Posts by tag: Carbon Fiber

Ducati December 4, 2018 posted by Mike

Rouge One: 1999 Ducati MH900e pre-production

Given the futuristic Star Wars appearance of the bike - as well as the innovative internet-only sales model - I thought the reference to the movie franchise fitting. But what is more amazing is that this bike is purported to be Number One of the two thousand examples created (1k each as 2000 and 2001 model years). With zero miles, a nearly zero serial number and all of the usual fanfare that goes with this rebooted homage to Mike Hailwood, this particular example is rare, special and unique. It is also predictably expensive.

1999 Ducati MH900e pre-production model for sale on eBay

The MH900e is perhaps the most recognizable of the Pierre Terblanche designs. The "e" in the nomenclature stands for evoluzion (evolution in US-speak), referring of course to the Mike Hailwood replicas built on the 900cc bevel drive platform of the 1980s. Taking the spirit of the original but updating it to the new Supersport/Monster/Sport Classic desmodue foundation, the MH900e was part replica, part homage, and part new direction for Ducati. Power was via the standard 900cc, air-cooled, two valve workhorse of the Ducati lineup. Ditto with the gearbox. Major components aside, the bodywork, fuel tank, exhaust and asymmetrical trellis swing arm were pure MH900e. So, too, was the riding position with a long reach to the low bars. But comfort was not the design goal. Creating a sensation was the goal - and on this front Ducati hit one out of the park. Nearly 20 years later these are still coveted collector machines. And what could be more coveted than the very first one produced?

From the seller:
DUCATI MH900E original and authentic factory pre-production, first one ever produced.
everything original and authentic, no fake no repro. obtained directly from Ducati.
correct frame numbers and model, serial 000001....
perfectly working. many extra unique parts included.
unique opportunity.
serious inquires and offers are welcome
bike located in modena, italy. will properly crate for shipping.

This is not the first time we have seen this particular example. I reference you to Tad's excellent write up from over a year ago, in which the seller included a significant amount of additional information. Including:

More from the seller:
The bike was acquired from Ducati with a non-production plastic body, painted flat black like the rest of the bike, including frame and swingarm. the exhaust was also custom-made, clearly an assembly try-out, yet perfectly working.

We did a "conservative" restoration on the bike, taking it completely apart, making sure every original bit and piece was kept and restored to obtain this amazing piece. we also decide to maintain the black look that sported when we got it, just upgraded it a bit with proper carbon body and custom-made graphics (Ducati made them for us).

The market for authentic, low mileage (aren't they all??) MHe models is hot. One only needs to get lost in the details for a few hours to understand why. The swing arm alone is worthy of framing. The oil sump of the Pantah-based engine is recreated to resemble the round case units from the green frame bevel days. The under tail exhaust and intricate snaking of tubes looks impossibly large, yet balances out the aesthetics of the bike nicely. Chrome accents bring light and shine to the shape. Terblanche followed his muse on this one, and the siren song is without equal. If there are whisperings from the peanut gallery they usually form around the relatively low HP of the stock desmodue engine (approximately 75 HP). Comfort is often another low point, although buyers of such exotica rarely mistake such machinery with a Gold Wing. Availability of parts is another fair comment, but such is the price of rarity, and the reason for ever escalating values.

Last November this Italian resident was offered with a starting bid of $50k USD and a reserve in place. There were no takers. One year later this same, ultra rare example of Ducati history is back on the block, but this time in a Buy It Now format. The first $49,900 takes the bike (after arranging passage from Modena), although in this round the seller is open to offers. The question remains how much of a premium a zero mile, number one serial number bike can fetch. With MHe examples in the mid to high $20k range, how long would it take for a buyer to earn this back on the investment? Perhaps we are looking at it all wrong here, as this is clearly a collector and art museum filler. At that target, a fair price is not market value but what something is worth to the buyer. Only one owner can claim first status, and this beautiful 1999 Ducati MH900e prototype is your ticket to the holy grail of Hailwood. Overpriced, over hyped or future investment of the century? Be sure and share your thoughts in our Comments section (but keep it civil - no haters please). Good Luck!!

