Super-Extra-Exclusive Tamburini Superbike: 1995 Ducati 916S Varese for Sale

1995 Ducati 916S Varese
Miles: 12,000
Clean Title
Listed Price: $30,000 CAD [Approx $21,219 USD] Or Best Offer

Ducatisti looking for exclusivity but with budgets that don’t quite stretch all the way into SPS territory might be interested in today’s 1995 Ducati 916S Varese. The 916 itself needs no real introduction at this point, the famous Italian v-twin superbike that helped to catapult the storied brand back onto the world stage when it was introduced in 1994. Demand for the new sportbike was naturally very high, but a fire at Ducati’s Bologna facility caused unacceptable delays, so production was temporarily moved to parent company Cagiva’s Varese facility. The story might have ended there as a bit of a footnote in the company’s history, but the Varese location lacked some of the more modern assembly equipment found at the Ducati factory, and so the resulting “Varese bikes” developed a reputation for being hand-built, becoming much sought-after among collectors looking for bikes that offered an intangible aura of old-world quality.

1995 Ducati 916 S “Varese” Monoposto – An Exceptionally Rare Example of Ducati’s Design Masterpiece

Presented for discerning collectors is a highly original and meticulously prepared 1995 Ducati 916 S “Varese” Monoposto, one of the most collectible and historically significant examples of Massimo Tamburini’s legendary superbike.

Following a fire at Ducati’s Bologna paint shop in early 1994 that halted production just as the 916 was entering full-scale manufacture, assembly was temporarily relocated to the Cagiva-owned factory in Varese. There, approximately 2,663 examples of the 916 were predominantly hand-built, making these “Varese” machines a distinct and highly prized chapter in the model’s history. Of that limited total, only 641 were officially destined for the United States. The number that reached Canada would have been vanishingly small. Identifiable by the distinctive “V” in the eleventh digit of the VIN, these early machines carry a unique provenance. Given natural attrition over three decades, the number of genuine Varese examples remaining in comparable condition today is extremely limited.

Designed by the late Massimo Tamburini over a dedicated six-year period, the 916 remains one of the most beautiful and influential motorcycles ever created. Frequently described as the “Ferrari F40 of motorcycles,” it redefined superbike aesthetics and performance, securing four World Superbike Championships for Ducati and establishing itself as a true holy grail among collectors. Examples of the 916 already reside in many of the world’s foremost museums, underscoring its enduring status as both a design icon and a compelling long-term investment.

This particular example shows just 12,000 miles. It is equipped with a Termignoni exhaust system, EPROM upgrade, magnesium Marchesini wheels fitted with brand-new Dunlop Q4 tires, and select carbon-fiber accessories. Recently serviced only three months ago, the work included replacement of the clutch slave sleeve and new timing belts, with valves and cams both confirmed in good condition. Originally sold new in New York in 1994, the motorcycle arrived in Canada in 2022 and underwent a comprehensive restoration in Montreal before relocating to the Toronto area. It is accompanied by a substantial binder containing original sales history and supporting documentation, providing clear provenance from new.

The combination of low mileage, desirable period upgrades, recent servicing, documented history, and rare Varese provenance makes this an outstanding opportunity for the serious Ducati collector.

For most of us, the Ducati 916S Varese makes little to no sense, given the increased cost compared to a regular 916S. Any benefit is purely theoretical: the hand-built mystique confers no real advantage to the rider, but means additional cachet for the collector. However, if you are a collector who absolutely must have a Varese, this one does look very nice, especially if you’re looking for one that’s actually usable. It’s been fitted with an updated EPROM to suit the Termignoni exhaust, although it’s not specified whether it’s a full system or simply a set of cans. Miles are relatively low, but suggest that the bike is in roadworthy condition, and the bike is fitted with a fresh set of timing belts and new tires. If you’re looking for a nice early Tamburini era Ducati superbike and have a bit of extra cash to burn on a bike that’s just that extra bit more desirable, this one might be worth a look.

-tad