No Reserve – 1989 Honda NSR250R MC18 Project

Description

Additional photos of this Honda NSR250R are available here for your perusal.

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 ’89 model got a slight restyle as well as a big upgrade to the PGM-II electronic ECU.

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 1980’s 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: MC181016739.

The odometer shows 10,000 kilometers (6,213 miles).

The seller brought it to us almost a year ago to sell – he acquired it as part of a package deal and had no interest in this bike. Please note that the bike has a CA license plate on it, however the seller was unable to provide paperwork and we have been unable to contact him for over six months. We looked into getting a new title via a mechanic’s lien, however our contact at the DMV states that (even though it has a CA plate already) we wouldn’t be able to get a new CA title for it as it has less than 7,500 miles and it doesn’t have any compliance stickers on it. With that in mind, we are selling this with no reserve to offset his storage costs.

9/15 Update: Olly had the bike up on his lift roughly two months go and he got it to run. It currently does not run (will need a new battery) but the engine turns over.

Modifications:
Aftermarket front fairing/headlights.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for photos of all known cosmetic blemishes. Here are some of the most obvious (please note that it is missing the side fairings):

Inside of the tank:

The sale includes two keys.

Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Honda is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any NSR250R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!