1988 Honda Interceptor

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1988 Honda VTR250 Interceptor refurbished by Existential Motorcycles In the last few years, the major motorcycle manufacturers have finally noticed that Kawasaki's best-selling and most profitable model of all time is the EX250 Ninja – aka “Ninjette.” Although marketed and used mostly as an entry-level bike in Bigger-Is-Better land USA, it's technology and performance were way better than that. On tight, twisty roads – such as we are blessed with in abundance here in the Blue Ridge mountains – a good rider could leave bigger/more powerful bikes for dead. Light weight and great handling are the keys to speed in the twisties. Soon, all four Japanese makers will have sporting 250s in the showrooms – but 25 years ago Honda made a bike that is still faster, lighter, more fuel-efficient and better-handling than any of the new 250s. The VTR250 Interceptor – 1988-1990. But some idiot in American Honda marketing decided that no 1988 American male would be caught dead on a 250 so they should market them to women. So the idiot ordered them painted like Barbie's First Motorcycle. Most women who ride don't want a “girly” bike either. The dealers could not give them away and Honda withdrew the model from the American market – but continued to sell them in Europe and Asia with great success – and more tasteful paint scheme. Meanwhile, Kawasaki presented it's 250 Ninja as a mini-me of the big-bore Ninjas – and it was a steady seller with only changes in paint and decals for 20 years before the first changes to the engine design in the 2008 model – which boosted mid-range torque a bit but at the expense of both peak power and fuel mileage – and added weight – but with fashionably edgy new bodywork. The complicated inboard front disc brake was a rare case of Honda engineers out-smarting themselves. The theoretical benefits of zero torque-steer under hard braking and mass-centralization around the steering stem axis were not apparent to the rider in practice. It was dropped on the last 1990 model in favor of a less costly conventional front wheel/disc setup. About this bike: Many hours have gone into a thorough service of this excellent original and unrestored example of rather rare and very cool vintage hot-rod. It is missing the original tool kit but it has the original owner's manual/case in perfect condition under the seat. It's as right and ready as a 25-year-old machine can be. An original copy of the Honda dealers' service manual is included. The tighter, more technical the road gets, the faster this thing gets. If you can really ride, this bike will take on all comers at the Dragon and leave 'em dead – unless a ringer shows up on a TZ250. Tech Specs: 330 lb.32 hp. @ 13,500 rpm6-speed trans 70 mpg. 110 mph what more do you need to know? Please note: This bike is advertised for sale locally at the buy it now price of $2,2k. I will end the auction early if there is a local sale - so, if you really really want this lovely bike, you should buy it now.