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This Honda Motorcycle Was Reimagined With a Legendary Livery, and It Can Be Yours

Honda’s history in Grand Prix racing is packed with icons, and the NSR500 sits right near the top. This was the bike that ruled the 500cc class in the '80s and '90s, and it became downright legendary under the hands of Australian rider Mick Doohan. From 1994 to 1998, Doohan absolutely dominated the championship, winning five titles in a row and cementing his place in racing history.

The original NSR500 was a two-stroke V4 monster, brutal and uncompromising, with a powerband that punished anyone who wasn’t razor-sharp on the throttle. These days, you’d be lucky to even see one in person. Most are locked away in private collections or museums. Which is why builds like this one, spotted in Spain, are so interesting.

At first glance, it looks like a real GP bike. But underneath the bodywork is a 1998 Honda VFR800 Fi, a completely different animal. This one’s a four-stroke, fuel-injected V4, known for its gear-driven cams and bulletproof reliability. It makes around 105 horsepower and 60 pound-feet of torque, and it was one of the most respected sport-touring platforms of its time.

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That makes this build even more compelling. You get a healthy amount of performance, proper V4 character, and the sound and feel that hint at its racing roots, but without the quirks and maintenance headaches of a two-stroke.

Of course, the custom work is impressive, too. The full Repsol livery looks spot on, complete with painted wheels, accurate decals, and a tail section that really sells the look. Lighting has been updated with full LED units concealed very sneakily within the bodywork. This includes integrated turn signals, as well as front and rear position lights. In fact, some of the parts were made using 3D printing to get the details just right.

According to the seller, the bike is fully street-legal and has a valid MOT until 2027. That means it’s not just a display piece. You could actually ride this to work or take it out on weekends without worrying about reliability or parts availability.

There are still a few unknowns, like how many kilometers it’s done and what other modifications have been made beyond cosmetics. But the seller seems legit, with a good rating, and the listing is still active as of this writing.

Asking price is 11,900 euros, or about $13,000 USD. For anyone who grew up watching Doohan tear it up in Repsol colors, or just wants something with GP-bike vibes and everyday usability, this one’s definitely worth a closer look.

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