Posts by tag: Carbon Fiber

Ducati December 31, 2020 posted by Donn

Starting Off with a Bang – 2008 Ducati 1098R #117 of 450

If you’re ready, the first ride of the new year could be on a rather special Ducati. Many 1098R’s have more accessories than miles, but someone enjoyed this one enough to farkle sensibly and keep maintenance is up to date.

2008 Ducati 1098R for sale on eBay

Ducati returned to the side-by-side headlights in 2007, with a perceptible cat-eye composition. The -R was meant for the racetrack, with many advanced components which had to be on board to allow them on the factory’s racers. A high-horsepower testastretta engine, trellis frame, single-sided swingarm, and underseat exhaust are found on every 2008 Ducati superbike. But the -R homologates the sand-cast 1198cc engine of 180 hp, with twin fuel injectors pointing down each 64mm elliptical throttle body. The Öhlins twin-tube monoshock allows ride height to be set independent of pre-load, and the fork ends are cast to receive Brembo’s monoblock 330mm brakes. Marchesini Y wheels speak lightness as does the generous use of carbon on the bodywork.

Offered by an enthusiast in eastern Pennsylvania, who states it has 4,356 miles, but doesn’t show the dash lit up. Rizoma levers, clutch cover and rear sets are sharp, and no damage is apparent. Photos are good but not exhaustive, and either way a pre-purchase inspection is in order. Just a couple of comments in the eBay auction:

1098R #117 of 450. Clean, well maintained. Never raced, never abused. Never wrecked. Pristine example. Choice Rizoma controls and bits. Serviced for belts and valves last year. No issues, ready to go collector’s piece.

With its modernized electrical and cooling systems, the 1098 was almost a practical superbike. Traction management and a data-analysis dash pushed it well into the 21st century. The semi-trellis frame lends an accessibility to the 1098R, that riders of previous superbike generations can appreciate.

-donn

Starting Off with a Bang – 2008 Ducati 1098R #117 of 450

Featured Listing November 5, 2020 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 2018 MV Agusta F4 LH44 New In Crate !

The Lewis Hamilton Edition F4 is a sight to behold. As exotic as a recent MV Agusta is, the LH44 has quite a few special MV and LH touches.

2018 MV Agusta F4 LH44 ( New Zealand ) For Sale

As an update to the F4 RC, itself a template of the 2018 WSBK mount with ride-by-wire controls and many bespoke components, putting the LH44 a step above is not a trivial exercise – but a full titanium exhaust and accompanying ECU program boosts power to 212hp. It shares most of the RC’s innovations, MV’s Torque Shift System stretches the torque band, and a full electronics package has selectable maps for power delivery, traction control, and of course ABS. A factory quick-shifter and slipper clutch make going faster even easier.

As with many limited editions, finishes and materials play a large part. Just 44 of the mostly carbon LH’s were painted with Hamilton’s choice of candy apple metallic, with a unique white frame, and Öhlins finished their signature gold dampers in black to blend in. The leather and alcantara seat continues the red and black theme, the smoked windscreen lies low, and even the Pirelli Diablo SP tires came with a red graphic treatment.

RSBFS reader Matt represents the owner of this LH44, which has never been out of its original shipping crate, explaining the limited photos of the actual machine. It’s number 41 of 44, and though it’s in New Zealand, the factory packaging is ideally suited for trans-oceanic delivery. He had these comments recently:

A very rare opportunity to purchase what is probably the only Lewis Hamilton F4 still in its crate in existence today.

This bike is number 41 of 44 units built, with Lewis himself taking three units for him and his family leaving just 41 of these incredible machines available to the worlds market.

Also included is an extra set of special Pirelli tyres with red stripe and LH44 logo are included, I believe these were a limited production run and an extra set is certainly more desirable for a discerning buyer.

The asking price is $75,000 USD and Matt will coordinate with the buyer’s shipper. Contact Matt via email – here -.

Since his partnership with MV Agusta, Hamilton has only added to his record, eclipsing his rivals and heroes on the Formula 1 circuit. Hard to imagine this would do anything but increase the value of his first superbike project. As this example is still yet to be uncrated, it might be a very special collector bike for an unequivocal superfan. Reach out to Matt for additional information via email – here -.

-donn

Featured Listing – 2018 MV Agusta F4 LH44 New In Crate !