Aprilia October 22, 2018 posted by Mike

Featured Listing: 2010 Aprilia RSV4 WSBK Racer!

Update 10.22.2018: Price reduced to $70,000 AUD, or roughly $49,600 USD as of today. Good luck to buyers and seller! -dc

In the motorcycling world there is the collectible category, the unobtanium performance category, and the pure bike porn category. Today's Featured Listing ticks all of those boxes - and so much more. Originally a 2010 Aprilia RSV4 WSBK offering, this particular example has been upgraded to a more current spec including a 2012 Aprilia Racing EV02 SBK engine with ZERO hours. The provenance comes direct from the source: Aprilia Racing. What you are looking at a supermodel with Olympian capabilities and a royal bloodline, ever sexy, ever willing and ever special.

Featured Listing: 2010 Aprilia RSV4 EV02 WSBK Racer!

Writing words about this special machine feels sacrilegious; it's like talking over an opera by Mozart, Puccini or Tchaikovsky. It's akin to diagramming artwork like the Mona Lisa in finger paint. So I'll stop and just let the pictures speak for themselves. Try not to get lost in the exquisite carbon fiber, rare alloys in the chassis, engine and exhaust, and the pristine packaging. Prepare to drool:

From the seller:
I bought this bike direct from Aprilia Racing in 2013 and motor has been rebuilt with zero hours.
Bike has not been ridden since 2014.

How about a spec sheet for this amazing bike? Read on!

From the seller:
Aprilia Racing WSBK Full world SBK, from Aprilia Racing
Aprilia Racing EV02 SBK engine, cylinder heads, Billet Camshaft Retainers/holders. Oval Exhaust ports!
The motor is one of the last full spec WSBK before the engine reactions came in to place
WSBK engine, airbox etc retail cost over $65,000
Cam Shafts DLC coated (adjuatable inlet and exhaust,WSBK)
Carbon Fibre airbox
Billet Fuel rails, Top Injectors direct mount to theottle bodies
STM WSBK clutch
WSBK Akrapovic exhaust — Oval Header pipes
Aluminium Fuel Tank,
Billet WSBK FUEL Pump and internal rails
WSBK subframe and carbon under tray
Aprilia Racing Carbon Fibre WSBK fairings
Carbon Fibre seat tray
WSBK alloy front dash bracket
Aprilia Racing Billet Triple clamps
Ohlins SBK front forks (Oval outer tube, stiffer under brakes, more flex in corners)
Ohlins RSP rear shock (world SBK supplied only)
Brembo WSBK front and rear calipers
Brembo Billet WSBK master cylinder
Brembo 6mm WSBK front disc
Brembo full floating rear disc
Marchesini M7 Magnesium wheels
Aprilia Racing WSBK swingarm with billet WSBK linkage
APX-2 Aprilia Racing ECU, wire harness and dash
Aprilia Racing rear sets

This caliber of equipment, power and exclusivity does not come our way every day. And nobody ever accused WSBK machines of being cheap. But if you want the best of what is available, you might want to take a closer look. Thankfully, this seller has provided a significant number of high-quality photos.

From the seller:
Asking $70k Aussie dollars
Happy to organize freight at extra costs to anywhere In the world

Contact: jai@curtisconstruction.com.au

By today's conversion rates, the seller is asking just shy of $60,000 USD. That is well within the range of what we have seen for WSBK spec bikes in the past, if not marginally less. Technology will continue to evolve, speeds will always increase, and time will continue to march on - but this will ALWAYS be an Aprilia Racing WSBK machine, and the cachet that goes along with that is ageless. This beauty is eternal, whether you choose to show it or shag it at your favorite track day / exhibition event. Bikes of this caliber are few and far between, and rarely come up for sale. Serious parties should reach out to Jai Curtis directly before this amazing RSV4 WSBK-spec beast is gone.

Featured Listing: 2010 Aprilia RSV4 WSBK Racer!

Buell October 15, 2018 posted by Mike

NOS: 2013 Buell 1190 RS Carbon Edition (NEW!)

