Please Note: this bike was imported into California in 2009, it was called a 1979 model due to the 25 year import rule. The VIN and engine number match on the California title.
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.
The NS featured a box-section aluminum frame and swingarm, disc brakes, full GP-style bodywork inspired by Honda’s RS250R factory race bike, Honda’s Astralight rims, and a liquid-cooled, 249cc, 90-degree V-Twin engine, two-stroke engine that made 45 hp (at 9,500 rpm) and utilized the ATAC (automatically-controlled torque amplification chamber) power-valve system. Constant competition led to quick improvements in the model line, leading to the MC21 generation that was unveiled in 1990. Timing of the RC Valves were now controlled by a PGM-III ECU, it featured the iconic Gull-Arm swingarm, close-ratio gearbox, and smaller wheel diameters (18″ to 17″).
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. The sellers states “front fork is a R model. Forks cannot adjust the rebound damper”.
Manufactured in November 1992, this example is VIN: MC211008630.
During his ownership, the seller has covered 2,000 miles. The odometer shows 12,105 kilometers (7,521 miles).
Per the seller, this bike was originally exported from Japan to Thailand in 2005 and was then imported to California in 2008. It has been “registered and ridden in California since 2009. Stored from 2011 till 2023.” The seller started a company called Artal specializing in aluminum billet fasteners and performance accessories and used this bike for promotional purposes.
Maintenance:
“Motorcycle was fully disassembled and restored using OEM factory replacement parts. Completed work include: rebuilt front brake master cylinder, new brake reservoir, front forks rebuilt with new seals and MOTUL fork oil, cooling system flushed and coolant replaced, new NGK BR8ECM spark plugs, replaced new Honda fuel petcock part #: 16954-kv3-700, replaced new gas hose part #: 17614-kv3-950, replaced new rear tank rubber mount part #: 17613-kv3-700, replaced new air filter part #: 17211-kv3-330, replaced new air box t-splitter/air vent, replaced new clutch push rod seal and ball bearing, part #: 91203-kv3-781, carburetor rebuilt o-ring and gasket kit, part #: 16010-km9-505 (1 set), fresh MOTUL synthetic transmission oil, replaced new oil injector lines, replaced new front and rear wheel bearings, tune and jet the carburetor 40 pilot jet and 160 main jet, jetted for canyon riding power for top end.”
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok (Lined)
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok (Age Unknown)
2T Oil Level: Ok (1/2 Full)
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: Ok (3% of moisture contamination)
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Moderate (1.5%>3% of moisture contamination)
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: N/A
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): No Switch
Plate Light: N/A
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 80%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 65%
Forks: Slight Weep
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 03/21
Tire Date Code Rear: 12/22
Tire % Remaining Front: 99%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 99%
Tire Press. Front: 28 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 32 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.79V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.32V
Running Condition: Runs well on Bench
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Endurance Style Fairing, Genuine Honda MC-28 Tail Section
-Few Nicks and Scratches on body
-Upper running light does not work
-Slight Pitting on Fork Legs
-STD Air filter ok
-Kiss Racing CDI
-Dog Fight Exhaust System
-Aftermarket Rear Set Assembly
-Braided Front Brake Lines
REPAIRS RECOMMENDED:
-Hydro 2 (Front Brake and Rear Brake Fluid)
Modifications:
Not pictured: Kiss Racing CDI.
Team Chesterfield replica paint scheme.
Aftermarket endurance-style fairing.
OEM MC28 tail section.
MC28 forks (R model, non-adjustable like the SE model) and front calipers, RFV400 front wheel (17″ x 3.5″).
Fiberglass fenders from Japan.
Aftermarket rear sets, does not have brake light switch.
Braided front brake lines.
Suzuki RGV125 mirrors.
Aluminum rear sprocket.
Kiss tank protector.
Dog Fight exhaust with chrome plated expansion chambers.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax Q3 tires with date codes of 1222 and 0321.
The sale includes three keys and several miscellaneous products from Artal showing this bike used on the packaging.
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 California title on Planned Non-Op registration. The California DMV estimates that it would cost $157 to make registration current through February 2027.
Have any NSR250 SE stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
