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Ducati November 22, 2020 posted by Donn

Red Friday – 2008 Ducati 16RR Desmosedici

Seasonal shopping officially kicks off this week, and here’s a suggestion for your wish list – the 409th Desmosedici, built in 2008 with just 93 original miles !

2008 Ducati 16RR Desmosedici for sale on eBay

It’s a bit of a stretch to call the 16RR a street machine, though you could ride it to the racetrack to exercise it. The V4 uses desmosdromic valve actuators, and has a near-diesel compression ratio of 13.5-to-1. Car-like power ( and sound ) of 200 hp peaks at 13,800 rpm. Components are naturally the best that Öhlins, Brembo, and Marchesini could dream up, and the data analyzing dash can download your track day for later review. The silhouette echoes the GP6 of the day, with lights at the corners and quick-release rearview mirrors.

No history to speak of, with 93 miles it looks surprisingly fresh. Reporting from a suburb north of Buffalo, so close to the Can-Am border it might actually be from across the Niagara. Not sure what exhaust part is pictured, maybe the un-muffled race kit exhaust is installed. The limited comments from the eBay auction:

93 Miles!!!! The Ducati Demosedici RR is a limited production road-legal version of the Desmosedici MotoGP racebike. In 2004, Ducati announced at the Misano circuit at the World Ducati Week that a low volume road replica of the Desmosedici would be available for Reservations beginning in June 2006. With Ducati only making 1,500 models for public purchase. This bike will go down in history as the first ever true road replica of a MotoGP racing bike!!!!

Though a few earlier Moto GP replicas come to mind, this might be the first one from the liter era. Given how much of the GP6 Ducati had to re-engineer for the 16RR ( such as the engine which had to go from a dry sump to a wet sump design ), it’s surprising they persevered and how well it turned out. Way above most realities, serious watchers and collectors will note the starting bid well below recent prices, and already wrapped in a festive cover !

-donn

25 Responses.

Ducati November 20, 2020 posted by Mike

All Sales Final: 1998 Ducati 900 Final Edition #104

Ducati has a long history of creating some very memorable motorcycles, many of which have been considered rolling artwork. They also have perfected the art of the limited edition, with exclusive models wearing limited and unique number plaques on the headstocks. The purpose of the special, super-exclusive badging is to drive demand via the perception of scarcity – thereby harnessing the law of supply and demand to turn a bigger profit. And in many, many cases the motorcycles wearing the “LE” badge are indeed special bikes (SP, SPS, LTD, Superlight, MH900e all come to mind). And what can be as special as the last model of the vaunted Tamburini-era 900 Supersport?

1998 Ducati 900 Final Edition #104 for sale on eBay

To be sure the 1998 model year was not the last Supersport – for these are still being built today. But the ’98 model was the final year for this particular design, which dates back to the 1980s and the introduction of the Pantah motor. With a big square headlight and both a half-faired as well as fully faired bodywork style available, the Supersport allowed customers who could not afford a 851/88/916 Superbike model a more wallet-friendly way to get into Ducati. And it worked. The air-cooled, two valve, desmo Ducati Supersports became a hot seller, overhauled only by the success of the Monster line. But the big deal here was not the past, but the future. For in 1998 the “new” Supersport design was launched – penned by Pierre Terblanche. Responsible for the polarizing design of the 999, Terblanche’s take on the classic 900 Supersport fell flat. That cliff dive of design continuity is what *really* makes the ’98 900 Final Edition special.

From the seller:
Final Edition – 1998 Ducati Supersport 900FE

To mark the end of its badass Supersport line, Ducati released a one-year run of 800 bikes around the world. They called it the Final Edition, painted it silver, and threw on a couple of goodies like 41mm FCR carbs and Ohlins rear shock. 300 of the 800 examples made it over the US – here’s number 104.

Ducati started with the Superlight variant of the SS, and then in addition to the silver paint, added a whole bunch of carbon: mudguard, chain guard, rear fender, countershaft drive cover, and dashboard cover. In addition, they raised the pipes for more cornering clearance, gave it new cast iron floating rotors, and some new parts (voltage regulator and alternator) were added, too.

Extremely rare Ducati, 14,895 miles in pristine condition. I am the second owner and it has been meticulously maintained.

