We are ADDICTED to Sportbike Classifed ads, and we post our favorites on this blog. We are not a dealership.
Rare SportBikes For Sale

1994 Ducati 888 SPO #61 of 100 is for sale and located in Chicago, IL.

#61 is said to have 13,000 on the clock, is 99% Red-n-Ready and priced at $8,800.00. Since I started authoring on RSBFS.com I have been exposed to a whole lot of bikes that in the past I would have ignored. The 916 used to rank at the top of my personal Ducati fav’s list, but has since been replaced by the 888. That’s right I like the 888 SPO’s better than any other Ducati that has ever been offered. I assume that I am not alone in my thoughts on this one and the odd thing about it is that I can’t even tell you why I like them. Maybe it’s the old school thought of something being labored over by craftsmen or the thoughts of Doug Polen winning races. Whatever the case may be for me it shouldn’t distract you from this one.

The seller didn’t have much to say about his special production Ducati, but I found a nice article where someone was quoting Ian Falloon

The 1994 version differed in details only with the change of color to the colors mentioned above and it got a carbon fiber front fender and the larger diameter front axle. It also got a number plaque.
The SPO was an amalgam of the Strada and the SP5 and was made because the SP5 could not meet US DOT requirements mostly the noise regulations. The motor was identical to the Strada but it shared many chassis components with the SP5. It had the stainless steel, round hole, front brake rotors and Showa forks from the Strada but the Monoposto seat, Ohlins rear shock with eccentric ride height adjuster and the up swept pipes. It did not have the aluminum sub frame for the seat. Numbers of bikes made was a little bit of a surprise for me, there are a lot more of these bikes out there than I envisioned, still relatively limited but more than I expected. I will not separate out the US models with 49 state versus the California models and the same for the rest of the world I will not separate out the different countries.

1993 SPO 290

1994 SPO 100

I just love guys like Ian who are so passionate about bikes. Can you imagine the research time that was put into his book? For me it’s a staggering thought….

You can contact the owner of #61 here.

Cheers!

dd

This is a one owner, low mile, 851 with some very nice parts.  Located in Tampa, Florida is a 1990 Ducati 851 that is fitted with a factory 888 kit and only has 1,800 miles.  The seller states that this bike was purchased from Eraldo Ferracci (Fast By Ferracci):

“Prior to delivery, Eraldo installed one of the first Factory 888 race kits which included 94mm pistons and factory race rods along with completely blueprinting the engine, including porting, polishing, matching ports and balancing the engine as well as new FBF eprom chip which raised the redline to 10,500.”

And even more interesting is the story behind the exhaust:

Exhaust is a prototype set built by Rob Muzzy of Muzzy Kawasaki and has an incredible sound.

A Muzzy prototype exhaust is a very cool, and insanely rare, piece of unobtainium.  The seller states that he is the original owner so all these claims should be verifiable with receipts/correspondence.  I hate to always be pessimistic but, as I’ve said before, if you’re paying for something special, make sure it is actually special.  The seller states that this bike is in perfect mechanical and cosmetic condition.  The asking price is $6,450.  In summary, this is a one owner 851/888 that has very low miles and two very nice extras.  See this bike on Craigslist here.

AG

This is a very nice looking 888 SPO located on the East Coast.  Located in Varina, Virginia is a 1993 Ducati 888 SPO with 17,500mi.  The ‘93 SPO is what was offered in the U.S. because the SP5 couldn’t pass U.S. regulations and they needed something to Homologate the 888 for AMA Superbike.  These are more closely related to the 888 Strada than the SP5 bikes.  Some more information about the SPO:

The SPO engine was identical to that of the 888 Strada, but many chassis components were shared with the SP5.The stainless-steel front discs and Showa fork were shared with the 888 Strada, but the SPO had a single seat, upswept exhaust pipes, and an Ohlins shock absorber with eccentric ride height adjustment. Even though it was a Monoposto, there wasn’t an aluminum rear subframe as on other Sport Production models.

Doug posted one of these SPO’s with 13,696mi for $8,900 just less than two weeks ago and it can be seen here.  The asking price for this example seems to be a very fair $7,000 in comparison.  This bike looks to be in perfect, original and unmodified condition.  If you’re looking for art that you can take out on the town and into the back-roads, see this SPO on Craigslist here.

