Description
Please note: This bike does not currently run; the seller has asked that it be auctioned as-is. He will also be listing a second Michael Jordan Motorsports bike that was raced by Steve Rapp, but he is waiting to get the tank cover signed.
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
No matter how much you know about basketball, chances are pretty good that you’re at least somewhat familiar with Michael Jordan; the former NBA star achieved unprecedented success during his time on the court, and his brand continues to thrive under Nike’s mammoth umbrella. What many fail to realize, though, is that Jordan is also avid motorcycle enthusiast.
And a long-standing one at that — Jordan’s two-wheeled passion took root during his years riding dirt bikes as a kid. Of course, as his career evolved and the sponsorships continued to roll in, the risk of injury required him to hang up his helmet and focus on his game. Once he retired (for the third time) in 2003, he rekindled his love of bikes by riding through the streets of Chicago. It was then that Jordan befriended James Casmay, a local motorcyclist who introduced him to team manager Pete Mauhar and got him started on the track to forming his own AMA Superbike squad: Michael Jordan Motorsports.
For the 2004 season, the team’s inaugural rider Montez Stewart took to the grid aboard a Yamaha YZF-R1. Despite all of the excitement surrounding Michael Jordan’s motorcycle venture, unfortunately, Stewart only managed to ride to a 35th place finish in the Supersport class and a 23rd place finish in Superstock.
Even still, Jordan persevered. The following year, he acquired a set of Suzuki GSX-R1000s along with two new riders to represent the team. Steve Rapp (of the #15 bike being sold here) rode to a 3rd place finish in the Superstock class and an 8th place finish in the Superbike class. His teammate Jason Pridmore ended the season in 19th and 16th, respectively. Eventually, Michael Jordan Motorsports did see further success; Jake Zemke won the two opening rounds of the 2010 season and secured third overall on the podium. By 2014, however, the team had run its course — financial troubles combined with the loss of key sponsorships required Jordan to withdraw.
This example is VIN: JS1GT76A152102329. The seller acquired the bike five years ago.
It has been signed by Jason Pridmore.
There is no odometer, true mileage is unknown.
Modifications:
Race bodywork.
Yoshimura exhaust.
Öhlins rear shock with remote reservoir.
Braided steel brake lines.
Woodcraft clip-ons.
Vortex case cover.
Vortex rear sets.
Frame sliders.
Swingarm spools.
Vortex gas cap.
Stomp Grip tank pads.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop slicks that have aged out.
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 Suzuki is offered on a Bill of Sale only with lien paperwork. Have any GSX-R1000 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
