Author Archives: Donn

Ducati July 29, 2015 posted by Donn

All on Red – 2008 Ducati Sport 1000S

Cashing in on the retro-craze or reverently invoking Ducati history, the Pierre Terblanche design for the Sport Classic series was ( and is today ) a hit. Built from 2006-09 in relatively small numbers, the bikes were styled in the 1970’s but had power and reliability for the new century.

2008 Ducati Sport 1000S for sale on eBay

Using the air and oil-cooled 992cc Desmodue, the Sport 1000S has 92 hp available, driving through a hydraulically actuated wet clutch and 6-speed transmission. Big 43mm upside-down forks lead the way for a more retro dual-shock rear swingarm. Not terribly overweight at a scosche over 400 lbs, the 320mm dual front disks and 245mm rear are up to the task.

The seat and fairing choices changed from year to year, but this Sport 1000S has the monoposto seat cover and lowers to complement the windshield fairing. The red bodywork is magnificent. Without even first-oil-change miles, this bike is hard to call used, but after 7 years in the garage, the belts and tires might want sprucing up. From the eBay auction:

ABOUT AS NEW AS YOU WILL FIND, TOTALLY SHOWROOM CONDITION, LOOKS BRAND NEW! ALWAYS GARAGE KEPT.

I have all keys, manuals, etc. Also there is no fuel tank spreading issue on the bike. It was checked out when Ducati did the recall a few years back and is still nice and tight today. Bike has never been dropped and has never seen rain. I know ‘it’s only new once’ but this is about as close to new as you’ll find for a 2008 bike.

Though the Paul Smart commemoratives are fetching huge bids, the buy-it-now on this bike looks almost reasonable. Hmmm, a little over an hour from here, maybe a test-ride up Conn. Rte 7 would be possible ? After a quick service, this Sport 1000S should be ready for a lot of fun miles…

-donn

Honda July 28, 2015 posted by Donn

Paging Dr. House – 1991 Honda CBR400RR

More appropriately sized for Hugh Laurie than the 954RR he rode in the show, the CBR400RR is a Japan-only model which occasionally finds itself in North America via the grey market. Name-dropping back to the CB400F Supersport ( well, for riders of a certain age ) the diminutive 400RR is updated in every way and revs to 14,500, making 60 hp available at 12,500 rpm.

1991 Honda CBR400RR for sale on eBay

Closely related to the CBR900RR of the same vintage, the 400 also has an extruded aluminum beam frame enclosing the 399cc inline four. Similarly, it has a reinforced aluminum swingarm, the chassis easily coping with the power available. A smooth wet clutch sends power to the 6-speed transmission. A steady and nimble handler, the preload-adjustable forks complement the rear shock adjustable for preload and compression. Suitably-sized triple-disk brakes ( 275mm front / 220mm rear ) can handle the slowing.

With just over 6,000 miles, this 400RR has had only two caretakers. The current owner re-bodied the bike in Repsol, but includes the factory fairing. Updated muffler looks great, and CRG shorty levers are a known quantity. Describing it in the eBay auction:

Bike runs strong and fast, extremely fun to ride. Everything works and is in great shape for a 24 year old bike. A few things to note:

I replaced the stock exhaust can with a ‘Fuel Exhaust’ (carbon, oval), sounds great.

I installed CRG ‘Roll-A-Click’ clutch and brake levers, “shorties”.

I swapped out the OEM bodywork with ‘Repsol’ plastic. Tank has been painted to match. I will include the OEM bodywork with the successful bid (black/silver/teal scheme).

I have all of the Japanese paperwork from the original owner, including the shipping manifest from Japan to the US.

The bike only has 6,337 miles on the clock (10,200KM).

This bike is very rare in the US. It has been meticulously cared for; always garaged, covered and properly maintained.

