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.
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, which dropped from 18″ to 17″. Performance enthusiasts were glad to hear that the “SP” model made a return, differentiated by the dry clutch, adjustable suspension, and magnesium Magtek wheels.
1990 SP’s had a Cabin Cigarettes livery, 1991s were adorned with a Pentax paint job, and 1992 brought back the legendary Rothmans scheme for 1,500 units. This 1990 model has been repainted with the Rothmans livery.
This example is VIN: MC211012638. The seller acquired it ten years ago from Japan.
During his ownership, the seller has covered ten miles. The odometer shows 18,227 kilometers (11,325 miles).
“Imported from Japan in 2016, this Honda NSR SP is a true enthusiast-owned bike that has undergone an extensive, OEM-focused restoration beginning in 2022. The bike was stored until the restoration started and has been meticulously brought back to factory-correct condition while ensuring mechanical reliability and longevity. Finished in the original OEM Rothmans paint scheme, using original OEM plastics and OEM Rothmans decals (last of the stock). The paint is finished with a clear coat for long-lasting protection. New piston and rings fitted to factory specs. Full OEM Honda Japan rebuild parts – gaskets, seals, O-rings, crank assembly, piston rings, hoses. Engine assembly performed by Cycle Depot (April 2025). Crank seal failure discovered and properly repaired during rebuild. Fresh motor with less than 10 miles since rebuild, requires proper break-in. Only 2 heat cycles so far. Over $4,400 invested in engine rebuild alone.”
The seller has provided pictures from the restoration process, including many of the new OEM parts used.
Maintenance:
“Restoration & Condition Highlights:
• Full restoration started in 2022
• All parts cleaned, inspected, and tested
• Original OEM plastics • OEM Rothmans decals
• Clear-coated paint for durability
• Wheels powder-coated (bike did not come with original Magtek wheels)
• New Dunlop GP300 tires
• Forks rebuilt with OEM fork seals and Motul synthetic oil
• Bottom fork tubes refinished and clear-coated to stock appearance
• Upgraded JHA exhaust pipe with aluminum silencer
• Carburetor fully cleaned and jetted for street use – 38 pilot jet / 140 main (set conservatively for safety) – Carbon fiber reeds
• Stock airbox with new air filter
• New Honda fuel filter
• New fuel line and spark plugs
• All fluids flushed and replaced
• Document invoice from Cycle Depot motor rebuilt and assembly, Invoice for parts imported from Japan”
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
Engine Oil Level: OK
Engine Oil Quality: OK
2T Oil Level: OK
Coolant Level: OK
Coolant Quality: OK
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: FAIL MORE THAN 3% H2O
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: FAIL MORE THAN 3% H2O
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: DIRTY AND DRY
Headlight High Beam: PASS
Headlight Low Beam: PASS
Passing Light: PASS
Parking Light: PASS
Turn Signals: PASS
Tail Light: PASS
Brake Light (Front Switch): PASS
Brake Light (Rear Switch): PASS
Plate Light: PASS
Horn: PASS
Kill Switch: PASS
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 70
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80
Forks: PASS
Shock/s: PASS
Tire Date Code Front: 4920
Tire Date Code Rear: 0621
Tire % Remaining Front: 95
Tire % Remaining Rear: 95
Tire Press. Front: 32
Tire Press. Rear: 32
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.82V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.54V
Running Condition: RUNS
Test Ride Completed: N/A
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
JHA EXHAUST SYSTEM
REPAINTED ROTOR CARRIERS
RECOMMENDED REPAIRS:
CHAIN SERVICE
FRONT/REAR BRAKE FLUSH
Modifications:
JHA exhaust.
Aftermarket windscreen and windscreen fasteners.
OEM Magtek wheels replaced with Honda NSR250 (non-SP) wheels.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax GPR300 tires with date codes of 4920 and 0621.
The sale includes two keys.
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 Oregon title. Have any NSR250R SP stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
