Posts by tag: collectible

Ducati December 24, 2020 posted by
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Re-Gifting – 1996 Ducati 900SS

My chance to wish RSBFS fans wonderful Holidays and a great New Year !  – donn

Nearly 25 years down the road, Ducati’s venerable SuperSport still has a lesson or two for riders who haven’t had the chance, and a little nostalgia for those who have.  Despite some substantial miles, this 900SS looks to have  been cared for well enough to display or ride.

1996 Ducati 900SS for sale on eBay

The late eighties – early 1990’s Supersports were based on Ducati’s new engine, with two valves per cylinder and belt driven cams.  84 hp are on tap, everything visible through the trellis frame and kept in contact with the tarmac by Showa dampers.  320mm Brembo brakes were praised for their honest feel.  The lack of new-fangled or optional equipment kept the power-to-weight ratio up there – no glove boxes in the fairing, no anti-dive, no shaft drive, and just the smallest underseat tray for a tire plug kit.  Adherence to the basics also kept the out-the-door price under control and let owners pick their own farkles. 

The offering dealer has an interesting stable of bikes, but generally offers no history.  This 900SS shows just over 33K miles, and likely has some re-finishing in its past.  Rarely seen at this kind of age, this SS is stock right down to the factory aluminum mufflers.  The next owner can weigh the lack of apparent damage and super-cleanliness with the maintenance that might be required.  Comments from the eBay auction:

FACTORY-ORIGINAL WITH OEM EXHAUST SYSTEM AND ALL ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. NEVER CRASHED, GREAT SHAPE. STARTS AND RUNS PERFECT, FUEL AND OIL DRAINED FOR COLLECTOR DISPLAY

First envisioned in 1974, the SuperSport has held down the desmodue side of the showroom until recently, delivering a return to basic motoring values poo-pooed by many value engineers.  Yes, you can add soft bags and tour, heated gear and ride there, even carbon components by the ounce.  Or not, and take the back roads on a sunny afternoon – destination: an entirely non-virtual experience.

-donn

Re-Gifting – 1996 Ducati 900SS
Benelli December 21, 2020 posted by
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Red Sled – 2007 Benelli TNT 1130

Designed during one of Benelli’s more European revivals, the super-naked 1130 won a small but enthusiastic fan base.  This owner had a garage-full at one time and offers one of the nicest at no reserve.

2007 Benelli TNT 1130 for sale on eBay

Benelli’s 1130 is a triple, using Walbro fuel injection and 11.2-to-1 compression to pump out 129 hp.  The fabricated tube chassis holds the engine from the top, with cast connectors locating the beefed up swingarm.  Marzocchi supplied the upside-down forks and monoshock, with Brembo bringing their excellent 320mm brakes.  A distinctive arrangement of radiators and fans inhabit transformer-ish fairings which also carry the front turn signals.  The headers are exposed but the exhaust works its way up under the seat, with one of the neatest factory license plate mounts ever.

The back roads of eastern Penn. are just the place for this TNT, but between the two owners just under 6,500 miles have elapsed.  Though it’s hard to keep a naked bike nice, this one looks excellent.  Just the exhaust has been updated to a two muffler set-up, which might have necessitated the change to the rear turn signals.  Notes from the eBay auction:

These 1130’s, like this one, are pretty solid with Walbro injection. They run very well. 

I got this one in 2015.  It was then serviced at Distefano’s Performance Center in Imperial, Penna.  Joe was the regional tech rep for Benelli back then.  Its been part of my collection since.

I only put about 100 miles on it.  I never run ethanol and its stored indoors, mostly in my heated basement.

This one has performance slip on mufflers and relocated rear turn signals.  I do have the original muffler (its a single can) and the original tail.  I also have the manuals on CD.

It runs and looks as nearly new.  The battery is fresh, the title is in my hand.

Having a whole corporate history from 1911 until rough times came in the 1980’s, Benelli then had some fits and starts which produced their memorable Tre’s.  Since Qianjiang took a controlling interest the focus has shifted to smaller bikes.  Still the brand has a lot of interesting bikes in the stable, the Tornado Naked Tre being one of their sportiest.  This owner chose carefully and preserved his 1130 for the long term, which will benefit the new owner.

-donn

Red Sled – 2007 Benelli TNT 1130
Bimota December 15, 2020 posted by
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Performance Kit – 1984 Bimota SB4S

Early on, Bimota sold kits to incorporate the buyer’s own drivetrain into their chassis and fairing designs.  This unicorn was professionally prepared and has only seen the light of day for 1,800 miles since.