Ducati October 22, 2020 posted by Mike

Super Right: 1992 Ducati 900 Superlight #860

The Ducati Superlight is one of the bikes that defined the mystique of the Italian brand. An interesting – if not revolutionary – offshoot to the popular Supersport line, the Superlight added lightness to the package via some specially chosen components, and weight to the legend via a sequential number plaque that ensured exclusivity. The Superlight was reasonably rare in the US during this period of time, and did not need to fight in the showroom with too many other “Limited Edition” models. The best part was the Superlight was modified for performance, and not simply a branding exercise to make it unique. The seller has a good bit to say about this model and this bike, and I will let him take it over from here:

1992 Ducati 900 Superlight for sale on eBay

From the seller:
Ducati 900 Superlight 1992 – (Bike was originally owned by Hollywood photographer & collector Guy Webster )
Limited Edition #860 of #952
Mileage 19082
California Clear Title

The 900 Superlight was produced by Ducati from 1992 to 1996 but only 952 examples of the MKI version were sold Worldwide. Available in either the traditional Ducati Red or the Fabulous Superlight Yellow. Only 300 Mk1’s were imported into the US, all were yellow and 100/300 of the US allocation were sold in California.

The Superlight came with a number of weight saving components that reduced the bikes weight by 25lb compared to the std 900SS. Vented clutch cover, solo seat, Ltd edition number plaque, carbon front fender and rear hugger, (pretty high tech in 1992) and this bike has the sought after and very light, composite Marvic/Akront wheels. All of these important parts are present and correct on bike #860.

More from the seller:
Ownership:
This bike has an interesting history. The original owner was World renowned Hollywood photographer Guy Webster. (See Robb Report Guy Webster ) Guy was without doubt one of the early innovators of rock ‘n’ roll/celebrity photography and die-hard bike fan.
While shooting album covers and billboards for groups like The Rolling Stones, The Mamas and the Papas, The Beach Boys, The Byrds, The Doors, Simon & Garfunkel and Chicago, he also photographed film legends like Rita Hayworth, Dean Martin and Natalie Wood.
Guy built a huge personal collection of rare and exotic Italian bikes at his home in Ojai California, which was on occasion opened up to the public.

The Superlight then changed hands to well-known Ducati/Guzzi restorer Ted Henry and in 2011 the current and third owner took possession, with 13989 miles on the speedometer.

This example is well presented in the rarer of the two colorways – Superlight Yellow. It has been very well maintained. Overall the paintwork is in excellent condition, the bike has never been dropped or crashed, fit and finish of the panels is excellent. There is a small scratch on front fairing to the left of the headlight and three very small marks on the rear single seat hump, both areas have been highlighted in the listing’s last photo.

Warning labels often removed by owners are in place on the tank, fairing and frame rails, and it’s obvious when you see the bike in person it has enjoyed a pampered life, only covering an average of 509 miles per year since 2011.
Mileage today at time of sale is 19082 miles. The bikes battery was recently replaced with a Shorai Gel battery, the air filter is clean, oil was replaced in March and the timing belt was changed at 10000 miles. Tires were replaced at 17700 miles.

There are a number of maintenance records available from the current owner. The bike does have a couple of subtle nonstandard upgrades, including lightly smoked screen (same shape as the original) and gorgeous carbon Arrow silencers that can be heard if you follow the short YouTube video link below.

And if you cannot hear the wonderful sound of the air-cooled, 2-valve Ducati L-twin just from the pictures, then feast your ears on the enclosed video. Yes, that is this particular bike, sounding like a million bucks.

Today’s beautiful 1992 Ducati Superlight looks very clean, appears to have a nice record of ownership, some limited star power in the name of Guy Webster (certainly no Rossi, Stoner or some rock star, but certainly better than no history at all), and the exclusivity built into the Superlight series when they originally launched. The current bid on this beauty is a mere $8,500 with a reserve still in place. This is way underpriced for a clean Superlight, and I would expect this one to climb quickly in the few days remaining. Ducati continued with both the “less is more” as well as the “more is more” philosophies in the years and models to follow, but today the Superlight continues to strike a unique balance between sport and art. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

BMW June 28, 2020 posted by Donn

Uber Kollectible – 2004 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replika with 92 Miles !

BMW brought the Boxer Cup to the showroom with the track-oriented Boxer Cup Replika. This owner invested in all the dealer-installed upgrades and then parked it after just 92 miles, but has photographed it beautifully for the next owner.

