Author: Mike

Honda

1973 Honda CB CB500F

For Sale: 1973 Honda CB CB500F

Vintage race bike for the street! If the “cool” factor of a vintage Honda CB500F isn’t enough for you, how about one with real vintage racing creds? If THAT is still not enough for you, how about a vintage Honda CB500F with real vintage racing creds that comes complete with a title, license plate and everything you need to be a vintage hooligan on the street? I’m pretty sure I have your attention now!

Launched in the early 1970s, the CB500 was a four cylinder, four stroke powered bike designed to be a scaled down CB750. It was smaller and lighter than its larger brother, but power was down as well (bhp was reported to be in the 45-50 range). Handling was reported to be much better than the larger 750, and CB500 models were raced successfully – including TT events such as the famed Isle of Man.

From the seller:
Up for auction is my 1973 CB500F. I bought this bike at Jerry Woods’ Auction in Deland in March of 2000. The bike was raced in Fl. CCS’s Vintage Classes in 2000 and rebuilt for the next season at the end of that year. It was raced in 01, and 02 in CCS, WERA, and AHRMA. In 2002, it won both LW and HW Vintage classes in Fl CCS. At the end of 02 it was rebuilt to it’s current configuration, 651cc’s. In Feb 03, I took it to Jennings, Fl., to participate in the dual AHRMA/WERA event. I crashed badly on another bike that weekend, which ended my racing days. The only time on this engine was a few practice laps that weekend, and the bike has been sitting since then. I recently pulled the engine and have gone completly through it, rebuilding the head, and re-ringing the pistons. Since finishing this rebuild, the engine has less than 100 street miles on it.

The bike is presently set up for the street. Below is a description of the components of the bike:

Engine: 12.3:1 compression; Completely rebuilt CB750F carbs; New throttle and choke cables; Custom intakes; Head ported and just rebuilt by BPM; Web Cam # 58B; Complete Dyna S ignition, with isolated 12V wiring, and new ignition wires and caps; New battery; New Cometic 65mm, .043 copper head gasket; Oversized cylinder studs; 64mm CB750 modified pistons; Falicon crank; R&D Motorsports undercut transmission; New oil pump; New complete Barnett clutch; New starter; Ignition advancer welded to full advance; Yoshimura hand bent exhaust with baffle; 18/34 gearing;

Frame: New fork seals; Dual front drilled brake rotors; Calipers just rebuilt; Steel braided front brake lines; Progressive front springs; Koni rear shocks; Steering stabilizer; Tommaselli clipons; Lester mag wheels, 18″ rear, 19″ front; Oil cooler; Oil pressure gauge; Rickman styled aluminum fuel tank; Sigma BC800 bicycle computer; Rear sets; Fairing;

Spares: Honda factory shop manual; Complete Kerker 4-1 exhaust, not pretty, but functional; 2 complete gasket kits with extras; 2 complete engine seal kits; 1 new Cometic 65mm, .032 copper head gasket; 1 new Cometic 69mm base gasket; Race fairing; 2 sets of front springs; 2 sets of stock intake manifolds, 1 modified; Stock cylinder studs; Race belly pan; Used, but good, front sprockets, 13, 14, 17; Used, but good, rear sprockets, 35, 36, 37, with a new 38.

Vintage racers will always be an interesting lot. There are lots of unknowns, often costly modifications and many improvements to the chassis and running gear. Without a documented history of famous riders or races, these bikes generally sell for less than it would cost to create. The fact that this one is titled means that the next owner not only picks up a bike with some panache and a cache of spares, but one that can be used on the street as well.

This auction is going on now, with a few days remaining. The current bid is only up to $2k, with the reserve still in place. Depending upon how high that resereve is set, this striking CB500F might find a new home for a song. For more details and information, click on the link and check out the auction. Good Luck!

MI

Honda

A Reader’s Ride: 1975 Honda CB 400F Super Sport

For Sale: 1975 Honda CB 400F Super Sport

From warm and sunny San Diego, CA comes this fantastic survivor: a 1975 Honda CB400F Super Sport. CSBFS and RSBFS follower Ryck pinged us about having to put his pride and joy up for sale – and we thought that this is exactly the kind of bike that CSBFS readers would love to see.