Recent maintenance included carburetor service, which can be a bugbear on older creampuffs. Maybe you know a new rider or a collector on the smaller end of the scale…

-donn

Ducati July 27, 2015 posted by Donn

Fascination Fogarty – 2002 Ducati Monster S4 Foggy #019

After Carl Fogarty retired his 916 racer with 4 Superbike World Championships, the Ducati factory released a 2002-only Monster S4 commemorative edition which are quite rare with total production of only 300 and highly regarded as the first water-cooled 4-valve Monster.

2002 Ducati Monster S4 Foggy

With 101 hp and just a bikini fairing, the S4 is study in contrasts, the short Monster wheelbase but the booming 916 cc engine. Developed on an ST4 frame, it’s a monoposto but with a relaxed seating position, the bars mounted to the tops of the triple clamp. A neat carbon chin scoop under the horizontal cylinder, but not much cover for the water pump and radiator. Running gear is more standard early 2000’s Ducati, 6-speed straight cut gearbox, dry clutch, nice 320mm front disks and 245mm rear. Almost all the external accessories are carbon, headlight fairing, cam belt covers, side covers, and various guards – even the Termignoni’s – help keep the weight around 400 lbs.

Number 19 0f 300 with just break-in miles, this 13 year-old machine appears super nice. Only two owners to date, and the sale includes front and rear pit stands, and factory cover. Red and black keys shown ( plus spare key ), so no immobilizer issues. From the eBay auction:

#19 of 300. 1 of 300 worldwide and 1 of 75 imported into the U.S. This is 916cc 4-valve water-cooled engine mounted to an ST frame to handle the increased power. 110hp/66 ft lbs torque. 2100 miles since new and in near-mint condition with very minor imperfections as one would expect for a Quality motorcycle. This motorcycle wants for absolutely nothing and is 100% ready to ride..Fresh oil and service 6/23/15. It comes with front and rear stands and the red cover and all three Keys. I am the second owner of motorcycle.

It’s mid-summer and likely too hot for much sport biking, but this would be just the ride across town for an ice cream or down to the beach, while celebrating one of Ducati’s great champions…

-Donn

Fascination Fogarty – 2002 Ducati Monster S4 Foggy #019

Bimota June 30, 2015 posted by Donn

Blade Runner – 2007 Bimota DB6 Delirio

The late designer Sergio Robbiano’s upright response to his Bimota DB5, the DB6 Delirio is a motard variant, an urban sportbike based on the Ducati 992 desmodue. Factory-made but hardly mass-produced, the Delirio has inspired design, innovative solutions and superb components.

2007 Bimota DB6 Delirio for sale on eBay

If the trellis frame of the Delirio appears unusually light, Bimota used chrome-moly tubing, showing off some of the thin edges. The distinctive billet aluminum connectors for the frame and rear wheel complement the red frame. The body is an angular combination of metal and plastic, complex without being busy. Just 400 lbs. wet, the Delirio requires just a thought to change direction, the Marzocchi suspension always ready. Braking by the Brembo 320mm wavy front disks and 4-piston calipers is outstanding. The alloy Marchesini wheels are light and black to the point of invisibility. The futuristic headlight fairing integrates the turn signals and has its own billet brackets.

Asking nearly $30,000 when new, the DB6 is a design piece, every detail examined, drawn, tested. On this one, only the exhaust has been upgraded to a Zard carbon system. With just break-in miles since 2007, this bike looks perfect but will likely require new fluids, belts, and rubber. From the eBay auction:

This is a beautiful Bimota DB6 Delirio in excellent condition. Zard carbon exhaust. Rare and exotic, incredible workmanship and detailing, just 1,787 original miles, a Ducati at heart, but much more! Condition: Excellent-Bike shows like brand new.

There are more rare and exotic Bimotas, even special Delirios, as there is an Azzurro model ( think blue ) and a Superlight with full carbon frame, but this “base” model has all the design elements, just about all the performance, and most of the exclusivity. A dream compared to the wide majority of naked bikes. Hoping those frame sliders never get used !

