1994 Honda NSR 250R SP (MC28)

With two-stroke 250s long since banished from Grand Prix racing, joining their roadster cousins in the dustbin of history, there has never been a more opportune moment to acquire one of these charismatic machines. The impossibility of making high-performance strokers meet increasingly tough emissions legislation led to their gradual disappearance from the Japanese manufacturers' ranges, Suzuki's RGV250 being the last to go, while on the racetrack only Aprilia remained fully committed to the class at the finish. Honda's NS250R v-twin roadster first appeared in the mid-1980s, capitalising on Freddie Spencer's 250/500 double World Championship of 1985. Renamed NSR250R, the model went through several evolutions over the course of the next decade, though always restricted to 45bhp for its home market, and was never officially imported into the UK. All models used basically the same MC16E engine.

Imported into the UK and first registered here (to Fastline Superbikes of Preston) on 23rd October 2012, this MC28 model has belonged to our vendor, its sole private UK owner, since 11th November 2012. The Honda was first registered as 'L418 PEO' and has since been re-registered with the private plate 'L22 NSR' (included in the sale). The machine currently displays a total of 305 kilometres on the odometer, although this cannot be warranted as the distance covered from new.

Kept indoors and cherished, the NSR was ridden sparingly initially, taking in various outings and shows per year. However, as the private vendor has grown older he has become less pliable and also suffers from sciatica; he now finds the Honda less comfortable to ride, hence the decision to sell. The vendor has continued to maintain his motorcycles in full working order, starting and running them on a short private drive twice a year, with regular changes of oil, filters, brake fluid, etc (see file for dates). The NSR has been run exclusively on Shell V Power petrol with fuel stabiliser added. A video of it running may be viewed on the Bonhams website. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's history, originality, authenticity, mechanical condition, mileage and completeness (or otherwise) prior to bidding.

Accompanying documents include the following:

• Current V5C Registration Certificate
• Copy of previous owner V5C (Fastline Superbikes Ltd)
• Expired MoT
• Fastline service booklet
• Copy workshop manual
• DVLA correspondence
• Various invoices

Key card present.