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 August 18, 2021 posted by William

617 Miles From New: 2006 Ducati Paul Smart

For the past couple of years the Ducati Sport Classic series of bikes has been highly sought after. It stands to reason as the bikes offer epic retro looks in a well rounded and usable package. They make the right noise, handle well and offer a unique experience. The Paul Smart has always been the top of the heap in terms of desirability. Ducati did not add any more power to the 1000cc dual spark air cooled motor, but did toss in some Ohlins suspension to ensure and even better ride. The instantly recognizable color scheme still looks amazing today.

From the Seller’s eBay Listing:

PAUL SMART 1000 SPECIAL EDITION MODEL PURCHASED ONE OF THE TWO NEW IN 2006 THIS PAUL SMART 1000 SPECIAL EDITION IT WAS RIDDEN IN 2006 TO VISIT A FRIEND OUT OF STATE AND A FEW LOCAL RIDES,IT HAS BEEN STORED IN A CLIMATE CONTROLLED GARAGE SINCE PURCHASED NEW ,A VERY LOW MILAGE EXAMPLE OF THE PAUL SMART 1000 SPECIAL EDITION ,

Featured today is a bike with only 617 miles. Many of these bikes were purchased new and added to multi bike garages, so finding one with low miles is not hard. It is a shame to see so many go unridden as that is really where these bikes shine. Maybe the next buyer will see this as an opportunity to get a bike with low enough miles to be in as new condition, but already has enough miles to not fear taking out from time to time. The opening bid of $21,500 has yet to be made, and is in keeping with pricing on other Paul Smarts.

If you bought it, would you ride it or put it on display?

Ducati August 9, 2021 posted by Doug

2008 Ducati D16RR Desmosedici

2008 Ducati D16RR Desmo For Sale on eBay!

It’s 2006 and Loris Capirossi and Sete Gibernau are the Ducati Factory MotoGP riders. You’re at the track watching them blast down the straights at 200mph and thinking “Man, I wish I had a machine like that!”. Reading your mind, an official from Bologna walks up and says “I can help you obtain the unobtainable.” Cautiously, you look around and ask yourself “Did I say that out loud or am I dreaming?”. Still cautious and unsure, you feel a startling tap on your shoulder. Mr Bologna repeats himself “I can help you obtain the unobtainable” Your reply is simply “Seriously? Where do I sign up?”. Mr Bologna points to Ducati Island and motions for you to follow him . . .

A signature, $72,500, a 24 month wait and the next thing you know- you’re throwing a leg over a 200hp, fire breathing, Italian Stallion D16RR Ducati MotoGP Racer Replica. Was it worth the wait? Well, truth be told, only 1500 people had to impatiently wait for their dealers to call and it’s safe to say Commonwealth didn’t have my number.

These are teenagers now and are starting to show their age . . . a little. The D16 looks a little bulbous when compared to today’s MotoGP machines, but in typical Ducati fashion, it looks fast sitting still and drips with motorcycle sexiness.

From the seller-

Excellent example Ducati D16RR Desmosedici w/ 6,444 miles.

Not much to say- I’m thinking they were too busy polishing the drool off of their D16

As a quick reference, I did a deep dive into my RSBFS.com past and found this as a pricing sound board

My post from November 2009

Being completely transparent, I find it hard to believe these haven’t eclipsed their original MSRP’s. I believe these will increase in value, but perhaps the 1500 production number is holding them back a bit. What do you all think? Drop a comment below and let’s figure it out.

Ciao!

Check this Desmosedici out here!

Ducati August 8, 2021 posted by Mike

The Other Desmo: 1979 Ducati 900 Super Sport Darmah

Shout out to our returning resident writer for the spot on this one. Doug came across this 900 SSD and knew it was significant – but was too occupied redlining his 1990s memory lane exploits to write it up. Rock on with your neon pastels, Captain, I’m all too happy to step in and share one of the most rare Desmos you might find on the GoogleTubeBay!

The late 1970s were difficult for the Bologna brand. For while Ducati clearly made a name with their 750cc green frame Super Sport, winning races and generally being the upstart Italian in a decidedly Japanese technology buffet, showroom success continued to be elusive. Ducati attempted to enter the mainstream market with the 860 GT, but when that failed to chart they evolved it into the 900 Sport Darmah in 1977. A further evolution was created, known as the 900 Super Sport Darmah – or SSD – which is what you see here. A sharper version of the Sport Darmah, the SSD featured some engine enhancements for more power, the sport fairing, and lower clip-on bars. With relatively few Ducatis of this era making it to the US, and even fewer of the SSD variant being made at all, this is a bit of a unicorn of the bevel-drive set.

1979 Ducati 900 Super Sport Darmah for sale on eBay

From the seller:
Low mileage 1979 SS Darmah. Ive got way too many projects and this poor bike just sits and gathers dust so Im selling it.Getting a little too old for the riding position as well…. Brand new battery,stored with Cam 2 fuel,will need tires asap.tough decision . Because of age,bike is sold as is

There is no doubt that the Bologna factory produces products that exude sex appeal. Ducatis have often been noted as performance artwork. Therefore it should be no surprise that Ducati farmed out some of the design to Italdesign studio and Giorgetto Giugiaro. Known for designing some of the most stunning automobiles in history, Giugiaro worked on sculpting….. the engine cases. Yes, such was the level of detail that went into this line.