AG

Feast your eyes on one of the most coveted Ducati Superbikes of all time: This very rare, and in the U.S., 1992 Ducati 888 SP4 for sale on the ducati851and888.com forum:

quote from the forum listing:

Due to health reasons, I am having to sell both my Ducati motorcycles. My 996 SPS has now sold, but I have decided to list my 1992 888 SP4 for sale on this forum first in the hope that a fellow forum member will purchase it before going to other usual routes. It has covered 40,220 kms (25,000 miles). I am the fifth owner since brand new. It has a complete documented service history dating back to the first owner. It had a major service carried out by JHP Ducati at a cost of £1400 in April 2008. It was first owned by the service manager at NCR, Italy back in ‘92. The original owner’s manual, warranty booklet and service booklet have always followed the bike. Over the years, the following tasteful modifications have been carried out by the various owners:

- 5 Spoke black Marchesini magnesium wheels
- Brembo billet brake & clutch master cylinders
- Gia Co Moto billet rear sets
- 888 SPS rear brake set-up
- Ohlins steering damper
- CF exhaust hangers

The bike is in beautiful shape and has not been in any accidents. Currently runs on a 14/39 sprocket setup. I want to say that it’s one of only three, maybe four SP4’s in the United States. I guess that makes it pretty rare. Also provided with the bike are the original black three spoke wheels, a brand new SP4 gas tank (rare), if I can find them, the OEM rearsets and last, but not least, an 1993 888 frame from a US 888 SPO that has been powder-coated white but with the 17 digit VIN number still visible which comes on a clear title. Knowing how rare these bikes are in the US, the overall condition of the bike, the proper adult Ducati mods carried out and the service history provenance, the selling price of $31,000 obo reflects all of this.

By now you know I’m Ducati Superbike fan boy, and porn like this really gets me going! Naturally only serious collectors need apply, and for the rest of us, enjoy the pictures!

And here’s some more SP4 goodness from other spots around the web (not the bike in the listing):

Here’s a great dialog on the Ducatisti.co.uk forums on the difference between the SP4 and SP5

And here are some books at Amazon that are relevant to the Ducati Superbikes of this vintage:

Our thoughts are with the current owner and hope his health conditions improve.

dc

1993 Ducati 888 SPO located in Atherton, CA and listed on the San Francisco, CA Craigslist. Priced at $8,900 with 13,696 miles this one doesn’t look to be too bad.

We haven’t posted one of these in a while and since these are a favorite of The Big Boss Man I thought I would throw it up for him and everyone else to enjoy. The seller doesn’t say a whole lot about the bike other than it being professionally maintained. The bike looks clean, appears to be all stock and with the decent mileage it should make for a great weekend warrior.

From the CL post:

This is a very clean and well running 1993 Ducati 888 SPO. It has 13,696 professionally maintained miles on it.

Pretty skinny on the details, but there is a phone number listed for any would be buyers. Hop on over to the San Fran CL and give it another look.

Cheers!

dd

Yet another 888 SPO for sale on .  This one caught me a little off guard because it is being offered with no reserve!  With that said, this could be a great deal for someone. 

The owner has done some extensive modifications that are as follows.  They also list an interesting disclaimer on their ebay auction so make sure you read carefully. 

GP front brake master cylinder 
916 throttle & push button choke assembly
Air box mod w/ K&N filter
Fender eliminator kit
Upgraded ECU chip 
Billet upper & lower triple clamps
Billet rear sets
JMC swing arm (stock included)
Carbon exhaust hangers
Termignoni slip-ons
Marvic wheels

 
Bike has 12,818 miles on it which is low for a 93 and located in Huntington Beach, CA.  I think I prefer the stock upper fairing better, but then again who am I to pass judgment?  The Marvic wheels and JMC swing arm make for a very nice touch.  You can compare this one to our other 851/888 posts by clicking here.

 dd

Squeezing in a quick post between meetings today with some interesting finds. Enjoy! -dc

_________________________________________________

1980 Suzuki GS1000S Wes Cooley on Craigslist for $1850 (24k miles, California):

quote from Craigslist:

1980 Suzuki GS1000S Wes Cooley – RUSTED ROUGH NOT RUNNING – MOTOR TURNS – 24K-BRAKES FROZE – TANK RUSTED THRU- ALL ORIGINAL COMPLETE FOR RESTORATION

This bike seems to be priced pretty high considering how much work it needs done and compared to previous GS1000S bikes listed on this blog. But if the buyer can work a deal, could be an interesting project for this winter.

__________________________________________________________________

When I got my eBay alerts this morning, I spotted the little thumbnail for this gray SB6R. I didn’t realize the came in gray… Check out this (Seattle, $9500 buy-it-now, 5300 miles):

quote from seller’s listing:

[...] From what I am told, the 1st owner was a serious bike collector from Florida. I was able to contact the salesperson from 2004 and he tells me the bike was always meticulously maintained by that 1st owner. We are also led to believe that the 1st owner carried out basic performance mods such as upgraded camshafts, mild cylinder head porting, carburetor rejetting, fuel system sorting, racing exhaust, different rims, upgraded calipers, etc. I do not have specific info on the internal engine mods but both Jay and the salesperson from ‘04 recall the bike being represented as such. I can tell you the bike runs strong, crisp and way better than the stock SB6R I had in 1998.

So why the heck is the bike this color? Funny you should ask! Jay did not care for the solid red paint scheme as delivered from the factory. He removed all the bodywork sometime in early 2006 and handed it to a well known local Seattle bike painter to create what Jay thought would be the ultimate paintjob for his expensive piece of Asian/Italian finery. Three years later Jay finally got fed up and picked up his bodywork which had been sanded and prepped for painting but that was all. He wanted to ride so he bought many cans of grey Krylon and went to town. [...]

