Posts by Category: Ducati

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We have 15 years of archives. Please note that posts over a year old may have been updated to point to similar bikes available to bid on eBay.

Ducati July 31, 2021 posted by Mike

Up and Coming: 2001 Ducati 748S Monoposto

Hot on the heels of the original Italian supermodel, the Ducati 916, came a smaller sibling: the 748. At the time there were a lot of writers who could not understand the exorbitant cost of a 750cc sport bike that could almost run with the 600s of the day. Think of this as a slightly quieter, a little less powerful, just marginally less expensive 916 – keeping in mind that all the rest of the 916 goodness is baked right in – and you might start to see the 748 in a different light. Every bit as capable as the milestone 916 in the corners, equal on the brakes, it is really when you whack the throttle open that the differences are clear. Otherwise, the 748 is the spitting image of the bigger bike, with advantages when it comes to ownership.

2001 Ducati 748S Monoposto for sale on eBay

Let’s get it out in the open: The L-twin powering the 748s as pictured was good for just shy of 100 HP when released. It tipped the scales at 430-ish pounds dry. Compare and contrast the same year Honda CBR600 inline four, and you will find 110 HP pushing a mere 370 pounds. It’s no wonder that many folks did not understand the 748. Even the “S” model as we see here did not receive a performance gain, but rather upgraded suspension, adjustable steering geometry and snazzy wheels. But what this bike does – and it does it all day long – is look damn good. And even if you’re not reeling in your buddy on the straights, there is simply no sound like a desmoquattro hammering out to redline. It’s the kind of soundtrack that sticks with you, the experience that you remember, and the feeling that you are always going fast, even if you are not.

From the seller:
DUCATI 2001 748S MONOPOSTO RARE YELLOW!

This is a gem of a motorcycle. Great opportunity to own a very good example of ducati heritage. Very low miles. Runs fantastic with no known issues. Never been raced. Minor cosmetic defects which are all to the best of my ability listed in the photos. This is a very eye clean motorcycle and shows gentle wear for its age. Considered in very good used condition. Selling to fund another project. Starts immediately and I’ve never had mechanical issue. NO LEAKS! Maintained by Ducati Corse Portland. New Diablo Rosso III tires with 50 miles use. New OEM hand grips. New OEM Front and Rear sprockets and chain installed. All lights and signals work. Very Low miles on this bike with plenty of miles left as a daily rider or an addition to your collection. Amazing sound of the duel carbon fiber TERMIGNONI Exhaust. Small fogging to the head light lenses, very common for these bikes. Your dealer can easily remove but it will re-accumulate slowly over time. Motorcycle is sold as is. You will not be disappointed with this motorcycle. The pictures speak for the bike. The Pitbull stand IS included in the sale. The ducati garage mat IS included in the sale. Happy to answer all reasonable questions. Very reasonable reserve price.

There are some drawbacks to 748 ownership, but these should not be deal killers. If you are a street rider with a lot of stop and go during your commute, you will find that the race ready cockpit stretches you out into a neat aero package that puts a ton of weight on your wrists at slower speeds. Maintenance is a bit more involved on the 748 than on 2-valve Supersports or Japanese machinery, as there are now four valves to adjust in each head, and getting to the belts means moving more stuff out of the way first. Still, these are not as fragile or temperamental as you might expect from an Italian exotic.

The early Tamburini-designed 916 models are starting to command big money these days. It is clear that this is where the collector world is going. The 748 – a little less loved and without the ultimate performance mantle – will take a little bit longer to get there. That is good news if you are looking for one today. Find it, ride it, enjoy it, and watch it appreciate in value in the wake of the 916/996/998 series. Today’s example has fewer than 14,000 miles on the clocks, has some minor farkles which are common to the model, and otherwise looks to be in fine shape. Best of all, bidding is still below $5k with only a couple of days remaining. More rare than the bigger bikes, these 748 models are a kick to ride. And we all know that yellow Ducatis are the fastest…. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

Ducati July 21, 2021 posted by William

End of an era: Ducati 1098R

“What do we want?…..SPORT BIKES….When do we want them? NOW”-Angry mob outside RSBFS Headquarters.

Hunting rare and exciting motorcycles is hard work. We are a slave to what is currently on the market. Pickings have been slim. But today we are in luck. Out in Denver a very interesting Ducat is listed on Craigslist. Featuring Craigslist adds is challenging as you never know when they will be pulled down, and generally sellers are looking for a local transaction and specifically trying to avoid the wide net cast by eBay. While this may limit the pool of buyers for the seller, it can sometimes give an advantage to someone local.

