Table of contents

• Odd types – nine quirky motorcycles from Japan in used purchase From the tiny 10 hp to the fat cruiser
• Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter
• Honda MSX 125
• Kawasaki KLV 1000
• Honda F6C Valkyrie
• Honda MVX 250 F.
• Yamaha FZX 750
• Suzuki TL 1000 R.
• Suzuki Bandit 400
• Yamaha Tricker
• Price comparison of the bizarre Japanese bikes

jkuenstle.de, Hartmann, Stefan Wolf, markus-jahn.com

9 pictures

Rossen Gargolov

1/9
Klaus Herder (54), editor guidebook: Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter (from 4,500 euros).

jkuenstle.de

2/9
Roman Kirschbauer (30), test editor: Honda MSX 125 (from 2,000 euros).

Kawasaki

3/9
Jorg Lohse (47), Head of Advisor: Kawasaki KLV 1000 (from 3,000 euros).

Hartmann

4/9
Markus Biebricher (54), Head of Life: Honda F6C Valkyrie (from 6,000 euros).

archive

5/9
Thorsten Dentges (45), editor guidebook: Yamaha FZX 750 (from 1,800 euros).

jkuenstle.de

6/9
Gerd Mayer (42), Head of Special Objects: Suzuki Bandit 400 (from 800 euros).

Stefan Wolf

7/9
Gerhard Eirich (53), editor MOTORRAD Classic: Honda MVX 250 F (from 3,500 euros).

markus-jahn.com

8/9
Ralf Schneider (56), MOTORRAD author: Suzuki TL 1000 R (from 2,800 euros).

Yamaha

9/9
Rolf Henniges (51), Head of FUEL: Yamaha Tricker (from 3,800 euros).

counselor

Used purchase

Weird types of used advice – bizarre motorcycles from Japan

Odd types – nine quirky motorcycles from Japan in used purchase
From the tiny 10 hp to the fat cruiser

In this second-hand motorcycle purchase advice, we introduce you to nine Japanese motorcycles, which will also provide plenty of talking point on the Germany Boulevard.

Thorsten Dentges

07/06/2017

Living in the Japanese multimillion metropolis of Tokyo – it is easy for individuals to drown there. Individuality? Difficult in the crowd. Again and again, however, individual oddities stand out, often in a somewhat weird manner. And even among the countless, often staid motorcycle models from the land of the rising sun, there are illustrious deviants who stand out from the crowd. We are now introducing nine Nippon used cars that are guaranteed to provide plenty of talking point on the boulevard in this country too.

Buy complete article

Odd types – nine quirky motorcycles from Japan for sale
From the tiny 10 hp to the fat cruiser

4 pages) as PDF

€ 2.00

Buy now

Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter

Rossen Gargolov

Klaus Herder (54), editor guidebook: Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter (from 4,500 euros).

A 1940s Indian chief weighs around 250 kilograms. And their mighty fenders are made of sheet metal. From 1999 onwards, the cruiser segment stirred up for a short time Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter weighs in at a whopping 323 kilos. And their wheel covers, which are quite brazen of the Indian original, are made of plastic. So a ridiculous blender? Chamber! At the end of the 90s, the cruiser scene had become over-saturated: All the Far East big ships somehow looked like “Harley for the poor” and more or less successfully quoted the Fat Boy.

So it was only logical for Kawasaki to run the really big eye-catcher program because of the show effect. And that – at least until the failed facelift in 2001 – without the usual bling-bling fuss; because on the first edition of the Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter every chrome endangered area is pitch black. The Drifter is not only more eye-catching than its Far East rival models, it is also simply better in terms of engines and chassis. The polarizing packaging is joined by a cultivated and well-engineered engine and, thank god, a cruiser-untypical, because it is dynamic, chassis. Friendly!

Technical data Kawasaki VN 1500 Drifter (Model year 1999):

Water-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke 50 degree V engine, 1,471 cm³, 47 kW (64 PS) at 4,700 rpm, weight 323 kg, tank capacity 16 liters, seat height 750 mm, top speed 160 km / h, 0-100 km / h in 5.6 seconds, consumption (country road) 6.9 l / 100 km

Honda MSX 125

jkuenstle.de

Roman Kirschbauer (30), test editor: Honda MSX 125 (from 2,000 euros).

Believe me, the small Honda MSX 125 has been making the coolest appearance in front of the ice cream parlor since 2013! Seriously, a tiny bike with twelve-inch wheels and just under 10 hp as a boulevard bike? Why, surely! Company car penned up throw their hands over their mouths in delight when they are circled by the nicely designed single-cylinder light motorcycle in the morning traffic jam. Around 50 used copies of the machine, which was offered in Germany until 2016, can be found in the online portals and usually have less than 5,000 kilometers on the clock.

