premium or race gas to get to its rated 120hp.  The engine is rigidly mounted as a stressed part of the chassis, which helps handling but transmits more vibration to the rider.  The twin rear shocks and right-side-up forks denote the decade, both multi-adjustable.  Four piston calipers are fed by braided lines but the disks are more exotic, 296mm of cast stainless with internal venting.  Gold anodized Comstar wheels were wide for the day, at 2.5 and 3.0 inches.  Hand-laid carbon fiber was used for the fairings, and there is a theoretical pillion ( required for homologation ) under the tail fairing.

Par is a longtime fan of the CB1100R, and knows their strengths and foibles.  Surprisingly stock, right down to the black-finished muffler.  Along with its rarity and very good condition, the bombproof build and recent maintenance can give the new owner confidence in the ride.

Par’s comments on the CB1100R:

Very rare 1983 CB1100R for sale.  To my knowledge it’s the only one in the states.

I used to have one of these bikes that I bought new in 1983 and rode for several years and from that point on it has always been my favorite bike. I was over working in Europe last year and found this bike for sale and could not resist buying it. I was not disappointed, it still rides like a dream. The bike is not mint but in very good shape for a bike that is almost 40 years old. After I brought it back I had mechanics go through the bike very thoroughly and all I ended up having to do was having the valves adjusted properly, rebuilt/cleaned the carburetors and rebuilt the rear brake. It now runs and rides as new and is 100% stock. And has 92,400 kilometers on it.

Extremely Rare Classic Collectable.  Only 1500 full-powered CB1100R D series were built and none were imported into the U.S. The B and C series were only 100 hp.

The RD is painted in pearlescent red, white and blue. The engine covers are painted in gloss black, the gold covers received a much deeper color than the earlier models. The engine shares many parts with the CB1100F bike. The rear swing arm is made of rectangular steel painted silver.

“The ‘R’ bikes were produced in limited quantities from 1981 to 1983 to compete in factory endurance racing in Europe. They have been touted as “the ultimate peak of development for the DOHC, air-cooled, twin shock, across-the-frame four.” and dominated their racing class in 81, 82 & 83. To this day, they are considered comparable to many “modern” sport bikes. Only a few lucky people in the United States will be privileged to own a CB1100R-D as they were never officially made available for the U.S. market.”

Honda was very successful with these bikes in the famous Isle of Man TT races and they were piloted by legendary riders such as Wayne Gardner, “Rocket” Ron Haslam and Joey Dunlop.

Par asks $29,000 for his CB1000R and welcomes offers by email – here –.

Honda did well with the CB1100R, especially in Australian and New Zealand 6-hour events, the Bol D’Or and the Isle of Man.  The clock keeps ticking however, and Honda adopted their V-4 for 1984 and brought the VF1000R.  But even the homologation special wasn’t the “endurance racer for the road” that the CB1100R was, and 1981-83 models are a distinct moment in Honda history.  Par’s sorted example looks ready to bring that experience to the next owner.

-donn

The post Featured Listing – 1983 Honda CB1100R appeared first on Rare SportBikes For Sale.

Arguably the first modern Ducati, the Paso used an innovative design, and new belt-driven cams for its desmodue engine.  This Pennsylvania example has been beautifully restored, using at least a gallon of arrest-me red.

1988 Ducati Paso 750 for sale on eBay

Underneath Tamburini’s ground-breaking package was a familiar Pantah 748cc twin, this time with a single Weber carburetor and 73 hp.  A 5-speed was all the torque curve required, and Marzocchi suspension and 16-inch tires are found at both ends.  Triple Brembo disk brakes are nearly the same size all around, 280mm fronts and 270mm rear.  The soap-bar bodywork freed the designers to build the square tube frame strong and economical, and Tamburini honed the geometry and balance to make the Paso a sweet handling package.

The owner has a short eBay history but picked a lower-mileage Paso as a project, and made a beauty out of it.  Right down to the exhausts, it’s hard to find a modification to the factory’s ideal.  Alloy re-finishing came out better than new.  Pictures without the fairing might require some enhancement to really see the details.  From the eBay auction:

Purchased this classic Paso to perform a full restoration, but when we removed the body work, the chassis and componentry were in such excellent condition, we opted to focus on a cosmetic overhaul. The engine and chassis have been gone through and everything is in order. Valve adjustment and belts replaced within the last 1,500 miles. New tires, new battery, new oil pressure sending unit, new leather seat cover. All bodywork (fiberglass and ABS) was repaired prior to very high quality lacquer repaint. There is a blemish on the left side panel where the mounting point caused a crack after reinstallation (picture shown). Decals replaced and cleared over. Original Oscam wheels were stripped of the delaminated clearcoat and machine polished. There is likely not a Paso this clean outside of the Ducati museum.

The Paso’s styling wasn’t enough of a sure thing to generate more than a couple of thousand sales each year, though Honda came up with a very similar package for the late -80’s CBR600F.  The Weber struggled with heat in traffic, and an upgrade to fuel injection came with the last-of-the-line 907 i.e.  Paso’s do have their fan base though, who appreciate their moderately sporty riding position and protective aero.  Hopefully a RSBFS reader will meet the reserve on this cherry and let us know how it goes.

-donn

The post Nice Surprise – 1988 Ducati Paso 750 appeared first on Rare SportBikes For Sale.