From an ownership perspective, there is little not to love about the Supersport. Relatively simple, light, torquey and rock solid, the Ducati of this era gave up a little bit of creature comfort and polish to the Japanese competition, but offered the visceral sound and experience for which Ducati is known. Maintenance intervals are reasonable, and the 2v motors are much easier to work on than the desmoquattro Superbikes. All in all, these are reliable machines with a relatively low cost of ownership considering it is an Italian exotic.

From a collector perspective, the 900SS-SP (Sport Production) and 900SS-SL (Superlight) are the top dogs of the Supersport world. The Final Edition is essentially a specially-badged SP variant, which should certainly place it appropriately as unique. These are not necessarily valuable motorcycles as a whole (a basic 900 SS CR model remains a real bargain today), but values are certainly on the rise. Superlights are way up, and SP versions of the 900SS are climbing. This 900SS-FE has been slow on the auction side, and has a Buy It Now price of $9,000. That B.I.N. number is fair money for a clean and well-kept FE, so interested buyers should check out all of the details here. It’s hard to go wrong with a Ducati Supersport, be it bevel or Pantah, Tamburini or Terblanche. What’s your favorite Supersport model? Be sure and let us know in the comments. Stay safe, and good luck!!

8 Responses.

Suzuki November 19, 2020 posted by Donn

Loose Cannon – 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma

Almost ten years after developing their RG Γ 500 Moto GP bike, Suzuki introduced the road-going version, and even with required street equipment the performance was beyond the norms. Like this one, many were imported on the left coast, but not all have had such careful stewardship over the years.

1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma for sale on eBay

The Gamma shared engine dimensions with the race machine, but had a shock damper between the twin crankshafts and the clutch, and claimed “just” 95 hp ( racers were estimated at 120 hp ). A factory cassette gearbox is fitted, allowing at least a theoretical quick change of ratios. Two strokes of the time used moving exhaust ports to stretch the power band down to 5,000 rpm, and the RG’s are controlled by the Suzuki Automatic Exhaust Control system, in concert with the ignition. Anti-dive forks and Full Floater monoshock took care of the staggered 16-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels.

With just enough photos to wet a buyer’s whistle, the owner can expect a message and visit from any really interested party. Still this RG looks very stock and undamaged, with mostly nice finishes left on the alloys and paint. Hyperbolic comments and specs ( reviewed top speed 147 mph, wet weight 386 lbs. ) from the eBay auction:

Street legal MOTO GP bike from the 2 stroke good old days!! Legally registered in the state of Washington (now with collector plate) and was registered in Oregon. BONE STOCK with just less than 19,667 kilometers on the speed-o (12,220 miles). This is a 200 MPH insane 250 lbs. Rocket!! that I just can’t seem to open up in my area of WA (too many cops). So my baby just sits in a heated garage/shop. Bike has ALWAYS been in a garage, and never used in bad weather!! My loss your gain – first $37,500 gets it!! Also comes with some extra parts to update it, if you so desire. Katana wheels, modern swing-arm, passenger seat, extra forks, NEW euro front turn signals, shop manual, and some other bits and bobs.

The RG500 had a limited market, was expensive to put together, and up against the new GSX-R’s – so in hindsight its green/white/checker run was no surprise. In contrast, the racing RG and subsequent RGV-500 had a ten year run on the circuit. Total production was under 10,000 units, but its only North American import was north of the border, so it’s a rare sighting here. More study is required at this sort of ante, but the owner seems open to offers.

-donn

16 Responses.

Yamaha November 18, 2020 posted by Mike

From the Cheap Seats: 1984 Yamaha FJ600

The 1980s were an amazing decade for motorcycle development, from cruisers to tourers, from sport tourers to all out sport bikes. Every manufacturer made strides during this time, and what you are looking at today is a 1984 Yamaha FJ600 – the middleweight king (for a short while, anyway). This was the ultimate evolution of the air-cooled sport bikes, but thanks to technology advancements it already had one foot firmly in the next generation of advancement; it was a capable sport tourer and a dominant club racer in the day. As a mass produced UJM, the smaller of the FJ series (Yamaha released the FJ in 1100 and 1200 models as well) was never very expensive, nor very rare. So why post this one? 1984 is long past, as are the best days for most FJ600 examples. But rare is the day you find one in this type of condition. Sure, everyone wants to lovingly restore and care for an RC30, but not many will do so for a more, er, pedestrian model. This is a unique opportunity to pick up what has to be the best conditioned FJ600 out there.

