In the mid-to-late 1980s, the small-displacement race replica market in Japan was booming. Legions of bright-eyed young riders were lining up to fork over their hard-earned yen for competition-derived road-legal runners like Yamaha’s TZR250, Kawasaki’s KR-1, and Suzuki’s RGV250. Manufacturers on the island were battling it out on the race track and in showrooms in an ongoing arms race to produce the most trick race bike for the streets. In 1985, Honda launched the NS250R MC11, laying the foundation for its line of quarter-liter oil-burners that followed.
In 1994, the Japanese firm updated the NSR with an all new model dubbed the MC28. The result was arguably the ultimate 250cc street bike in Japan thanks in no small part to the PGM-IV ignition and Pro-Arm single sided swingarm. Also notable was the memory card used to start the bike.
The SP (Sports Production) model was the cream of the crop thanks to a dry clutch, adjustable suspension, and Magtek wheels.
1990 SPs had a Cabin Cigarettes livery, 1991s were adorned with a Pentax paint job, and 1992 brought back the legendary Rothmans scheme. Just 1,500 examples were built that year, all of which were originally made for the Japanese Domestic Market.
This example is VIN: MC281004244.
The odometer shows 665 kilometers (413 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, replace the air filter, install a Tyga carbon fiber air box lid, replace the petcock, replace the oil pump cable, clean and sync the carbs, replace the oil, flush the coolant, clean/lube/adjust the drive chain, flush the hydraulic fluids, clean out the left hand switchgear, install a battery, and detail the bike.
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Transmission Oil Level: Ok
Transmission Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: Ok
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: New, 3% of Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail,>3% of Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Ok
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Stuck On
Hazard Lights: Stuck On
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 95%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 39/13
Tire Date Code Rear: 27/14
Tire % Remaining Front: 99%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 99%
Tire Press. Front: 31 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 33 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.53V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.34V
Running Condition: Ok, runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: None Taken, brake dragging
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Tires Installed:
-Front: 110/70-17
-Rear: 150/60-17
REPAIRS PERFORMED:
-Replace air filter frame
-New air filter
-New petcock installed
-Fuel tank drained and refueled
-New oil pump cable installed
-Oil injection pump cable adjusted
-Carbs stripped, cleaned, serviced and tuned
-Transmission oil change
-New battery
-Coolant flushed and filled
-Chain serviced
-Bike fueled with 93 Octane Ethanol-Free race fuel
-Bike detailed
-Hydro 2 (Front and rear brake fluid flush)
-LH switch mechanism cleaned, re-greased
-New flasher unit installed
-New Honda signal bulb installed
REPAIRS RECOMMENDED:
-Service front calipers
-Potential master cylinder rebuild, front
-Service Rear Master cylinder and clear brake line/caliper
-Tires (aged)
Modifications:
Coerce rear sets.
Aftermarket fork brace.
Aftermarket gas tank cap.
Aftermarket tank protector.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Pilot Power tires with date codes of 3913 and 2714.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Honda is offered on a clean Tennessee title. Have any NSR250R SP stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
