Here’s one we haven’t seen on RSBFS in a few years, a Ducati Paso 907 IE.
The recent post by Mike of a pair of first gen Honda 600 F1’s got me thinking about the impact those bikes had other motorcycle manufacturers. Here is one, a Ducati Paso 907 IE.
I have heard the styling of the Paso been described as everything from “misguided” to “bizarre” to “an insult the Ducati name”. But what a lot of people don’t know is the Paso was actually designed by the same Massimo Tamburini who would later go on to design the Ducati 916, MV Agusta 750 and earlier helped to found Bimota. The Paso was one of Tamburini’s first efforts when he was hired at Cagiva (who owned the Ducati name at the time) and he decided to streamline the bike and hid the majority of the internals inside a close-fitting fairing system. This was the “hot” style at the time and is similar to what Honda was doing with their new CBR/Hurricane series which was introduced the same year.
1991 Ducati Paso for sale on ebay
The Paso came with an oddball front fairing you couldn’t see through and an air cooled 750cc engine that had the rear cylinder reversed so both cylinders could share the same carburetor . The initial 750cc Paso models were underpowered and had both cooling and fueling issues so in 1989 a new version of the Paso was produced with a new 904 cc engine that thankfully included liquid cooling. While this resolved the cooling and power issues, intermittent fueling issues still persisted so in 1991 Ducati introduced the Paso 907IE (Iniezione Elettronica). The 907IE replaced the oddball carburetor setup with a Weber-Marelli fuel injection system NOTE: The 907 IE also featured increased power and upgraded 17 inch wheels which gave the bike more stability.
Even with the improvements incorporated into the 907IE edition, the final Paso wasn’t a tremendous seller for Ducati; when production ceased in 1992 only 2,303 907IE’s had been built. NOTE: I have read that a lot of the technology from the 907IE would go on to be incorporated into the Ducati Monster lineup but cannot confirm this.
This particular Paso looks to be incredibly clean. Seller indicates recent service by a good dealer (Ducati of Minneapolis who i have personally dealt with and will vouch for). The only aftermarket pieces appear to be exhausts and a seat.
Here is what the seller has to say regarding the condition
- Just had full service, cams and valves, oil,etc. from Ducati of Minneapolis.
- Not one scratch on the original paint.
- Dealer installed Italian mufflers, sound is awesome, not too loud but not too wimpy.
- New tires and high dollar light weight battery.
- All gauges, lights, and even the clock work perfect.
So now we come to the question of what is this Ducati Paso worth? Well even though the odometer is reported to be about 17,000 miles, bidding is already over the KBB retail price and reserve isn’t met. This shouldn’t be a surprise since only around 2300 were produced, the condition of this example looks to be excellent, and the seller indicates recent service It may not be the prettiest Ducati ever made but this seems like a bike that will increase in value going forward.
-Marty/Dallaslavowner
I had a friend with 750 paso and he let me ride it once. A distinctive looking machine and it was kind of fun to get to ride something out of the ordinary.
But, man, I had read repeatedly how bad the fueling was with the weber carb setup. I have rarely ever ridden any bike that I did not enjoy because no matter how basic or crude, it seems like anything built past 1980 has always been basically functional. The paso with the weber carb was my first time where that was NOT the case. Absolutely miserable. I was glad to have the chance to sample the bike, as I thought it was neat looking and might have considered owning one. After one ride I was absolutely cured of that. My heart sank. A truely bad – from the factory- sportbike. How rare in the later part of the 20th century!
But then there was the 900 series Pasos. No experience with any of them but the 907 as I read seems to be the maturation of that platform to a seamingly competent and unique looking ST. These machines certainly are not seen often in my experience. I have always considered this to be something I would plock down a modest amount of money in the right circumstances to pick up as long as it was a serviceable rider. Not looking for a show condition but wanting something decent and not something I could not hop on and ride 1000 miles.
I could see myself flying to WS and riding it home 1000 mi in the Spring sunshine. Tempting. The tax man puts a nail in that fantasy though…
I love rare sportbikes but the timing is never right. Never the less this was enjoyable to see posted. I look forward to any insights from the site regulars on these.
