Description
Additional photos of this Honda NSR250R SP 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.
This example is VIN: MC211072918, Engine #: MC16E-1282910.
The odometer shows 12,666 kilometers (7,870 miles).
This bike came to us out of a collection in South Africa. The seller has a large collection of two strokes and he spent roughly two years restoring this. He’s sent us three bikes to sell – in addition to this NSR you’ll see another NSR250 and an Aprilia RS250 on the auction site soon. In preparation for the listing we installed a new battery, installed an Ohlins shock, replaced the speedometer cable, replaced the air cleaner, replaced the fork seals, media blasted the front rotors, rebuilt the calipers, adjusted the power valves/oil pump, and replaced the spark plugs. Olly did the work, he notes that the brakes are at 95% front/rear and that the coolant, oil, lights, killswitch, and horn are all OK.
Modifications:
Ohlins shock with remote preload adjuster.
The owner states that the bodywork is original but it has been repainted.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Inside of the tank (the tank was relined at some point in the past):
It is riding on Dunlop Roadsmart Sportmax tires from 2016.
The sale includes one key.
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. Have any NSR250R SP stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
