I saw this, and my jaw dropped. But before I gush over this bike, I’ll admit: it’s difficult to understand this extremely rare and extremely expensive Ducati/NCR New Blue without a bit of history about Old Blue.
In the early 1970’s, a couple of Cycle World editors were racing one of only a handful of 750SS Ducatis in the States. Cook Neilson and Phil Schilling called their creation the “California Hot Rod,” and they had some success with the bike. But when the AMA announced their new Superbike series for 1976, they knew they needed to make some changes. The bike was heavily modified, with new wheels and a new transmission. Displacement was bumped and the refreshed 883cc motor ironically featured Harley intake valves. The new bike also featured new paint which was, as I’m sure you can guess, blue.
At Daytona during the 1977 Superbike season, Old Blue absolutely crushed the competition, earning Ducati their very first outright race win in North America, a significant achievement and a major milestone in their quest to gain relevance in the major market the US represents.
In 2007, Ducati teamed up with NCR to create a track-only homage to Old Blue name, unsurprisingly, New Blue. It was obviously based on the Paul Smart 1000S, but only the frame and swingarm remain unmodified. Extensive changes dropped weight from 414lbs to 330lb and the hugely uprated Dual Spark L-twin engine thumped out 116hp to the rear wheel.
That may not sound like that much by modern superbike standards, but New Blue has a fat midrange, is very lightweight, and handles like a 600. As you can see from the photos, components are top-notch and the preparation is absolutely stunning: the bike just drips titanium, magnesium, and carbon-fiber
From the original eBay listing: 2007 NCR Ducati New Blue Sport Classic Cafe Racer
This is number 12 of 50. This is a mint condition like new race bike. ** It was never issued with a title and was only meant to be raced and it does not come with a title (eBay does not have a no title option so I had to mark clear title above) ** It has been stored inside a heat controlled facility. The tail section has been hand signed by Cook Neilson & Phil Schilling. It is pictured without the belly pan but it comes with the bike and has since been re installed. This bike was started when new and driven around the block once so I don’t know the exact mileage because the battery was removed. This bike has never been raced.
This particular machine was featured a while back on this site and there is very little time left on the auction, but this bike was just too good to pass up posting. Although $75,000 is obviously insane money for a motorcycle, if any modern bike is worth that kind of money, this one certainly is. Obviously not in terms of pure performance, but in terms of exquisite workmanship, heritage, and the involvement of the original racers that helped make Ducati the success it is here in the USA.
So if it’s not a value proposition, what is this? Well for most of us, it’s an object to be wondered at, or drooled over, or to heap scorn upon. But for folks with real money, it’s the perfect living room decoration, or the ultimate track day bike.
I only wish I had that decision to make myself…
-tad 
I like to see it on a scale. I highly doubt its 330lbs, not even dry.