1984 Yamaha FJ600 for sale on eBay

The FJ-six was a little bit of a parts bin special, and a whole lot of evolution. Based on the 550cc Seca that preceded it, the 600 was air cooled and aspirated through only two valves per cylinder. This was the norm for the day, and compared favorably with the Suzuki GS550 and Kawasaki GPz550 designs. Of course the displacement advantage and Yamaha’s focus on overall power certainly helped the little FJ, and with 72 ponies on tap and a 10,500 RPM redline, the FJ600 was ready to rumble. The chassis was conventional round-section steel, and little of the GP-inspired racer tricks of the time are evident, save for the rising rate rear monoshock (adjustable for preload), and triple disk brakes (267 mm all around). Wheels were a conventional 18″ front and back, and even the bodywork was simple, with a main fairing and a large chin spoiler. Overall, the FJ600 worked very well as a commuter, a weekend canyon companion, and was a force to be reckoned with on the racetrack (until the other manufactures introduced technically superior 600cc models).

From the seller:
“I owned the same bike in the 80’s and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Last image is me in 1990 leaving for a ride to Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.
This is not the same bike. This is my passion project.
I still have the Eclipse bags (from 1990) and tank bag if you’re interested in them.”

More from the seller:
A beautiful example of the classic Yamaha FJ style

1. Cherry condition (some wear/touchups)
2. Super low miles
3. Stored in the living room
4. Matching numbers
5. Original key
6. Straight in every way
7. New tires with less than 50 miles (nubs still on)
8. New brakes front/rear
9. New front brake master cylinder
10. Rebuilt calipers front/rear
11. New brake fluid
12. New steering head bearings
13. New wheel bearings front/rear
14. New fork seals and dust caps
15. New fork oil
16. New grips
17. New period mirrors
18. New battery
19. New oil+filter
20. New petcock, also have factory petcock with rebuild kit
21. Newly replaced factory shock
22. New chin cowling still in box (primer grey-requires paint/decals)
23. New clutch cable
24. New throttle cable
25. New intake manifolds
26. Newly rebuilt carburetors
27. New spark plugs
28. Fuel removed from tank and carbs in 2018
29. Clean cases
30. New front sprocket
31. New rear sprocket
32. New DID 520 O-ring chain
33. Clean Florida title in hand

Motorcycle collections tend to take on a life of their own. And while many collectors wish for a well-rounded class of bikes – say the homologation machines of the 1980s-1990s – there is little doubt that this beautifully kept FJ600 would fit right in to any gathering of motorcycles. Whether you are collecting one or dozens, a clean example such as this should always have a home. The best part? A mere $3,500 will buy it now. Parts are plentiful, there is nothing so unobtainium that you cannot ride and enjoy it, and it is a great motorcycle to boot. Welcome to the cheap seats – where only the price of admission is low; the standards are still as high as ever. Check it out here, because this 1984 Yamaha FJ600 is a beaut that deserves a loving home. Stay safe, and good luck!!

Benelli November 17, 2020 posted by Donn

Sei You Will – 1983 Benelli 900 Sei

The 900 Sei was a natural evolution of the 1974 750, which was an engineering masterpiece. Here’s a 1983 example with rather low miles and superb looks.

1983 Benelli 900 Sei for sale on eBay

Just reviewing the numbers, the Sei might not thrill – the 80 hp are nothing dramatic for a 900, and the three 24mm Dell’Orto carburetors are a good compromise but don’t incite a fire-breathing riot. Magic carpet torque made the 5-speed perfectly adequate, and the Sei’s smoothness made the high-ish cruise rpm acceptable. The six-into-two exhaust didn’t photograph like the 750’s six megaphones, but certainly helped keep the weight down. Bodywork flowed from the cockpit fairing to the integral tank and sidecovers, which Honda’s CB900F seemed to reference the next year.

Offered by a Miami classics ( everything from a fire truck to an Africa Twin ) dealer, this Sei shows just over 12,000 miles and has fawned-over if unrestored cosmetics. No word on maintenance except to say that it’s a runner. Turn that O’Neal logo on the left grip to the underside and away you go. Limited comments in the eBay auction:

A rare Original bike in fantastic condition with extremely low miles.

They don’t come up often. Collector quality. Starts, runs and drives excellent.

With DeTomaso’s help, Benelli took an early lead in the 1970’s, but was a boutique brand compared with the Japanese competition. Still their ideas inspired copycats plus some design reverence, and more recent Indian and Chinese partners have kept the engineering offices in Pesaro while moving production further east. The buy-it-now is about all any Sei could muster, but the Make Offer button could be the start of a conversation.