2004 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replika #202 of 300 for sale on eBay

BMW had a nice success going in their 1085cc -S, though even with its final twin-spark engine, the original 98 hp was on tap. The three part chassis used the engine as a stressed component, with Telelever hung out front and Paralever driveshaft aft, both using Öhlins dampers. Somewhat counter-intuitively, the Cup gained speed using taller suspension to gain ground clearance and allow more lean angle on the race course. BMW had developed a servo-assisted brake system for early 2000’s road bikes, but used their legacy brakes on the Replika, with 320mm front disks, 4-piston calipers and braided lines. Just below the carbon valve covers, an optional belly pan shows sponsors from the race series, which was primarily European but ran Daytona in 2003 and 2004.

This Pennsylvania fanatic went all in on blue, adding all the carbon farkles BMW had, replacing the upgraded Öhlins with Racetech shocks, and pulling the Laser exhaust in favor of a Two Brothers titanium system. Otherwise it’s merely spectacular, and though new rubber and liquids are required, the new owner might hang on to those OEM tires for the next collector. From the eBay auction:

BMW full carbon kit – headlight surround, front fascia, tank strap, rear hugger and multiple smaller pieces, Two Brothers titanium exhaust, Racetech adjustable suspension…again, the best of the best, in that day. This bike has been in on stands and under cover all of it’s life. It sits on it’s original tires, even. I see this as a collector’s item. If you intend to ride this, you will want to mount new tires and have the fluids changed, at a minimum. My loss is your gain. This is likely the lowest mileage 2004 Boxer Cup Replica on the planet. I also have an entire box of memorabilia and related collectibles that go with the bike, including original CD still in the wrapper, Certificate of Authenticity, numbered badges with location template (never installed), Dealer locator, BMW atlas, key-ring, tire pressure gauge, hard bound BMW motorcycle history book and more.

Sporty as it is, the Replika took demerits for its high seat, stiff suspension ( the owner addressed these issues with bar risers ), and the 500-plus dry weight. But there were no sportier BMW’s then, and the fan base is deep. If a time machine is desired, and you’ve been quite successful investing the money you saved not buying a BCR back in the day, this one might have a new rider in a little over six days.

-donn

Uber Kollectible – 2004 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replika with 92 Miles !

MV Agusta May 28, 2020 posted by Donn

Trouble in Paradise – 2008 MV Agusta F4 1000R Corse

The Corse was MV’s first limited edition of the F4 1000R, and a pretty big investment. This San Jose example has some interesting details, very low miles, and one ‘oh darn*’ in its past.

2008 MV Agusta F4 1000R Corse

MV Agusta cut their teeth on special editions of the F4 750 and first gen F4 1000, and in the Corse’s case only 300 were made. The second generation F4 1000 had been substantially re-designed, with 174hp on tap and a new chassis under the carbon fairings. Marzocchi forks have carbon nitriding on the legs, and the Sachs monoshock has adjustments in high and low speed ranges. Brembo supplied their new monoblock 6-piston brakes, and a special Corse exhaust was fitted.

Most Corse’s are built as single seaters, but this one has a pillion ( best suited for a thoroughbred jockey ). Also most references show the Corse wheel set as a silver 5-V spoke, but these are the usual and lovely MV stars, finished in gold. A numbered badge would be expected on the top tree, but it’s not pictured. An apparent tip-over victim, the handlebar end and crank sensor cover should be easy replacements. Just 890 miles, but the original tires will require replacement if the bike is to be ridden much. The second owner did re-new the fluids and make the bike ready, as they state in the eBay auction:

– Brake fluid flushed

– Upgraded the water pump

– Flushed the coolant and changed to engine ice

– Flushed the fuel system

– Changed every fuel pipe and all connectors

– Upgraded and changed the fuel connectors from plastic to metal

– Changed the fuel filters

– Changed the oil and filter

– Changed the fork oil

– Changed and upgraded to a BMC High Performance Air Filter

– New Battery

– Battery Tender is also fitted

While not exactly the museum piece this seller states, it shouldn’t be forgotten how far off the charts the Corse is. It’s got great potential and could be a substantial savings over a perfect specimen.

-donn

Trouble in Paradise – 2008 MV Agusta F4 1000R Corse

Ducati April 25, 2020 posted by Donn

Dust Never Sleeps – 2004 Ducati 749R Racebike

Sometimes a builder gets things looking so good, the will to ride the daylights out of their creation suffers. Not sure that’s what happened here, but this 749R has been beautifully prepped for the track and looks ready for a late start to the season.

