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 welcomed the “SP” model, a bike differentiated by its dry clutch, adjustable suspension, and magnesium Magtek wheels. 1990 SPs had a Cabin Cigarettes livery; only 2,500 examples rolled off the assembly line that year.
This example is VIN: MC211009823, Engine #: MC16E-1209874. The seller is a two-stroke collector who acquired the bike through SpeedWerks in 2018.
The odometer shows 125 kilometers (77 miles).
Maintenance:
During his ownership, the seller has cleaned and synced the carbs, changed the gearbox oil, replaced the brake fluid, and installed a new battery. He also had the tank lined by GTL and vapor blasted the rearset assemblies.
Modifications:
This NSR250SP is completely stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on the original Dunlop tires.
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
The seller notes oxidation in several areas due to showroom storage in Japan.
The original protective vinyl remains on the bike in a few places.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Honda is offered on a Bill of Sale with all of the Japanese paperwork required to apply for a US title (California residents be advised — it may prove difficult). Have any NSR250SP stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
Additional Information
Location
Santa Monica, California
Year
1990
Make
Honda
Model
NSR250SP
Mileage
77
VIN
MC211009823
Title
Bill of Sale Only
Title State/Country
N/A
Private Party/Dealership
Private Party
Additional Charges
No
Total Bids Placed: 37
Auction has ended.
Auction expired without reaching reserve price.
Highest bidder was: Number8
After the auction ended, the seller accepted an offer of $15,000 including buyer fees.
Continental US: Haul Bikes will ship anything sold through Iconic for a starting rate of $750 in the Continental US (prices may increase in rural markets), and Iconic will handle the paperwork on your behalf. You do not need to crate your bike or drain the gas/disconnect the battery if you go with Haul Bikes. We are glad to work with the shipper of your choice as well, but you will have to arrange it.
Please note:
spares/extras will have to be shipped separately via FedEx or similar.
the fee includes $15,000 of insurance with a $500 deductible. Additional insurance can be purchased at a cost of $50 per additional $5,000 of value.
$5,000 for US to Europe/Asia is a VERY ROUGH ballpark which includes transport as well as customs fees and duties. Please contact Shippio for an exact quote.