It’s a shame the 1988 Honda Hawk NT650 didn’t see more than a three-year production run in this country, because they’re really incredible machines. Packing just a 60-horsepower 650cc v-twin, on paper they don’t make a big impression, but lift your eyes off the spec sheet and the little ripper might draw you up short. Designated RC31 from the factory, they claim the VFR lineage of the venerated RC30, RC45 and VFR750. That means they were bedecked with top-shelf parts from Honda, including a single-sided swingarm that outclasses their humble power figures.

With a torquey power delivery and a wet weight under 420 pounds, Hawks have gained a cult following as one of Honda’s hidden gems. Think Suzuki SV650 in its Sunday best. Speaking of the SV, the Hawk beat the Zook and the Massimo Tamburini-penned Ducati Monster to the market by a few years, which may have been its downfall. Who knows what might have passed had it launched just a little later.

This example is resplendent in Navy blue, and has clearly been babied over its life. Blemishes are limited to a cracked rear fairing; the rest of the machine presents really well. It has been treated to a rare Two Brothers exhaust system, tail tidy and some bar-end mirrors, but comes with most of the stock parts except exhaust.

From the seller:

This Hawk GT is in excellent condition for its age. Starts, runs, and rides great. Paint and bodywork are very good, except for a 1″ crack on one side of the seat cowl (pictured), and a 1.5″ scuff on the other side. The bike has never been down or dropped. Still has the original owner’s manual and tool kit. Currently the bike has an aftermarket tail tidy, turn signals, and bar end mirrors (removed stock parts also included). A full Two-Brothers exhaust is installed; sounds great. I’ve read this particular exhaust is no longer made and is sought-after.

I rebuilt the forks last winter using CBR 600F2 internals – great upgrade that also adds adjustable preload and compression damping. I also replaced the air filter (OEM Honda), spark plugs (NGK Iridium), and changed the brake fluid (Honda DOT4).

The tires have plenty of tread on them, although they are getting old – the rear tire has a 2003 date code (Dunlop Sportmax D208), front is 2013 (Dunlop Sportmax D207F).

The Hawk no longer has its center stand, but I will include a Pit Bull rear stand.

Thanks for looking and please let me know if you have any questions.

The seller can be contacted through the Cycle Trader listing. At $3,900, this little beast promises to leave a small enough dent in your bank account to leave enough to replace the aged tires. After that, you’re ready to welcome the fall riding season with open arms.

The post Featured Listing: 1988 Honda Hawk NT650 appeared first on Rare SportBikes For Sale.

We’re taking a couple days off. We’ll be back this weekend. Thanks!

dc

The post New posts coming this weekend appeared first on Rare SportBikes For Sale.

If you’re looking to sample MV’s four-cylinder wail but can’t contort yourself into the cramped riding position required of the utterly gorgeous F4, the Brutale 750S manages to pack most of that bike’s thrills into a much less painful package. Somehow, there are people out there who don’t like these, but I love the looks. It’s a testament to the design of the four-cylinder Brutale that it manages to look good in such bland colors. And stock exhausts generally look terrible, but aftermarket components have yet to better these elegant, slash-cut cans.

MV’s 749cc radial-valved inline four motivates the 750S, detuned slightly to a claimed 127hp. The same steel trellis that frames the F4 is reused here, although suspension isn’t quite as plush, with a 49mm Showa fork that still looks impossibly beefy today, mated to a Sachs shock, and the entire package weighs in at just over 400lbs dry.

Personally, the 750S is the Brutale I’d personally want to own: its 127 horses are plenty in such a nimble, unfaired motorcycle. This example isn’t in pristine condition: the Northeast weather has taken a bit of a toll on some of the surfaces, and it has its share of nicks and scratches. In the plus column, it comes with a veritable smorgasbord of upgrade parts and other bike-related stuff. It might almost be worth it to pick the whole lot up to use as spares for your own Brutale…

From the original eBay listing: 2005 MV Agusta Brutale 750S for Sale

For sale is a well ridden 2005 MV Agusta Brutale 750S with a clear NY State Title. I purchased the bike from its original owner in 2012 with just over 2000 miles on the clock and have lovingly cared for and ridden it since. There are currently just over 15k miles on the clock and several tasteful upgrades. Please note the dash was replaced a few years ago, so the new odometer does not reflect the original 5000 miles from the previous unit.

The Bike Includes:
Marzocchi 50mm front forks with Radial Mounts
Brembo M4 Monobloc Calipers
Brembo T Drive 320mm Rotors (Less than 1000 Miles)
EBC Sintered Brake Pads (Less than 1000 Miles)
Custom Braided Steel Brake Lines
Brembo RCS Brake and Clutch Master Cylinders
Decat Mid Pipe
Re-flashed ECU with custom fuel map by Eraldo Ferracci himself
Oberon Clutch Slave Cylinder
Oberon Rider Foot Pegs and Shift/Brake lever eccentrics
Upgraded Water Pump Impeller
Aluminum Fan 
New Pirelli Diablo Rosso 3 Tires (Less than 1000 Miles)
Dash Replaced 10k miles ago
New Headlight Assembly 
Rizoma Sport Handlebar
CRG Blindspot Mirrors
Motovation Bar End Weights/Sliders
Motovation Frame Sliders
Motovation Front Axle Sliders
Motovation Rear Axle Sliders
Rizoma Action Turn Signals
Custom Tail Tidy/Integrated Rear Turn Signals
Union Garage Plate Puller

Sale Will Also Include:
Original Front End
Original Braking System (Rotors/Calipers/Master Cylinders)
Original Front Axle
Original Owners Manual
2 Original Keys

Rear Stand

2 Quarts Motul 10W60 Oil

New Tech Spec Tank Grips

Full Service Records and receipts for the last 8 years
Whatever extra parts I have laying around..

