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…

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…

Born Ready – 1992 Honda NR750 – RC40

A peculiar bespoke-priced showpiece from the leading volume manufacturer, the Honda RC40 met at the crossroads of rule-bending engine development, enterprise-level manufacturing skill, and large-team design and engineering.  Rarely seen on RSBFS or elsewhere, this example has evidently been enjoyed in Ireland. 1992 Honda NR750 – RC40 ( Ireland ) for sale on eBay The…

Motown – 2000 Bimota SB8R

Bimota was fighting its way back from the V-Due debacle and brought forward the SB8R, based on Suzuki’s 996cc V-twin.  This example appears to have components from an SB8R Special, sporting all carbon bodywork and so even lighter.  It hails from an area more known for NASCAR but should be at home on any back…

Ugly no more? 2005 Ducati 999R

When the 999 series was introduced in 2003 as the successor to the fantastic 916/996/998 genealogy of Ducati Superbikes, the world collectively groaned. Far removed from the sexy, flowing lines of the Tamburini-penned predecessors, the Terblanche-designed 999 series was rough and angular. The stacked headlight arrangement made the bike instantly recognizable in the sort of…