From the seller’s post:

2008 Ducati 1098R
7800 miles (looks like it has 1000)
221/450 produced; 300 are US models
The first production motorcycle with traction control and the last Ducati to win the World Superbike title in 2011 although it was labeled as a 1198R at that time. It is a true homologation special- a street legal race bike.
There’s plenty of information on these bikes out there so I won’t do any technical writing.
Excellent condition although the tire production date of 2012 would mean they will need replaced if it is to be ridden in a spirited manner.
All original parts included: titanium exhaust & ecu, license plate assy, clutch cover, data downloader.
I bought this bike about three years ago locally from a dealer after seeing it on an internet site. Didn’t really plan on buying it but the condition was so fine I couldn’t pass it up. It has obviously been loved from new. It is a very historic motorcycle, mechanical artwork with frightening performance.
Serious inquires only.

The 1098R is in many ways the end of an era for Ducati homologation bikes. The next series, the Panigale used an completely new frame design and construction. Top tier Ducati sport bikes would no long use the unique trellis frame. There was an 1198R, but literally only a handful were produced and sold, and at this point post of them are sitting in large and static collections.

An 1198cc 180+ horsepower engine was used, despite the 1098 badging. All bikes were delivered with some choice race parts to bump the power to almost 190hp. Carbon lower body panels and high spec suspension ensure these are no slouch on the race track or open road.

With only 450 built world wide this surely qualifies as rare. Many heaped praise on Ducati for the styling of the 1098/1198 generations. It was seen as a return to Ducati producing beautiful sports bikes and a return to form of the 916/996/998.

The current asking price of $15,500 is on the low end for bikes being actively listed. Sales data is all over the map and a sure sign that people are starting to take note of these bikes. It offers a tremendous amount of performance per dollar. Any buyer should take a close look at the tank for swelling issues as this was a notorious issue for all Ducati in this time period. The owners groups have developed a few solutions, so it is nothing that should stop someone from enjoying this epic machine.

There are just under 8k miles on the bike. This will keep the static collectors away, but should be near perfect for someone that wants to experience the feel of the bike in the wild.

– William

Ducati July 19, 2021 posted by Donn

All the Best – 1994 Ducati 900SS/SP

1990’s 900 SuperSports were already more than the sum of their parts, but this SP has been carefully farkled and looks to be ready to go across the valley or even the state.

1994 Ducati 900SS/SP for sale on eBay

Updating their 80’s multi-purpose machines, the 900SS made all the right moves toward a more modern Ducati sportbike – almost a liter in displacement, dry clutch, 6-speed transmission, 320mm brakes, and 17-inch wheels. Easy desmodue valve train, Mikuni carburetors, adjustable suspension, and fairly relaxed ergonomics were icing on the cake. The SP was a U.S. only model, and had the usual 80 hp but extra carbon accents, and the better Showa dampers. Even fully-faired it was trim if not exactly lithe, and rated well in the handling department.

Not sure where this southwest Oregon owner fits in the parade of custodians almost every 1990’s bike has, but this one has some period upgrades, like flat-slide carbs and NLA Staintune mufflers, along with more readily available Öhlins, lower pegs and year-old Pilot Power 2’s. Even with the right side scrape it presents very well, and props to the seller for detailing the heck out of it before taking pictures. Notes from the eBay auction:

WELL TAKEN CARE OF, LOTS OF UPGRADES, STAINTUNE SLIP-ONS WITH DB KILLERS, OHLINS REAR SHOCK, OHLINS INTERNALS IN FORKS, RACE TECH SPRINGS SET UP FOR 200 LB RIDER, NEW MICHELIN PILOT POWER 2 CTS LAST SUMMER, SARGENT SEAT, OHLINS STEERING DAMPENER, LIGHTENED FLYWHEEL, FLAT SLIDE CARBS AND MOTION PRO THROTTLE KIT, NEWER MRA SCREEN, NEWER DUCATI MIRRORS, LOWER PEGS STOCK INCLUDED,RKA PERIOD SEAT BAG, TANK BAG FROM A MONSTER, LESS THAN A THOUSAND MILES SINCE LAST FULL SERVICE, BRAKE FLUSH LAST SUMMER, ONLY NON ETHANOL, STORED IN A WARM GARAGE WITH SMART CHARGER, SMALL ROW OF SCRATCHES LOWER RIGHT FAIRING, INSULATION HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE INSIDES OF THE FAIRING.

