Update 11.2.2017: Back on eBay, this FE previously reached $10,600 reserve not met in July of this year. Now it wears a buy-it-now of $22k. Links updated. -dc
Ducati’s own commemorative of 10 years manufacturing the 916-derived superbike, the special order 998 Final Edition had a plaque on the triple-clamp and the new testastretta under the fairings. This monoposto shows just over 1K miles and is pictured in front of the proverbial barn.
2004 Ducati 998S Final Edition for sale on eBay
Sporting the classic trellis frame and World Champion Superbike graphics on the tailcone, the FE has the powertrain and premium components to back it up. The nicely oversquare testastretta knocks on silly power’s door with 136hp at 10,200 rpm. The standard Ducati rev counter doesn’t show a redline, but many owners label 11,000 rpm with a “$$$” or “Bang!” as repair costs escalate exponentially. As an -S, the FE should have the deep sump crankcase, though some claim differences between U.S. and Euro S/FE’s. Fully adjustable Öhlins are found front and rear, and Brembo four-piston front brakes and Marchesini alloys complete the picture.
Tucked away somewhere for most of its life, this 998 is a little dusty but unmarked, and appears factory original. Most owners might have changed at least a couple of the brushed aluminum details to carbon if the bike was handy in their garage or foyer. Most of the comments in the eBay auction are specifications and advertising, but there’s also this –
1 of 112 Ducati 998 Final Edition Monoposto California’s made. This bike was only available by special order, it was not available as a regular production model. Quite rare to say the least. I’d imagine this could be, the cleanest, lowest mile one in existence; as I have never seen a lower mileage 2004 998 FE pop up.
Check the pictures, flawless. Radiator is one of the a very reliable bellwether of use or lack there of: it looks almost brand new. Colorado Title with original owner’s name.
Since earth-shattering 999’s were being prepared for shipment at the same time, one can imagine the misty eyes as the last few special-order 998’s were wheeled out. The tank decal recalls 8 championships and 115 race wins, a record deserving of a large number 1 in a wreath. Rarity assured, as a final year edition of a beloved model, and barely used. With 2-1/2 days to go, bidding is active but reserve is tbd.
-donn
Hoping to get some friendly education. I always buy new as it is simple but as some gray hair comes in I’m starting to get a bit nostalgic about these older bikes that I wanted at the time but wasn’t in a position to buy.
My question/concern is I tend to run the other way when I see a bike listed in one state with a title from another. This bike has a CO title but lives in CA and it sounds like the seller doesn’t have the title in their name either? Shouldn’t the title get signed by both parties when sold? Then the new owner pays a small fee (at their local DMV) and a new title is sent in their name for their state. Without that how can this be legally sold to another person if the title is already signed over and a new one never produced?
One of my favorite bikes. So damn sexy and what a perfect example! I’d jump on this auction but I’m WAY overloaded on bikes and need to make room first. Damn I want this one!!!
As far as the title question. I see this often. First off, it’s a CO bike so CA won’t let you register it until it hits 7500 miles so some people just never register it in their name which also saves them transfer tax and reg fees. Not really the way you’re supposed to go though as you’re supposed to transfer ownership within something like 10 days in CA. It could really backfire on you if you sold one and the new buyer didn’t register as CA would still send you reg bills and send to collections if you don’t reply…happened to me on an older CBR900RR I sold…DMV claims to have never received my release of liability even though I “always” send them in.
So yes, you would be fine with it staying in the past owners name but you wouldn’t be able to register with the mileage shortfall. I tried EVERYTHING with an older MV once…ended up having to sell it to a guy in Utah, learned the hard way (many many years ago).
PS. Some guys just swap gauges for the inspection at DMV and swap back after.
Oh…and I should add, newer bikes are legal in all states (other then 2 strokes). Only an issue with the older ones without the sticker on the motor or frame that states CA Emissions compliant (or something like that)
Forks definitely need some new seals…always wished they did this bike in silver like the 900SS FE
Adam T has almost nailed it there – I’m pretty sure he’s correct that if a bike has the 50 state compliant sticker, then the 7500 mile rule does not apply – and the good news is that all (I think) Ducs after 1998 have the 50 state compliant sticker, as it was too much of a PITA to make different bikes for CA and the rest of the US. 2 years ago, I imported a 1998 Super Sport FE (in the pretty silver colour!) to CA and I did a lot of digging at the time. My addled brain has forgotten most of what happened in the meantime, but I’m sure I was told that 1998 was the watershed year for Duc compliance, and lo and behold my 1998 bike has the sticker. So ask the owner to send you a photo of the sticker – which is probably under the tank (assuming the tank is original and thus post 1998). And double check Adam T and I are right about the sticker waiving the 7500 mile rule! My bike had more than 7500 miles so would have passed anyway even if the sticker didn’t do the trick. Gorgeous bike – hope you get it and love it 🙂
Doesn’t matter if it is a 50 state bike or not, it has to have 7500 miles, unless that has been recently changed. Also, bike needs to have a CARB sticker.
Joel
Depending on your state’s DMV the “old” title not in the new owner’s name may or may not present a challenge. If the previous seller signed, but more importantly dated the title, there could be an issue as most states require registration in a specific (and short amount of time) after purchase. Yes, technically illegal to sell a bike with a title not in your name though it happens all the time. The responsibility is on you as the buyer if you’re OK with it as you will have the potential issue when it comes time to register. After 30+ years of buying and selling bikes I won’t buy a bike not in the current seller’s name even though WI is fairly lenient. Just my rule. And ALWAYS check any bike’s VIN against any one of the stolen bike databases. Happens far more often than you think and the seller may not even know.