There have been a few interesting Buell-related offerings on the pages of RSBFS as of late, each with an interesting history. This particular model is a 1190 RS Carbon Edition, one of the few produced by Erik & Co after his acrimonious divorce from H-D. Powered by something meatier than a muted potato-potato sound, this Rotax powered beast was at the apex of Erik's design brilliance, and the best chance an American motorcycle had at taking the fight to the Japanese and the Italians. Sadly it was not in the making, as financial woes eventually liquidated the Buell factory. But the 1190 RS model was a standout, introduced first as a racer (RR model), and then homologated for street use (100 units). This particular example claims to be farm-to-table fresh, right out of the box.

NEW 2013 Buell 1190 RS for sale on eBay

The 1190 RS was essentially built on the bones of the excellent 1125 R - the first modern Buell to introduce Rotax power. The Rotax mill was born in Austria, bored in Michigan, received new pistons from SoCal, and a few other beef ups on the way to 1190cc and nearly 180 HP. Suspension is top shelf of the top shelf: 30mm Ohlins cartridge forks similar to what you would find on a contemporary AMA Superbike or WSBK machine. Slipper clutch by Swiss firm Sutter (you might know them by their Moto2 efforts). Tweak and tricks are everywhere on this bike, bringing curb weight way down, and performance sky high. Figure 370 lbs curb weight. Got your attention? When Cycle World tested the 1190 RS at Road America, Geoff May (then EBR factory rider) was on hand and commented: “This thing is too good to be a streetbike. It’s faster than my 1125RR.”

From the seller:
Beautiful 2013 Carbon Red EBR 1190RS Vin 0017. One of less than 100 made! This bike was a factory race bike, straight out of the crate race ready. Carbon Fiber, Ohlins Forks.

THIS VIN 0017 BIKE IS STILL IN THE CRATE!

This Erik Buell Racing EBR 1190 RS motorcycle is sold with a title.

NEW! Local pickup in Grand Rapids, MI 49525. Or shipping can be arranged for an additional $500-$600 in the US.

EBR went into liquidation in 2015. Assets were sold at auction, and an attempt was made to re-start the production lines. Sadly, that effort ceased production in 2017, leaving the world without much in the way of Buell tech. Fortunately, there are a good number of survivors - many with low miles. Today's example has lower miles than most - a reported grand total of 4. That is pre-delivery test mileage at best, making this to as new as a new EBR-era Buell as you are likely to get. The bike looks fantastic, and clean in the un-ridden way you might expect. No sight of a crate around (the ad does mention that it is still in the crate - which would make photography difficult), but otherwise looks to be legit. That also explains the Buy It Now price of $26,999. The seller is open to offers, however, so you might just get into the EBR game for less. Check it out here, and then jump back to the comments and share your opinion of Buell. Do you have a favorite E.B. model? Let us know, and good luck!!

Ducati September 19, 2018 posted by Mike

Walks like a Duck: 1991 Ducati 851 Strada

Ducati is responsible for some of the most iconic motorcycles in the world. They are also purveyors of more marketing ploys than any other manufacturer, as evidenced by the endless parade of Limited Edition models. Therefore, words like "special" and "rare" are used so often as to appear meaningless. But limited numbers aside, Ducati has made some revolutionary leaps along its long history, cementing their place in motorcycling history with truly milestone machines. Not content to simply evolve one step at a time, at certain points in history Ducati doubled down on a new idea, catapulting forward along the performance curve. The introduction of the 851 was just such a moment. Today's bike, a 1991 851 Strada, is a good example of that revolution.

1991 Ducati 851 Strada for sale on eBay

If you think about the major technological jumps prior to the late 1980s, Ducati went from being a small bore, single cylinder manufacturer to producing twins. The L-twin configuration evolved over time, but was invariably a small step forward along the same route. The introduction of the Pantah could be seen as a leap, but in reality that move was more towards efficient production than outright performance. The Pantah was essentially the same air-cooled, two valve desmo twin as the bevel drive that came before, with only mild steps in go-power. With the 851, however, Ducati turned their own ideas of performance on its head. Simultaneously introducing liquid cooling, fuel injection AND a four valve, desmo actuated head, the 851 was a massive step forward from a technology perspective and performance. Did it work? Raymond Roche, participating in World SBK, took 3rd overall in 1989, was champion in 1990 and came in second in the two years to follow.

