On December 7, this 1997 Honda NSR500V in NOS condition (New Old Stock), that is, put in its box and packaging, it broke any previous record for the sale of a Japanese motorcycle at auction. Specifically, a final figure of 267,607 dollars was paid for it, a little more than 262,000 euros to change.
And it is no wonder, taking into account not only the iconicity of the model, but also other aspects related to this specific example. For example, it has been waiting for more than a quarter of a century for someone to dare to unseal it. Also that we are facing unit number one of the very few that were manufactured in this series.
Honda NSR500V 1997: Breaking all sales records
It has been thanks to the colleagues at New Atlas, who have echoed the news recently, through whom we have learned of the record sales figure achieved by this incredible NSR500V from 1997. An amount of this level had never been reached before. , already becoming the most expensive Japanese motorcycle auctioned in history.
Previously, $237,700 was paid for a Honda RC213V-S and $221,600 for a Honda CB750. The $267,607 paid for this NSR500V leaves the figures obtained by both models far behind, although in any case we are talking about truly astronomical prices, even knowing that we are facing true icons of two wheels.
Focusing on this 1997 NSR500V, one of the 22 examples manufactured between 1995 and 2001, we are talking about the number one unit in the series, manufactured to be used by the press and media of the time. However, as we have already mentioned, it was never unpacked or piloted by anyone. In fact, it has never been started. Something, on the other hand, that should be punished.
Associated with VIN: NSR500VF-K001 and engine number NSR500VE-K003, “Honda used this bike as a press image and exhibition piece in different GP races around the world.”as detailed by Iconic Motorbikes. And continues: “The current owner had a contact at HRC who arranged the purchase of the motorcycle and a large quantity of NOS parts. “HRC packed up the motorcycle and parts and shipped them to Southern California.”
Concludes: “The first time the box was opened was about six years ago to show Adam what was inside. The motorcycle remained in the box until we opened it last week to prepare it for auction; “We kept the box (supplied by HRC), but please note that it is not the original box you would have received when purchasing one of these motorcycles brand new.”
Regarding the benefits that the NSR500V offers us, it is equipped with an engine V2 at 100º with a single crankshaft capable of generating a maximum power of 135 HP to pull the barely 103 kilograms that it declares when empty. Without a doubt its greatest asset was in the levels of agility it showed, practically unmatched among the V4 competition. In fact, the great Japanese driver Tadayuki Okada would achieve pole position in his first race in 1996 at the Malaysia circuit.
Without a doubt, an icon from the end of the last century that today has become a desired object of desire for collectors and lovers of this type of motorcycle. If you want to know all the details of this 1997 NSR500V you can visit the sales announcement that Iconic Motorbikes published at the time on its official website.