2004 Ducati 749R ( Racebike ) for sale on eBay

Ducati’s 749 accompanied the 999 to the showroom, and the 749R was built in limited quantities for supersport racers to campaign. The 749R had a much more race-oriented engine than the base and -S models, much more oversquare with a 94mm bore and 54mm stroke. The architecture was backed up with exotic materials, with titanium con-rods and valves, and magnesium head covers conspiring for 121 hp at 10,250 rpm. 43mm Öhlins forks ride in an adjustable headstock, and the both-sided swingarm has a race-oriented non-progressive linkage to the monoshock. Even the typically excellent Brembo brakes are lightened for the track, with thinner 4.5 mm rotors.

This 749R had the cobwebs blown off in the owner’s Florida driveway, and looks like a fresh track day build. From the levers and pegs to the Alicé-derived livery, this build looks right. Harder to see is the flow smoothing, balancing, and updates internal to the engine. Too much to list from the eBay auction:

Peach Pit Custom Paint Job

Armour Bodies Bodywork

Vortex Upper stay

Engine Build….Ducati Race Kit Plus…. 20k in receits

Ported Heads, Cams, Intake Manifolds, Injectors, Etc

130HP on Pump with Dyno Sheet

Marchesini Forged Rims

Ohlins Front and Rear Suspension and Steering Damper

Corse Dynamics Ride Height Adjuster

Microtec ECU

Dynojet Quickshifter

EVR Slipper Clutch

BCM Clutch Cover

Termignoni Full 60mm System

Euro Racing Quick turn Throttle

Attack Offset Triple Trees

Woodcraft Clip-ons

BCM Rearsets

Vortex 520 Gearing

Shorai Battery

Accossoto Brake Master with CRG Levers

Speedmoto frame sliders

Lightened Rear Brake Rotor

The stacked headlight design was short-lived at Ducati, but improvements in the Testastretta kept coming. An AMA or World Supersport championship wasn’t in the cards, but privateers and club racers kept the marque on the front page. The auction appears to be without reserve, despite the big bucks sunk in this bike. As always, the purchase cost of a race machine is just the price of admission, but for a superfan this might be great track day bike.

-donn

Dust Never Sleeps – 2004 Ducati 749R Racebike

Bimota March 9, 2020 posted by Mike

Featured Listing: Bimota YB11 Superleggera

Update 3.12.2020: This bike has SOLD in 3 days! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Bimota has had a long standing history of offering up sublime rocket ships crafted with ingenuity and Italian flair. Throughout the years Bimotas have been powered my many different engine combinations, including all of the Japanese Big Four. Of those, the Yamaha YB series just might be the most interesting on offer, spanning 250cc through 1200cc variants. Today’s Featured Listing is a YB11 Superleggera, the last in the YB line of Bimotas and motivated by Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace power.

Featured Listing: Bimota YB11 Superleggera

In Italian Superleggera literally translates to Super Light – which is pretty descriptive of the YB11. A full 30+ pounds lighter than the Thunderace that donated it’s guts, the YB11 tips the scales at well neigh 400 pounds. And although the YZF1000R mill remains in stock form, Bimota claims the larger airbox (with cold air intake) and modified exhaust provide more than the 145 HP stated by Yamaha. Light weight and big horsepower has always been the recipe for going fast – in a straight line. But if you know anything at all about Bimota, you will know that cornering is where the Rimini madmen excel. Utilizing a stout perimeter frame that efficiently ties in the steering head with the rear swing arm pivot, the aluminum chassis on the YB11 is as beautiful as it is effective. This is actually an evolution of the chassis developed for the YB6, but made more rigid in key locations to aid in stability. Substantial 51mm conventional forks anchor the front end, while a Paioli shock tunes out the bumps fed through the sculpted swing arm.

From the seller:
Thank you for looking at my 1996 Bimota YB11. If you are looking for one in mint condition, that’s completely stock, this is the one. It has less than 2000 original miles, never down, abused, it the rain, cold, pollen you name it. It’s had a very sheltered life in a temperature-controlled garage, hooked up to a battery tender, with Stabil mixed in the fuel. In 1986 Bimota’s were much more than just eye candy, make no mistake the detail along with fit and finish are amazing to look at. However, YB11’s weighed substantially less and produced more power than the Yamaha R1 it’s derived from, making it an all around better performer.