This Bike was my daily ride for several years, and reflects the bumps and bruises of owning and riding a bike in NYC (including being knocked over while parked..). This bike has been meticulously cared for and maintained by Tyler Lunceford (Moto Pistole/North Motorcycle), Kerry Sano (Moto Velocita), Rockwell Cycles and Fast By Ferracci prior to their closure.

It’s nice that the seller includes the original front end and braking set up, but I’d be happy to keep the Marzocchis with those powerful Brembo calipers and matching radial master, thanks. Not that there’s anything wrong with the stock parts… Bidding is up just over $3,000 with about 24 hours left on the auction. I still think these are screaming deals, considering you get most of the looks and rarity of Tamburini’s F4 in a package that allows you to more fully use the available performance. Wind blast on the freeway sort of sucks, but these are a ton of fun everywhere else, and you won’t find a cooler bike for the money.

The post Subdued Sportbike: 2005 MV Agusta Brutale 750S for Sale appeared first on Rare SportBikes For Sale.

It’s still amazing to me that bikes like this MV Agusta F4 1000R can be had for so little money. Sure, modern bikes blow them into the weeds, especially in terms of their usability: a 200hp motorcycle would have been considered terrifying and nearly unridable not too long ago. Today, it’s pretty much par for the course. But the F4 still offers something special and the bike has no rider aids whatsoever, so the experience is pretty visceral and raw.

2007 MV Agusta F4 1000R for Sale on eBay

After the release of the extremely limited-production F4 750 Serie Oro that was dripping in exotic materials, MV Agusta beat the odds and managed to get their stunning superbike into series production. Unfortunately the production 750 was, unfortunately, outclassed by much more affordable 750s that cost half as much. Then the whole 750 class was made basically redundant by the burgeoning 1000cc superbike class. Enter the MV Agusta F4 1000S designed to compete on level playing field with bikes like the GSX-R1000. The F4 1000S was followed by the 1000R in 2007 and it included a few tasty upgrades. Today’s example is one of the best you’re likely to find.

The R included a revised frame, new Brembo wheels that updated the style a bit, and Brembo Monobloc calipers, although the Nissin brake and cluth master cylinders were retained. A fully-adjustable Marzocchi fork and a Sachs shock out back gave the bike incredibly stable handling. Most notably, it included an improved version of the radial-valved, 998cc inline four that produced a claimed 174hp. The F4 wasn’t as agile, lightweight, or as user-friendly as inline-four competitors from Japan, but that boost in power was enough to push the bike to 180mph.

From the Seller: 2007 MV Agusta F4 1000R for Sale

I am selling my rather immaculate 2007 F4R. It has less than 1000 miles on the clock, completely original and has been with me for the last five years. “As new” is an understatement – the previous owner had a Ferrari dealership in Scottsdale and put the bike from new sitting on a plinth in the dealership entrance. He also threw the OEM carbon fiber options book at it. The only thing I have changed is the battery. Unfortunately it is time to sell as I have spent more time polishing than riding it!

Overall, the F4 1000R offered evolutionary improvements to MV’s flagship superbike. It wasn’t as exclusive as the extremely limited-production CC or Tamburini, but no version of the F4 is actually very common, and they never fail to draw a crowd when parked up. The seller is offering this basically perfect bike at NO RESERVE. You can find an F4 for less money, but if you’re a collector looking for a pristine example, this one deserves your consideration.

-tad

The post Featured Listing: No Reserve 2007 MV Agusta F4 1000R for Sale! appeared first on Rare SportBikes For Sale.

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

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. The seller can be reached at Steve.rens@icloud.com.

The post Featured Listing: Immaculate 2002 Honda RC51 SP2 appeared first on Rare SportBikes For Sale.

Our last few 998S reviews have focused on Bayliss and Bostrom livery replicas, but here is a classic Anniversary red example with just 7,000 miles.

2004 Ducati 998S Final Edition for sale on eBay

The 998 was an interesting transition for Ducati, since it was the last of the revered 916 lookers but had the more modern testastretta head design.  Its 136 ponies want to go faster than any speed limit, and though it’s a pre-nanny bike the factory Öhlins and 320mm Brembos will help you from making the wrong mistake.  About 1,000 Final Editions were made, with a little over half being single-seaters, which seems much more appropriate.  It’s not a numbered edition, but they did receive a nice plaque for the triple tree.

Offered by a specialty car dealer near Philadelphia, this 998S is in very special condition.  A set of carbon mufflers and accompanying tune have been added, evidently done at Fast by Ferracci.   Engraved FBF clip-ons are also pictured, though any change in the handlebar goemetry is hard to detect.  Notes from the eBay auction:

Shortly after purchasing the bike, in April of 2005, this Ducati was treated to a set of carbon fiber slip-ons, a power commander, and a performance air filter, all of which were installed by Fast By Ferraci. Given the low original mileage, service work is relegated to basic maintenance items such as oil changes and a 6,000-mile belt service completed in 2010. The current owner and consignor purchased the bike from the original owner about 5 years ago and it rode it sparingly.