The Honda CB400F is a classic sport bike icon. Largely regarded as a technical tour de force, the original 400F was introduced in 1975 and ran through 1977. From a marketing perspective, the little 400F made little sense; bigger bikes were all the rage, and Honda’s own CB750 and CB550 Four models were displacing the British invasion. In reality, Honda was flexing some serious motorcycle muscles with the little Super Sport, proving to the world that it had the manufacturing capability to bring such wonders to life.

The most visual element of the CB400F was the swooping four-into-one exhaust system as seen in this photo. Together with the rest of the cafe-racer inspired styling, the impressive four cylinder, four-stroke engine, a six-speed transmission and a front disc brake, the 400F both looked good and performed well.

From the seller:
You are bidding on a un-restored museum quality example. All stock from the paint down to the original Bridgestone Super Speed tires. The chrome has some minor pitting and spokes have some surface rust and the left side engine covers have some cosmetic damage where fuel leaked at one time. The only thing that is not stock is the muffler and the headlight brackets and I do have the stock headlight bracket/turn signal assembly and the rear turn signals-from 36 years of storage/moving around one of the rear turn signal brackets is bent slightly and the front ones just look goofy so I left them off. I rebuilt the carbs with oem Honda gaskets, adjusted the points, timing and valves this summer. The engine runs perfect- all they way up to the red line- well not quite red line I took it up to 9k and I only did that one time myself just to test the engine and let me tell you it just makes the most glorious sound from that 4 into one exhaust!!! Clear title and it is currently registered and insured-I ride it at least once a week around the neighborhood and take it to the local bike nights and it always draws a crowd. The gas tank and side panels are original paint and have not been retouched in any way there is one very slight dent on the top of the gas tank – you have to really look to see it- I couldn’t even get a picture to come out good enough to see the dent. The handlebar switches are original and still have bright red markings and every thing works as it did from the factory, there is only some slight fading on the master cylinder body and the paint is coming off the front caliper. It comes with the tool kit,owners manual and it still has the tool box cover. This is a once in a lifetime buy and there is no reserve.

There were two different generations of 400F, with only minor variations. Today’s featured bike is a Gen I model. Color choices were Red or Blue for Gen I machines, and Red or Yellow for Gen II bikes, with different font and lettering styles on the tank and side panels. Both generations are considered collectables, and prices have been creeping up from the basement into reasonable levels as of late. With low mileage and in clean, presentable condition, this bike is definitely one to consider.

A desireable model in true “survivor” condition with low miles – that is a CSBFS find. The fact that this bike is located in “no rust” California is just icing on the bike collection cake. Check out the no reserve auction here. Good luck, and don’t forget to tell ’em you found it on CSBFS!

MI

Aermacchi / Harley Davidson

Foreign Story: 1972 Harley-Davidson 350 Sprint

For Sale: 1972 Harley-Davidson 350 Sprint

In the early 1960s, the Harley Davidson Motor Company was branching out. Although best known for their big twins, H-D realized that not everybody embraced the “big iron” concept of motorcycling. Foreign competitors such as Honda were winning the new customer war by making motorcycles less intimidating and more approachable. Small bikes were in, and H-D had no expertise with small bikes. Italian firm Aermacchi had tons of small bike and scooter experience, and a deal was struck to market these smaller machines under the H-D banner in the US. In that deal, H-D purchased 50% of the Aermacchi company. In time, they would purchase the company outright.

The Sprint models – despite the appearance – were based on the Aermacchi four-stroke singles, where the cylinder jutted out at a nearly horizontal angle. The rockers were hidden behind a cover that made the bike look simple, like a two-stroke. Together with the reduced noise and improved fuel economy, the Sprint was an easily approachable motorcycle in a small package that would appeal to younger and new buyers.

From the seller:
1972 SPRINT IN GREAT CONDITION, has been in storage quite a while. needs points, carb cleaned, tires, the usual. very strong compression, seems to shift well.this bike has great possibilities. lost title but i will provide bill of sale and any other assistance. SET OF LIKE NEW TIRES INCLUDED IN PURCHASE SEE PICS !

The good:
seat not ripped or damaged
paint is very good (wrong decals 1971)
chrome wheels not rusty
strong compression
bike is complete with no broken cables

The Bad
needs points
FRONT TIRE IS GREAT, BACK TIRE WORN
aftermarket mufflers (but really good shape)
no battery
carb dirty needs original air cleaner put back on (included)

guy’s i have restored alot of bikes, this is a great start as many parts can be polished or touched up and left as is.