Again, compared to other SB6 Bimotas listed on this site, this seems high regardless of how much expense has gone into this bike. If we were talking about a garden variety GSX-R or Ninja, I’d give the Krylon painted bodywork a pass, but not on a Bimota!

__________________________________________________________________

Yep, another Ducati 851. Isn’t it great owning your own website so you can be this self indulgent? Self: Yes! Check out this :

quote from the eBay listing:

I just picked the bike from Hansen’s BMW Ducati in Medford, Or where they completed over $1500 of service on the bike. The bike needs nothing but more gas. It is currently titled in California if that is a concern to your titling issues. Besides being incredibly beautiful, it has some very rare and historic parts bolted to it.

Make sure to read the full description on eBay. This bike reportedly has $40k in upgrades and work, and apparently a history to back it up. There is an interesting thread on the Ducati 851/888 mailing list debating what the value and sale price value look like. Most agree that it’s worth mid-teens but won’t likely get over 9-10k at auction.

Update 10.6.09 – This auction ended at about $4900 reserve not met.

__________________________________________________________________

Finally, Ari spotted this street legal RS125 on the Bay Area Two Stroke forums (1400 miles, $8500):

quote from the forum listing:

I have a 2009 RS125 California plated bike for sale.
Mods are as follows:
1. 154cc Big bore kit
2. 34mm carb (properly jeted).
3. Intake manifold.
4. V-force reeds.
5. Arrow pipe.
6. Euro wiring harness, lights, switches, mirrors, etc.
7. Seat cowl
8. Carbon Fiber Chain Gaurde
As i said it’s registered and has around 1400 miles on it. Very fast, runs excellent !

Seller is definitely asking a premium for this one as it’s nearly impossible to get something like this registered in California. But I sat on one at last year’s Seattle Motorcycle Show, and it’s a beautiful machine. So light and the craftsmanship is awesome! Thanks for the submission Ari!

dc

Sometimes it seems like the coveted 888 gets more attention than the 851; especially on this blog! But it’s important to remember that the 851 itself was still a big step up from the 900SS in terms of technology and performance, and that the 888 is an evolution of this series. The SP3 version fits somewhere in between being a special edition 851, but having never been imported to this country, it’s a rare sight, replica or not! Check out this cool Ducati 851 SP3 replica on eBay ($6100/reserve not met currently, 5 days remain):

quote from seller’s eBay listing:

I am offering my 1991 Ducati 851 built as an SP3 Replica in hopes that it goes to another loving home. I bought this bike three years ago and put only 2.8 miles on it since then and have decided to sell it to fund my next Porsche street car. I bought this 851 from an authorized Ducati dealer and this was his personal bike. Before I picked it up he did a full service on it including valve adjustment, timing belts, fuel & oil filters, throttle body sync & Co EFI adjustment, fluids & coolant. I just put a new battery and fresh gas in it last week and took it for a ride around our neighboorhood. The sound of the (very expensive) Termignioni “Spaghetti” exhaust brought about every neighboor kid & teen waiting for me to get back in the garage with this bike.

[...]

In addition to the rare and expensive exhaust it also has full floating cast iron rotors on billet aluminum carriers, Ohlins shock, Ducati SP3 fiberglass solo race tail section, Billet Brembo brake calipers, Front matching white # plate with painted silver & black clearcoated pinstripes (to match period correct Ducati logo), Period correct Ducati vented clutch cover, Black Brembo 5.5 & 3.5″ wheels and probably some other things I have forgot. The 1991 851 has a lightweight aluminum fuel tank which also makes this a desireable year.

As I proofread my opening paragraph writing this post, I had to laugh out loud at myself because I’m actually trying to suggest there’s enough difference in the 851/888 series of models such that it requires some debate. I have no doubt the 888 SPO is the tops and ‘the one to have’. But as they say, I wouldn’t kick an 851 out of bed either. And this one in particular is loaded and good miles.

A couple questions for the readers: How big a difference is the 851 compared to the 888 to you? And is all out rarity and top spec the most important thing to you, or is all out performance — like if we introduced 748/916 variants in the mix for similar money?

Can of worms

Resources:

The 851/888 Yahoo Group is a must. I subscribe and lurk just to learn from their expertise.
The Ducati851and888.com forums
Official Ducati Heritage Page on the 851 SBK

dc

Here’s a nice low miles Ducati 888 SPO for sale in California. The 888 is final evolution of the 851 Superbike and is the precursor to legendary Ducati 916.

quote from seller’s Craigslist Ad:

A very clean example of an early Superbike. Upgraded Renegade carbon exhaust cans, Goldline controls w/ CRG levers, white Marchesini wheels, clutch slave, Barnett clutch basket/ clutch plates, Speedymoto pressure plate. Only 9,400 miles. Always garaged and kept very clean. A beautiful bike to add to a your stable.

The 888 has a cult following and prices are on the rise. With a character all it’s own, this looks nice at $10.5k. Still not convinced? Check out this great 888 video (not the bike for sale) on YouTube:

dc