The Desmosedici, also known as the D16RR, holds an interesting place in the history of rare motorcycles. The most expensive of the “mass produced” motorcycles (only 1,500 were created for sale), the D16 had a sticker price of some $72,000 – and initially sold well above that mark. Time quickly caught up with this MotoGP bike for the street, however, and prices on the open market dropped from the heavens.

The allure of the big Desmo still exists – this is an amazing motorcycle with big power (reported 197 HP at the crank), cool GP tech trickery, terrific handling and the status that only a rare and expensive ride can bring. And this beautiful machine is available at a relative bargain compared to its initial price.

From the seller:
Downsizing the collection as I reach age 70! Obviously, this bike has seen gentle back country road use and never track time. It has 2,100 miles only and I bought it about 1000 miles ago from an architect who was in his Sixties. So, while it was meticulously run-in by the book, had plenty of oil changes, it has never seen redline while I’ve owned it. It’s got so much stuff, there’s not a place nearby to run it through the gears using it all. I’ll never know I guess just how fast it really is.

The Desmo has had all recalls done, I’ve added the carbon fibre factory accessory rear tire “cover” which seemed a worthwhile addition and just so I could know where I was starting, a fresh set of tires at about 1,500 miles. The original carbon fibre small chain guard comes with it as the tire cover doubles as a chain guard.

Our Desmo RR is using the factory track exhaust but not the titanium $10K one. The original “quiet” street exhaust system comes with it as do quite a few other items which are pictured in this listing. If you don’t see it, it doesn’t come with it. Many things do go with this so take a look. Computer bits, wiring for the charger, sensor for the stock quiet exhaust, factory bike cover, and uncrating instructions for this Desmo, DVD about the design, some owners’ books and more. It is number 118 of the 1500 built. It is pristine and the images show the surfaces well for you to appreciate how superb it is.

It has been carefully maintained and as you can see is about as perfect as an Italian product ever gets. A new battery was installed not long ago as age gets to these. The Ducati dealer added a plug in for the battery charger in a discrete place and this is really a great idea if you don’t ride it often as the case was with me. I put about 1,000 miles on it in the two years I’ve owned it. Hate to see it go, but this is your bike if you’re looking for one to admire, enjoy, invest and ride. This is the top of the mountain! No electronic handling nannies to stop slides, wheelies, etc. except that it does have a slipper clutch.

So what does a used Desmosedici run these days? Well, this pampered red rocket is on the block for $49,500 or best offer. That is well below the price when new, and a reasonable entry into this ultra-exclusive collectable market. For more information and pictures, click the link and jump over to the auction. I sure hope somebody’s New Year includes a new bike!

MI