1984 Bimota SB4S for sale on eBay

Bimota specified the 1075cc air-cooled engine from the GSX-1100, and shares its formidable 112 hp.  Rimini made their own four-into-two exhaust, and of course their chromoly semi-cradle chassis, with billet aluminum sideplates.  Components are a history lesson of their own, with Ceriani forks and DeCarbon monoshock.  Looking bigger in the 16-inch wheels, brakes are all 280mm disks, with four-piston calipers up front.  Lightweight fiberglass is stretched over the hippy package, baring only the three-piece alloy wheels.

Showing clean but maybe not museum storage, this SB4S appears original right down to the tires, and complete.  The GSX engine was evidently blueprinted before sliding it into the Bimota kit.  A slick detail and maybe re-finish the front fender and it might look more like the rarity it is.  Comments from the eBay auction:

This bike is super rare, with only 100 or so of the S versions with the full fairing being made. The other 200 or so SB4 models had a 2/3 fairing that did not go under the engine.

This is one of the last (Chromoly) steel framed Bimota made before going to aluminum frames. It is also one of the last kit bikes they sold. This particular bike was ordered and assembled by The Performance Works of Canoga Park, CA. The original build sheet is included with the bike. Details include:
  • Brand new Suzuki GS1100 engine as a starting point
  • Yoshimura pistons, 2mm oversize
  • Vance & Hines clutch basket
  • Welded crank
  • Heavy duty cam chain
  • Carb work
  • Only 1,800 miles!

This bike has just been serviced with new Mobil 1 oil change, OEM oil filter, NGK plugs, and a new battery. It fires right up and sounds great.

Along with the original build sheet, there is the factory sales flyer and a copy of the parts list for the entire bike. The VIN for this bike is SB400127 (#127 out of the 300 or so SB4 and SB4S total bikes built).

So close I could be there in a half hour, but ’tis no longer the season for a test ride.  No worries about getting out of the air stream, any rider under six feet will be stretched out on the tank just to reach the clip-ons.  Geared tall and set up for higher speeds, wide open two-lane would be a lot more fun than errands around town.  Not that this collectible is liable to see a whole lot more of either.

-donn

Performance Kit – 1984 Bimota SB4S
Kawasaki September 19, 2020 posted by
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Sponsored Listing – 1993 Kawasaki ZX-7 from Speedwerks !

Update 9.19.2020: This bike has SOLD to an RSBFS reader! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Long time RSBFS sponsor, Speedwerks, has trained their restorative techniques on a 1993 Kawi, and ensured that its outstanding looks are backed up by a healthy dose of attention from their service technicians.

1993 Kawasaki ZX-7 for sale at Speedwerks

Coming out in the heart of the sportbike era, the ZX-7 came with a warranty, but change was guaranteed every year, with manufacturers throwing their level best at the AMA and World Superbikes.  For ’93 an all new top end cooked up 118 hp for the 749cc four, using four 38mm Keihin carburetors and a new single intake for ram air.  Multi-adjustable USD forks and Uni-Trak monoshock, plus 17-inch wheels were found at either end, along with 320mm front disks.  The riding position got good marks and a theoretical passenger is possible on the biposto seat console.

Evidently being re-activated after some years in a collection, this ZX-7 has the full nineties treatment, right down to the orange-fade-to-purple logos.  Exterior condition is way better than excellent, with just an isolated rub visible.  The tail treatment leaves a clean surface under the seat, and the green windscreen shows the previous owner was a fan.  Steve’s comments about the ZX-7:

This is a good rider or bust out your parachute pants, comb back your mullet and become a collector.
We received this machine from a private collection, where it sat on display for years.
It is original sans the Zero Gravity windscreen and Targa undertail.
We preformed a complete service and it is 100% operational, as it would have been in 1993.
The tires are original/period correct Dunlop 208’s, in great shape but should be updated to ride daily.
There are a few scars in the paint work but overall it shows very well.

Speedwerks is asking $6,500 for this time capsule and Steve can be reached on (302)672-RACE or via email – here -.

As evidence of a winning design, with Rob Muzzy’s preparation, Scott Russell took his ZX-7R to the AMA Superbike championship in 1992, and claimed the World Superbike the next year.  Since they occupied the lower pricing tier with Suzuki, few have been babied or cared for like this example.  This might be a show bike for the next owner, but is also ready to provide the superbike experience from almost thirty years ago as well.

Contact Steve at Speedwerks for more information on this exceptional ZX-7, (302)672-RACE or via email – here -. 

-donn

Sponsored Listing – 1993 Kawasaki ZX-7 from Speedwerks !
Honda September 18, 2020 posted by
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Come In For a Test Drive – 1987 Honda VFR-750R / RC30

A ( if not The ) classic superbike at this juncture, Honda’s RC30 has beauty and real-world capability.  This example is slightly under-documented but has collectible looks.