This bike is certainly not restored, and some work will be required. However it seems to be a fine canvas with which to paint the history of The Motor Company. Besides, there are some great resources such as the Harley Davidson Sprint Forums to help you get the information you need. Starting smaller with a restoration is usually less expensive and easier than going big, and there was much more to the history of Harley Davidson than just big twins. Somebody needs to tell that story, and here is a bike ready to do so!

For more information – or to contact the seller for details – click the link and jump over to the auction. Good luck!

MI

Honda

A Reader’s Ride: 1983 Honda VF750

CSBFS and RSBFS reader Warren contacted us regarding this nearly new ’83 Honda VF750 (official shop manual for the 83 Honda VF750). I think you will agree with us: this is about as clean as it gets! Warren has listed many details about this bike, and I think he tells it best in his own words. Contact information is included at the bottom of the post if you are interested in this beauty!

1983 Honda VF750FD Motorcycle
Engine Number: RC07E2115418
Chassis Number: RC152007493
Manufacture: April 1983
True Odometer: 3,122 kms

It has a genuine 3,122 kms on the clocks (1,950 miles) in perfect 100% running order

It’s 100% genuine, totally unmodied, immaculate showroom condition.

It even has the original tyres fitted.

Only the battery has been changed

Prior to long term storage in 1998:
* Motorcycle thoroughly hand cleaned and all metal surfaces lubricated, paint surfaced clean polished
* The fuel tank was drain and clean and a rust proof GLEEM coating was applied inside.
* The spark plugs were removed and synthetic oil was poured through to protect the pistons, rings and valves.
* The crankcase were drained and totally filled with synthetic oil.
* Fuel lines and carburettors drained and cleaned
* Suspension drained and fully refilled
* Chain totally cleaned and relubricated excessively
* Tyres overinflated to 45 PSI to maintain shape and sidewalls lubricated to stop cracking
* Motorcycle placed on centre stand
* Battery removed
* Protective bike cover applied
* Motorcycle was stored in climate controlled storage facility free from any natural light which can fade the colour on parts and plastics
* Wheels and tyres turned every 60 days to stop “pressure points” on wheel bearings and tyres

June 2011 removal from storage:
* Motorcycle thoroughly hand cleaned and all metal surfaces lubricated, paint surfaced clean polished
* All fluids drained
* NEW Engine oil and NEW Engine Oil Filter
* NEW Air Filter
* NEW Spark Plugs
* NEW Fuel Filter
* NEW Battery
* NEW Fork Oil
* Chain totally cleaned and relubricated

The motorcycle starts and runs as well as it did on the day it left the factory. The camshafts were replaced under warranty in an Australian Recall in 1984, due to the known camshaft wear problems. This bike was so young that there was no wear on the camshafts but were changed anyway by Honda Australia.

My “fixed” asking price is USD $14,000 uncrated ….. located in Melbourne, Australia. Assistance would be provided to transport the motorcycle to any place in Melbourne for crating and shipping.

My contact details:
Mr Warren Whittaker
5/15 Green Street
Airport West VIC 3042
Australia

Telephone: 61-3-94499100 (up until 15th September)
Telephone: 61-3-93388199 (after 15th September)
Email: wn.whittaker@bigpond.com

MI

Suzuki

Rarest of the Factory Turbos: 1983 Suzuki XN-85 Turbo

For Sale: 1983 Suzuki XN-85 Turbo

In 1982 Honda won a technological battle by launching the CX500 Turbo. Bristling with cutting-edge componentry, the turbocharged v-twin launched a very intense, yet very short arms race. Targeting the role of sport-tourer, the CX500T was a large, heavy bike. It was also not an immediate success; Honda returned in 1983 with the CX650T – building on the technology base. But by ’83 Honda was no longer alone in the market. Kawasaki built the GPz750 Turbo in late 1983 to be introduced as an ’84 model – and this was the dragstrip king. Yamaha built the “me too” Seca Turbo, an underwhelming effort simply to claim Turbo stakes.