From the seller:
Ducati 1991 851 Strada, mostly original condition 14,600 miles.

Stored in Las Vegas Nevada for 8-12 years by the 2nd owner. Condition was not damaged or crashed.

Work that's been done since Nov 2017:
Major service including valve and shim adjust, new cam belts installed, degree the cams and clean and adjust throttle bodies by a qualified Ducati service tech.

New parts include:
fuel pump
fuel filter (Mahle)
Air Filter (BCM)
all fuel lines, inside the tank and out, plus clamps
cam belts (Exactfit)
radiator hoses and water pump hoses (Samco)
clutch master cylinder (Brembo)
front brake master cylinder (Brembo)
stainless steel clutch line (Galfer) and slave cylinder
chain (DID)
sprockets
Dunlop Q3+ tires
oil (15/50) full synthetic and Ducati filter,
tinted windscreen (Zero Gravity)
lithium battery (Shorai LFX18A1-BS12)
new voltage regulator

Plus, brakes have been flushed and radiator has been flushed. Left and right fairings have been painted.

Also I chose the very rare, period correct carbon Termignoni high mount exhaust and they sound beautiful. There is also a header modification, see pics. Other special parts included are rear Ohlins shock with remote adjuster. Ohlins steering damper.
Included with the bike are the original mufflers, passenger footpegs, owner's manual, one key and original windscreen.

Like many Ducatis, the 851 was released in a few different flavors. What you see here - the Strada or street edition - was the base model. This is not a homologation bike, although the basic platform is the same to the SP series. The Strada was the most streetable, complete with a passenger pillion hiding under the color coded tail cover, and nifty passenger grab handles that pivot out from beneath the seat. 1991 and 1992 were the last years of the 851 - the 1992 SP versions of this model actually contained a 888 motor, although the Strada remained an 851. But this speaks to the robustness and longevity of the basic mill, as even the 888 eventually became a 916 while still being badged as an 888. This is a milestone bike for Ducati, and the platform that won SBK victories and birthed the 888 and legendary 916.

Today's 851 Strada example looks to be in great shape - with wonderful photos. Mileage is reasonable considering you are looking at a 27 year old performance bike. There are a few added farkles in the manner of tinted windscreen and carbon bits, and the high-mount carbon Termis which look great. They interfere with the passenger pegs, however, so those have been removed (but are available with the sale). The Ohlins upgrades are choice, to be sure. The add ons and upgrades do not cause concern. The seller notes that both sides of the fairing have been painted - with no comment as to why. It may have been simply cosmetic, as there is no real evidence of the bike being down. Either way, it looks great in the pictures, appears to be very clean and cared for, and with those Termi cans I'm sure it sounds incredible. A big plus is that all services have been recently completed.

Well-preserved 851 examples have held up in value reasonably well. This was a watershed bike for Ducati, and it continues to be a sought-after model. This particular bike sits below $6k at time of writing, with reserve not met. No telling how high the reserve is set, but I would estimate somewhere around $7-8k would be in the money. We have definitely seen these cross the auction block for less, but the market can be a funny thing. Just check out some of the comments on the more rare examples of Ducati exotica featured in the pages of RSBFS to read comments such as "I remember when you could pick up one of those for just $xxx..." Check out the auction here, as this bike is currently a bargain. Will it close that way? What is the current market temperature for a beloved Ducati model (albeit non-homologation base model)? Watch on, and good luck!!