The reason for this? There is no! As an adult, you have seldom sat better on a moped as small and weighing as little as 102 kilos than on a Honda MSX 125 (Seat height 765 millimeters). With the four-speed gearbox you can roam the urban jungle with the sensationally economical floor exercise machine (on average hardly more than 2.5 l / 100 km), enjoy the quiet, bassy sound of the modern injector, the good workmanship and the robust start of the two-valve engine . Rightly, you always roll into pole position at the traffic lights – this city runabout already has a cult factor!

Technical data Honda MSX 125 (Model year 2013):

Air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine, 125 cm³, 7.2 kW (9.8 PS) at 7,000 rpm, weight 102 kg, tank capacity 5.5 liters, seat height 765 mm, top speed 90 km / h, consumption (country road) k. A..

Kawasaki KLV 1000

Kawasaki

Jorg Lohse (47), Head of Advisor: Kawasaki KLV 1000 (from 3,000 euros).

A real Kawasuki – you read that correctly, Kawa-Suki, because the 1000cc travel enduro was the result of a cooperation between Kawasaki and Suzuki in the noughties. The two manufacturers had teamed up with know-how and when purchasing certain components for motocross models in order to be able to produce more economically. However, while the identical twin Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom has been sold over 8,000 times, the sales figures for the Kawasaki KLV 1000 in the construction period from 2004 to 2006 tended to drift.

Nowadays, only a handful of the Kawasaki KLV 1000, which even die-hard fans of the Greens often have on their radar, can be found on the used market. Without exception in bright orange, because unlike the Suzuki V-Strom, the otherwise completely identical, rare Kawa model was never offered in other colors. Incidentally, the embossed nameplate with homologation number identifies the Kawasaki as a Suzuki, which has already unsettled many police and inspection officers during controls, as some KLV owners credibly report. A real Kawasuki.

Technical data Kawasaki KLV 1000 (Model year 2004):

Water-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke V-engine, 996 cm³, 72 kW (98 PS) at 7,600 rpm, weight 237 kg, tank capacity 22 liters, seat height 840 mm, top speed 200 km / h, 0-100 km / h in 3, 4 seconds, consumption (country road) 5.1 l / 100 km

Honda F6C Valkyrie

Hartmann

Markus Biebricher (54), Head of Life: Honda F6C Valkyrie (from 6,000 euros).

Long and low, cool and timeless surfing, accompanied by the deep Boller sound of large-volume V2 engines. For me, this type of chopping was never the ultimate form of locomotion, but as an experience experiment, I sometimes had myself put into the orthopedically deficient sitting posture. This was also the case when Honda crowned its chopper range with the F6C (Flat Six Custom) in 1997. What a battleship! Once on the move, you forgot the masses, the Honda F6C Valkyrie was well balanced measured by its weight of 330 kilos ready to drive and its geometry typical of its type.

Sure, the chassis and brakes weren’t a revelation, but up to a top speed of 200 km / h the imposing custom bike ran straight ahead. But the best part was the engine! The thrust of the slightly modified six-cylinder boxer of the 1500 Gold Wing in combination with the rattling, hissing soundscape already gave rise to a slight “V8 big block feeling”. The Flat Six, which alone weighs 130 kilograms, with 130 Nm and 98 hp made the driver feel like he was always drawing on the full potential. That’s why my days with the US-built, nicely chrome-plated Honda F6C Valkyrie will be unforgettable.

Technical data Honda F6C Valkyrie (Model year 1996):

Water-cooled six-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine, 1,520 cm³, 72 kW (98 PS) at 6,000 rpm, weight 335 kg, tank capacity 20 liters, seat height k. A., top speed 207 km / h, 0-100 km / h in 3.6 seconds, consumption (country road) 7.4 l / 100 km

Honda MVX 250 F.

Stefan Wolf

Gerhard Eirich (53), Editor MOTORRAD Classic: Honda MVX 250 F (from 3,500 euros).

Honda’s first production two-stroke street machine, the MVX 250 F, came late – not until 1983. The change in GP riders from four-stroke to two-stroke engines had prompted Honda to derive a commercially available bike from it. But unlike the 112-degree V3 of the 500 GP device, which has two cylinders and one lying down, the Honda MVX 250 F carries its 90-degree V3 in exactly the opposite position. The diaphragm-controlled triplet conjures up 40 hp with a distinctive two-stroke rattle from the quarter-liter displacement – enough to help the 160 kilogram 250 cc to achieve brisk performance.

