Sometimes it’s a tough job!

As I mentioned in a previous post, one of the nicer things about being an independent dealer is the huge variety of different motorcycles I get to work on and, more importantly ride! This time I got to work on and eventually ride was a super rare and desirable two stroke two fifty the jewel like Honda NSR250R SP MC28. This little gem, was the ultimate development of the NSR250, complete with Honda Pro-Link single sided swinging arm and a 90 degree two stroke v-twin engine with a dry clutch, all packed into an almost miniature twin spar aluminium chassis,  that closely resembled the stunning RS250 racers of the time.

This particular bike belongs to a friend and ex-racer who has a few interesting bikes in his collection, and was bought to me to rectify a carb problem that resulted in the engine and exhaust filling up with fuel. You can see more about it’s repair on my Facebook page, ( https://www.facebook.com/A55Motorcycles/?ref=bookmarks ) but, obviously it also gave me a chance to put a leg over this dream machine, lucky boy aren’t I?

The ride:

As soon as you put the key card in the slot and the bike comes to life with a whirr of power valve servos you can tell it’s something special (only 1500 of this model world wide), pull the choke lever back and give it a gentle prod on the kickstart and the muted two stroke burble reminds me of that 80’s hooligan the famous Yamaha RD350LC more than anything else. For anyone that hasn’t had a two stroke before it is important to spend the next 5 mins gently blipping the throttle, easing the choke off and generally warming the bike up, to avoid engine damage. By this time you have forgotten how special this bike is, but the second you pull the clutch in you are reminded that this is a real race replica by the rattle and hiss of the dry clutch under it’s cover on the right hand side. Admittedly at 6’1″ and 19 stone, I was never going to be part of this bikes target market, but the designers at the big ‘H’ have done a stunning job as every thing falls into place as soon as you start rolling. The bike is so light you barely feel it under you and as it responds to you just thinking about a change of direction, you feel it’s race track heritage in every bend. The compliant, yet some how firm forks, follow the road so precisely you feel like you are glued to the tarmac. And the sound track, spine tingling isn’t in it, as the revs rise and the tiny v-twin begins to sing its banshee song, the needle rushes toward the bloodline, clutch in……hissing rattle…..change up, and again!!! It is totally intoxicating. Unfortunately, although I really want to just gas it up check the 2t tank and disappear into the countryside for a day of manic riding, I have to remember this is a customers treasure not mine, so respect is the order of the day and after just a couple of miles of two stroke bliss, I have to take it back to the shop and give him a call to arrange for him to collect it. Gutted!!!