A regular subject of “best used bikes” reviews, the 900SS/SP is the bike that got away, from many early owners. More the better for subsequent riders, who have the benefit of the air-cooled desmodue, in a Swiss Army Knife package that even ( well almost ) looks good with luggage.

-donn

Ducati July 18, 2021 posted by William

Generational Shift Ducati Super Sport

As time marches on, everything changes. People age, tastes change and new generations enter the motorcycle hobby. Here at RSBFS there are always a plethora of clean first generation Ducati SS bikes. Many have waxed poetic about the sound, simplicity and beautiful ownership experience. It really is hard not to love them, and it is easy to see why finding a good example is hard at any price point. As with most collectable motorcycles it seems that prices are on a constant trajectory up.

2000 Ducati Super Sport on eBay

But what drives that at the core? Is it stories about what Hunter S Thompson thought about the bike or is it a long lasting personal connection to the vehicle? Lets face it, the people that lusted after the first generation SuperSport are at an age where their bodies might not let them enjoy a sports bike any more. We are seeing a new breed of people entering into the hobby and they have a stronger connection to the often overlooked second generation Ducati SS.

Seller’s Comments From eBay:

This is an Extremely Clean, Great Looking, and Running 900ss. Paint, Tires, Chain, Brakes, and everything on the bike is excellent ready to go with many extras. New timing belts 1 yr ago. Marelli Fuel injection trouble free. Bar ends have been flipped for more comfort. Can be easilly flipped back if preferred. This is one of the simple, easy to maintain Ducatis. No red key nonsense. Just push the button, and go.

The example here appears to be in above average shape. It is a latter model with the fuel injection, but still retains that iconic dry clutch. The pictures reveal an aftermarket exhaust that is sure to please the ears. The listing talks about a questionable decision to flip the clip ons for a more comfortable riding position. The new owner would be wise to either replace the bars with an aftermarket riser option, or revert back to stock. It is nice that the bike has had a recent timing belt change

These bikes are a wonderful bargain in the current market. Truly an upgrade over the first in terms of performance and usability. In period many rejected the design aesthetics of Pierre Terblanche, but his bikes have aged very well. Opening bid of $3500 has yet to be made. Results are all over the map with some super low mileage examples pulling large numbers. If you had ever thought about owning one of these bikes, it might be your best time as these are a shoe in for being a future classic.

Ducati July 16, 2021 posted by William

The Original Ducati Sports Bike: Ducati 750 F1A

Please give a warm welcome to our newest contributor, William! This is his first post and it closes in 8 hours. Happy Friday everyone! -dc

Long before Ducati gave us a line of 200+hp monsters, and even before the epically beautiful 916 series of bikes there was the 750 F1. Ducati was not the giant of today, but rather a smaller company focused on racing and in some years struggling to survive.

1985 Ducati 750 F1A For Sale On eBay

From the eBay Listing:

1985 Ducati F1A
The last of the ‘real’ Ducati’s.

A Highly Collectible & Iconic Street Legal Race Weapon

Designed by Ducati Exactly Like The ones that raced Laguna Seca & The Isle Of Man

Light, Fast & Fun!

Clear CT title / Same Adult Owner Since 1998
Factory Maintenance Manual
Spare Key
Service records under Rich’s ownership
LETTER FROM THE OWNER-
My name is Richard Romano and in the past I’ve owned many Ducati’s and this 1985 F1A has been my all time favorite. I only rode this bike on certain occasions and did not put many on it since almost 20 years of ownership. The handling looks and sound is a common trait of Ducati and this one has it all. At this time in my life and in my 70s it’s time to let her go. I am sure the next owner will have the same great experience. -Rich

Fuel Lines Replaced
Fuel Filters Replaced
$2,000 Service Invoice at 25,835 Miles;
New Timing Belt
New Valve Seals
New Exhaust Gaskets
New Oil & Filter
New plugs
New plug wires
Remove heads to decarbonize combustion chamber and piston tops
Rebuilt Carbs (In 2016)
Replaced Battery

The Ducati F1 represents an end of the simple air cooled superbikes. From this generation on the top tier bikes from Bologna would be liquid cooled. Combine the classic styling and robust engine, these are a rather attractive option to many collectors. This was also a time when all Ducati were rare, not because they were special editions, Ducati just did not produce many motorcycles a year.