BMW September 11, 2018 posted by Donn

Past Dream – 2008 BMW HP2 Sport

The mid-2000's saw BMW put their flagship 1170cc DOHC twin into three very different motorcycles - a big super-motard, a hare-n-hound off-roader, and this, the HP2 Sport. While both the motard and off-road machines were mega-size compared to the mainstream, the HP2 Sport fit better into the superbike genre and can show and go. This 2008 is just ready for it's second oil change mileage-wise, but has been a collector's gem, farkled and serviced to a high level.

2008 BMW HP2 Sport for sale on eBay

Never giving up on the flat twin, the search for four valves led BMW to a complex chain-driven cam arrangement, and achieved 130 hp with 85 ft.-lbs. with the compulsory Bayerische reliability. Instantly recognizable as part of the brand, it of course uses shaft drive, and the recent Paralever monoshock. Up front is their newer Telelever suspension, with empty "fork" tubes and conventional shock absorber above the wheel. Elsewhere it's all new, trellis frame, carbon fairing and self-supporting seat console. The 2-1-2 exhaust darts under the engine to the catalyst and then underseat to the canister muffler.

Just shown by the original purchaser, the current owner has curated some nice mods and taken care of some maintenance concerns for the next owner. The RR mirrors look less automotive than the stockers, and the SW Motech tank bag is a great no-mar solution. New rubber might be considered if the buyer intends to push things hard. From the eBay auction:

This bike is in immaculate condition with only 3,507 mile since new. Bike needs nothing as has just had the front forks redone with new seals and oil and both cylinder heads resealed with new BMW gaskets and new cylinder head sliders for good measure.

I am the second owner and purchased the bike from the original owner who had it in a collection thus the low miles. I have ridden it and done a few tasteful mods which are all simple bolt-ons and can easily be removed by the new owner as all original parts are included:

Ilmberger Carbon Fiber rear wheel hugger

BMW S1000RR mirrors with Sandbar Composites adapters (original mirrors included)

Puig windscreen (original windscreen included)

SW Motech quick release ring and tank bag (original fuel ring included)

Osram Nightbreaker headlight bulbs

Pitbull rear stand

Everything else is stock the way it rolled off the production line—perfect. Bike comes with two keys, owner’s manual, factory repair manual, factory training booklet, tool roll, and fanny pack.

Most often seen with few miles, the HP2 was a $erious commitment when new. The secrecy around total production numbers warrants investigation by Wikileaks, but stateside imports for the 2008-10 years should be no more than a couple of hundred. Glad to see such a special machine undamaged, but the low miles just scream missed opportunity. Five days to run on the auction and bidding has been brisk but no challenge to the reserve. Unlike trains, there won't always be another. An epic ride for any fan of the brand or big twins in general...

-donn

Buell August 23, 2018 posted by Mike

Was Not Was: 2012 Buell EBR 1190RS Carbon Fiber Edition

Consider the curious case of one Erik Buell. By all counts a mad genius who was able to make even the archaic push-rod Harley lump semi-attractive to sporting riders, he is also the embodiment of a tragic hero from an Euripides epic, fatally flawed and ultimately falling short of immortality. The shades of gray that paint the portrait of Erik Buell are not negatives of character, perseverance or engineering skill, but rather a "wrong partner, right dance" situation. From the inception of The Buell Motor Company - first banking on imported "Barton" engines for AMA racing usage (upon which rules changes rendered them obsolete), then using connections to H-D as an engine supplier but remaining wholly separate, to the Buell American Motorcycle company (a subsidiary of H-D), to the shuttering of the effort due to H-D finances (they also sold off MV Agusta during this time), Erik continued to rise from the ashes. Kicked to the curb by H-D, Erik formed EBR - or Erik Buell racing - and returned to his love of roadracing. Devoid of having to deal with street bike regulations, EBR focused entirely on support of the 1125R, but there was more to come in this story.