When we received the bike on consignment, we immediately took the bike to local marque specialist, The Spare Parts LLC of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who completed a belt service, clutch/brake fluid flush and refill, replaced the battery, as well as completing a once-over inspection of the bike to make sure it was in top running condition.

The 998 had one foot in the past design, maybe two since the cooling system still needed help in traffic, but the new engine had longer maintenance intervals and has proven to be a trusted agent.  Seems like a new chain would top off this LE, but maybe the new owner will take it out and ride.

-donn

The post Red Hot Summer – 2004 Ducati 998S Final Edition appeared first on Rare SportBikes For Sale.

Update 8.17.2020: This bike has SOLD to an RSBFS reader! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Putting a numbered plaque and some bling on your moribund sportbike is a time-tested method to generate some buzz. It works especially well if you’re a storied, but slightly skint manufacturer of moribund Italian sportbikes. But parts-bin engineering doesn’t mean the resulting product is necessarily bad, and this Ducati Superlight is proof-positive that the whole can be much more than the sum of the parts.

By 1993, well-heeled sportbike buyers knew that the 916 was right around the corner, and the then-current 888 offered much more performance potential. But that finicky, uncomfortable, and maintenance-intensive machine wasn’t necessarily practical, or all that much good on the road. Assuming you wanted to do more than bench-race or compare lap times, the long-serving two-valve Desmodue-powered 900SS made a great platform for a limited-edition sportbike, and the Superlight was just a 900SS with some bolt-on parts.

To be honest, the list of performance modifications to make a Superlight was pretty short: upswept exhaust pipes in place of passenger pegs that gave additional cornering clearance, a stylish solo tail section, and a few carbon dodads to “reduce weight.” Most significantly, the Superlight featured Marvic composite wheels: magnesium hubs and spokes bolted up to polished aluminum rims. Combined, the changes saved about 15lbs, compared to the stock bike. Considering the price then and now, a gym membership would be a cheaper and more effective way to increase performance. Of course, nobody really bought a Superlight for its performance potential anyway.

This particular bike is a bit different though, and offers a bit more than your run of the mill Desmodue: a tuned 944cc engine. 86hp might not sound like much, but the stock 904cc engine made a claimed and likely optimistic 80hp. Around 70hp at the wheel is more likely for a factory 900SS, so the big-bore kit installed in this Superlight and the corresponding 69lb-ft of torque to go with the 86rwhp is nothing to sneeze at.

Cosmetically, this is a very nice bike, as you can see from the photos in the listing. It’s not completely original, although the 944 kit and Staintune exhaust are certainly period-appropriate upgrades for the performance minded Ducatisti who plans to ride their new acquisition, rather than let it collect dust and appreciate as part of a stock portfolio. The seller is also including all the parts necessary to make the bike appear totally stock so a buyer can achieve stock show appearance if they wanted.

1993 Ducati 900SS Superlight. Super clean exceptional performing and running correct (#789/953, Marvic magnesium/aluminum wheels, Brembo full floating iron rotors, carbon fiber front fender, rear inner fender, dash trim, countershaft cover, high pipes, solo tail) example. Excellent original paint, 2 owner bike. Built and tuned by Doug Lofgren. 86 rwhp (944ccc with big valves, headwork and Staintune exhaust – dyno sheet included). Suspension revalved and set up for 200lb rider.Freshly serviced by Ducati master tech (valve clearance check, belts, plugs, oil/filter, flush brakes and clutch). Full Staintune exhaust system, carbon fiber clutch cover, braided steel brake lines, 520 chain/sprockets, lithium battery with special charger. All original parts (except airbox lid) included, along with new belts, factory tool kit, owners manual and Haynes service manual. Tires have aged out and should be replaced, if the bike is to be ridden. ~19,700 miles. No cosmetic defects, except a few minor chips on upper,and front point of lowers behind the front wheel (touched up) and a small rash mark on the edge of the left muffler. Click here for 80 photos of the bike and scans of service and tuning, including close up photos of the mentioned defects.

$12,500 $11,500

I’ve included the majority of the Seller’s photos here, but there are additional images available at the link, including close ups of some minor blemishes, dyno sheets, and other documentation. I personally prefer Termignoni exhausts on my 90s Ducatis, but Staintune makes a very high-quality product so, aside from tires, this bike is ready to go. The seller includes a video of the bike starting up and running and the asking price is $11,500 which seems very much in line with prices we’ve seen recently. If what you want is a delivery-mile museum piece, this might not be the bike you want. But the would make a terrific bike to actually ride, and it’s pretty enough to park in your living room between weekend rides embarrassing modern sportbikes in the canyons.

-tad

The post Featured Listing: 1993 Ducati Superlight for Sale appeared first on Rare SportBikes For Sale.

Sorry not Colin Edwards, but a turbocharged Kawasaki from Texas – a sharp restoration of the classic 1985 model with sparkling cosmetics and performance mods.

1985 Kawasaki GPZ 750 Turbo for sale on eBay

Kawasaki came late to the gas-crisis turbo developments, but gave us the sportiest and least compromised model.  On boost the 738cc mill makes 112 hp and 73 ft.-lbs. torque, using fuel injection and just 7.8:1 compression.  The engine scoop hides the small turbocharger, which helped push the GPz through the traps at 136 mph.  GT style 18-inch wheels are fitted, along with air-adjustable suspension front and rear.  The frame is cold steel but the fairing is a hot and shapely red.

