Author Archives: Donn

Ducati July 11, 2020 posted by Donn

Takin’ it to the Streets – 2006 Ducati PS1000LE

Ducati’s SportClassic collection continues to hit it out of the park even 14 years on. Here’s a Paul Smart Limited Edition with just over 10,000 miles and it’s never been washed.*

2006 Ducati PS1000LE Limited Edition

Despite its air-cooled retro looks, the SportClassic used Ducati’s latest dual-spark fuel injected 992, with 92 hp at the crank. The classic trellis frame is finished in teal metallic, to recall Paul Smart’s 1974 racer. Thoroughly modern Öhlins forks and monoshock are aboard, along with a steering damper. One can only imagine how late the braking could have been at Imola with the commemorative’s 320mm Brembo stoppers. The standard fairing for the PS1000LE was a supersport upper-only, asking extra $$$ for the number 16 lowers.

This Long Island native has well under 1,000 miles per year, and pretty much defines immaculate. Mods appear limited to a tail-ectomy, nice Terminoni megaphones, and EVR clutch and cover. The owner asks us to suspend disbelief that something this clean has never been washed, in the eBay auction:

For sale is a clean titled, 2006 Ducati Paul Smart 1000 Limited Edition.

The bike has 10,487 miles, has been well cared for and always garaged.

The bike has been hand cleaned after every ride using waterless methods of cleaning.

All stock parts that were removed will be included with the sale of the motorcycle.

I have all keys, key code card, manuals, and original tool kit.

The Paul Smart edition was limited to 2,000 copies, and though many haven’t been ridden much, their value keeps them visible in the market. Interest in the SportClassics waned after the initial few years, and though the tooling was retired after 2010, there’s room for at least one in any Ducati fan’s heart if not garage. The PS1000LE is all about fun, not being well suited for commuting or touring. This example appears to have been carefully used and ready for more pure sport riding.

-donn

Takin’ it to the Streets – 2006 Ducati PS1000LE

Bimota July 9, 2020 posted by Donn

Gives You Wings – 2007 Bimota DB6 Delirio Azzurro #4 of 23 !

In this day and age when a very limited edition can be a few thousand, here’s a Ducati-based naked with total production of 23 units ! Not perfect, this Azzurro is still very good, with one of Borgo Panigale’s best drivetrains, and livery celebrating Italy’s national football team.

2007 Bimota DB6 Delirio Azzurro for sale on eBay

Ducati provided their air cooled dual-spark to Rimini’s designers, who used the factory Marelli injection but fabricated their own exhaust, resulting in 86 available hp. As usual, the artwork was between the headstock and pillion, a combination of chrom-moly trellis and alloy sideplates, and matching fabricated swingarm. Typically excellent components included 50mm Marzocchi forks, 320mm Brembo brakes and gold alloys. The tank starts out skinny but branches out to accomodate 4.2 gallons.

This Azzurro was actually featured on RSBFS in 2014, and has been ridden some 7,000 km’s since then. Looks like an off-side tipover is in the history books, but except for some Rizoma farkles, it’s as Bimota intended. Notes from the eBay auction:

This is a show-stopping work of naked-bike art. It’s also light, fast, and comfortable.

Bimota created this limited edition to commemorate the Italian 2006 World Cup soccer champions (their national team is “the Azzurro”). Twelve of these motorcycles went to players. Eleven were sold to the public with a retail price of around $30,000. You’re bidding on number 4 of the 23.

This motorcycle has these extras:

Zard slip-on carbon fiber mufflers

Rizoma mirrors

Rizoma brake and clutch reservoir mounts

Brembo RCS radial brake & clutch cylinders

New battery and trickle charger

Pirelli Rosso II tires with less than 500 mi

This motorcycle is in excellent condition. Since I purchased it in 2014, it has been faithfully maintained by M Racing, Glendora, CA. It has 13,071 km, equal to 8,122 miles. Its small scrapes are shown in the last three photos.

Designed by the late Sergio Robbiano, this Delirio Azzurra was very special when it left the factory, and is only a light rejuvenation away. Any sharp Ducati specialist can set the valve clearances and mount new belts, and this one has several nice mods. The reserve will be up there, but might be worth testing.

-donn

Gives You Wings – 2007 Bimota DB6 Delirio Azzurro #4 of 23 !

Yamaha July 8, 2020 posted by Donn

Naked Reprise – 2006 Yamaha FZ-1

While the original FZ-1 was one Cycle World’s bikes of the year, Yamaha made a substantive update for 2006. With miles in the 1,000-per-year neighborhood, this Tennessee example looks excellent.

