Update 12.14.15: The seller has accepted a deposit on this bike. Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc
Located in Chicago, today’s Featured Listing is a very clean Ducati 888 SPO Limited, a rare version of Ducati’s first really modern superbike, a bike that gave them back their racing mojo and a model that has begun to steadily increase in value in recent years.
Until the advent of the rubber-cambelt Pantah, Ducati was living on borrowed time. And while the new version of their L-twin allowed them to reduce manufacturing costs, something more powerful was definitely needed to keep pace with the sportbikes from Japan, since the Big Four had finally managed to add handling and light weight to their unburstable four-cylinder sportbike formula, basically making everything from Europe look pretty antiquated.
In order to remain relevant in racing and in showrooms, Ducati developed a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, four-valve version of their rugged L-twin and stuffed it into the brand-new 851 in 1987. The new “Desmoquattro” made 93hp at the rear wheel and gave Ducati a serious weapon for superbike racing. The bored-out 888 that followed displaced, you guessed it: 888cc’s.
The 888 SPO Limited has a few subtle differences as compared to the SPO including more carbon fiber, frame-colored wheels instead of black, and the suspension hoop wasn’t yellow. Intended to homologate the Desmoquattro for AMA Superbike racing it made a stout 104hp at the rear wheel, not too impressive compared to the near-200hp of a modern Panigale. But combined with the wide powerband that used to be the hallmark of big v-twins, these are plenty fast in the hands of a good rider.
This example appears to have been carefully maintained, although if the seller is saying it could use a set of cam belts, I’d plan to do that immediately. Aside from a couple chips, this thing looks so clean you could practically eat off it, even the bits normally hidden under the fairing, and includes the very desirable GiaCoMoto “spaghetti” style exhaust. Basically, if your Ducati superbike isn’t running a spaghetti exhaust, you’re just not one of the cool kids. This isn’t simply a set of expensive carbon tubes, it’s a full 50mm free flow exhaust and should make a serious roar.
From the seller: 1994 Ducati 888 SPO for Sale
The 1994 888 SPO Limiteds were the very last 888s before the 916 and very few were made. This is #61. While it has had 17,698 miles of enjoyment, the bike is in amazing condition. The last valve adjustment was 3000 miles and 4 years ago. New belts wouldn’t hurt, but the bike has been stored inside when not ridden. The original carbon fiber fenders and clutch cover have been impeccably refinished by Artistimo. The stock fasteners were all re-plated with the factory yellow Zinc oxide. It has the original Ohlins shock.
Upgrades include the Corbin seat, Speedymoto adjustable clip-ons, 18ah Shorai battery, and the rare 50mm Thunderball/GiaCaMoto “spaghetti” full exhaust system.
Splitting hairs (pictured);
1. Chip to the left side fairing near where your toe would be.
2. Small ding at the bottom right front corner of the fuel tank (from the throttle tube)
3. Small rock chip to the left of the “D” on the front fairing.
4. Tiny scratch on the right exhaust canister (which I will try to polish out). No burning/discoloring, and look at those nearly spotless headers!
5. Rearsets are OEM, but silver ’93 SPO ones instead of the black ones of ’94.No one believes this bike is 20+ years old or has been ridden and enjoyed. Anyone who has seen any of my bikes knows the standards I keep them. The fork adjusters are spotless…even the wheels are outstanding. This bike is clean. $12,500
While the 888 isn’t as pretty as the iconic 916 that followed, it’s far more interesting. A connoisseur’s choice, a bike with real history, particularly in SPO form. Also: the more humane ergonomics mean you won’t need to visit your chiropractor after a long morning ride.
If you’re looking for a bike to enjoy, this seems like an ideal machine: low-ish miles, but it’s definitely been ridden and kept in fine-fettle. Well-cared for, but with a couple minor blemishes so you wouldn’t be afraid your boots will scuff the rearsets or mark the exhausts. And that GiaCoMoto spaghetti exhaust system is the ultimate safety feature: the cagers will know you’re coming for several miles before you come into view!
-tad
Great bike, good luck with the sale
Man, what a bike. A realy beauty and an all time classic. I can only dream of owning one of these someday.
that used to be the hallmark, gave me a chuckle. the two stroke style power delivery allegedly of the 899 panigale makes me want one
Timeless body style……. And one of the nicest models (1992 SP4 being the best) ever produced by DUCATI…. IMHO
But…… I think $12,500 is reaching…. price wise…
Seen nicer examples go for less recently….
Maybe this one sets a new bench mark….who knows…. Unlikely me thinks.
GLWS
Cheers.
Agreed, $12.5k is high. 888’s are wonderful machines, but this thing has damage on what are now difficult to replace parts. Clean OEM fairings and a clean tank, and I’d consider this to be around $10-11k. Appears to be bone stock with no period goodies – other than a cut airbox and K&N filter, which makes me wonder if proper tuning was completed.
Still a great bike, and in pretty good shape.
