Description
Additional photos of this Honda NSR250R SP Rothmans MC21 are available here for your perusal.
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.
The seller of this example (VIN: MC21-1063044 or MC211063044) acquired it in 2013.
During his ownership, the seller covered between 1,000 and 1,500 miles. The odometer shows 14,659 kilometers (9,108 miles).
Documented Maintenance:
The previous owner kept a log of his time with the bike, from 1/5/2008-2/8/2013:
7-12-18, Modesto Cycle Service – make run as the bike had been sitting for three years, clean/rebuild/tune carbs, change spark plugs, transmission oil, flush radiator, lube cables, replace battery.
8-6-21, Iconic Motorbikes – new tires, gear box oil, coolant, brake fluid, detail, new windscreen, and vapor blast/clear coat forks. This service was performed by Olly.
The seller notes that he installed a new battery just before he sent the bike to us (not pictured).
Modifications:
Battery tender lead.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
There are several scratches in the bodywork. Photos of all known cosmetic blemishes are shown in the album up top, here are the most serious:
There is also a slight crack on the underside of the front fairing and scratches in the exhaust.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax Q3+ tires with date codes of 4620 and 2121.
The sale includes two keys.
The seller is letting this go to help fund a down payment on a house. 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 only.
Have any NSR250 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!
