Carbon Capture – 2003 Ducati 999S

In the late 1990’s Pierre Terblanche and Massimo Tamburini parted ways, the younger Terblanche following Ducati, and Tamburini staying with Cagiva.  The sea-change styling of Terblanche’s 999 was too controversial to survive, though it did help win the Superbike World Championship in 2003, ’04 and ’06.  The 999S has upgraded suspension from an -R and…

Blown: 2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2R

Originally released in 2013, Kawasaki claimed the H2 was the world’s first supercharged production motorcycle (a sad nod to Roehr, notwithstanding). In street bike form, the H2 is a 200 HP contender. In the “R” format (delete lights and turn signals, add more boost, carbon fiber aero bodywork and slicks), this is a 300+ HP…

Radical: 2002 Ducati 998R

Of all of sport bike manufacturers, Ducati seems to have been the only one that focused on a single concept: a luscious, 90 degree twin with desmo valve actuation. From that point onward, anything goes – and Ducati went truly radical in evolving the concept. From the original two-valve, air-cooled twins to the legendary 851,…

New Hope – 2000 Bimota SB8R

Drawing on his experience re-invigorating Laverda, industrialist Francesco Tognon’s similar approach to Bimota involved development of a slightly less exotic and more saleable motorcycle.  The resulting SB8R used Suzuki’s TL-1000 L-twin in a carbon-aluminum hybrid frame, and put Bimota on the comeback trail. 2000 Bimota SB8R for sale on eBay A showcase for early carbon-fiber…

Red ‘n’ Ready – 2003 Ducati 999R

Ducati was ready for a fresh approach to styling after the 916/996/998 successes, and while they got their wish in Pierre Terblanche’s 999, the new look was always controversial.  Though the WSBK team had a great many wins and three championships, after four years the factory returned to a more reminiscent design for the 1098. …

Hot Rod Mods: 1996 Ducati 900 SS SP

We don’t generally post modified bikes on RSBFS (April 1st posts notwithstanding). The general rule is that for truly rare and limited edition bikes, stock condition rules the roost. An original bike by and large is worth more and holds value better over time. As is often the case, however, there are exceptions. And one…

Rare Senna Edition: 1998 Ducati 916

When it comes to limited edition Ducatis, the Senna edition ranks right up there as something special. Devoid of the marketing exercises of the Nieman Marcus or Matrix editions (distinguished only by paint), the Senna was a carbon fiber clad version with Ohlins suspension. Proceeds of the sale of the bike went to Ayrton Senna’s…