I’m making an observation, and sure not arguing, and I hope no one takes offense or thinks Im trying to criticize anyone, because I’m not, but what is the basis for saying the price it too high? It seems to be a very common sort of comment whenever a nice bike comes along. I do not profess to be an expert by any means about the homologation bikes but they are my favorite bikes (other than my current track day bike and my current race bike). I have an pristine RC30 and I bought that ZX7r that was on here last week. And I have three more bikes on my buy list. I paid a lot of money for the RC30 but less than a year later, two sold at auction for close to double. I paid top dollar for the zx7r too, but it didn’t bother me to do so bc I can’t see (1) ever selling them and (2) ever losing money on them if I did down the road someday. I only have watched prices go steadily up on these bikes. I took a lot of grief for what I paid for the zx7r but I think its worth spending a couple extra bucks over other stuff that is available to get a very clean, all original bike with low milage.
So again, my question is, when someone lists a really nice looking bike like the Ducati for sale for $12,500, what is basis to say the price is too high? I just don’t see a ready supply of them and public sales to which we can compare the price. I am writing this to learn something, not start an argument!
Im here to learn!
No period goodies? How about the “spaghetti” exhaust which is now impossible to find and the 50mm pipes? I think this bike is worth every penny. 94 SPO were very rare in the US and not a lot Imported, I don’t know the exact number, but it was not a lot at all.
What they said, nice mods, bike looks great and is set up for riding so could be enjoyed and not left on a display. As far the imperfections go,I am very confident any competent paint shop could airbrush and restore to like new. I have seen this bike before, looks and sounds Dope
If you have RC30 and the ZX7R (which just sold), both of which you admittedly paid good money for, then you obviously know how the market works.
Hopefully anyone who has their eye on a motorcycle is intelligent enough to do some research on a motorcycle, see what they have been selling for and where the best market to purchase them are. That’s where I would start when trying to extrapolate a price. That’s where I would START to generate an opinion on value.
Prices can be all over the place. I see many very similar examples of the same motorcycle (RC30 since you brought it up), and some guys want nearly double the price of others. I don’t besmirch those who try to get those prices….but feel sorry for those who ignorantly purchase without doing proper diligence, or explore other markets as a source (i.e. Japan).
The same goes for almost every purchase. Local guitar shop wants $4500 for a Gibson Les Paul ….. I buy from the U.S. for half that amount !!!
It makes me laugh when people see near mint stuff sell at auctions and then reflect that price on their same collectable. Only…… it’s in much worse shape than the one at the auction. They think, “that’s pretty much the same as mine….except for….”. Problem is the “except for” is where the difference in price lies. It’s all the little things….. That would be why you paid the price you did for the ZX7R.
I collect Comic Books as well……and when a book is 10…..it’s pretty hard to negotiate on the price…..because there is no flaws in which to bargain on….
I will now get off my ‘Soap Box’……….
Cheers.
By the way…speaking of “little things”……the two bolts that hold the top of your ZX7R gas tank to the frame are wrong……..
Also…..can’t confirm because of the angle of the picture …..but the exhaust hangar could be wrong as well…….
I have 3 ZX7R’s …….. If you need to confirm other ” Little Things” …..give me a shout….. hwood851@msn.com
…… “Little Things”………
Thank you hwood851. I will be hitting you up.
and the KYB stickers seems to be missing from the top of the forks……. and there is the missing black zip-tie from the top right fork…..
and I think the warning sticker on the gas tank is in the wrong spot…..should be above the gas filler….. who knows with the sticker guy at the factory………
Just saying…..
Anytime…. you would be surprised at all the “Little Things” that could be wrong or missing……
I never understood how bikes with almost no (supposed) mileage could be missing all the decals…..or have bolts/screws in the wrong spots…..etc.
hwood851.
I read an article in the last edition of Performance Bike comparing three different versions of V4 sports motorcycles.A Desmocedici,Aprilia V4 and a Honda VFR750R RC30.
They selected the Honda RC30 as their preferred ride.
I thought of you when I read that.
Hey Damon,
The reason I think the price is too high is because of the relatively non-rarity of the SPO and SPO limited compared to something like the SP 2, 3, & 4. The ZX-7R, and your RC30, are both homologation specials that were made not only in limited quantities, but were more unique than the the non homologation version of the same year. For the 888 SP5, SPO, there was no other option that year. They didn’t have the upgraded Ohlins, quad injectors, aluminum sub frames, etc, etc. They’re awesome bikes, definitely, but with the mid 90’s ‘vintage’ bikes, if they’re not a true homologation, I want to see close to mint bodywork/tank. I don’t so much care about stock as I do about proper tuning – which is a whole other ballgame.
Hope that helps explain my view. Then again, it’s just my view, and I could be wrong. I’ve been called many things worse.
