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″).
This example is VIN: MC211019619. The seller purchased it from a previous Iconic Motorbikes auction for his son to race, but unfortunately he did not fit on it well and they’ve decided to put it back up for sale. The previous auction ended in November 2025, so the information from that auction is largely still relevant.
The odometer shows 23,665 kilometers (14,704 miles). The seller has put just 1 kilometer on the bike since taking delivery.
Maintenance:
In the previous auction, the seller stated: “Carbs refurbished (new OEM “kits” installed), and oil lines replaced. Have invoice for work done.”
Modifications:
Aftermarket bodywork/windscreen.
Tyga rearsets.
Aftermarket expansion chambers/Tyga silencers.
HEL brake lines front and rear.
Aftermarket tank protector.
Swingarm spools.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax BT016 tires with date codes of 4421 and 0522.
The sale includes two keys (one for the ignition, one for the gas cap).
The sale also includes original bodywork pieces (which has some broken tabs), and a used crankshaft.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Surface corrosion, normal wear marks, nothing major.”
Currently located in Silver City, New Mexico, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Honda is offered on a clean Arizona 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!