-donn

4 Responses.

Featured Listing November 15, 2020 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 1978 Kawasaki KZ1000 Z1R

As the icing on the 1970’s superbike cake, Kawasaki’s KZ1000 built on the 900 Z1’s formidable reputation. Bob’s Z1R-D1 has quite low miles and a curatorial owner who emphasizes correctness for finishes and mechanical updates.

1978 Kawasaki KZ1000 Z1R for sale on eBay

It’s easy to see the lineage from earlier Kawasaki’s early -70’s four cylinders, even though the factory stylists put a great set of bodywork on the Z1R. Inside, the 1015cc mill had a heavier crankshaft and the four Mikuni carbs had slightly larger bores. The new four-into-one exhaust let the 94 horses loose and weighed less too. Headstock gussets and firmer rear shocks shored up handling, and three big disk brakes – drilled up front – slowed the 18-inch alloys with authority. The angular café design is resolved from nose to tail and even takes in the rectangular fuel cap.

Look into the background of Bob’s pictures and you’ll see many Z1R’s, other period superbikes, and blue ribbons – as he says, this one won’t disappoint. The engine and chassis have been given new gaskets and fasteners but keep their original looks. Period upgrades like V&H exhaust and K&N filters accompany the rebuilt carburetors and new Avon tires. The silver blue metallic paintwork has been refinished, but is virtually indistinguishable from new. Some of Bob’s comments from the eBay auction:

THIS IS AN AMAZING UN-RESTORED EXAMPLE THAT HAS NEVER HAD THE FRAME OR ENGINE PAINTED. SOME OF THE HARDWARE WAS REPLACED WITH OEM OR “NOS” PARTS, BOLTS, SCREWS, NUTS AND WASHERS ARE NEW OLD STOCK AS I HAVE A VERY EXTENSIVE “NOS” INVENTORY, ALONG WITH COUNTLESS OTHER PARTS.

ALL THE PERIOD CORRECT MODS ARE BOLT ON ITEMS THAT CAN EASILY BE CHANGED BACK TO THE ORIGINALS. SO IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AN ALL ORIGINAL Z1R THIS IS A GREAT BIKE TO START WITH AND I WOULD BE HAPPY TO HELP THE NEW CUSTODIAN SOURCE THE NEEDED PARTS.

THE BODY WORK WAS PAINSTAKINGLY RE-FINISHED TO A DEEP LUSTER SHOW QUALITY FINISH USING THE METALLIC STARDUST SILVER.

I THOROUGHLY INSPECTED AND RE-SEALED THE OUTER COVERS/SEALS AS NECESSARY WITHOUT REPAINTING THE ENGINE SO NO OIL LEAKS ON YOUR CARPET. THE ORIGINAL CARBS WERE ULTRASONICALLY CLEANED AND REBUILT, RE-JETTED, AND SYNCED WITH ALL NEW SEALS AND GASKETS. THE PERIOD CORRECT VANCE & HINES EXHAUST WAS DISASSEMBLED, STRIPPED AND RE-CHROMED TO BETTER THEN NEW SPECS (NOT AN INEXPENSIVE TASK).

THE WHEELS ARE ALL ORIGINAL AND IN PERFECT CONDITION. SHE IS FITTED WITH AVON TIRES “SEMI PERIOD-CORRECT”. THE BRAKES WERE COMPLETELY OVERHAULED. THE SEAT IS A CUSTOM SEAT FROM THE 70’s AND IS IN AMAZING PERFECT CONDITION. THE WINDSCREEN AND SEAL ARE “NOS” AS ARE THE LEVERS AND MORE COMPONENTS THEN I CAN LIST. A NEW RK CHAIN AND SPROCKETS WERE INSTALLED.

THE FRAME HAS NOT BEEN REPAINTED. THE FRONT FORKS HAVE BEEN REBUILT WITH THE LOWER LEGS PROPERLY REFINISHED TO OEM STANDARDS. THE REAR SHOCKS ARE PERIOD CORRECT PROGRESSIVE UNITS. THE TANK AND SIDE COVER EMBLEMS ARE NEW OLD STOCK. THE ORIGINAL OWNERS MANUAL AND KAWASAKI POUCH ARE INCLUDED. THE BIKE HAS THE ORIGINAL LION HEAD KEY. LIKE ALL MY BIKES THIS WILL BE A BIKE THAT WON’T DISAPPOINT.