2006 Yamaha FZ-1 for sale on eBay

Yamaha brought their aluminum casting technology to bear on the new FZ-1 chassis, cradling the R1-derived liter, and steadying it during its 147 hp moments. The 20-valve four had a heavier crankshaft than the R1, along with torquier cams and a smoother balance shaft. Fuel injection is electronic, but this FZ-1 pre-dates any power nannies. Brakes are up to the task with 320mm disks and four piston calipers. 43mm forks separate compression and rebound damping duties, and are fitted with an almost straight across the top handlebar. In a close-up the angular fairing could be mistaken for a superbike part.

Despite a little sticker-mania, the owner has taken nice care of their FZ-1, looking excellent with no particular damage. Interested bidders will have to ask, since there aren’t enough pictures and not much history in the comments from the eBay auction:

Condition is Used. This bike is in perfect condition. No scratches or dents. Looks like it came off the showroom floor. It has been taken excellent care of and is ready to ride. Clear clean title.

The FZ-1 caught both far ends of the R-1 spectrum, riders who weren’t ready for a superbike statement, or maybe could no longer deal with the R-1’s ergonomics. The performance put most nakeds to bed, with Yamaha tech and build quality. The ask seems at the top of the range, but maybe the Make Offer button will make an appearance in a re-listing.

-donn

Buell July 5, 2020 posted by Donn

Secret Weapon – 1995 Buell S2 Thunderbolt

Early in the Buell / Harley-Dave relationship, the racer and design engineer was thought to be the icon’s entreé into sportbikes. This immaculate S2 has access to plenty of thunder, and every update imaginable.

1995 Buell S2 Thunderbolt for sale on eBay

The S2 had production versions of most of the ideas Erik Buell had been incubating for several years, the quick-steering tube frame, Uni-Planar engine mounts, underslung rear shock and muffler, and extra-large diameter single front disk – all surrounding Harley’s torquey 1203 cc motor. WP supplied upside-down forks and the unusual monoshock which extends as the chassis compresses is from Showa. H-D production engineers fitted their belt drive and put their manufacturing expertise into the sculptural exhaust system. For a bike with planned production of 300 units per year, the frame-mounted fairing, tank and seat console flow together very well.

Obviously owned by a real fan, this Buell looks excellent an has been carefully updated with choice parts, addressing many of the model’s foibles. As much as the tank bra breaks up the lines of the bodywork, the next owner will appreciate all the scratches the tank doesn’t have. The auction shares a – video – and says it’s by the previous owner, which indicates that most of the pictures are as well, so a question or two there. A long list from the eBay auction:

Work and upgrades:

• Borla muffler

• Piggyback kickstand plate (prevents the motorcycle from leaning too much to prevent a fall)

• Updated ISO’s all around (Buell redesigned the ISO mounts in 2001)

• Updated exhaust hanger (Buell redesigned the muffler hanger mount in 2001)

• Updated primary tensioner (HD/Buell update to all Sportsters and Buell in 1999)

• Updated shifter detent plate

• Updated crank seal

• Bronze oil pump gear

• All new James top end gaskets with jug pigtails

• KT Performance heat shield

• Shorai Battery (Lithium light weight battery)

• Original Rear Shock rebuilt by RaceTech

• Original Front Shocks rebuilt by Lance Kuglar (St. Paul HD)

• Corbin Seat Recovered by Baldwin

• Under seat tote and fairing bags

• Screaming Eagle CDI Box

• New signal light control box

• Zero gravity smoke windscreen

• Updated/late style front rotor (Buell redesigned the front brake rotor in 2001)

• Newer continental tires

• Jim’s Mega-nut on bead blasted and sealed front pulley

• CV Performance Carb Kit

Accompanied with the bike:

• Rising road service and parts manuals

• Sales brochures (with some pricing scribbles from 95)

• Borla brochure

• Buell sticker and postcard from the period

• Owner’s manual

• Stock muffler in like new condition

• Rubber stock foot pegs

• Additional lower belt guard

The T-Bolt sold better than expected right away, and the two companies had several good years together, but eventually applied for an uncontested divorce. Even though the S2 is on the softer side of sports-biking, the turn and squirt ( maybe even shift ) ride got great reviews. It’s a strong starting bid for the first real production bike from Erik Buell and friends, but it is a sharp example with all the right upgrades.

-donn

Secret Weapon – 1995 Buell S2 Thunderbolt

Featured Listing July 3, 2020 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 1976 Moto Guzzi 850 LeMans with Under 2,000 Miles !

Sale fell through, back on eBay. Links updated. Good luck to buyers and seller. -dc

Just the “next thing” at the time, Moto Guzzi’s 850 LeMans turned out to be a dynastic European sportbike, with legs that ran until the 2006 V11 version. RSBFS reader Scott’s example is a first-year model with just 1,825 miles on the clock !