Too much time has elapsed to worry about ownership history on this Turbo, but the odo was apparently reset during the restoration.  Even with all the work done, the appearance is not far from stock.  The turbo in the exhaust system calms the normally noisy Supertrapp muffler.  Comments and a long list of updates from the eBay auction:

It has been tastefully modified, close to a resto-mod but not too much that its originality is lost. I have the original rear fender, grab rail and chain guard. Stock exhausts are being reproduced and you could make this bike factory original if desired. I also have the stock rear wheel, it is perfect with a near new tire.

Start stops and runs perfectly. This bike has won shows, it is show quality. It turns heads and always draws a crowd. This bike is no joke and it is blindingly fast and when the turbo hits you better be hanging on. It only has 3,500 miles on it since the complete rebuild.

Here is a rundown of what has been done –

810 KIT W/WISECO PISTONS

HTS10 TURBO WITH BILLET IMPELLER FROM EVERGREEN TURBO

K&N INTAKE

1.5″ BOOST PIPE

EXTERNAL BOV

RARE SUPERTRAPP EXHAUST – ADJUSTABLE TONE!

ADJUSTABLE WASTE GATE

ADJUSTABLE FUEL PUMP W/ GAUGE

NEW REWORKED INJECTORS

MRE UNDERCUT TRANSMISSION

NEW CLUTCH W/ HD SPRINGS

HYDRAULIC CLUTCH CONVERSION

NEW CLUTCH/BRAKE MASTER CYLS

BRAIDED CLUTCH/BRAKE LINES

FLOATING FRONT DISCS

NEW REAR DISC

PROGRESSIVE FORK SPRINGS

FFTP ANTI DIVE BLOCK OFF PLATES

PROGRESSIVE REAR SHOCK

5″WIDENED RR FACTORY WHEEL – NEW 160 RR TIRE

NEW MATCHING FRONT TIRE

SPEEDHUT GUAGES WITH MATCHING BOOST GAUGE

WORKING FACTORY BOOST GUAGE – LED BACKLIGHT UPGRADE

L.E.D. TURN SIGS W/L.E.D. FLASHER

L.E.D FACTORY WARNING LIGHTS

ZX7 MIRRORS

NEW ZERO GRAVITY WINDSCREEN

POLISHED SWING ARM AND WHEEL LIPS

CHROMED TURBO “WING”

CUSTOM RR FENDER DELETE (HAVE FACTORY FENDER)

2 STAGE PAINTED INNER FAIRING

RECENT FACTORY PAINT JOB w FACTORY DECALS

630 CHAIN CONVERSION

By the time all four Japanese manufacturers had their turbo models ready, OPEC ministers had peeked around the corner and calmed oil prices.  And insurers saw potential losses in all the leading-edge equipment aboard these bikes, dampening sales further with higher rates.  Still for a while the GPz 750 Turbo was the fastest bike in the showroom, and this one has been worked for even more power – while maintaining its great GPz looks.

-donn

The post Texas Tornado* – 1985 Kawasaki GPz 750 Turbo appeared first on Rare SportBikes For Sale.

Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace will cough up examples of Suzuki’s thundering, hairy-chested v-twin superbike bruiser if you really look, but they’re almost never worth a second glance. Generally, they’re wrecked, stretched, rattle canned or all three, and more often than not have been without a title since the Bush administration. The 1999 Suzuki TL1000R you see here is none of those things. In fact, if you’re looking for one, this might be your stop.

It’s a two-owner bike that has been ridden enough to show it was maintained and the bugs were duly dealt with. It looks clean enough to eat off of, and has been treated to an Ohlins rear damper, in place of the notorious factory piece. The seller says it has Penske springs front and rear. It also has Jardine exhaust cans, switched cooling fans, a Power Commander and a toggle switch for diagnostics. The paperwork for the suspension work is present, and the bike comes with a shop manual.

The TL1000R’s history as a race bike is, excuse the pun, checkered, as it didn’t quite measure up to contemporary Ducatis and Honda’s RC51 when it came time to put up or shut up. But the bikes don’t look like anything else on the road at the time, and are known as wonderful, brawny streetbikes and track toys. There’s more than enough power to get yourself into serious trouble, but none of the peakiness of an inline four.

From the seller:

I have 1999 Suzuki TL1000R I am looking to sell. I am only second owner and previous owner was a Suzuki mechanic so it has been adult owned it’s whole life. I have Ohlin’s dampener with Penske spring in back, and Penske racing springs up front. Jardine pipes, upgraded grips, a toggle switch in back that will read the problem codes as well as an auxiliary switch to keep the fans on while bike is turned off to cool oil. I recently rebuilt the original clutch so that is new. I also installed a new drive shaft seal as well as the pushrod seal (the pushrod seal is from an SV1000 and installed backwards…much better fit than the original part as this was a known oil leak issue). Also included are 2 head gaskets, 2 fuel pumps, a crank case gasket, full additional wiring harness and CPU’s, and a full set of shims for the bike. (not cheap stuff). It has just shy of 29k miles. I also have all original parts for it including the rotary dampener and springs, original muffler and additional items for maintenance. It will come with the full mechanic book as well as paperwork for suspension upgrades. It has been very well taken care of and runs perfectly with the power commander.

Seller Tim is asking $8,000 for this beast, which is the upper end of what TLs are fetching these days. But this is an immaculate, two-owner machine that represents the pinnacle of the nameplate. Tim can be reached at tim.morse33@gmail.com.

