Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
In late 1987, Honda overhauled their existing NSR250R to create the MC18 generation. The first MC18 (aka the PGM-1) used a redesigned two-stroke 90-degree V-Twin, though it boasted the first digitally-controlled two-stroke carb setup on a production road bike — a feature only bolstered by the RC valve system.
The MC18 also got a revised pentagonal section aluminum alloy frame with a removable subframe, dual drilled floating 276mm discs bit by cast aluminum four-piston Nissin calipers (and a single 220mm disc in back), twin circular taillights, telescopic forks with preload adjustment, Pro-Link rear suspension, and six-arm aluminum alloy Enkei wheels. The MC18’s bodywork also received a minor facelift based on the 1988 season’s NSR500 GP bike. Japanese restrictions meant horsepower was still capped at 45 out of the box, though the MC18’s potential was a lot less hard to unlock. With a few simple modifications, 60hp could easily be achieved.
The NSR250R did well in showrooms, at least partially thanks to Honda’s streak of successes in 1980’s GP racing. From ’83 through ’89, Honda won more than half of the 500cc world titles and four 250cc titles in ’85, ’87, ’88, and ’89. And while the NSR250 was incredibly successful, not many have found their way to the US.
This example is VIN: MC181020681. It came to Iconic as an import from Japan; prior history is not known.
The odometer shows 15,779 kilometers (9,804 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Olly did the work, he notes the following in his condition report:
Tire Year Front/ Rear:0317/1219
Tire % Front/ Rear:100/100
Tire Press Front/ Rear:32/35
Brake % Front/ Rear :60/90
Hydraulic:OK
Oil:AGED
Coolant:AGED
Low Beam:OK
High Beam:OK
Turn:NO FL
Tail Light:OK
Brake Light:OK
Plate Light:OK
Kill:OK
Horn:NON FUNC
Battery:12.7
Olly reports the motorcycle is missing both exhaust muffler brackets, there is oxidization on the forks, the power valve is not actuating properly (the servo attempts to move but the valves are stuck), the rear brake reservoir is broken, there is an oil leak around the drain bolt.
RECOMMEND:
• ALL FLUIDS
• POWER VALVE DIAG (MAY NEED TO REMOVE TOP END)
• TURN SIGNAL DIAG
• HORN DIAG
• CHAIN SERVICE
• MAYBE CARBS (DEPENDING ON HOW IT RUNS AFTER POWER VALVE FIXED)
• REPLACE REAR M/C RESERVOIR
Modifications:
Nitron rear shock.
Domino throttle tube assembly and grips.
It is riding on Continental ContiAttack tires with date codes of 0317 and 1219.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Honda is offered on a clean Oregon title. Please note that as an import, this bike lacks certain compliance and emissions stickers that the state of California would require to transfer a title. Have any NSR250R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!