1976 Moto Guzzi 850 LeMans for sale on eBay

Based on the ’71 V7 Sport, itself a little sportier than BMW’s of the day, the LeMans expanded the longitudinal V-twin to 844 cc’s with 10.2:1 compression and 81 hp. A robust backbone frame cradled the engine and 5-speed trans, with an automotive-style clutch and shaft drive. Beside being healthily-sized at 300mm front / 242 mm rear, the brakes were innovative with the rear brake pedal also actuating the right front disk, claiming a dramatically shorter stopping distance from 62 mph. Lowish seat and clip-ons accommodated may riders and the now-classic bikini fairing at least kept the wind and rain out of the Veglia instruments.

Scott’s LeMans was basically a barn find, having been in a Tulsa dealership’s warehouse from 1976 to 2007. Though Scott had to go through the fuel system and replace several rubber items, the years in storage were kind to his LeMans, with not so much as a scrape to show for it. Since then it’s been a once-a-year affair, wry comment on the New Hampshire riding season. Scott’s comments from the eBay auction:

You are looking at one of my favorite bikes in my collection. It’s a 1976 Moto Guzzi 850 Lemans with less than 2,000 original miles. I purchased the bike from Atlas Cycles in Tulsa Oklahoma in 2007 with roughly 1,000 miles on it. I was told Atlas sold it new in 1976 to a customer who then traded it back in six months later claiming it was too much motorcycle for him.

The owner of Atlas really liked the bike so put it in storage at the dealership. He was selling the dealership in 2007 and I was able to acquire it. It needed a good cleaning, some rubber parts replaced, new tires, carbs cleaned, and fluids changed. Since then she’s been in my collection, started once a year, ridden occasionally hence the 2000 miles. I just had her serviced, new battery, carbs cleaned, and fluids changed so she’s ready to go.

As the tires are thirteen years old, I would put a new set on if you plan to ride the bike. Other than this all that is needed is a good cleaning/detailing. Because the original seat is very fragile and hard to come by, I stored it when purchased and bought a Corbin, it comes with both. The bike is a blast to ride, smooth, lots of low end grunt, great brakes and entertaining. It’s pretty amazing for a forty four year old bike.

In pre-Covid times this Guzzi would’ve been at a Bonhams or Mecum stadium auction, but Scott welcomes your best offer on the eBay auction – here – and offers this walkaround video –

The LeMans put Moto Guzzi firmly in the superbike sweepstakes, at least for a while. It reviewed as going well, stopping pretty well, and the dual crossover exhaust is like music. Weight at 435 lbs. dry isn’t out of line for an almost-liter of the era. Mk. 1 LeMans, aren’t getting any easier to find, and after tires, Scott’s could be a rider. At least for one day a year, before re-joining your collection.

-donn

Featured Listing – 1976 Moto Guzzi 850 LeMans with Under 2,000 Miles !

Bimota July 2, 2020 posted by Donn

Dragon West – 1999 Bimota DB4 Tri-Colore

Bimota’s fourth Ducati used the tried-and-true ( if not overpowering ) 904cc desmodue, but was a lightweight handler. This owner hasn’t belabored the cosmetics, but from the looks of the tires has used it as intended – on the wickedly technical Palomar Mountain Loop.

1999 Bimota DB4 Tri-Colore for sale on eBay

The DB4 design was no exception for Bimota, who typically stayed out of a factory mill and finagled their own intake and exhaust. In this case they specified 38mm Mikuni carburetors instead of the factory fuel injection, and claimed 80 hp and 60 ft.-lbs. torque. The race kit on this example includes flat-slide carbs and single muffler Corse exhaust. A large part of Bimota’s art is in the alloy chassis, split between the sharp handling geometry and gorgeous CNC work and welding. Premium components are also part of the story, with 43mm Paoli forks, Öhlins monoshock and generously-sized Brembo brakes. Not sure if the Italo-centric livery was a special edition, but DB4’s are rarely seen without it.

The owner has a long-term relationship going here but doesn’t tell recent maintenance history. From the overall condition and start-up – video – it might be best to factor in a valve adjustment, and of course tires. The buy-it-now would be a lot easier to see if the seller had buffed this baby up a bit. From the eBay auction:

1999 Bimota DB 4 with ” race kit “.

Kit consists light weight Corsa exhaust, flat slide carbs, and Ohlins rear shock.

Will install new tires at Buy It Now price.

Current tires a bit old but usable. See pics.

Overall good shape, with minor scrape on right lower due to lean angle. ( Was not down )

I removed lower when I rode it and put back on to sell.

Has been run on Palomar Mountain, but not a track since I have owned it.