-donn

Ducati June 28, 2015 posted by Donn

Man Up – 2008 Ducati Desmosedici

The road-going version their GP7 racer, the Desmosedici was a limited edition of 1500, but more limited by stratospheric pricing and long lead times. Originally offered to only Ducati cognoscenti, the $72,500 cycle was way more than could be used on the road, the spec sheet having enough of everything for two or three sportbikes.

2008 Ducati Desmosedici for sale on eBay

Sixteen desmodromic actuated valves give this bike its name, gears driving the cams on this 989cc V4. The nearly 14,000 rpm redline resulted in 200 hp, four multi-injector throttle bodies making the power delivery manageable. The rest of the specifications are over the top – steel trellis frame but chrome-moly steel, reptilian plastic bodywork but carbon throughout, 43mm upside-down forks but with remote reservoir, 4-2-1 underseat exhaust but all titanium and exits the top of the seat fairing, alloy wheels but forged and machine magnesium, Brembo brakes but radial 4-piston calipers.

Well on its way to a fourth oil change, a surprising amount of miles for a machine like this. From the eBay auction:

Ducati Desmosedici 16RR in great condition! Only 7387 miles. Comes with both keys, sticker kit, cover, and rear stand. All recalls done. New tires.

7387 miles. Comes with both keys, sdone. New

Badged number 69 out of 1500, it may well be rarer if the total production limit was never met. Dazzlingly presented by a dealer in Thousand Oaks, Calif., there are forty auction “watchers” but for the same eye-candy reason the Porsche and Ferrari new car websites get such a workout, just 7 bids as of this writing. Ducati’s only V-4 road bike, the Sedici will only be more rare as they migrate to the gallery and away from the tarmac…

-donn

Ducati June 26, 2015 posted by Donn

Some Tasty Mods – 1995 Ducati 900 SS/CR

On the air-cooled side of the 1995 Ducati showroom, possibly back in a corner, was the 900 SS/CR. Not leading edge like the 916 or 748, not as racy as the 900 Superlight, not a new naked Monster, a nice bargain but not like the 600 or 750, the 900 SS/CR had its own gap to fill.

1995 Ducati 900 SS/CR for sale on eBay

A nice handler with 84 hp, the SS/CR was the basis for many owner upgrades. The basics were there, reliable oversquare desmodue, dry clutch, 6-speed, 41 mm inverted forks, big triple disk brakes, monoshock, and sweet half-fairing showing off that neat engine.

Subject to a recall, the frame on this machine was evidently replaced under warranty. While apart, the owner of this machine had the frame and swingarm powder-coated black, as well as the distinctive side cases, all normally silver.

Just getting started with the upgrades, the dampers were upgraded to fully adjustable, along with steering stabilizer and Staintune exhaust. The engine was overhauled with Ferracci pistons, oversized valves in the ported and polished heads. A nice list of recent maintenance as well.

From the eBay auction:

The time has come to part with my prized Ducati 900SS/CR. This 1995 Ducati 900SS/CR features SP adjustable forks, 2000 Super sport rear shock. Ferracci High Compression pistons, Ported and polished heads w 1 mm over sized valves, Khien 41 mm flat slide carbs, Dyna coils, Staintune stainless full high pipe system. LSL steering stabilizer Those are real Super light exhaust hangers sprayed gloss black. Exhaust sounds amazing and is no longer in production. Brand new Anti- gravity Lithium Ion battery, custom fabricated stainless steel fender eliminator (uses 996 signals), and light weight barnett clutch and a 999 clutch basket. Frame was replaced under warranty, infamous cracked neck. While the bike was down frame and swing arm were powder coated gloss black. Wheels and engine side cases are satin black. Clutch pressure plate high gloss red. Valve adjustment, new belts, fork seals, carbs rebuilt, new starter clutch all within the last 500 miles.