I cannot say I have experience with the mechanics of Ducatis . However as a former Hurrican 600 owner back in the day I alway found these Dukes to be very interesting looking and I have a soft spot for V-Twin sportbikes anyhow. Neat bike and that why we love RSBFS to see all the cool stuff of our youth and beyond !
Great looking bike – giant super wide headlight, non see through opaque body colored windscreen, integrated turn signals and round mirrors mounted low (not sure how they work – may or may not – but they sure look great). Always been interested in trying on a 907ie for a ride – to see for myself whether / how much it is better than the 750 single carb version.
Much nicer to my eyes than the current crop of 2010-2015 motorcycles with the gonzo/psycho “all angles incorporated into a single machine with just as nuts-out gonzo angular graphics / assault on mine own old eyeballs” approach to styling!
But I’m biased, and a fan of the slabbie look (think GXSR, Ducati 900, Ducati Paso, Honda Hurricane, early Kawasacki Ninja 600). I’m not saying we should go back to this style, but I’m older, have the discretionary income, and would probably pop for / purchase a modern bike if it had some smoother curves, and less pointy angular angles. Anybody else agree?!? Having said that, and not wanting to offend anyone, I do appreciate the 916, and the angles on the earlier MV Agusta 750/1000.
I can assure all involved that these are a fantastic machine,which includes their predecessors the 750 sport/paso and the 906 paso. One HIGHLY recommended mod was to remove the original standard fitment weber carb and cut it into very tiny pieces so it could never be utilized again! ( not an issue on the 907) replace said carb with an appropriately sized set of dellorto pumpers,jet accordingly and ride off into the hills. Whilst the 16″ rims on the earlier models limited tyre choice and they all had the usual ducati quirks of useless turning circle,couldn’t ride them in the rain and a fuel light that seemed to have less idea of the amount of fuel left in the tank than gonzo the clown,on sweeping roads, such as those found in my native New Zealand,nothing was more fun!! Buy it,ride it,enjoy it!!
I couldn’t agree more.
I do enjoy some of the newer features on the modern bikes, but the lack of bodywork and angular use of it is not for me. I can appreciate the effort to save weight, and realize that is the most economical way to do it. But, the bodywork is the most impactful statement of design (IMHO). It’s not like you see production sports cars eliminating fenders, half the hood, or a few doors.
I think motorcycles have gone into the era of being utilitarian not artisanal.
The late 80’s and 90’s were the golden age of motorcycles. Maybe that’s why bikes of those years are starting to creep up in value.
For me, the last great motorcycle produced was the 2009 MV Agusta312 RR.
Cheers.
I owned a 906 and two 907ie’s. Always a treat.
Thanks to everyone for the comments. These rarely appear for sale so buying opportunities are equally rare. The comments may help me to act in the future with less concern for potential buyer’s remorse.
Lame then, lame now. No thanks.
I had an ’87 750 Paso back then. Great bike, it just needed a freer flowing exhaust and air box. The Weber carb works fine, just find someone who knows how to tune them (usually someone who races classic cars in SCCA). For that time period it handled very good and that L-twin pull through the twisty’s was great. M1 fork, grippy Brembo brakes,Marzochi rear shock that can be re-valved to your riding style, solid chassis. I didn’t notice any cooling issues but I upgraded to the “blue” oil lines. I had 40K miles on the bike when I sold it.
Only problem was finding the correct size tires in the mid ’90s, the only manufacturer by then was Michelin. If I could find a source for the correct size tires and a good White Paso Ltd., I’d probably buy one. 750 Paso’s are dirt cheap now.
Well several positive comments about a niche bike……………and one grump! As the saying goes,ya can’t please em all.
i have owned 3 907 ie’s, highly under rated, handle beautifully, comfortable to ride. of course, they’re not very powerful, but motorcycles are certainly not all about power. the experience is what i love about italian bikes and the 907 ie provides that. i have a 1500 mile prestine red 907 and i love that it’s appreciating. i ride it once a year and it always makes me grin.
I had a 91 907. Rode it all around the San Diego area. Really feel I should NOT have sold it. Amazing looking sport touring bike.
If I had a chance to buy this, I would in a heartbeat. I remember I sold mine for 7k with around 16k miles but in excellent condition.
K