Posts by tag: collectible

Ducati March 18, 2020 posted by Donn

Great Unwashed – 1999 Ducati 996S

Probably the root of more Ducati obsessions than any other bike, the squinting headlights of Massimo Tamburrini’s 1994-2002 masterpiece say ‘Faster’. This 1999 single seat 996S shows beautifully with just over 3,000 miles.

1999 Ducati 996S #098 for sale on eBay

The increase from 916cc led Ducati to specify a new Weber fuel injection system, and it required dual fuel injectors to achieve its 123 hp. But the new system could be a bit rich around town, and some owners took to re-programming to disarm the second injector. Elsewhere, a few things from the base 996 that had been plastic were now carbon, dampers were upgraded to adjustable Showa forks and Öhlins monoshock, and wheels were of course alloy but lighter Marchesini forgings. The -S was always a monoposto, and not sure if I’ve ever seen anything but red.

This San Diego owner doesn’t tell the ownership history, but it’s clear this 996S has been protected from the garage elves and updated in very good taste. Comments from the eBay auction:

This 21 year-old is in amazing condition with only 3,017 miles on the clock! The original date coded Michelins are still on the bike as a testament to it’s condition. One is dated the 10th week of 98 the other the 52nd. The bike has never been washed with water, if you look closely in the pictures, all of the original factory grease torque marks are in place! All of them. It has always been stored in a climate controlled garage and it is absolutely free from corrosion. It has been kept upright it’s entire life completely free from ANY blemishes. At 1,959 miles, the timing belts and a full service was performed at Ducati of Newport Beach. Currently registered and insured in my name with a clear California title.

This 996S is sporting a few period correct upgrades. It sounds evil thanks to it’s obligatory open clutch cover, classic Termignoni exhaust and Ultimap chip. Steel braided lines throughout including brakes, clutch and oil cooler. Lastly there were a few extra carbon bits added including chain guard, sprocket cover, chin spoiler and license plate holder. The tank guard on there is magnetic so there is no sticker residue. I have the original ugly red reflectors that go on the front fender as well.

While you could just take a spin on those old tires, how would you ever explain it should one come apart ? Might be good to date the belt service as well, before requesting take-off power. In a issue of just 200 machines, a 996S is very collectible, but having ridden a nicely updated base 996, the next owner will not want to relegate their new purchase to display without at least one great afternoon.

-donn

Honda January 13, 2020 posted by Donn

One Way or Another – 2004 Honda RC51 / RVT1000R Nicky Hayden Edition

Honda spent mega-$ designing their own V-twin Superbike, but reaped the benefits on both the AMA and WSBK scenes. This owner has identified the 2004 Nicky Hayden commemorative as the RC51 for the long term, and has kept it beautifully for the next owner.

2004 Honda RC51 RVT1000 Nicky Hayden Edition

for sale on eBay

Similarly to their Superbike nemesis, Honda chose a 90-degree L-twin, and added PGM-FI fuel injection with two injectors per cylinder. Power and torque were outstanding with 136 hp and 77 ft.-lbs., but the mystery resided in the alloy chassis. At the ends of the lighter and more rigid frame, 43mm inverted forks and Pro-link monoshock were tuned to keep the 17-inch rubber on the tarmac. The monoposto fairing wore a facsimile of Nicky’s livery, smaller sponsorship decals and white number areas front and rear.

Clearly an RC51 superfan, the owner’ states it’s his third of the model and is selling because he has another rider. With just second oil change miles and celebratory paint, it’s a sparkling example without so much as a scuff. A long but informative video is posted – here –. From the eBay auction:

2004 Honda RC51 Nicky Hayden replica in absolutely mint condition. This is a 1 owner bike with only 3047 original miles. The condition is 10 of 10 and its all original with the exception of a Yoshimura exhaust, a modification that anyone should make if they own one because nothing quite sounds like a RC51 at revs.

It was Honda’s take on the V-Twin replica racer, beating Ducati at it’s own game with multiple World Superbike Championships (Colin Edwards) and a AMA Championship under the late great Nicky Hayden whom also won the 2006 MotoGP championship with the Honda RC211V.

I’m selling this bike because its the 2nd RC51 in my collection and the other is more a rider so I might as well let someone else enjoy this beautiful bike. Add it to a collection or ride it, either way you can’t lose as you may never find a cleaner one offered for sale.

Hayden won the AMA Superbike crown in 2002, and was ushered into the factory Honda GP team making steady progress toward his 2006 championship. After his death in a bicycle accident in 2017, the Hayden replica is now a sadder commemorative. If not the singular superbike claimed by the owner, the RC51 is certainly in a select few, even at Honda with its multitude of winners. Bidding is quite active and shows over $10,000 with four days left to run.

