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″).
This example is VIN: MC211019560. The bike was sent to Iconic from a seller out of Japan.
The odometer shows 15,179 kilometers (9,431 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: Ok
Transmission Oil Quality: Ok
2T Oil Level: Ok
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: Ok, 1.5% 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: DIRTY
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
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: 80%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 30%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 36/20
Tire Date Code Rear: 31/20
Tire % Remaining Front: 80%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 29 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 32 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.19V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.60V
Running Condition: Good, runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: None taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
*JHA exhaust pipes
*Ti-Nitride coated front forks
-LH Carb/Boot is mounted badly
-Riser bar set up
-Round headlight retro setup
-Cosmetic Imperfections:
–Split at RH tail section
–Fine cracks at front fender
–Wheel paint is peeling, front and rear
–Cracked pain at RH fuel tank
–Rub mark on LH tail section
REPAIRS RECOMMENDED
-Hydro 2
-New Carb Boots/Manifolds/Insulators
-Chain Service
Modifications:
Painted bodywork and tank.
Round headlight. Aero Gear windscreen. Aftermarket mirrors. Aftermarket front turn signals. Steel braided brake lines. Titanium nitride coated front forks.
JHA exhaust.
Aftermarket grips. Bar riser.
Aftermarket rear turn signals. Clear taillight lenses. Aftermarket license plate mount.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax Alpha-14 tires with date codes of 3120 and 3620.
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Honda is offered on a Bill of Sale only with import paperwork. Iconic can assist the winning bidder obtain a Washington state title for $750. Have any NSR250R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
