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 9,500rpm) and utilized the ATAC (automatically-controlled torque amplification chamber) power-valve system.
Come 1986, Honda released the NSR250R, internally dubbed the MC16. At the time of its debut, the bike proved an immediate success, outselling Yamaha in the two-stroke market for the first time.
This example is VIN: MC161005783. The seller acquired it roughly 10 years ago from a private party.
The seller has not ridden it during his ownership. The odometer shows 17,938 kilometers (11,146 miles).
The seller acquired this bike with the intent of restoring it but is moving on to other priorities.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, wash the bike, and perform a spark/compression test:
-Spark Test:
-Cylinder 1: Has spark
-Cylinder 2: Weak spark
-Compression Test:
-Cylinder 1: 112 PSI
-Cylinder 2: 43 PSI
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Fail
Engine Oil Level: Low
Engine Oil Quality: Age Unknown
2T Oil Level: Ok
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: Age Unknown
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail, >3% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail, >3% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail
Final Drive Condition: Ok
Headlight High Beam:Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Unknown
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Unknown
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 90%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 05/09
Tire Date Code Rear: PDC Pre-2000
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 29 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 32 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 0.20V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: Unknown
Running Condition: No crank, no start
Test Ride Completed: None taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Tires Installed:
Front: 100/80-17
Rear: 130/70-18
Notes:
-Fuel tank interior is pretty rough
-Final drive is rusty, dry and tight
-Front master cylinder is seized
-RH for leg is quite pitted down low
-Both fork legs are pitted up top
-Petcock seized
-Drained bad gas
->Tank really needs cleaning
-No air filter or air filter support mesh
-Carbs overflowed on attempted start
-Front brakes are dragging
-Cosmetic Imperfections:
-Faded at tip of tail section
-Light scuffs on silencer
-Marks on RH plastics, near seat
-Few dings on RH fuel tank
-Mirrors scratched
-Scratches on belly pan, both sided
-Faded screen
-Faded fender
REPAIRS RECOMMENDED:
-Fuel tank clean
-Service front master cylinder
-Tires
-Air filter + support mesh
-Coolant
-Hydro 2
-New chain
-Gearbox oil
-Carbs
-Battery
-Diagnostic + repair – Dragging front brakes
Modifications:
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop tires that have aged out.
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 Bill of Sale only. Have any NSR250R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
Looking for NSR250 parts? Check out what’s available on Iconic Moto Market!