-donn

One Way or Another – 2004 Honda RC51 / RVT1000R Nicky Hayden Edition

Ducati January 8, 2020 posted by Donn

CitiSmart – 2006 Ducati Paul Smart 1000LE

Arguably the pick of the SportClassic litter, the 2006 Paul Smart Limited Edition sacrificed practicality for the cool of a teal-framed monoposto. This NYC example has moderate miles but is super clean.

2006 Ducati Paul Smart 1000LE for sale on eBay

Ducati’s air-cooled dual spark engine was originally used in the Monster, but its relatively plumbing-free presentation made it perfect for the vintage looking SportClassics. 92 hp on tap make it more than a design exercise. The frame color and fairing harken back to the 1972 Imola winner, and spoked wheels ping appropriately. Appointments are first rate with big 320mm Brembo disks and Öhlins dampers all around.

Despite city life and 10K-plus miles, this PS looks undamaged and clean enough to put right in the garage. Even the Termignoni megaphones fit the vintage look well, though a quick spritz on the header pipes would do wonders. From the eBay auction:

The motorcycle has:

-Termignoni slip on exhaust with ECU

-new clutch pressure plate, springs, and cover

-Motobox fender eliminator and tail light

-frame sliders

– aftermarket oil fill plug

***All original parts that were taken off will come with the bike***

The bike has always been garage kept on a battery tender and a Ducati Performance dust cover.

The major Desmo Service had been done at 7,411 miles.

The bike has had 4 oil changes since then. I used Motul 300v 15w50.

While a low or no-mile example might push the mid-twenties, this auction shows a starting bid of $18K, just above the original MSRP. Harder to quantify is the total production of just 2,000, and then considering only 500 or so made it to our shores, a pristine example like this might be worth a second look.

-donn

CitiSmart – 2006 Ducati Paul Smart 1000LE

Triumph December 6, 2019 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 1998 Triumph T595 with just 2,518 miles !

Triumph entered the battle for sport riders’ hearts and minds in 1997 with their clean-sheet design T595. The marketing blunder that left casual shoppers thinking it’s a 600 is far in the rear-view and just adds another point of interest for fans. Seattle Used Bikes presents this slightly used and carefully updated Triumph T595.

1998 Triumph T595 with 2,518 miles!

Triumph built on their success with the T300 engine and produced another triple in the T5, a little torquier and with a scruffier sound than the usual inline four. High compression (11.2:1) and electronic fuel injection conspired to deliver 130hp and 74 ft.-lbs. torque. The twin double-tube chassis was all new and inspired confidence with adjustable suspension and excellent Nissin brakes. The fairing design carved out its own character with dual headlights and Euro parking light, and hard covered pillion.

Seemingly set up for the long run, ten times the mileage would be expected on this T595. But after Dymag carbon wheels, carbon muffler and ECU update, HeliBar risers, and bar-end mirrors were installed it was ridden only sparingly and looks better than excellent. Seattle Used Bikes has added all new expendables ( fluids, battery, and tires ) for the next owner, and asks $7,999. From their – website – :

This beautiful black 1998 Triumph Daytona T595 just arrived on our doorstep last month. This is another one out of a friends private collection. As you can see it just has a bit over 2,500 original miles, it was really set up properly when new by Scott Zollars at the Cycle Barn. Check out the carbon fiber Dymag wheels!! It also has a hard to find, Triumph factory carbon slip on, a remapped ECU, raised HeliBars for added comfort, with CRG bar-end mirrors and upgraded rear suspension link from Attack performance. We just gave it a fresh service, new fluids, new Dunlop Q3’s tires and battery. If you are a fan of the early Daytona 955i’s this is probably the nicest one available for sale at this time. Can go back to stock wheels and save $1200.

Despite coming up on 100 years of Triumph cycles, John Bloor’s re-imagined company didn’t have a generation of superbike racing to lean on, and their 955cc family was never going to challenge those makers on the track. But the T595 and renamed 955i caught quite a following, filling a European-designed niche in the sport market. This example is practically unused and certainly better than new, and ready for next season. Contact Seattle Used Bikes on (206) 535-6812 or by email – here -.

-donn

Check out the other Triumph SUB has Featured on RSBFS: 1998 Triumph Daytona Ex Formula Thunder Race Bike! Dave notes that a deal is possible on the pair! -dc

Featured Listing – 1998 Triumph T595 with just 2,518 miles !

Honda October 22, 2019 posted by Donn

Right-sized – 1986 Honda VF500F Interceptor

Following the 750 Interceptor to the showroom but actually descended from the diminutive VF400F, the 499cc version was just about right for an intermediate rider ( or cognoscenti ) in the American market. Most got ridden to a fair-thee-well but this New Hampshire example shows beautifully with just over 6,000 miles.

1986 Honda VF500F Interceptor

Honda had a world-beater in their new V-4, and the 500 was distinct from the 400. The square-tube basket frame showed off the supersport fairing, and had air-adjustable suspension at either end. Dual 255mm brakes are now period items as is the 16 / 18-inch stagger. Weight was under control at just over 400 lbs. dry, refreshingly light for the time, all the better for the handling.