Current bids are over $12,000 and the Buy It Now button is there at just under $17,000. The BIN might be on the high side for the current market. That said these bikes are never going to get cheaper. Good sorted examples have always been a hard thing to find, so spending a few extra dollars up front might save more in the end.

Some might claim that one can have a similar riding experience on a latter Ducati SS and that might be true. But the ownership experience will be completely different. An F1 will be more versatile for different events and possible appreciate better. This bike, and it’s 75hp would be conformable on a spirited Sunday ride, or cruising to the local bike nights. While many on the internet will try and scare potential owners with inflated claims of service costs, owners will gladly share information that shows these are not bikes to fear.

-William

Ducati July 14, 2021 posted by Mike

Featured Listing – 1973 Ducati 750 Sport

9.28.2021: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

The term “Collector Alert” gets thrown around in various circles for cult classics, homologation bikes, and other up and coming motorcycles of interest. But beyond the hype, there are certain brands, certain bikes and certain creations that are blue chip. As time passes, there become fewer and fewer good examples of a certain age, until ultimately – usually due to parts availability – there become yet a handful left of truly exceptional examples of a model. This is especially true of older Ducatis, which did not have the mass production methods and large exportation networks cultivated by the Japanese. With fewer bikes in the overall pool, the ravages of time take a heavier toll. So when we come across a true classic that has been restored to a very, very high standard by notable Australian Ducati experts Vee Two, the term Collector Alert truly applies.

Featured Listing – 1973 Ducati 750 Sport

Looking every bit like what you might find ensconced in the Barber Museum, this 1973 Ducati 750 Sport has been completely restored. Some of the best bits are what you are not seeing – as in a huge pile of NOS parts. Why? Much of this bike was already original, making this as much a refurbishment and refresh as it was complete restoration. As the saying goes, something can only be original once, and the more original parts kept with the bike means greater originality and better options down the road.

From the seller:
Ducati 750 Sport 1973

Full Nut and bolt restoration. 2021
Motorcycle restored by Vee Two Australia .Very original Restoration using OEM parts .
Original Scarab Brake master Cylinder , Caliper and Disc. Leading Axle 19″ front end.
Originally Australian delivery 1973.
Original engine and frame numbers: Engine Number DM753820 Frame Number DM750S753919

Original milage showing . 38464 Kilometres
Original Borrani Rims . Stainless Steel Spokes.New Tyres
Complete Vee Two Australia engine rebuild .
Electronic Ignition. fitted. ( original ignition with bike )
Full engine built and Parts list sheet available. ( comes with Vee Two Warranty )
Original headlight . ( Jod )
Last registered 2012 by current owner.

New Fiber glass tank suitable unleaded fuel. Original tank with bike.
Koni Shocks. Original shocks rebuildable and with bike.

More from the seller:
An Extremely originaly restored Ducati 750 Sport and one of very few to become available in the past 10 years in this condition with this originality.

Asking Price: Entertaining offers around $115,000 AUD (approximately $87,500 USD)

Those in the know will tell you that it is far less expensive to purchase a fully restored automobile or motorcycle than tackle a basket case in the hopes of making it “like new.” The internet is littered with half-completed projects that will never be completed, or potentially worse, projects that have been completed resulting in bastardized, non-original mutants. Here we find an icon of the early Ducati twin years, restored by experts with a solid reputation. In addition to the bike itself, the seller indicates over $30k USD was spent on the refurbishment of this beauty – and that is with their expertise, parts knowledge and availability and experience. Many original parts are either on the bike or included with the sale, and the seller is willing to help arrange shipping worldwide.

Bikes like this will only appreciate over time, so if you are in the market now is the best time to make a move. If you want the best and don’t have the inclination to break into Barber or the patience to wait for such a superlative example to make it’s way over the block at Christies or Bonhams, You really need to reach out to Brook over at Vee Two and have a chat. As a noted Ducati bevel expert Brooke has done and seen it all when it comes to these bikes, so you know you are in good hands. Don’t wait too long though, as I have a feeling this one will go pretty quick. Good Luck!!

