In late 1987, Honda overhauled their existing NSR250R to create the MC18 generation. The first MC18 (aka the PGM-1) used a redesigned two-stroke 90-degree V-Twin, though it boasted the first digitally-controlled two-stroke carb setup on a production road bike — a feature only bolstered by the RC valve system.
The MC18 also got a revised pentagonal section aluminum alloy frame with a removable subframe, dual drilled floating 276mm discs bit by cast aluminum four-piston Nissin calipers (and a single 220mm disc in back), twin circular taillights, telescopic forks with preload adjustment, Pro-Link rear suspension, and six-arm aluminum alloy Enkei wheels. The MC18’s bodywork also received a minor facelift based on the 1988 season’s NSR500 GP bike. Japanese restrictions meant horsepower was still capped at 45 out of the box, though the MC18’s potential was a lot less hard to unlock. With a few simple modifications, 60hp could easily be achieved.
The NSR250R did well in showrooms, at least partially thanks to Honda’s streak of successes in 1980s GP racing. From ’83 through ’89, Honda won more than half of the 500cc world titles and four 250cc titles in ’85, ’87, ’88, and ’89. And while the NSR250 was incredibly successful, not many have found their way to the US.
This example is VIN: MC181111707. The bike was sent to Iconic via Japan.
The odometer shows 24,604 kilometers (15,288 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Transmission Oil Level: Tiny bit low
Transmission Oil Quality: Unknown
2T Oil Level: Ok
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: Age Unknown
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: FAIL, >3% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: FAIL, >3% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A, Cable Clutch
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: NEEDS SERVICE
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: NOT WORKING
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: NOT WORKING
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 35%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80%
Forks: LEAKING
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 10/21
Tire Date Code Rear: 02/21
Tire % Remaining Front: 30%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 45%
Tire Press. Front: 29 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 32 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.41V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.12V
Running Condition: Runs poorly on bench
Test Ride Completed: None taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Fork seals leaking badly – contaminated brake pads + rotor
-STD air filter ok
-#2 Cylinder not running
*Stainless steel aftermarket pipes
–RH rear mount welds are broken
*Braided brake lines
*Aftermarket solo-seat
*Aftermarket screen
-Cosmetic Imperfections
–LH fairing upper touched up
–Small marks on LH belly pan
–Slight cracking, LH faring
REPAIRS RECOMMENDED
-Fork service
-Rotor, front caliper wash
-New front brake pads
-Weld repair – RH expansion chamber
-Electrical diag/repair – Low beam not working
-Performance Diag – #2 Cylinder not running
-Hydro 2
-Trans fluid
-Coolant
Modifications:
Aftermarket Ajinomoto Terra Racing bodywork.
Steel braided brake lines.
Seat cowl.
Aftermarket exhaust.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax Alpha-14 tires with date codes of 0221 and 1021.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Panorama City, California, this Honda is offered on a Bill of Sale with import paperwork. Iconic can assist the winning bidder obtain a Washington state title for $750. Please note that as an import, this bike lacks certain compliance and emissions stickers that the state of California would require to transfer a title. Have any NSR250R MC18 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
