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1990 Honda CBR250RR

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Nowadays you can get all kinds of 250-400cc entry level sportbikes in the US, but back in 1990 the entire market was basically the Kawasaki Ninja 250 and the Honda VTR250. In Honda’s home market of Japan, things were a bit more exciting. That’s where they offered the CBR250RR, affectionately known as the Babyblade. The 250cc inline four engine produced …

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Spec II Bodywork – 1985 Yamaha RZ350

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

US-market RZ350s were sold as Kenny Roberts replicas, but some riders were willing to ditch the KR signature decals for different bodywork. That’s what happened here, as a previous owner swapped out the original chin fairing for a Spec II bodywork kit with full front fairing and solo seat tail.

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1978 Kawasaki KX250 A-4

In Japan, Off-Road by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: this KX250 sold for $5,000 after 20 bids on eBay in Louisville, Kentucky. Even better, the buyer is a buddy of mine that I’ve met through Iconic Motorbikes, and he sent me this photo because he had one of these new! He unfortunately lost it in a home fire five years ago and has been looking to …

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2007 Honda “CR500”

In Japan, Off-Road by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: this “CR500” sold for $5,049.99 after 21 bids on eBay in Surprise, Arizona. Following the model that made Service Honda famous, this custom combines a 2007 Honda CRF frame with a 1998 Honda CR500 motor to blend modern handling with old-school open class two-stroke madness.

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156 Miles – 1996 Honda NSR250R SE

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: this NSR250R sold for $19,000 including fees after 8 bids on Iconic Motorbike Auctions. In 1991, Honda split the base and SP models of the NSR250R with the introduction of the SE (Super Edition) model. They had all of the SP goodies (dry clutch, adjustable suspension, special livery) except for the magnesium wheels. In 1994, the Japanese …

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1983 Suzuki XN85 Turbo

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This XN85 sold for $10,000 after 38 bids on eBay in Beaverton, Oregon. Of all the Japanese turbo wonder bikes of the 80s, Suzuki’s effort was the rarest. Just 1,153 examples of the XN85 Turbo were built, and it had the distinction of being the first production motorcycle with a 16″ front wheel. When paired with the …

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Urban Tiger – 1994 Honda CBR900RR

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: this CBR900RR was pulled off eBay, final sale price unknown. Honda’s CBR900RR revolutionized what a sportbike could be. But I’m not featuring this bike because of its performance – this time around it’s for the livery. In 1994, Honda introduced a distinctive scheme called the Urban Tiger, but it was never offered in the US. Here’s one …

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1982 Honda Sabre V45

In Japan, Less than 5k, Touring by AbhiLeave a Comment

Here’s a first-year example of Honda’s V45 (750cc) Sabre. Within a couple of years, Honda had shrunk the bike down to 700 to circumvent the taxes imposed on 750cc and larger import bikes by the US International Trade Commission. This one stands out due to the impressive original condition and the rare Hondaline fairing.

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VIN #1 – 2003 Honda RC51

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This RC51 sold for $6,550 after 12 bids on eBay in El Paso, Texas. The RC51 combined Honda reliability with the joy of a V-Twin engine, beating Ducati at its own game with multiple World Superbike Championships and a AMA Championship. In 2002, Honda made some revisions to create the SP2 variant.

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120 HP – 1974 Kawasaki H2 750

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: this H2 did not meet reserve with 41 bids up to $12,000 on eBay in Oxnard, California. It was later relisted with 4 bids up to $12,600 and the same result. The Kawasaki H2 earned a “Widowmaker” reputation with 74 horsepower…but this example now puts out 120 at the crank thanks to a built motor from Purple …