I’m a sixty-year-old collector that is very particular, I’m told that I treat my bikes better than I treat myself. I looked for this one for a long time as I wanted one as close to new as possible. It’s amazing for a thirty-four-year-old bike. The only imperfection anywhere are a couple of very small chips on the left side of the swing are, see pictures. Other than these it’s museum quality, ready to be ridden or collected. If the new owner wanted to ride it I would suggest cleaning the carburetors as even though it has Stabile in the fuel ethanol still gums things up. I would also put on new tires as they are original. Other than that it’s ready to ride, no leaks, issues, fire right up. If it were to be put in a collection, I’d drain the fuel, take out the battery, fog the engine and put it away.

The only reason I’m selling it is over time I find myself only riding on the track, rarely on the street. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have. As I’m thinning the herd I am not interested in any trades. Scott

Asking Price: $9,750.

Detail accents abound on this bike. Stare at any one picture long enough, and you will start to see what I mean. The frame side plates are CNC milled in a jeweled fashion. Cap screws replace traditional fasteners and provide an upscale appearance. The rear wheel adjuster is a classic slider, but implemented so cleanly that it is noteworthy. The carbon accents on the fork mesh nicely with the carbon front mudguard, which contains aerodynamic elements to aid in brake cooling. And all this is with the bodywork on. Undress a Bimota and be prepared to be amazed by the concept of mass centralization and packaging.

Yamaha-powered Bimotas are currently the bargain of the hand built exclusive super bike set. These bikes offer bulletproof Yamaha 20-valve motors and transmissions, exquisite handling thanks to light weight, good suspension and top-shelf Brembos, and the cachet of exclusivity that comes from being only 1 of 600-ish examples ever made worldwide. This particular YB11 SuperLeggera shows less than 2,000 miles and looks absolutely top-notch. The pricing is right in the ballpark for YB11s, if not a tad low for the condition and miles. Check it out, and then give Scott a shout – with Bimota being acquired by Kawasaki these amazing Yamaha-powered models are likely to never come around again. Good Luck!!

Ducati January 21, 2020 posted by Mike

Back in Black: 1997 Ducati 916 Senna lll

The Ducati 916 continues to turn heads today – at a spry and sprightly 26 years of age. The design appears timeless, and has been emulated ever since it’s introduction, not the least by Ducati in follow-on models and then again later by MV Agusta. The sharp, aerodynamic fairing, the single-sided swing arm and the high exhaust create an aggressive look that is fully backed by the 55.9 cubic inch, 90 degree V-twin with desmoquattro valve activation producing in the neighborhood of 114 angry ponies at over 9,000 RPM. Four WSBK championships in a mere five years tells the performance story.

1997 Ducati 916 Senna lll for sale on eBay

But if the Ducati 916 is ice cream, the limited edition Senna offering is the whole fudge sundae. The recipe is a good one: Start with (arguably) the most iconic motorcycle ever created, but make sure you base it on the highest spec version of the model possible (SPS). Give it unique paint (plus, in this case, carbon fiber), give it star power (Ayrton Senna, one of the greatest F1 drivers of the modern era), make it exclusive (numbered editions limited to 300 units) and make it count (the net proceeds were donated to Ayrton’s charitable foundation for poor children in his native Brazil). Mix gently and you have one of the most collectible editions of one of the greatest bikes ever made.

From the seller:
Ducati Senna lll no. 224 out of only 300 made. Its never driven. it says 2 km on the clock Only for display. Everything is original on it.

First presented at the Bologna Motor Show in December 1994, the 916 Senna was a special edition to commemorate Formula 1 World Champion, Ayrton Senna, an avid Ducati enthusiast who endorsed its release shortly before his death in May 1994.[18] At the time, the project was facilitated by the fact that Claudio Castiglioni, Ducati’s owner, was a personal friend of Senna’s. In total, between 1995, 1998 and 2001, Ducati released three “Senna” editions and, in every instance, net proceeds were donated to the Instituto Ayrton Senna charity.

Today’s example is like many 916 Senna Editions – practically brand new. This particular bike shows only 2 KM on the odometer – which is barely delivery / push-around mileage. The black livery with red wheels pops in the light, and the crisp photos show a bike that has been unmolested – right down to the large number plate bracket on the tail that is so oft discarded. This bike appears to define the term “museum quality” and while it seems criminal not to ride it in anger (as Senna himself would have done), this example really does deserve an honored place to park indoors where hoards of Ducatisti can drool and dream. If you think you can provide that kind of home to this very special bike, all you need to do is pony up a minimum of $25,000 USD to get the auction going, or $33,000 USD to Buy It Now. You will also need to arrange transportation from Denmark, where the bike is currently located. Check it out here and then start spiffing up the man cave for the ultimate 916! Good Luck!!