Eyes Wide Shut – 2008 Bimota DB6R

Using Ducati’s air-cooled 1100 desmodue, the rest of the Bimota DB6R pushed a lot of boundaries in the name of light weight and design.  Spot-on ergonomics and handling had many reviewers proclaiming it the best naked bike ever.  Certainly one of the most unique, and rare as only a $35K naked can be. 2008 Bimota…

Blue By You – 2005 Ducati Monster S4R

Usually a contrasting silver or gold color, the frame on the oughties’ Monster S4R is body color.  Generally seen in red with red frame or blue with same, the S4R incorporated the 996 water-cooler into the naked concept.  With premium components, the 113 hp Monster is one heck of a way to get around town.…

Outasight – 2008 Ducati-NCR Mike Hailwood TT

Since its formation in 1967, NCR motorcycles has been Ducati’s de-facto competition arm, developing and producing race bikes based on Ducati themes.  For the 30th anniversary of Mike Hailwood’s 1978 Isle of Man TT victory ( on an NCR-built Ducati 900SS ), the company produced a very short run of super light, no-holds-barred commemoratives, with…

Afterparty – 1999 Bimota SB8R

Up for auction just after its appearance at the Quail Motorcycle Gathering, this signature Bimota didn’t trophy but is still quite special.  Developed to help Bimota out of a near bankruptcy, the SB8R was Suzuki V-twin powered with a gorgeous hybrid chassis.  Generally one of the more affordable Bimotas, the SB8R is still a rare…

Reverse Ten-Footer – 2002 Ducati 998

Occupying a short window before the 999 was prepared, the 998 was the last machine of Massimo Tamburini’s 916-996 generation.  Routinely described as way too much for the street, it was a sweet handling machine at speed, with 123 hp.  Subtly updated, the suspension and body have been substantially worked, and it looks better the…

Featured Listing – 2008 BMW HP2 Sport

Mid-2000’s BMW knew the air-oil cooled line had to come to a close, and developed a brilliant 4-valve engine to cap their 90-odd years of boxer twin development.  Though the engine was built into an enduro and supermoto model, the HP2 Sport received the most overall development and every detail of the bike is superlative…

Islander – 2007 Ducati 1098S

Back to a more classic Ducati Superbike look after the 999 years, the 1098 revitalized sales and led to a WSBK win and Bayliss replica.  The -S model has upmarket dampers, exhaust, and wheels, and the EVO testastretta engine and revised cooling system were welcome updates.  Nicely farkled, this 1098S looks ready for a boat…