At the end of the day, the Super Sport Darmah was too heavy to be a true sport bike, and too sporty to be a true tourer that the standard Darmah represented. Even the seller notes that the riding position is too aggressive for an older rider. Couple that with relatively slow sales for the brand, competition between the two Darmahs, and bigger competition from the far East, you have a very rarely seen example of a very special bevel. There is not a ton of info from the seller, and the pictures are relatively few. But if you are in the market for something distinctive – and distinctively 70s – this rare 1979 Ducati 900 Super Sport Darmah might just be for you. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

Ducati August 2, 2021 posted by Mike

Featured Listing – 1995 Ducati 900 SS/CR Hot Rod

Update 8.2.2021: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

The Ducati Supersport line has been wildly successful for the Bologna manufacturer, and it is not difficult to see why. Based more on what is NOT there than what is, the Supersport is about agility and lightness. This is a bike that reduces riding to the raw level of man and machine, as opposed to man coddled by electro-mechanical machine. This is a booming, throbbing and visceral experience that is a class all unto its own. An amazing motorcycle because of what it isn’t, the Ducati Supersport remains a standout of the era, and a reminder of how good it is to get out and ride.

Featured Listing – 1995 Ducati 900 SS/CR Hot Rod

While the Supersport nomenclature had been around for decades in one form or another, it was the Pantah engine models that wear the “SS” designation. And rather thinking of the latter year Supersports as children of the bevel-era, old school Super Sport models, realize that this generation is much more closely related to the F1 and vaunted TT2 models – very good pedigree indeed. Out on the streets, riders quickly saw the potential for the “less is more” philosophy, and began to consider the 900 SS (especially the ’91-’98 models) as platforms to be enhanced and customized. The bare bones were very, very good…but the aftermarket could make them better. Enter today’s Featured Listing, a fantastic interpretation of the 900 SS/CR. I’ll let the seller pick it up from here:

From the seller:
I bought this girl off ebay about 4 years ago. Someone had done a crazy amount of work to her and then parked her. The family I bought it from said that the builder past away. When I got her she had the items listed below. The person who did the work did a GREAT job, everything was very well done. I also did a bunch of work over the years, see below. She basically needs nothing, she has fresh everything, ride her across the country if you’d like. She is fast, light (388 pounds with ½ tank of gas), fun and increasing in value.

More from the seller:
Build work done before I got her:
Black powder coated frame, swingarm, fairing bracket, valve covers and maybe the sides of the oil cooler.
Keihin FCR 39mm Flatslides
Hi-comp stock bore pistons
Light flywheel
Light clutch basket
Magnesium Marchesini 5 spoke wheels
Rear sets
Pi Research System 2 race dash and sensors that show, Oil Pressure, speed, voltage and RPM has a few other options not hooked up.
Modified and powder coated upper fairing bracket for dash.
Fresh brake pads.
Rare D&D Full 2 into 2 exhaust, carbon mufflers and hangers (very cool, light and plenty of clearance)
Fresh stainless lines for front and rear brakes
Custom breather filter.
Customized airbox.
Individual K&N filters
Custom inner fender
Very tiddy custom wiring for the upgrades.
Full CARBON tail (with factory seat), upper and front fender, paint is track quality, 6 out a 10

More from the seller:
What I’ve done in the last 4 years and 1200 miles of ownership:
Fresh fluids, oil changed 7/19, brake/clutch fluid changed 10/20
New plugs 7/19
Ultrasonically cleaned and rebuilt carbs
Belts changed 7/19
Replaced battery
Replaced windscreen
Replaced bar ends
Installed bar end mirrors in place of factory mirrors to keep the bike narrow
Valves adjusted 8/17
Ohlins rear shock
900SS/SP forks
Full floating Brembo iron front rotors
Lightened rear rotor

What she needs and flaws:
The race dash doesn’t have a odometer so I don’t know what the mileage is, it also has it’s own power switch so you have to turn it on and off.
The paint work has some bad touch ups and some flakey spots
That’s it, she is ready to go

More from the seller:
If I kept her I would…. Do nothing, just keep ridding her. It’s a great bike that flies between traffic, up mountains roads and commutes as well as my VFR. I’ve had over 12 900cc Ducati’s, I’m going to regret selling this one more than any other in the past.

Asking Price: $6000 obo

Today’s seller has listed several bikes on RSBFS in the past, and is a known entity. That always helps when considering a significant purchase. And from a cost standpoint, you could not build this hot rod at the price point being asked based on the parts installed and the cost of a suitable donor. That makes this a pretty good deal for a bike that has so much potential to please.

Featured Listing – 1995 Ducati 900 SS/CR Hot Rod

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.