The admittedly unconventionally styled bike with the comfortable seating position does not want to be a pure racing device and also allows everyday strolls at moderate speeds. As expected, real fire only develops from high engine speeds, between 7,000 and 10,500 rpm the Honda MVX 250 F gets going. Comstar wheels and the encapsulated disc brake at the front were the hit back then. Never officially offered in this country, nowadays there are only a few copies imported by resourceful dealers in Europe – if you want one, you should definitely look beyond German borders.

Technical data Honda MVX 250 F (Model year 1983):

Water-cooled three-cylinder two-stroke 90 degree V engine, 250 cm³, 29.4 kW (40 PS) at 9,000 rpm, weight 160 kg, tank capacity 17 liters, seat height 780 mm, top speed 163 km / h, acceleration 0– 100 km / h in 6.6 seconds, consumption (country road) 7.5 l / 100 km

Yamaha FZX 750

archive

Thorsten Dentges (45), editor guidebook: Yamaha FZX 750 (from 1,800 euros).

Neither racers nor choppers, neither sprinters nor tourers. the Yamaha FZX 750 is different. […] But the basic concept is right. ”The MOTORRAD author described the 94 hp muscle bike with a flowery when it was launched in 1987 (previously only gray imports). And by that means: Nothing at all fits together on this machine. Too long a gear ratio stands in the way of high sprint potential, an unsuccessful suspension setup thwarts sports operations, and the hard seat spoils longer tours. So a flop? Of course, and to be honest, I would never have come across this Yamaha at the time.

But at the time everyone liked the five-valve in-line quad from the FZ 750 sports tourer. Now, while browsing for a masculine two-wheeler alternative, I got stuck on the Yamaha FZX 750. The provider desperately called the part that had been advertised for months as “small Vmax” – well, with a little imagination … But gold engine covers in contrast to the black housing and chrome panels for the air filter box are still eye-catchers today, and anyway: different! “is who cares about” basic concepts “?

Technical data Yamaha FZX 750 (Model year 1987):

Water-cooled four-cylinder four-stroke in-line engine, 750 cm³, 69 kW (94 PS) at 9,500 rpm, weight 227 kg, tank capacity 13 liters, seat height 750 mm, top speed 206 km / h, acceleration 0-100 km / h in 4.0 sec, consumption (country road) 6.2 l / 100 km

Suzuki TL 1000 R.

markus-jahn.com

Ralf Schneider (56), MOTORRAD author: Suzuki TL 1000 R (from 2,800 euros).

The late 1990s: the era of sporty two-cylinder engines. The Ducati 916 was admired for its sound and appearance and won the Superbike World Championship title – also because the regulations favored the twins. This led Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki and then Aprilia to develop two-cylinder athletes: TRX 850, VTR 1000 F and SP, TL 1000 S and R and RSV mille R. In this series, the Suzuki TL 1000 R is certainly the most unfortunate motorcycle.

Its strange, dolphin-like tail rump, its relatively high weight and the unconvincing rear suspension with a lever system for an undamped spring and a separate impeller damper stood in the way of a good sales success. Not least because it competed with its successful sister, the GSX-R, whose full fairing also looked similar. However, anyone who can come to terms with the appearance of the Suzuki TL 1000 R today will receive an extremely reliable sports machine with a decent chassis, cultivated, powerful engine and excellent brakes. And one that is definitely not on every corner.

Technical data Suzuki TL 1000 R (Model year 1998):

Water-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke V-engine, 996 cm³, 99 kW (135 PS) at 9,500 / min, weight 231 kg, tank capacity 17 liters, seat height 825 mm, top speed 266 km / h, 0-100 km / h in 2, 9 seconds, consumption (country road) 7.0 l / 100 km

Suzuki Bandit 400

jkuenstle.de

Gerd Mayer (42), Head of Special Objects: Suzuki Bandit 400 (from 800 euros).

The smallest bandit ever imported to Germany was and is a case for real lovers of filigree motorcycle technology. In 1991, the Suzuki Bandit 400 set a refreshing counterpoint to the fully disguised plastic bombers of that time: visible modern technology, embedded in timelessly beautiful shapes. The seductive red on the tubular bridge frame and swingarm, white rims, great chrome accents and the beautiful inline four-cylinder laid the foundation for the mega success of subsequent Bandit generations, which were to sell more than 100,000 times in all displacement variants in this country.

The fact that it only remained at a total of 3,500 400s sold in the end was due to the extremely high performance characteristics of the engine, throttled to 50 hp. The handy, but also quite stiff chassis and the great brakes contrasted with the omnipresent pulling weakness, which made everyday life with the Suzuki Bandit 400 a bit exhausting at times. The poor workmanship, high consumption and sometimes hefty spare part prices also contributed to the fact that the GSF 400 Bandit did not become a resounding sales success.