2012 EBR 1190RS Carbon Fiber Edition #26

In many ways, Buell parted company with H-D long before they cut the ties. The 1125R, the last of the H-D owned machines, plunked the 45 degree v-twin relic in the trash and adopted the Rotax Helicon 72 degree powerplant. A modern engine with liquid cooling, overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, Rotax was a willing partner and a good motive power choice from a racing perspective. An updated design built specifically for racing, the bored-out 1190RR took the track goodness one further. But not done with the street bike scene just yet, Erik devised an updated 1190 that would take the Buell name back to the showroom. It was from these roots and from this distinctly non-H-D platform that today's bike, a rare 1190RS was born. With a relatively high price tag and a small distribution footprint, only 100 of the base model were to be built. But the highest spec - and the true homage to the racer - was the Carbon Fiber Edition. Littered with (as the name would imply) carbon fiber components, the CF Edition was a rare add-on to a platform that already glittered with farkles from Ohlins front an rear. Buell's ubiquitous Zero Torsion Load single front brake rotor contained a nifty cooling duct. The chassis (containing the fuel load, naturally) was aluminum. All told, this is a 175 HP, sub 400 pound (wet) track scalpel. With lights. And plates. And registration.

From the seller:
Rare opportunity awaits to purchase one of the finest crafted American sportbike ever engineered. Simply put, 1190RS Carbon Edition motorcycle is Erik Buell’s masterpiece. Of of 44 Carbon Editions built, this #26 collectors bike stands out amongst the crowd. EBR spared no expensive designing this work of art, which was hand-built with the finest components. While the 1190RS is already one of the finest superbikes ever built, this particular bike is truly one of a kind, crafted with the utmost attention to detail including the lightest magnesium wheels in the world and Track-Day exhaust option, both upgrades on the original design, over $10,000 in upgrades vs. other EBR1190RS bikes on the market. Eric felt such pride in this bike, it adorns his golden signature.

More from the seller:
Not only is the EBR 1190RS Carbon Edition rare, but #26 has a colorful story to tell, one of embezzlement, lies, and a lavish lifestyle of rare motor vehicles. #26 was a show room model at Reno Powersports KC and it still maintains its original shine and luster and sits pretty with only 89 total odometer miles.

-Less than 100 1190RS bikes ever made (even less with the carbon edition (44))
-Only EBR 1190 RS Carbon with a rich history and documents to support it.
-ORIGINAL factory Magnesium wheels (lightest in the world) to minimize unsprung weight.
-ORIGINAL Track-Day exhaust (Buell claims curb weight is 384 lbs. with the street-legal, dual-chamber exhaust. With the optional track-day exhaust shown here, it's said to weigh just 369 lbs. motorcyclistonline.com, By Aaron Frank, June 16, 2011)
-Authentic Signature on the tail of the bike by Eric Buell himself (Only a couple I know have this)

With upgrades, the bike totaled over $50,000 MSRP. Clean title.

EBR was founded in 2009 and lasted until 2015. Not even a partnership with India giant Hero MotoCorp in 2013 could help keep EBR afloat, and the bankruptcy announcement in 2015 was another nail in that coffin. But whoever wants to bury Buell better bring more nails, because that coffin still isn't fully closed. The Buell Motor Company, Buell American Motorcycles and EBR are all gone now, yet Erik is looking to the future as a founding partner in the electric mobility startup VANGUARDSPARK. Meanwhile his wondrous creations continue to pop up time and again in various formats. There is no doubt that the EBR era bikes are the most potent, and this Carbon Fiber Edition model is undoubtedly rare. The seller claims only 89 miles on the cool digital clocks (sadly no pictures of the dash in operation, but a brief view in the video), making this about as close as you can get to a new Erik Buell creation these days.

The embezzlement and intrigue associated with this particular bike as noted by the seller in the text relates to an accountant who cooked client books and spent the ill-gotten gains on cars, motorcycles and jewelry. The subsequent arrest might explain the low miles, but given that we have seen this bike before at auction (and on the pages of RSBFS) a year ago, not much has really changed. It's still a looker, it is still very, very rare, and it is still at the $20k mark regarding price. Check it out here. This is really a fantastic motorcycle - a real American Bimota, if you will - that was lost in the potato-potato noise when Erik Buell was whitewashed with the H-D paintbrush. This EBR stacks up nicely with any Ducati, Aprilia or MV Agusta and would make a wonderful edition to a collection. Good Luck!!