Ducati has carved out an enormous niche in the super-sport area, with some compromises on the sporting intentions of their superbikes, but often more versatile and plenty of fun. This 900SS was parked after a year or so of use and recently re-incarnated, a happy beginning to its next chapter. 1993 Ducati 900SS for sale…
These days, when someone says “BMW sportbike,” two things happen. First, the squinty, asymmetrical S1000RR immediately springs to mind. Second, you don’t immediately burst into a fit of laughing: not long ago, “BMW sportbike” would have been something of an oxymoron. But people forget that, sandwiched in between the sporty-toury R1100S and the game-changing S1000RR,…
Update 8.12.2018: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc Italian bikes are sometimes accused of putting style before function, but I think it’s more accurate to say that they prioritize performance and style over comfort and practicality… But in the case of the Ducati MH900e, style was far and away the most…
Moto Guzzi cross-pollinated their 1990’s unfaired sport model with the newly developed 992cc four-valve V-twin, the result being the V10 Centauro. Calendar-girl bodywork surrounds the air and oil-cooled beast within, tuned down from the Daytona 1000’s peak but still happy to rev to the 8,400 rpm limit and crank out 95 hp. This one has…
It may not look like a sportbike or a race-replica to riders weaned on GSX-Rs and Repsol Hondas, but this classic blue-and-white Suzuki GS1000S is both. In fact, this upright, bikini-faired, four-cylinder monster is one of the original “superbikes,” and competed on road and track against other air-cooled inline fours from the Japanese manufacturers. “Bigger…
In remembrance of the Bal d’Or from 1971, when a Moto Guzzi 850 made a podium finish after 24 hours, came the Le Mans 850. This Mark 3 has all the good stuff, revised heads with bigger valves, air-charged suspension, full-featured dash, and still wears its early 1980’s emissions and noise regulation gear. Complete as…
Laverda was already reeling from overseas competition in the early 1980’s, but had the gumption for one more design project. The RGS was based on their recent 1000cc air-cooled triple and rode more like a Beemer than a finicky Italian exotic. This one has been enjoyed, but is quite original and well maintained. 1983 Laverda…
Prior to and even during the era of the 916, Ducati still needed to shift their relatively slow, old-tech 900SS. The 916 obviously grabbed headlines, handled like it was on the proverbial rails, and looked like sex. But it was also prohibitively expensive for the plebs to buy and especially to maintain, hideously uncomfortable for…