Description
Additional photos of this Honda NSR250 SP 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: MC211012638. The seller imported this bike from Japan in 2016.
The odometer shows 18,212 kilometers (11,316 miles).
Seller’s History:
“This motorcycle was imported from Japan in 2016, and it was stored until 2022 when I started a full restoration to factory specification using OEM parts. All parts and mechanical components have been cleaned and tested in working order. The bike got a new Rothmans paint scheme using the original OEM Rothmans logo decal, the last of their stock. The paint scheme stripe is painted on and has been clear coated for lasting protection.
All this work is done on the original OEM plastic that came off the bike.”
“The wheels have been powder coated with all new bearings and brand new Dunlop GPR300 tires were installed. The forks have been rebuilt with OEM fork seals and Motul synthetic oil. The bottom fork tubes have been refinished and clear coated.”
“This bike has an upgrade with a Dog Fight Type R pipe. The chamber is chrome plated and comes with aluminum silencer.”
“The carburetor has been cleaned and put back together using a Honda gasket kit. It is jetted for street use so it flattens out before redline. That’s for safety protection, but if you are an enthusiast rider you can go up on the pilot jet. It has 38 pilot jets now and 140 mains.”
“Also adding to the power band it has carbon fiber reeds. Using a stock air box and brand new air filter and Honda fuel filter.”
“All fluids have been flushed. New fuel line, petcock valve, battery, and spark plugs. It is guaranteed to be a true SP model. The NSR SP comes with a dry clutch. The SP motor has a different cylinder head, which has an L stamp on the cylinder and head. The R model motor has an H stamp on the cylinder and head.”
“Sadly, the Magtek wheels had been pulled off before I purchased it from Japan.”
“Every nut and bolt is original and has been clean free of any rust or corrosion. This bike is so original it still has the original chain when it was first bought from the dealer, still in good condition.
“The windscreen and windscreen fasteners are aftermarket, and the mirrors are from a RVF.”
There is an Iconic Motorbikes sticker on the top of the tail section.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Please note that the “NSR250R SP” logos on the front fairings are supposed to be blue.
The “SP” decal on the tail section is not OEM.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax GPR300 tires with date codes of 4920 and 0621.
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 NSR250 SP stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