When Suzuki launched the XN85 in 1983, it was everything the earlier Turbo bikes were not: It was an unapologetic sportbike. With the Katana-like styling supplied by Hans Muth, a GP-inspired 16″ front wheel, anti-dive front fork, full floater rear suspension and low set clip ons, the XN85 attempted to deliver on the “liter bike power in a 750cc package” promise that turbocharging held in store.

So how did it do? Like all the Turbo bikes, it was gone in the blink of an eye. The public did not want to spend liter bike money for a 650 festooned with so many badges proclaiming it was a turbo – and the performance never really lived up the hype. Honda Turbos were gone by the end of ’83. Kawasaki offered them only in ’84-’85. Yamaha’s run lasted longer, but with few updates the Seca was always destined to be the dog of the bunch. As for Suzuki, the XN85 was a one-hit, one year wonder…making it the rarest of the factory Turbo bikes.

From the seller:
1983 Suzuki XN85 Turbo. If you are looking for a collector bike this is it. There were only 1153 XN85’s produced and only 300 were imported into the U.S. That means this is a RARE motorcycle.

This bike is LIKE NEW. Paint, chrome, aluminum, plastics are all perfect. This bike can be your daily rider, but really should be in a museum or a collection of historic bikes. Runs and rides perfectly. No damage, no road rash, it has just been maintained and restored very well.

You will be proud to own this bike. It has been in my private motorcycle collection for almost 4 years now, but I am moving and it can’t go with me.

It is also for sale locally, and this auction is subject to termination if I sell it before the auction ends.

The “85” in the XN85 Turbo’s name stands for horsepower – at the crank. In the day, those numbers from an air cooled 650 were quite good. Today, the bike is not quite as fast as all the badging might suggest. Still, these were specifically noted for their excellent handling, and even by today’s standards the XN85 offers a stable, capable platform.

This bike looks to be in excellent condition. The black chrome exhaust looks to be very well preserved. These bikes are notorious for corrosion on the exterior cases as well as the fork – but not on this bike. The plastics all look good, as do the seat and the dash. The bike even looks to have decent rubber – which can be a bit of a challenge given the odd wheel sizes.

So what is the value of a super rare, one model year only vintage Suzuki? The answer might shock you. Had this been a rare bike from our Italian friends, you would be thinking that it could easily top $20k – $30k. Being a mass produced Japanese bike, however, that number could be an order of magnitude off. Owning a rare, collectable Suzuki Turbo – the rarest of the factory turbos – is far closer than you think.

This auction has not yet broken the $3,000 mark, with reserve still in place. These Turbos have not been known to eclipse the $5-7k range in any condition, and “average” bikes roll for $3-4k. This one could be fun to watch. For more information and pictures, click on the link and jump over to the auction. Good luck!

MI

BMW

1983 BMW R65LS

For Sale: 1983 BMW R65LS

When BMW released the R65LS, it was really a remarkable styling excercise. Based on the staid (and slow) R65 series, the LS model added twin disc brakes up front, a sharp bikini fairing, model specific seat and tail section, painted snowflake wheels and model specific matte black exhaust. The rest of the bike was pure R65. Although no faster than the base model, the R65LS looked the part for a sport bike, and came with a substantially higher MSRP.

The bike was styled by Hans Muth, best known for his work with the fully faired BMW R100RS and the sharp-edged Suzuki Katana. There is a little of that Katana in the front fairing, but the look is still unique. BMW claimed that the fairing reduced front end lift by 30% – but journalists of the time wonderened aloud if front end lift was ever a problem for the little R65. Too much power was never an issue, although this boxer – like all the airhead boxers before it – did its best work on the open road.

With “sportier” (read: narrower) handlebars, the heavy R65LS takes a bit of effort to turn in. Chassis is what you would expect from BMW – reasonably comfortable but far from knife-edge handling. Suspension travel is adequate, but there can be a handful of shaft drive effect (the rear of the bike will rise under throttle and drop when the gas is chopped) if the rider is not careful. If you can put up with the odd way a BMW leans when you blip the throttle at a stoplight and you don’t mind the throbbing boxer twin on the highway, maybe this is the BMW for you.