The post Featured Listing: 1999 Suzuki TL1000R appeared first on Rare SportBikes For Sale.

( In your best Rod Serling voice ) “Imagine if you will, riding a quintessential 90’s supersport around town, and attracting very little attention…”  This ZX-7 with rather low miles is dressed up in candy apple red, and is in lovely survivor condition.

1993 Kawasaki ZX-7 for sale Asking $4,950

The ZX-7 came ashore in 1989, with the usually green bikes’ eyes on the AMA Superbike series.  Some nice improvements were made in 1991, with a seriously oversquare engine layout ( 71mm bore x 47.3 mm stroke ), 38mm carbs, and upside-down forks.  The single air scoop was added in 1993, sending ram air to the newly-designed top end.  Steering was always a ZX-7 strong point, and incremental improvement was made to the rear suspension over the years.  The black painted alloy chassis complements the alternate color scheme perfectly.

RSBFS reader Rocco has tended his ZX-7 carefully, the brandywine red metallic still sparkling.  The Muzzy exhaust might be the only update, and tires look to have a lot of miles left.  Rocco’s notes on the ZX-7:

1993 ZX-7 (ZX750L) with 8,984 original miles.
Original plastics – All VIN tags in place.
Engine/Frame/etc. all very clean.
Runs and Rides great.
Light damage on right side lower gas tank from falling off lift while stationary
and small crack in upper cowl fairing.
Muzzy full system with correct jetting.
CLEAN OHIO TITLE IN HAND.

So what’s to like here? The low miles, the reasonable price, compared to a more exotic ZX-7RR, the period Muzzy pipe, and classic superbike looks. What’s not to like? The fact that it’s just a standard ZX-7 and the minor damage mentioned.

I doubt these will ever be worth crazy money, but it’s certainly a bike that should go up in value and you’ll be able to ride it in the meantime without worrying too much about either damaging an ultra-rare exotic or devaluing it by adding too many miles.

Extremely well preserved. Runs like it looks, INCREDIBLE. Items included in sale: original owner’s manual, tool kit, matching gloves and helmet, clear title. Rare was the factory brandywine red color but rarer here is a true survivor time capsule ready to take you back – don’t miss it.

Rocco asks $4,950 for his ZX-7 and can be reached by email – here -.

Kawasaki gave Team Muzzy a great platform to start, and they delivered four AMA titles with Doug Chandler and Scott Russell aboard.  Almost like a UCF fighter out for dinner in a suit, the brandywine ZX-7 blends in, giving off a more sport touring vibe.  What a surprise when the rider calls up the 118hp exiting the next corner !  Rocco’s ZX-7 carves out an interesting corner in the sport bike world – very sporty credentials, practically vintage at this point, hidden under the alternate livery and immaculate presentation.  And a very sensible ask – contact Rocco – here -.

-donn

The post Featured Listing – 1993 Kawasaki ZX-7 with under 9,000 miles ! appeared first on Rare SportBikes For Sale.

It’s been a while since we had an RGV250 without Disney cels in the background, but this SoCal example is a wake-up call to the mouse button finger.  This last-of-the-series VJ23 is a Sport Production model with the new 70-degree V-twin, Fla. title and nice cosmetics.

1996 Suzuki RGV250SP / VJ23 for sale on eBay

A lot of RGV250 history was revised with the 1996 engine, beside being capable of 62 hp, it had electric start !  The VJ23 engine was just about “square” and revved to 12,500 rpm, though peak power was back at 9,500.  Expansion chambers and upside-down forks were standard, and the single seat helped keep weight under 300 lbs.  The Sport Production equated to a factory dry clutch and close-ratio gearbox.

This owner imported and federalized the RGV, and installed a full Jolly Moto exhaust.  A fairly extensive re-fresh ensued, and a new gauge cluster sourced, thus the 5,500 claimed miles.  The purple accents may or may not delight, but the overall feeling is very good, and the owner relates some history in the eBay auction:

This bike had 7,200Km or 4,300 miles on it at the time of purchase. Then I went through at great expense to convert it to the full power model. I purchased brand new, not used, at great cost, the full power speedo gauge assembly (240KPH speedo), full power black box, air box lid, clutch springs and finally set of Jolly Moto pipes. The Jolly Moto pipes were not the best fitting with the bodywork, but do they preform outstanding and look great! Carburetors re-jetted accordingly. Then I rebuilt the top end using the full power pistons. They have a different coating on them to help avoid detonation at higher speeds. I installed new clutch plates for the dry clutch, new racing 26mm thick radiator, steering damper, wave rear disk, chain, Steel brake lines with Aluminum fittings, silicone radiator hoses, new chain and sprockets, a fortune in titanium, aluminum and stainless bolts. All jetted just right. Just recently I rebuilt the front forks using all new seals and bushing, all new brake fluid and gear oil, new air filter, brake pads, front turn signals, hoses, and a fresh set of sticky Dunlop Q3’s. Cleaned the carburetors added a new factory petcock and Lithium battery. All the switches, lights, turn signals, starter, horn operate without a problem. Oil injection is still intact. This bike is not all corroded out or full of oxidation like many of these bikes from Japan. Very Clean.