Technical data Suzuki Bandit 400 (Model year 1991):

Water-cooled four-cylinder four-stroke engine, 398 cm³, 37 kW (50 PS) at 10,600 rpm, weight 190 kg, tank capacity 16 liters, seat height 770 mm, top speed 172 km / h, acceleration 0-100 km / h in 5.9 seconds, Consumption (country road) 5.8 l / 100 km

Yamaha Tricker

Yamaha

Rolf Henniges (51), Head of FUEL: Yamaha Tricker (from 3,800 euros).

Just crazy! What Yamaha presented at the Intermot motorcycle fair in 2004 took my breath away. Incredible total weight of 88 kg. 30 hp. An Ohlins upside-down fork that can be rotated 360 degrees in the steering head. 21 and 18 inch wheels suitable for off-road use. Carbon fiber frame. The so-called Air-Tricker was a synthesis of a BMX bike and a motorcycle. Seen. In love. Ordered. No matter what it costs. A year later disillusionment: the 250cc Tricker offered by Yamaha has as much in common with the concept model presented at the trade fairs as a 125cc Marauder with a Harley Road King. Sales are sluggish. Because 19 PS from the old, air-cooled 250 XT engine in a staid outfit, more Merkel than muscle, does not knock anyone off their feet. Today, twelve years later, it is Yamaha Tricker searched.

Their low weight, the low seating position, the manageable and hardly susceptible technology, the low consumption and their maneuverability make them a coveted model that motorhome drivers like to take with them on the back. I didn’t buy one back then. Too bad. Used today they are almost as expensive as they were then new.

Technical data Yamaha Tricker (Model year 2005):

Air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine, 249 cm³, 14 kW (19 PS) at 7,500 rpm, weight 118 kg, tank capacity 6.0 liters, seat height 785 mm, top speed 120 km / h, acceleration 0-100 km / h k. A., consumption k. A..

Price comparison of the bizarre Japanese bikes

Used motorcycles from Japan in Germany

Some of the bizarre Japanese bikes, such as the Honda F6C Valkyrie or the Yamaha Tricker, are so popular that they hardly appear on the used motorcycle market, if at all. But the other rarities from the Far East are compared to each other in a direct price comparison: Used motorcycles from Japan in Germany

Related articles

• Buying advice for used sports motorcycles

  manufacturer 20th pictures manufacturer 1/20 Aprilia RS4 125 (model year 2011): from 1,800 euros. manufacturer 2/20 Yamaha YZF-R 125 (model year 2011):…

• 48 hp motorcycles in used advice

  viperagp – Fotolia / MOTORRAD 20th pictures Artist 1/20 A Harley Sportster 883 is only slightly above the A2 limit with an open 53 HP, a circumcision…

• Second-hand advice: Misunderstood motorcycles

  fact counselor Used purchase Second-hand advice: Misunderstood motorcycles Second-hand advice: Misunderstood motorcycles Used bikes that nobody wants She…

• Second-hand advice dream motorcycles

  Bilski 15th pictures Gargolov 1/15 Buell XB9 / XB12S / R: from 4500 euros. Gargolov 2/15 Moto Guzzi V11 Sport: from 4000 euros. 3/15 Harley-Davidson Fat…

• Second-hand advice for beginners 48 hp motorcycles

  Horny 21 pictures Horny 1/21 Thanks to the new driving license regulations, entry into the motorcycle world has become even more attractive. And on the…

• Naked bikes from Italy – used advice

  Orth counselor Used purchase Naked bikes from Italy – used advice Second-hand advice: Naked bikes from Italy Buy used Italian motorcycles Balm for the…

• Used motorcycles for 2500 euros

  Fotolia counselor Used purchase Used motorcycles for 2500 euros Used motorcycles for 2500 euros 15 motorcycle buying tips for 2500 euros Motorcycles at…

• Tops and Flops – Used Motorcycles 2016

  markus-jahn.com, r-photography.info, jkuenstle.de, MOTORRAD-Archiv, Herzog, bilski-fotografie.de, fact.de 19th pictures jkuenstle.de 1/19 Second-hand…

• Used motorcycles exotic and youngtimers up to 2000 euros

  archive counselor Used purchase Used motorcycles exotic and youngtimers up to 2000 euros Not everyone has them – unusual bikes for little money…

• Used motorcycles – tips from the editors

  Markus Jahn 25th pictures fact 1/25 KTM LC4 640 Adventure. jkuenstle.de 2/25 MZ 1000 SF. jkuenstle.de 3/25 MZ 1000 SF. Jorg Kunstle 4/25 Honda DN-01….