From the seller:
1983 BMW R65LS

Engine runs great, bike rides great

New Odyssey battery ($115)

43029 miles

Tires in ok condition, some cracking but not bad

Marzocchi rear adjustable shocks

4 in tear in seat, covered with tape so it doesn’t get larger

Tool kit missing

Everything operational

The R65LS was a limited model run; in two years it would be gone. It was not the major seller that BMW had hoped, and thus it remains a unique and somewhat rare model. When properly serviced, an R65LS will make a suitable mount for in-town commuting through multi-day sport touring – as long as the “sport” part is not taken GSX-R seriously. The motors are very reliable and extremely robust – the mileage on this example is no cause for worry.

The side panels on a stock R65LS are not color coded, so these have been painted. Also, the new battery is a nice addition but I doubt it fits properly in the space provided. The R65LS takes a very specific battery size; use of a non-standard size will work, but precludes the use of the under-the-seat storage tray. Besides those nits and the obious seat tear, this bike appears to be in reasonable condition for its age. The upgraded rear shocks are a nice addition over the stock units.

For your chance to own this unique piece of (relatively recent) BMW history, click the link and jump over to the auction. For the price, it will be hard to find a better way into the world of BMW – and you can do it with a limited number, unique ride at that! Good luck to both the seller and the buyer!

MI

Honda

1971 Honda CB350 Race Bike

For Sale: 1971 Honda CB350 Race Bike

This little vintage racer wanna be really struck a chord with me. Maybe it is the aluminum tank (ahhhhh, shiny), maybe it is the custom catch tank (love those welds), or maybe it is just the stance and the purposeful look of the bike. Whatever the reason, even though some assembly is still required, I like it.

This bike really hits the right “cafe racer” look, and is offered with some pretty impressive components. From large drum front brake to many custom pieces, this bike was more than just a collection of parts; it was somebody’s project. Like many projects, time, money and interest all play competing factors. In this case, the project is up for sale for a reasonably fair price – to someone who has the drive to finish it.

From the seller:
RACE ONLY CB350,BIKE THAT WE BUILT THAT WE LOST INTEREST ON.tOO MUCH MONEY SPENT ON IT NOW SO JUST WANT IT SOLD TO FORGET ABOUT IT 95% DONE JUST TIME/LABOR TO FINSH IT .BILL OF SALE ONLY

-ALLOY TANK AND PNGLE TAP $1000

-4 LEADING LINK FRONT BRAKE SET UP WITH EXCELL RIM $850 USED

-2 LEADING LINK REAR DRUM WHEEL,NEW BRAKE CABLE $425.00 USED

-MEGAPHONE PIUPES WITH STAINLESS HEADERS $350

-NEW CARBS SUDCO $375

-BIG BORE PISTON,PORTED,CAM ,ELECTRONIC IGINITION

-OIL COOLER EARLS

-BETOR (SPAIN) FORKS AND REAR SHOCKS,TRIPLE CLAMPS

-BRACED AND POWDER COATEDFRAME

-CR STYLE SEAT

-TZ350 TACK SPRING MOUNTED ,NEEDS CABLE (MOTION PRO)

-REAR SETS

-DYNA COILS

-CUSTOM CATCH TANK

BUY IT NOW DIRECT $3500 THATS IT !

If you are out there fighting the vintage racing bug, this might be a good chance to chase that dream. Heck, sort this thing out and show up for your local track day – you will have a track day and a bike show all in one event! This bike is striking in its existing condition, and I for one would love to hear it scream!

The price seems right for a historic bike with some nice additions. But make no mistake: there is considerable work lurking in a “95% completed” project. It often takes 25-50% of the life of the project to complete that last 10%! Still, if you are willing to get your hands dirty and lust after a vintage racer, here is one at a discount – and what a labor of love that would be. For more information, details and pictures, click the link and jump over to the auction. Good luck!

MI

Yamaha

From Cutting Edge to Mainstream: 1986 Yamaha FZ750

For Sale: 1986 Yamaha FZ750

When Yamaha launched the FZ750 in the latter half of the 1980s, they released a bike that was as cutting edge and risky as it was fast. Let’s start with the cutting edge part: A very narrow in-line four cylinder format was laid down at a radical angle to put more weight on the front tire. The alternator was moved above the 6-speed transmission. The cylinder head held an amazing 20 valves, or five valves per cylinder (three intake, two exhaust). Named Genesis, the motor made record levels of horsepower in the day (110 at over 10,000 RPM).