The bodywork on it looks fine for a bike it’s age, but not museum quality. There are small scratches, chips around the bike. All minor stuff. Please look at the pictures. The bottom right fairing has some “waves” from getting hot. That was there when I purchased the bike. Side panels are nice but a mark here and there. The tank is excellent shape. No dent and clean inside with a new factory petcock just installed. Paint is still shiny and bike looks great overall. Remember its 25 years old. Though this bike looks stunning, I built it to be a runner not a museum piece. It really runs great and once you hit redline in third with a little speed and air flow the ram air really kicks in and the bike accelerates hard. Much better than my VJ22. Less temperamental with the jetting.

The bike shows about 2,130 KM or 1,250 miles on it with the new speedo installed. Remember it has 7,200KM or 4,300 miles when I bought it. So do the math for the total. Still the 1,250 miles represents all the mileage I have put on it since I converted the bike to full power and installed the new top end.  Not much. I love this bike but realized, one I have too many bikes sitting around, and second I’m just too old at social security age to be hauling around on it anymore.

As the century wound down, the RGV250 could no longer find a place in the regulations, and though Aprilia stuck with it, even they couldn’t justify re-tooling for the updated VJ-23 engine.  Unfamiliar riders below a certain height-weight quotient might be surprised by the adult packaging of the later models, and the power delivery is epic.  Seems like a lot has been done right with this SP, and glad it’s a rider, not a display model.

-donn

The post 1996 Suzuki RGV250SP VJ23 appeared first on Rare SportBikes For Sale.

Today’s Kawasaki GPz900R “Ninja” is one of the most iconic Japanese sport bikes of all time: the image of Tom Cruise racing a Tomcat along a runway, with just a pair of sunglasses, a bomber jacket, and his million-dollar smile to protect him from bugs traveling at 221 feet per second was burned into the minds of fans, cementing the Ninja’s place in motorcycling history as one of the coolest bikes ever. Unlike the film version, this example is slathered in classic Kawasaki green-and-white paint, making it just that extra bit 80s.

Elsewhere, the bike was known as the GPz900R, a clear evolution of the earlier GPz models. But here in the USA, it got a much more evocative name: “Ninja.” It’s clearly a bit silly now, naming your motorcycle after an ancient and heavily mythologized group of secretive assassins. But in the 1980s, ninjas were the height of cool, and the edgy styling of the bike certainly fit the name.

But the bike was sophisticated under that angular skin as well: the Ninja used one of the first liquid-cooled engines fitted to a motorcycle, and it eschewed the usual center-mounted cam-chain for one mounted on the end of the 16-valve engine to make it more compact. Today the numbers look decidedly sport-touring: 546lbs wet, with 115hp and a 151mph top speed. But at the time, the bike was pure sex and finding one this clean is pretty difficult today.

From the original eBay listing: 1985 Kawasaki GPz900R for Sale

Up for auction is a rare opportunity to purchase a fully sorted and functional ninja 900R in the KAWASAKI trademark A2 export lime green. Thousands of dollars and thousands of hours went into the restoration/sorting of this motorcycle by a factory trained Kawasaki technician as a means of therapy. Believe it or not, it has $500.00 worth of OE o-rings in the cooling system and carburetors alone. Has had the mechanical work necessary for it to be right, whatever was needed was done or replaced (carburetor kits/cooling system complete overhaul etc.

This was the series of NINJA that started it all as the first water-cooled road-superbikes by Kawasaki. Restored by veteran motorcycle restorer that has been doing this since the 1980s. Valves adjusted to specifications, good cylinder pressures, pulls hard!  Valves lapped for optimum pressure. Good compression as would be expected with the low miles! New tires, chain, clutches pulled checked, counter-balance shaft chain adjusted. Replaced front wheel bearings because he did not like the way they felt in his hands. All new fluids in every system. This bike has standard drive sprocket ratios.

 This 617 LIME GREEN (this is not a lime green of a 1970 barracuda) it is a proprietary mixture color that can only be bought through authorized KAWASAKI dealers at $200.00 a quart retail. PPG DC-3000 premium clear.

Like most Japanese sportbikes, these depreciated to a point where they became nearly disposable, and many were thrashed, heavily modified, or written off. This one has obviously had a ton of attention lavished on it, and that paint! With just 10,500 miles on the odometer this is very clean and ready for anyone looking for a quick trip down that highway to the danger zone…

-tad

The post The Danger Zone: 1985 Kawasaki GPz900R for Sale appeared first on Rare SportBikes For Sale.

This 2002 Honda RC51 SP2 is a U.S.-market bike that was dressed up from new with European-market bodywork that sets it well apart from the red-black-silver and all-black bikes that were standard here. It also means the bike wears the non-U.S. “VTR” moniker, instead of the “RVT” decals we got on these shores. Confusingly, that means this bike — very much an RC51 SP2 — carries the same three-letter name as the U.S.-market Superhawk. Confusing, till you get below the skin.

2002 Honda RC51 SP2 for sale on eBay

No matter what the lovely white fairing says, this bike carries the same 133 horsepower, 996cc v-twin that made these bikes famous, coupled with the SP2’s revised wheels and lighter chassis. The big, torquey twin shuttled Colin Edwards to a pair of World Superbike championships and Nicky Hayden to an AMA Superbike crown, cementing the bike in amateur knee draggers’ dreams for a generation. Nice ones are starting to command the kind of money that only true cult classics can ask, and this one carries the bonus of being one of a precious few bearing a factory-sourced foreign livery. This is not eBay bodywork of dubious origin and odd proportions — it’s the real stuff, straight from the source.

Around and underneath that bodywork is a raft of special parts. There is Ohlins suspension front and rear to keep movements calm and collected, and a titanium Jardine exhaust, to drop a few pounds, add a couple horses and make the proceedings a bit more sonorous.