I don’t believe it’s a Termi spaghetti system. Looks like it might be a sil-moto Spaghetti, and other full Spag’s are still available. Termi’s were still available a couple of years ago – I haven’t looked recently – but just not in the US. Personally I’m looking for things like iron rotors, GP calipers/master cylinders, mag wheels, engines being built (and tuned!) by reputable builders, etc (none of which adds much to the price to me). It tells me more about the owner/bike history than just pictures.
I’m crazy though.
Dust Collectors..
Thanks dude I will check that.
It is nice to know I am on people’s minds out there in internet oblivion.
Cheers man.
In the photos the bike is shown with two sets of foot pegs, the black ones are not stock. Carbon clutch cover and the filter in the hose as well
12500 is not way out of range. few of these around any more…though I do know of one nearby (peaks in the garage )
Ben, the ad states the spaghetti system is GiaCaMoto. Bike runs clean and strong. While this bike has relatively little in the way of aftermarket, my 996R, K1 ZX-7R, and NSR250 all have full Ohlins. The 996R and K1 have magnesium wheels. The 996R has a carbon fiber swingarm and a Microtec ECU, plus stuff like RCS masters. The 888 is being sold because an ex Jimmy Adamo 851 is being rebuilt. 996cc ST4S donor, balanced 996RS crank, Carillo rods, high comp pistons, SPS cams, light headwork, another Microtec running things. Bottom end is being provided by and balanced by Ben Fox right now. Is he reputable enough? Mg wheels, billet Brembo GP2 calipers, etc, etc, etc.
Hey Adam,
Before you go with an aftermarket ECU, give Doug Lofgren a call. He’ll be able to properly tune the factory ECU to match the engine work. As for whether Fox is reputable, sure, but you’re talking about a very different bike from the one being sold. Does all that stuff your adding to the Adamo bike add any value? That’s debatable, but it’ll be a lot of fun when it’s done. If you haven’t considered going with big valves to match the cams, I’d recommend it.
The black rearsets on the bike look like adjujstable cyclecat models.
There is ABSOUTLEY NO DOUBT before that bike is ridden one mile the belts need to be replaced. Factory spec is 3 yrs or 12K miles, if one breaks or skips goodbye engine. Roughly a $1K-$1.5K service. Might as well have the valve clearances checked as well.
This is an ST4S with 996 superbike heads (not the drop cam ST ones). Stock 30/36 will be plenty for 140+ but great midrange. (And the reason for going to the splined RS crank.)
Also using the ST4S harness. Yes, I am aware of Doug Lofgren, but the Microtec is a FAR better starting point than just flashing a regular 5.9M. Way easier to tweak on the fly if you want to change cam timing or something later.
These mods have no bearing on value–I’m building it for me and have no plans to sell soon. This thing should approach 360 pounds with a starter, projector light, and LED tail, and be a rocket.
ABSOLUTELY NO DOUBT that you know next to nothing. Belts are due, based on age and factory recommendations. It’s not a bad idea to do, but not all bikes live the same life. I’d have no problem going another season on this bike, but that’s a personal decision. I’ll leave it at that.
And 1-1.5k for belts is flat out misinformation. That is full service territory–valve adjustment, fuel filters, oil and filter, and all the other BS like chain and steering head adjustments (btw, head bearings have been replaced) that anyone can do themselves instead of paying a shop $100/hour to do. Belts are under $200/set and if you strip the fairings, a reputable shop will not charge more than 2 hours. I’ve have belts replaced AND cams timed on an SPS for under $250 labor. (TJ at Moto Union in WI.)
Adam — Thanks for the insult! Good to know you’ve disposable income to waste on rebuilding an engine instead of spending the $$ for a belts. I’ve got a very reputable shop I use and a full service on a used bike is essential in my book. I’d rather spend a few K now and know things are up to par than wing it and explode an engine.
Additonally, if you talk to a few of the 888 gurus you’ll hear the 50mm exhaust is overkill for a stock 888 mill if I recall you actually see a dip in HP over a freer flowing smaller diameter exhaust.
Deposit has been received at the full asking price and two others were waiting if it fell through.
Thanks RSBFS!
Adam
You’re an internet bully who hears something from “a guy” and thinks that makes you an authority. I don’t know if you took a bike in for belts and got scammed for $1500 worth of extra services or something, but what you are spreading is complete fiction. I’ve presented an excellent bike, been up front about the good AND bad, informed prospective buyers both about when services were performed and what Ducati calls for, provided 60+ photos (including without fairings), posted the initial ad on the world’s premier Ducati enthusiast site (where I have a very good reputation). I do most of my own maintenance, including building several complete bikes and frankly, I know more of those 851/888/916/998 “gurus” than you do. When RSBFS asked me if I wanted to allow comments, I said “fine”. I knew every bike they show has people taking shots at them, “one-uppers”, and of course, the “way overpriced” crowd. I’m not intimidated. The bike sold for full asking and two others were waiting.
Now…that said, a 50mm full system is overkill for an 888, but the system was on when I bought the bike and it runs extremely well. I wish I could find a stock system and keep the spaghetti exhaust for the Adamo bike.
Happy holidays.