From the seller:
1986 Yamaha FZ750 in very nice original condition with just over 20k miles. The bike starts runs and rides very well and has been adult owned.

This spring the bike had a full tune-up including, spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter, oil & filter and carb sync. There is less than 200 miles on the Bridgestone BT45 tires and new brake pads front and rear.

Last fall the clutch master and slave cylinders were rebuilt and new fork seals installed.

Includes original front turn signals, tank bag pictured, original owner’s manual and factory service manual.

In 1986 Eddie Lawson won the Daytona 200 on a FZ750 at over 160 mph so it’s a fast bike for its day and still has plenty of power to run with modern bikes in the canyons while being comfortable enough for touring. The bike draws much attention and comments but it’s not getting ridden due to other commitments.

This has become a very rare bike and was the beginning of Yamaha’s race focused models.

The FZ was a revelation when it was released, and was an effective weapon on the racetrack. Testers of the day found it to be a bit high-strung, and more suited to the track than the street. Ironically, yesterday’s missle has become today’s sport touring bike – as evidenced by the current owner. Longevity is good on these models, and the design has held up well; this concept grew into the awesome 5-valve FZR1000 literbike.

While I agree with the seller that this bike won some races in its day, one has to wonder about the rarity and value of the bike. These were, after all, mass produced motorcycles from Japan. They are not limited in numbers, and there is no “special” FZ750 model that is worth more than the others. What is special is the bike itself – what it stood for then (and today) – and the fact that it is still a very capable sportbike.

This particular model is availalbe now via auction. From the pictures it appears to be very presentable, and the color-matched lowers are a nice addition. Prices are pretty low by collectable standards, making this a nice addition to any collection. With an opening ask of $2k, this is your chance to check out a milestone bike from Yamaha and have some riding fun while doing so. To learn more, click the link and jump over to the auction. Good Luck!

MI

Suzuki

1975 Suzuki RE5

For Sale: 1975 Suzuki RE5

The 1970s was a decade of experimentation for many motorcycle companies. Honda moved the needle from two strokes to very complicated four cylinder four strokes, Ducati continued to evolve the Desmo valve actuation concept, Yamaha continued to beat the two stroke drum, and Suzuki wavered between two strokes and four, and went so far as to introduce a rotary as well. Of all of the novel bikes created in the 1970s, this one is perhaps the most novel; a Wankel-engined motorcycle for the masses.

Suzuki engineers stuffed a single rotor engine with a swept displacement of 500cc into a motorcycle chassis and sold it for a pittance compared to any other rotary of the day (Van Veen and Norton were the two other rotaries offered, and they were frightfully expensive). Still, the RE5 was more expensive than more “normal” counterparts, and failed to sell in large numbers. A 3 year model run saw relatively few changes (more on that later), and relatively few sales.

While Suzuki was able to succesfully mate the Wankel to a sporty motorcycle, they could not eliminate some of the inherent downsides of the rotary motor. First off, the Wankel is heavy, and the resultant 500cc bike outweighed any middle-weight and probably most liter bikes of the day. Part of this weight is due to the need for cooling. Check out the size of the radiator; rotaries run very hot and need robust cooling systems. Secondly, the fuel consumption of the Wankel is legendary – as America endured the oil embargo and rising gas prices, this became a concern. Combine high weight and high fuel consumption with relatively modest performance (the rotary is very smooth at high RPM but is not known for torque) along with a high sticker price and you have the makings for a classic showroom queen.

From the seller:
This is a good example of a very rare motorcycle. It is amazing how much power the Wankel rotary engine produces with just 500cc’s. I have ridden this bike around town a few times. It really runs great and man does it turn some heads. The bike is in such good running and riding condition you could ride it anywhere. It would make someone a good every day rider or you could just show it. You probably will be the only one in your town to own one. Bid with confidence, this is a very good and very rare motorcycle.

From a collector perspective, these are relatively rare motorcycles. They are not seen every day, either on the street or in auctions. Therefore, the desireability is pretty decent. These are complex motorcycles, and therefore the buyer would be cautioned to purchase the very best available if riding the bike is in the cards. Most two and four stroke mechanics are not totally familiar with the operation of the Wankel powerplant, which makes restoration a little more difficult, although by no means impossible.