From the eBay listing:

Absolutely beautiful 2002 RC51 (SP-2) in Factory OEM Colin Edwards livery. Paint is stunning, and so many great options on this bike. Lusted-for Ohlins FG322 front suspension, Ohlins rear suspension, Jardine titanium 2 into 1 exhaust (sounds awesome and light weight), carbon fiber front wheel, Scott’s damper.

Honestly I hate to sell this bike, I truly love owning it. Every time I start it it makes me happy to own it…but too many things going on in life to keep it right now. This bike is not a beater, it is one for someone who loves this bike. So beautiful so fun to ride, so well taken care of. All seals appear to be excellent, not a single leak, new battery, starts immediately every time. Never overheats, just runs perfectly. This bike looks as showroom new as a bike could given it’s 18 years on earth. Obviously no test rides until total price in-hand. This bike is lovingly cared for and has always been.

If you are on the hunt for an RC51, you’ll be hard pressed to find one that sets itself apart so nicely without giving up any originality. This bike achieves that feat deftly.

The post Featured Listing: 2002 Honda RC51 SP2 in appeared first on Rare SportBikes For Sale.

Honda’s just right ( not a supersport, not a liter-plus ) sized CBR900RR set a 1990’s wave in motion. This preservation contender has seen an almost impossibly low number of previous owner mods, and looks all the better for it.

1994 Honda CBR900RR for sale on eBay

The CBR900RR was legendary Honda designer Tadao Baba’s masterwork, and up-powered a supersport-sized chassis, while doing everything possible to limit weight and centralize mass.  There wasn’t really a racing class for the Fireblade, but the 122 hp and 454 lbs. wet weight turned the win-on-Sunday-sell-on-Monday paradigm on its ear.  Seemingly out of step design choices like the longer stroke engine provided a great torque signature, and forks were conventional but an imperturbable 45mm.  More in step was the 16-inch front wheel, which eased turn-in.  Innovations like the swiss-cheesed fairing areas allowed the Blade to slice through the air at least in theory.

Evidently on only its third owner, this CBR900RR has been very lucky.  The almost 24K miles really had me thinking re-paint, but the metal finishes are so nice maybe it was only ever ridden in flannel footed pj’s.  The outside of the tank is almost as perfect as the inside !  A black windscreen, compulsory tail tidy, and D+D muffler seem like the only acknowledgements to reality.  Not sure what the significance of the fork reflectors is, maybe this owner has a very concours example as well.  From the eBay auction:

3rd owner of this beautiful bike. The plastics and tank are some of the nicest you’ll find on a ’94. She starts right up and rides great. She’s leaving my small collection as I don’t have enough room to keep her. I’ve tried showing a couple of small areas of deficiency; the plastic behind the seat, couple of minor scuffs and the wheels have some small chips. Note: The front reflectors shown a couple of photos are not on the bike or a part of the sale.

The Fireblade had a nice 11-year run with mostly incremental changes, though styling was modernized early and got pointier as time went on.  Throughout it was a reviewer’s favorite, with great power, brakes and balance.  Not many have survived the years looking so lightly used, and bidding is active early on.  Hopefully the reserve will be be met shortly and we can watch where it goes.

-donn

The post Purple Reign – 1994 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade appeared first on Rare SportBikes For Sale.

For a while in the 1990’s, sponsorship from Marlboro led Yamaha down a red-liveried path, and the torn paper graphics on this 1996 YZF-750R makes reference without saying it too loud.  It’s a low-mileage example with a recent major service, and looks smashing.

1996 Yamaha YZF-750R for sale on eBay

Yamaha took the successes of their late -80’s World Superbike mounts and ran them by production engineering, preserving as much of the good stuff while bringing the cost out of the stratosphere.  Kept was the forward canted inline Genesis, with the EXUP exhaust tuning system – in road trim worth 125hp.  The aluminum Deltabox chassis evolved with re-designed frame connectors.  New brakes were 320mm disks with 6-piston calipers.  The fox-eye headlights look a little less drop-dead serious than those on the OW-01, but the painted pillion cover passes for a single-seater under way.

The seller’s other auctions seem to indicate a dealer rather than motorcyclist owner, but either way, this YZF is in special shape for its age.  Hard to find fault with the presentation, except maybe to pine for an SP homologation special.  The last service call made everything ready for the new owner.  From the eBay auction:

Parts:

Float bowl gaskets             

Needle and seat                

Fuel line                            

Oil (semi/syn)                     

Battery                             

Rear brake caliper kit         

Rear pads                           

Front pads                        

Fork seals                          

Pirelli Rosso Tires              

 

Labor:

Service carbs                   

Oil change                          

Install tires                         

Fork seals                           

Rebuild rear caliper            

Front pads                         

Complete degrease/clean  

 

This bike is very special to me as you can see with all the investments made . 

A cleaner example for sale will be very difficult to find today .

The bike is ready to ride . 

The YZF750R sold better across the pond than here, but trailed the 916 and CBR900RR and gave way to the R1 in 1998.  The race version did well in endurance events where Yamaha’s quality shown.  This one is right on the edge of too nice to ride too much, but the classic mid-size package and recent maintenance call for at least an occasional back road afternoon.

-donn

The post Ready to Rumble – 1996 Yamaha YZF-750R appeared first on Rare SportBikes For Sale.