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 9,500 rpm) 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 (18″ to 17″).
In 1991, Honda split the base and SP models of the NSR250R with the introduction of the SE (Super Edition) model. They had all of the SP goodies (dry clutch, adjustable suspension, special livery) except for the magnesium wheels.
This example is VIN: MC211074029. It came to Iconic as an import from South Africa.
The odometer shows 14,001 kilometers (8,699 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the shop replaced the grips, the seat bolts, the spark plugs, the air filter, the petcock, and the rear shock. We also cleaned and synced the carbs, flushed the cooling system, changed the oil, and serviced the brakes with a caliper wash and new hydraulic fluid. Finally, we installed new Bridgestone Battlax RS10 tires with date codes of 3421 and 3421.
Olly did the work, he notes the following in his condition report:
Tire Life – Front/ Rear: 100%
Tire Press Front/ Rear: 32PSI
Brake Life – Front: 95%; Rear: 30%
Hydraulic Fluid – Front/Rear: Ok, New
2 Stoke Oil Tank: 1/2 Full
Transmission Oil – Level: Ok; Quality:
On, New
Chain Condition: Very Good
Coolant – Level: Ok; Quality: Ok, New
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery: 12.6V
Test Ride: Ok
Additionally, Olly found that the chin section of the front fairing has broken tabs.
Modifications:
Öhlins rear shock.
Aftermarket brake reservoir cap.
Inside of the tank:
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
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 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
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.