1987 Honda VFR-750R / RC30

The RC30 was designed and built for the Superbike World Championship, which it won with Fred Merkel aboard the two first years.  The version found at the showroom had 112 hp available, with just 400 or so pound to push.  Endurance racing aspirations dictated the single-sided swingarm and quick release front axle, and the era required staggered wheel sizes of 17 front and 18 rear.  The RC30 always seemed more than the sum of its parts, the alloy chassis and big-bang V-4 not quite accounting for its well-balanced presence.

Seller Eurocycle appears to be a new outfit, with locations in Sonoma, Reno, and Vegas.  No history is offered but the condition is excellent for its nearly 24K miles.  Finishes and tires look fresh.  Besides new and used bikes, Eurocycle’s website shows rentals ( no the RC30 wasn’t listed ) and some kind of club membership – maybe a knowledgeable reader could chime in.

Eminently collectible, an RC30 was reviewed as not hard to ride, and might be an inspiring occasional rider for a small stable.  More history or perhaps some catch-up maintenance might be expected before sending this V4 out on a mission.  The ask is a little shy of what might be expected for a nice example, but as with so many things this year, all bets are off.

-donn

Come In For a Test Drive – 1987 Honda VFR-750R / RC30
Honda September 15, 2020 posted by
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Featured Listing – 1982 Honda CB450T with 1,682 Miles !

Update 11.04.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Accompanying bigger silver and blue Freddie Spencer replicas to the showroom, Honda’s 1982 CB450T had nice performance for a mid-size, and brilliant looks.  RSBFS fan Bill has been around concours winners for a while now, and presents his just-about-perfect CB450T.


1982 Honda CB450T Collector For Sale

Since the Dream days, Honda has always made room for a middle-weight somewhere in their line-up.  The CB450T might be the ultimate parallel twin, with CB900F styling – a 9,500 rpm redline, SOHC and three valves per cylinder pushing 43 hp.  As Honda would do, engineers put some neat stuff in, 9.1:1 compression and a 6-speed transmission, while bean counters stipulated the rear drum brake and emissions-compliant 30mm Keihin carburetors.  Stylists carried the day with the Comstar wheels and stripes that flowed from tank to the upturned seat spoiler, and just needs a number plate to channel the number 19 CB750F AMA Superbike.

Bill has been following RSBFS since the early days, and knows his way around perfect, having placed Honda bikes in the AMA museum and cars in two leading Honda collections.  He wandered through many CB450T’s before finding his example, several years ago now.  But best to let Bill describe:

MINT condition

One year only model. Honda made the CB400T for 1980 & 1981…but ONLY the CB450T [for 1982] got the extra 50cc and the Silver Freddie Spencer paint scheme, with the uber rare rear spoiler…like the bigger…and matching…CB750F and CB900F.

Last year for Honda SOHC

Honda made about 4,600 total production for US market, about 3,100 were made in the black paint with red and orange strips….only about 1,500 were in the Freddie Spencer Replica AMA Superbike race colors (Pleiades silver with 2 tone blue stripes).

Mine has: 1,682 orig miles from new, ALL fluids new with less than 25 miles including  brakes/ you can literally remove the brake pads and lick them…they are cleaner than your dinner plate, bike always kept in climate controlled, carpeted garage as seen in pics. No stories, no excuses, no rips, tears, no BS…it is FLAWLESS period. Even the chain is immaculate. Bike stays on battery tender 100% ready to go.

Bike has 1 mile on brand new tires..yes ONE (1)

I am second owner from new, I’ve owned since 2012, I am 60 years old, prior owner was 60 when I bought it from him.

Only mods to bike are PERIOD CORRECT K&N gloss black 1.5” lower handle bars and short stem black mirrors. YES, YES I have the original high bars and long stem chrome mirrors and they are ‘as new’ too.

Bill asks $4,500 is open to offers.

Freddie Spencer is certainly due a commemorative, having given the best part of his riding career to Honda.  Beside many AMA Superbike race wins, Spencer helped Honda develop the NR500, NS500, and NSR500, and took both the MotoGP 500cc and 250cc championships in 1985.  The ’82 CB450T is a single year special, partly a technology demonstrator for the SOHC drivetrain, and a great tribute in silver and blue.  Bill has a lot of expertise around the brand, and has curated his CB450T to museum level.

Bill has his CB450T in suburban D.C.