Changes over the model years are very few. This is one of the earlier bikes, as seen by the pod-theme in the instrument cluster and tail light section. The last year bikes have conventional instrumentation and lights, as Suzuki attempted to boost sales by making the bikes appear a little bit more main stream. Unfortunately that failed, and the RE5 is now a collectable piece of history.

This bike looks to be in good condition, and is practically begging for a new home. Bidding interest has been very high, and the current bid sits at $4,000 – that is very low money for a very rare bike! For more information and your chance to bid on this rare wonder, click the link and jump over to the auction. Good luck, and tell ’em you found it on CSBFS!

MI

Yamaha

Brand New: 1979 Yamaha RD 400 Daytona Special with 1 mile!

For Sale: 1979 Yamaha RD 400 Daytona Special with only 1 mile!

In the late 1970s there was only one major motorcycle manufacturer still importing two-stroke streetbikes into the United States. Yamaha, with a long and storied racing history, kept the RD series of parallel twin smokers alive until 1979. With emissions awareness and enforecement on the rise, it became impossible to certify these two strokes in the US with current technology. Thus, the Yamaha RD400 Daytona Special – named to commemorate their dominance of that venue in GP racing – was destined to be the last of the factory two strokes.

Today’s particular bike is as brand new as one is ever likely to find. Having never been started and showing barely 1 mile on the odometer from being moved around, this is a rare time machine of yesteryear. This bike comes with a blank MSO (meaning that it has never been titled, and therefore in the eyes of most governing bodies is still brand new), has never been kicked over, has a battery that has never been filled with acid, and is sitting on the stock tires with all stock componentry just like you would have found it in a dealership back in ’79!

From the seller:
The title says it all, this is an as new 1979 non restored original unridden bike! I bought it from the original owner who bought it new in 1980, then stored it in his living room until I bought it several years ago. Yes, that is my television above the bike, as its in my living room. This bike has never even seen the light of day aside from loading or unloading. It is pristine, and only as perfect as it came from the factory! There is only one tiny mark in the paint about the size of the end of a ballpoint pen, on the end of the tank. As you can see by the picture next to the pen, it will not even show up. Everything is original, even the battery that has never had acid put into it from the dealership. The original Yokohamas still have the hairs on them, sand all the factory yellow paint marks are in place, as they should be. The tool kit and manual remain untouched in their original plastic wrapping. There are no heat marks, dents, dings or scratches on the exhaust! To my knowledge this bike has never even been started, except bench tested at the factory. Has 1 mile from being rolled into the dealership, out of the dealership, into the 1st owners house, out again, into the warehouse, then intto my house. Original MSO and all factory paperwork come with the bike, new owner will need to fill out the MSO to get a title for the bike . The MSO has never been filled out, so overseas buyers will have no problems at all. I will assist in any way that I can, including storage for a month or so. The other side of the bike is in the same condition, there are no hidden problems! I just didnt want to hurt the bike by moving it without some help, just to get more pictures. Dont fool yourselves, there will not be another opportunity to buy a bike of this caliber. This was the height of two stroke air cooled bikes, and it is a true landmark in motorcycles!

I must admit that I don’t really understand collectors who park a perfectly good motorcycle without riding it. Sure, I’ve owned bikes with low miles before, but that was my fault for not getting out and riding enough. No bike I’ve ever owned has ever been more valuable to me parked than screaming through the gears as the designer intended. Still, when I see a zero or 1 mile bike I am impressed by the restraint of the owner.

The RD400 Daytona Special was the last of a very special line of motorcycles. The DS model will bring in more than the standard RD, simply because it is the pinnacle of the model lineup, contains the latest and greatest features, etc. As a mass produced Japanese motorcycle it does not have quite the collector potential of some Bimotas, rare Ducatis and the like – but make no mistake: this is a very desireable and collectable bike that will hold value in this condition.

As to value, the seller has this bike listed for a cool $15,000. That is more than double what a clean (and improved/modified) RD would normally run – but in many ways the condition warrants the asking price. You do not come across these RD400 DS models often, and this the first ever I have seen with only 1 mile. The seller is open to offers however, so to check out all of the details and plan how you might be the next caretaker of this amazing little rocket, click on the link and jump over to the auction. Special thanks to eagle-eyed reader Rod who pointed this bike out to us!

MI