View Post

CA Plated – 1992 Yamaha TZR250 RS

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Yamaha TZR250 was manufactured and sold from 1986 until 1995 in three main iterations exclusively for the Japanese market, never being officially imported to the United States. Born out of the RD250, the model evolved from the more modest parallel twin 250 two stroke of the 2MA and 3MA variants to the 90-degree v-twin 3XV. This 3XV that stands …

View Post

No Reserve – 2000 Ducati 996 SPS #1496

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Designed to be the ultimate 996 at the time, the SPS (Sport Production Special) combined performance and beauty. The limited edition SPS was an uprated version that featured a modified engine and chassis. Nearly all the specifications were improved, such as the lighter Marchesini 5-spoke wheels and Ohlins rear shock. In 2000, Ducati upgraded the Showa forks to Ohlins units, …

View Post

1986 Kawasaki Ninja 1000R

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

An evolution of their popular Ninja 900, the Ninja 1000R was the fastest production motorcycle that Cycle World had ever tested at the time. From their January 1986 review: “One hundred fifty-nine miles an hour! We’re talking fast, here, as in the fastest production streetbike ever. Tucked-in and wrist locked, a Ninja 1000 rider with little regard for his driver’s …

View Post

1995 MZ Skorpion Replica

In Germany, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

The MZ Skorpion was the result of an international partnership between a British design firm, an East German manufacturer (MZ), and Yamaha. Weighing just 380 pounds and packing 48 horsepower, this is a rare sportbike that has become quite the cult classic.

View Post

2002 Yoshimura Tornado S1

In Custom, Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

In 2001, Suzuki unveiled the all-new GSX-R1000, and journalists felt it was the first bike to compete with Yamaha’s revolutionary R1 of 1998 because Suzuki was able to top the R1 with less weight and more power (374 pound dry weight, 160 hp/81 lb-ft at the crank). Yoshimura then took the already-impressive Suzuki to the next level by creating their …

View Post

No Reserve – 1983 Suzuki XN85 Turbo

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

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 Full Floater rear suspension, that resulted in a machine that Motorcyclist magazine described as such: “Nothing …