Put about 1500 miles on it with a ride to L.A. and running Palomar.

At the time, Bimota was struggling with their own engine in the V-Due, and needed every success, even with the air-cooled supersport engine. The DB4 was that victory, and tided Rimini over to the SB8 superbike. While this DB4 could use a little TLC, it’s from a less complicated time, when an lightweight 900 could carve a Supersport-sized niche in a legendary road.

-donn

Dragon West – 1999 Bimota DB4 Tri-Colore

Ducati June 30, 2020 posted by Donn

Non-Virtual – 2002 Ducati 998S Bayliss Edition #310 of 400

With only 400 worldwide, the 998S Troy Bayliss commemorative in InfoStrada livery is a pretty rare sight. This California example sports just 825 miles and includes all manner of swag.

2002 Ducati 998S Bayliss Edition for sale on eBay

The last in a long line of 916 derivatives, the 998 has the classic lines, but the more modern narrow-head engine. 136 hp are available, made almost usable for the road by Marelli electronic fuel injection. Gold anodized forks, monoshock and steering damper are all by Öhlins, and lighter 4.5mm thick brakes by Brembo. Not shouting about it under the red paint, the fairings are carbon fiber. The steel tank has Troy’s autograph and the monoposto seat shows race number 21.

Viewed in the back room at Marin Speed Shop, this 998S looks stunning and stock. On display since almost new, no mention of maintenance is made, presuming a continuing duty in a collector’s diorama. Goodies include the authenticating plaque. From the eBay auction:

2002 Ducati Bayless replica all stock unmolested! only 825 miles included is the cover, original tool kit, shirt, jacket and plaque! Bike is number 310 out of 400 produced.

For whatever reason, WSBK machines suited Troy Bayliss better than his stint on the factory Ducati MotoGP mount, and he returned to SuperBikes to win championships in 2006 and 2008. Though in 2006, he became the first rider to win WSBK and MotoGP races in the same year, replacing injured Sete Gibernau at the final GP in Valencia, after the end of the WSBK season. Likely bidding will go stratospheric over the next week, even then no guarantee it will meet the reserve.

-donn

Non-Virtual – 2002 Ducati 998S Bayliss Edition #310 of 400

BMW June 28, 2020 posted by Donn

Uber Kollectible – 2004 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replika with 92 Miles !

BMW brought the Boxer Cup to the showroom with the track-oriented Boxer Cup Replika. This owner invested in all the dealer-installed upgrades and then parked it after just 92 miles, but has photographed it beautifully for the next owner.

2004 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replika #202 of 300 for sale on eBay

BMW had a nice success going in their 1085cc -S, though even with its final twin-spark engine, the original 98 hp was on tap. The three part chassis used the engine as a stressed component, with Telelever hung out front and Paralever driveshaft aft, both using Öhlins dampers. Somewhat counter-intuitively, the Cup gained speed using taller suspension to gain ground clearance and allow more lean angle on the race course. BMW had developed a servo-assisted brake system for early 2000’s road bikes, but used their legacy brakes on the Replika, with 320mm front disks, 4-piston calipers and braided lines. Just below the carbon valve covers, an optional belly pan shows sponsors from the race series, which was primarily European but ran Daytona in 2003 and 2004.

This Pennsylvania fanatic went all in on blue, adding all the carbon farkles BMW had, replacing the upgraded Öhlins with Racetech shocks, and pulling the Laser exhaust in favor of a Two Brothers titanium system. Otherwise it’s merely spectacular, and though new rubber and liquids are required, the new owner might hang on to those OEM tires for the next collector. From the eBay auction:

BMW full carbon kit – headlight surround, front fascia, tank strap, rear hugger and multiple smaller pieces, Two Brothers titanium exhaust, Racetech adjustable suspension…again, the best of the best, in that day. This bike has been in on stands and under cover all of it’s life. It sits on it’s original tires, even. I see this as a collector’s item. If you intend to ride this, you will want to mount new tires and have the fluids changed, at a minimum. My loss is your gain. This is likely the lowest mileage 2004 Boxer Cup Replica on the planet. I also have an entire box of memorabilia and related collectibles that go with the bike, including original CD still in the wrapper, Certificate of Authenticity, numbered badges with location template (never installed), Dealer locator, BMW atlas, key-ring, tire pressure gauge, hard bound BMW motorcycle history book and more.

Sporty as it is, the Replika took demerits for its high seat, stiff suspension ( the owner addressed these issues with bar risers ), and the 500-plus dry weight. But there were no sportier BMW’s then, and the fan base is deep. If a time machine is desired, and you’ve been quite successful investing the money you saved not buying a BCR back in the day, this one might have a new rider in a little over six days.

-donn