Nicely modified, this is a CR is name only, up to SP specs or better. This SS/CR is likely to make the next owner very happy…

-donn

Moto Guzzi June 25, 2015 posted by Donn

Big Iron – 2003 Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans Rosso Corse

Set the way-back machine for 1975 and attend EICMA (Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori) in Milan, there you’ll see the original bikini-faired Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans, the iconic basis for the long line of Le Mans-badged machines. The torquey long-wheelbase heavyweights were ( and are ) the cornerstone of Guzzi’s line-up.

2003 Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans Rosso Corse for sale on eBay

The Racing Red model is part of the V11 series, the most recent to wear the LeMans name, and was produced until 2006. Before that the 850 Le Mans went through three updates from 1976 – 84, and then the 1000 Le Mans was built until 1991. All have been based on the 45-degree pushrod V-twin, pushing a single-plate dry clutch and shaft drive, the V11 displacing 1064cc and worthy of 91 hp.

Outstanding components set the more recent Guzzi’s apart, Marelli ignition and injection, Ohlins forks and monoshock, Brembo brakes, La Francona exhaust. All are a little bigger than you might expect but make sense for the long, heavy machine. The handlebar fairing has grown into the upper part of a sportbike fairing, and complementary monoposto cover reveals a pillion seat. Exotic red anodized valve covers and frame connectors work well with the fade-out checkered flag paint scheme.

This particular Rosso Corse is basically new, with not even break-in miles. Hard to pick up any deficiencies in the pictures. From the eBay auction:

2003 Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans Rosso Corse 767 miles. Ohlins suspension. Limited production collector quality big twin. Bike was traded to Pro Italia on a new Moto Guzzi. No stories, it’s near perfect. Anodized red parts are unfaded. Our shop only needed to fit a fresh battery to make ready for sale.

More of an exclusive cafe’ racer than full-on sportbike, the V11 still handles well, shading toward stability more than maneuverability. Likely to be the only Guzzi and almost certainly the only V11 on your next Sunday ride…

-donn

Big Iron – 2003 Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans Rosso Corse

Ducati June 20, 2015 posted by Donn

Beauty revealed – 2008 Ducati Monster S4RS Tri-Colore

This naked superbike appeared recently and expired without a bid. When it was re-listed, it seemed worthy of a closer look. An bikini-faired 998 Superbike, the numbered edition Tri-Colore was only available in 2008 and shares a lot of the go-fast engineering from the faired 998’s.

2008 Ducati Monster S4RS Tri-Colore for sale on eBay

With 130hp pushing a sub-400 lb machine, the S4RS has mountains of power. With modern fuel injection and water cooling it’s still rideable around town ( even more so if you add a tooth to the rear sprocket ). Very easy on the eyes, the gold trellis frame complements the forks and exhaust, and makes the tri-colore tank sing. All the beauty hidden on the Superbike is shown – the curved water and oil radiators with little carbon bumpers, the carbon cam belt covers, single-sided swingarm, and the spindly cast brackets for the radial disk calipers.

Appearing on the lot of a powersports dealer in North Carolina, this S4RS looks excellent and has just a few mods, a slightly larger windscreen, Arrow mufflers, and left saddlebag. From the eBay auction:

Some of the most sought after Ducati models are the striking ´Tricolore´ versions. Produced in limited quantities, this bike represents the best-of-the-best and can now enjoy legendary status!

This bike is pre-owned, with only 13,828 miles. Maturely owned, this bike also includes a record of service, owner’s manual as well as Service and Parts catalogue on CD. Both keys are included as well as the code card that has the electronic and mechanical codes needed for service. For added traveling convenience, a saddle bag is also included; genuine Ducati product!

Though the subsquent 1100 had more displacement, the S4RS was a very special Monster, one of two 4-valves and the most powerful naked bike in the Ducati line until the 1200 arrived last year. Perhaps not as much cachet as the 2001 Carl Fogarty championship commemorative, but the tri-colores also have a special place in Ducati history…

-donn