Featured Listing – 1973 Ducati 750 Sport

Ducati July 12, 2021 posted by Mike

Affordable Classic: 1993 Ducati 900 Supersport

We have posted a few Ducati Supersports on RSBFS recently, and there is a good reason for it. As a rider, these are fantastic platforms that give you all the great Ducati vibes and good looks. They are not ultra-fast to be sure, nor are they ultra-refined in terms of creature comforts. These are very basic – and very good – motorcycles that involve the rider in the experience in a manner that few bikes accomplish. And if you are looking at a bike worth holding on to, either to continue to customize and modify with numerous available performance bits or to simply collect and watch it appreciate in value, the 900SS is an affordable entry and willing partner for either plan.

1993 Ducati 900 Supersport for sale on eBay

The Supersport is powered by yet another evolution of the wildly successful Pantah engine. Using toothed rubber belts to drive the 2-valve Desmo system (as opposed to the tower drive and bevel gears in earlier models), the Supersport throbs its way to 80-ish horsepower at the top end. And that top end is not like a Japanese inline four or even a Desmoquattro Superbike wind up rush. Instead, the air cooled twin prefers to ride the fat torque curve more in the middle of the rev range, where skilled riders can make use of the stiff trestle frame and 851 brakes to make swift progress indeed.

From the seller:
Runs and looks great. All original with good service records.

This era Ducati Supersport has much to recommend. Aside from the solid feel and quality construction, the 900SS enjoys a pleasing silhouette – the same which cannot really be said about the follow on design by Pierre Terblanche. The Pantah motor is relatively basic and utterly reliable. Service intervals are reasonable, and a semi-skilled home mechanic can certainly change the belts. Valve adjustments are a bit more tricky in that you need a number of shims on hand, but not beyond the realm of someone armed with calipers, some basic math skills and access to a shop that will sell you the shims you need. At worst the home mechanic can do the fluid service and belts at required intervals and have the local shop run the valves when needed. For exotic Italian exclusivity, ownership is not difficult in any meaningful way.

Today’s bike has traveled a reported 26,000 miles. That is quite a few, but nothing to be concerned about when it comes to longevity. In reality, the key failure point on a Pantah is related to failure to change the belts; with adequate service history this bike is only being broken in. Asking $5,800 in a Buy It Now format auction, this 900 Supersport is a decent buy. However you should compare and contrast with this 1995 Ducati 900 SSCR Featured Listing to see what that sum of money can buy you on the performance upgrade side. Stock (and looking untouched) in this format or performance-tuned in the case of the Featured Listing, you cannot go wrong with a Pantah-engined Ducati Supersport. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

Ducati July 6, 2021 posted by Donn

1982 Ducati 900SS Mike Hailwood Replica

Though its specs didn’t look like much on paper, Ducati’s 1982 tribute to Mike Hailwood’s 1978 Isle of Man win turned into one their most exciting special editions. Today’s example presents very well, and appears quite original.

1982 Ducati 900SS Mike Hailwood Replica for sale on eBay

The engine in the MHR is a later development of the Taglioni-designed 750, with bevel-gear driven cams, pre-dating the desmodromic valve train and claiming 80 hp. 40mm Dell’Orto carburetors were protected with racey looking screens, and the 860’s had recently acquired electric starting. Marzocchi supplied forks and shocks, and Brembo brought triple 280mm disks. The wafer-thin fiberglass fairing was painted in a designer’s impression of Hailwood’s 1978 race livery, plenty of room on the seat fairing for race number 12, if the new owner is inclined.

Offered by a Miami specialty dealer, this MHR looks excellent, though no background information is supplied. But for the holes in the fairing, the absent front signals wouldn’t be missed, and a single bar end mirror is installed. Loving the glass bevel gear inspection window, and the basically perfect fairings, though it’s possible they’re spilling the beans about a past restoration. Rather limited comments from the eBay auction:

Mike Hailwood replica in amazing original condition. Rare low mile survivor.

Runs and drives as it should. A great opportunity for a collector as they don’t come up often in this condition.

Mike Hailwood’s win is the stuff of such legend that several different commemoratives have been manufactured – the 1982-86 MHR, the not exactly authorized MH900E, a one-one here and there, and a really faithful – replica – of the race bike. But the original might be the most approachable and even at its level, affordable of the choices. And the principals of Sports Motor Cycles Manchester have relocated to New Zealand, offering their smashing decal in a range of sizes.

-donn