-donn

Featured Listing – 1982 Honda CB450T with 1,682 Miles !
Ducati September 3, 2020 posted by
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Featured Listing – 2006 Ducati Paul Smart 1000 Limited Edition

RSBFS regular Seattle Used Bikes has a customer’s 2006 Paul Smart LE available, with a moderate 11,812 miles on the clock.  Limited to 2,000 examples worldwide, this commemorative also has the factory fairing lowers with Paul Smart’s racing number.

2006 Ducati Paul Smart 1000 LE at Seattle Used Bikes

Paul Smart’s 1972 race machine boasted the desmodromic valve system, and though the 992cc air-cooled engine from 2006 uses belt-driven cams, it has a lot in common with Taglioni’s earlier design.  91 hp are available on the PS1000LE, along with Marelli fuel injection, and a sculptural trellis chassis painted in the blue-green of the 1972 750 Imola racer.  The rider tucks in behind the classic bullet fairing, and find themselves with the modern 6-speed transmission, adjustable Öhlins dampers, 320mm Brembo brakes, and 17-inch spoked alloy wheels.

Owned by a longtime SUB customer, this PS1000LE is immaculate with all the right updates.  New cam service, recent tires and factory updated fuel tank make it very ready for the new owner.  Photographs beautifully and likely rides even better !  Comments from Seattle Used Bikes: 

It is about as nice as they can be found these days, this one also has the very desirable Ducati Performance lower fairings, the Ducati Performance Termignoni 2-1 exhaust with the upgraded ECU, we also have all the original parts, paperwork, 2 black and red key, code card, manuals, welcome letter and brochures..  We have only had it into SUB once for service in April 2014, it had just over 8,600 miles at the time, we performed a minor service, replaced the fuel filter inside the tank and hoses that had gotten soft from ethanol.   When we had the bike in we did notice signs of tank swelling at the time and helped facilitate getting the dealer to replace the tank and made sure to have it sealed inside with Caswell to avoid further issues. It appears tires were updated as well. We do have additional records for 6k service and misc others.   We recently were able to gather all the paperwork and were given the go ahead to get it ready to sell.  Marty just completed the 12K Desmo service, he also made sure its running the way he likes them to.  He noted in the service order “165lbs of compression in both cylinders”.  We’ve gone through everything brought in and given the Paul Smart a thorough inspection, it is very obvious this special Ducati was loved and cherished, articles were kept, brochures, accessory install instructions etc. all archived.

Seattle Used Bikes offers this PS1000LE for $22,000, and they now have a – Deposit Button – to hold the bike while you contact them.

Most SportClassics were more popular after production ended, but the Paul Smart sold out early and stayed desirable.  The Terblanche design combines a reverential look over the shoulder with no-nonsense mechanicals.  SUB also offers this walkaround – video – and welcomes calls on (206) 535-6812.

Featured Listing – 2006 Ducati Paul Smart 1000 Limited Edition
Bimota August 30, 2020 posted by
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Robbiano Report – 2008 Bimota DB6R with 2,040 Miles !

Revitalized in the early 2000’s, Bimota and their sadly late designer Sergio Robbiano presented the DB6R Delirio, powered by Ducati’s latest 1100cc air-cooled engine.  This Long Island example has barely been ridden and looks basically new.

2008 Bimota DB6R for sale on eBay

Even Bimota was compelled to produce an all around naked sport, but the mixed chassis of trellis and billet connectors puts a fine edge on the concept.  Ducati’s injected dual-spark twin pumps 95 hp through the factory slipper clutch, and the stepped seat will hold you in for 160 mph.  Superbike-sized Öhlins and Brembo components are found front and rear, and carbon fiber mudguards cover the natural-finished Marvic wheels.  The complex array of mostly carbon side covers and fairing pieces don’t push the riding weight over 370 lbs.

Just enough information in this auction to make one want more, but what’s here appears clean and without a scratch.  The Delirio came with a modern canister exhaust but the Zard update is a sportier-looking replacement.  From the eBay auction:

This bike is in perfect condition in every way with only 2,040 miles.  It has a carbon fiber Zard exhaust installed by Bimota dealer at time of original purchase.  This may not be factual, but I was told that only approximately 6 of these bikes were imported into the US directly by the Bimota importer, making this a truly collectible and rare bike.

Robbiano started at Ducati, drawing Tamburini’s ideas for the 916, and was taken early from the middle of a successful design career which was always about two wheels.  As intended, the DB6R made a splash in Milan, and the production bike had great reviews.  Seemingly undamaged in many years of under-use, the bidding on this Delirio starts at just half of the list price.  For a fan of the brand or a design buff, a quick change of belts, tires, and liquids will give this Bimota a new lease on life.

-donn

Robbiano Report – 2008 Bimota DB6R with 2,040 Miles !