No Reserve – 1992 Honda NSR75 Project

Description

Additional photos of this Honda NSR75 Project are available here for your perusal.

The NSR is a sport-oriented compact motorcycle meant to invigorate the faltering European market in the late 1980’s. With the ever-increasing popularity of Japanese sportbikes in the market, the Spanish motorcycle industry began to collapse, and as a last resort extended an offer of a ‘joint venture’ with Japanese brands. This collaboration resulted in Japanese motorcycles being shipped to Spanish companies across Europe, where they would be assembled and sold by Spanish companies. The MBX (later known as the NSR) was created in the wake of this partnership.

Originally named the MBX, the NSR began life as easy-to-ride ‘Hurricane’ lookalike, with a singular headlight and a more bulbous design in the fairings. By 1988, Honda had decided that in order to continue the success of their current small displacement motorcycles amongst young adults in the European market, they would need to transform the MBX. The successor was known as the NSR, and it featured a more modern appearance, with angular lines and a belly pan, as well as a more aggressive riding position. The NSR strayed even further from the MBX with a more robust tune to the original 2-stroke engine that included improvements in the cylinder, cylinder head, intake and exhaust, which added up to a whopping 12 hp and 7 ft-lb of torque. The NSR also came with a more modern and sportier 17-inch front wheel, instead of the original 18-inch that came on the MBX.

This example is VIN: VTMDC03A0XE121594.

The odometer shows 7,968 kilometers (4,951 miles).

The owner imported this bike from Japan several years ago with the intent of reselling it in the US. He had it running and for sale at the 2019 Barber Vintage Festival. It did not sell there, and due to COVID the bike has been in storage since. At a minimum, it will need a new battery and the carbs cleaned to run. To ride, it would likely also need a full fluid flush and new tires. We have not inspected it.

Modifications:
Aftermarket front fairing, headlights, and front turn signals.

Aftermarket grips.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Dunlop ArrowMax tires which have aged out.

The sale includes one key.

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 with a Japanese title (translated) and Certificate of Export.

Have any NSR75 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!