A very subjective question, but here's my personal advice: Go for a 1990~1993 MC21SE. If possible, and it has matching numbers, go for a 1993 MC21SE.
- The 1993 has a better crankshaft lubrication system and 2T oil pump. But don't let it discourage you from an earlier one; all '21s are good.
- Mechanically, an SP isn't worth the added expense over an SE. You are paying for Magtek wheels (that don't weigh much less) and a paint job! (The MC28SP does have better forks than all the other models though.)
- Many, parts are still available from Honda for the MC21 (including new cranks), and many parts are still available from aftermarket manufacturers. (Parts for MC16s & MC18s are becoming very difficult to source, with almost all of them discontinued and NLA.)
- The MC21 can be delimited to around 60hp with a simple [free] wire-splice. Unless you are lucky to find one already sorted, the MC28 can cost in excess of £500 to delimit, and entails sending the PGM-IV (ECU) to Japan. It's a great road bike, but on wide open UK roads, the MC28's 40hp is very limp.
- An MC21 is likely to cost around £1500 less than a comparable MC28, and an MC21 SE is likely to cost about £1000 less than an MC21SP.
- The MC21 has the best [stiffest] chassis of all the NSRs.
If money is no object, and performance isn't as important (or can wait), then an MC28SP has the best potential for investment, as it's the last of the models. Everyone wants a Rothmans, however the Repsol was the most limited MC28 edition. Expect to pay heavily for it.
Pricing has gone mental! Worthless bikes sell for thousands now! Expect to pay £2000~£8000 for an MC21, depending on condition and spec. (And yes, I've personally seen bikes at both ends of that spectrum... recently!) Add £1500 to the price range for an MC28.
It all depends on how much you want/have to spend, and what you want from the bike. If you want one that reminds you of your old (UK spec, I presume?) KR1, but with 90s Honda quality, then you want a delimited MC21. If you want the showcase model though, then go for the MC28SP.
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Andy.
NSR-WORLD.COM
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