WITH ONLY 9,200 ORIGINAL MILES THE BIKE STARTS IDLES RUNS AND RIDES LIKE IT DID IN 1978

The KZ1100 and Z1R went a lot of places, of course it liked a good straightaway and did well at the drag strip. When race-prepared they were a force in superbike racing – AMA and all over the world. Compared with its contemporaries, it struggled against newer designs from the other Japanese manufacturers and got gigged for the smallish fuel tank. But for many owners, the bulletproof mechanicals and sharp fairing give the Z1R a head start. Bob’s auction has a $12,000 starting bid and buy-it-now of $17,900 and he can be contacted through the eBay auction.

-donn

Ducati November 14, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1996 Ducati 900SS/SP

This beautiful 1996 Ducati 900SS/SP is a rare beast, being a yellow half-faired SP. Most of the time, the half-faired bikes were the lesser CR-spec model, which had lower end suspension and just weren’t quite as tasty as the SP. The SP meant you got fully adjustable Showa suspension front and rear, but the 80-ish horsepower engine was unchanged from the CR. The 900 SS/SP was also famously the bike about which Hunter S. Thompson penned the terrified, fawning “Song of the Sausage Creature.”

It’s quaint to think about an 80-horsepower machine invoking the level of terror Thompson expressed, but even in the mid-1990s a powerful motorcycle was a very different thing than it is now, and Ducati’s torquey delivery meant that terrifying velocities were much more easily accessed than they were on a peaky inline four. Theoretically, anyway. The 900SS’s party piece has always been lithe handling, a slim waistline and a certain Italian-ness that makes the big much more than the sum of its bits.

This 900SS/SP has been made even sweeter than stock, with an Ohlins shock replacing the already competent Showa, a gorgeous white powdercoated frame and a low-profile LED taillight to replace the blocky period unit.

According to the seller, whose description was handwritten, the bike was built in 2017 by Moto Motivo in Raleigh, NC. In addition to the Ohlins and the low-profile taillight, it wears carbon fenders and a carbon exhaust, cast aluminum wheels and new Brembo brakes. The seller has added about 1,000 miles since picking it up last year. The bike is on a clean Oregon title, and asking price is $6,200. You can reach the seller at wolfandson@live.com.

Ducati November 13, 2020 posted by Donn

Choucoune – 1997 Ducati 900 Supersport

Ducati’s 1990’s Supersports were some great all-around bikes and only relinquished that honor to the new Monster. This late SS is over on the sporty side with the CR’s half-fairing and looks better than excellent.

1997 Ducati 900 Supersport for sale on eBay

The 900SS took styling cues from the 907 Paso, but with the 84hp air cooled desmodue. Appointments were contemporary with 6-speed, 17-inch wheels and inverted Showa forks, and the drivetrain wasn’t left behind with newer 38mm Mikuni carburetors. Trellis frame and silhouette fairing helped keep the weight under 425 lbs. wet. Nicer components like aluminum swingarm, lighter wheels and carbon rear mudguard moved around on the range but are readily available.

This SS hails from Florida and The half-fairing with engine scoop looks better than its just over 10,000 miles. Just a couple of mods evident, Sargeant seat, carbon clutch cover and tinted windscreen. A word about recent maintenance might help some prospective buyers weigh the rebuilt title. From the eBay auction:

Show quality! It is so clean that you could eat off the engine. Look closely at the photos and you will realize that this is a very special motorcycle. It has only 10,179 careful miles on it. That makes only 442 miles per year of its life. It has been lovingly cared for during its entire life. It starts, idles, runs, shifts, brakes, and handles like the day it was made. It also looks like new. Both tires are excellent.

It has an amazingly comfortable Sargent seat and dual carbon slip ons that sound great! It has absolutely no issues and is ready to go anywhere. You will not be disappointed.

It has a “Rebuilt” title because of cosmetic damage when it was knocked over in my garage. The engine was not even running and the bike was stationary. Now there is not a scratch on it and it is not possible to tell that it had any repairs.

SS’s had roles as varied as racebike and sport tourer among their owners, and the design and better quality suspension made it possible. Even with clip-ons the riding position was a good compromise and reviewed well. The classic sound and appearance will make new fans even now.

-donn

4 Responses.

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