Shown in a gallery setting, this Interceptor appears excellent, with only the triple tree cover showing wear from the key ring. The seller has this to say about their baby:

This is likely as close to a New 1986 Honda Interceptor 500 you likely to find.
Ultra low mileage ( 6,266 original miles ) This bike belongs in a collection.
This bike has been professionally serviced including New Tires (Factory correct)
New Brakes, New Fork Seals, New O-ring Chain, New battery, Carbs completely rebuilt and synchronized
New sparkplugs, New fluids. This bike runs and drives as it should.

Honda kept a V-4 in the line-up before and after other manufacturers toyed with the idea. Foreseeing the mass centralization paradigm, designers worked through the complex packaging issues. The 500’s power-to-fun ratio made it a good pick that riders didn’t grow out of too soon. This example post-dates the cam lubrication issue that forced a recall of earlier VF’s and Magnas, and seems an outstanding original.

-donn

Right-sized – 1986 Honda VF500F Interceptor

Bimota October 16, 2019 posted by Donn

A Good Fit – 1987 Bimota YB5

Even Bimota was not immune to the siren call of Yamaha’s 130 hp FJ1200, producing one of their only biposto models. This example has been carefully preserved in South Africa.

1987 Bimota YB5 ( South Africa ) for sale on eBay

Yamaha had recently given their air/oil-cooled four a big displacement bump and tuned it for a torque band that made shifting almost unnecessary. The massive lump was narrower than usual since the alternator was placed behind the cylinders rather than at the end of the crank. At the front of the interesting cradle and spar chassis, Marzocchi supplied 42mm forks, and Bimota fabricated their own swingarm. Wheels were eighteens front and rear, more of a GT solution, along with 280mm Brembo brakes. The body-color pillion cover is easily removable should a volunteer turn up.

This owner has a couple of other very collectible bikes at auction, all looking excellent though a long boat or plane ride away. Close-up photos show the finishes to be unblemished, with just under 10,000 miles the paint almost looks wet. From the eBay auction:

Number 18 out of 208 units ever produced.

Bimota YB5’s do not come up for sale often, so this is the perfect opportunity to add a prime example of one to your collection.

She handles surprisingly well considering a dry weight of 210 Kg.

Apart from the turn signals, mirrors and windscreen everything else is still original. Even the factory paintwork has been preserved.

The YB5 has been part of my private collection for the past five years in which time the vehicle only accumulated less than 500 Km.

The tires were replaced about two years ago and a full service, including replacing the brake pads and the battery was completed three weeks ago.

Bimota couldn’t do much about the mass of that gorgeous drivetrain, though they reduced the dry weight to just under 500 lbs., and balanced the package to neutralize handling. The YB5’s rake and trail numbers are substantially less than the donor FJ, lightening the handling and stipulating a steering damper. Low profile tires were specified for the bike, which reduced the gyroscopic effect of the larger wheels. The “skinny” 1200 slips into the sleek fairing and can take two for a wicked sporty ride.

-donn

Laverda September 16, 2019 posted by Donn

Double Espresso – 1998 Laverda 668 Ghost Strike

Update 9.16.2019: We first saw this Ghost Strike back in May of last year. It failed to sell then but is back on eBay and reserve is already met with a first bid of $2,750. Links updated to current auction. Thanks Donn, -dc

Though Laverda’s fortunes were largely in the 90’s rear-view mirror, the company breathed new life into its mid-size parallel twin, commissioning a sporty jack-of-all-trades. The Ghost Strike had a fine chassis and premium appointments, and can’t be beat in the rarity dept.

1998 Laverda 668 Ghost Strike for sale on eBay

Laverda differentiated the Ghost Strike from their other multi-purpose machines with its Nico Bakker designed aluminum frame and WP suspension. Motive force came from a DOHC parallel twin, expanded to 668cc and updated with Marelli injection and 70 hp. Fuel is centralized under the seat and the airbox is in the “tank”.

Not much detail about this Houston-based Laverda, but it has only 12,000 miles and looks good. Not sure about the non-standard appearing left side cover and dash fasteners though. From the eBay auction:

Great looking 1998 Laverda Ghost Strike. It starts, runs and drives well. Paint and seat are in excellent shape. Mileage on speedometer is in km, so I used a conversion for miles. This is a unique classic motorcycle. Have fun with it!

The 668’s tight handling and relaxed riding position won points, only to give them up for a notchy gearbox and too loud exhaust. The name was soon to be retired after being purchased by Aprilia and then Piaggio, but the late Ghost Strike is a singular Euro machine perfect for the fan or collector.

-donn

Double Espresso – 1998 Laverda 668 Ghost Strike

Ducati August 29, 2019 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 1999 Ducati 996 SPS #481

Update 3.20.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Ducati wanted to continue their WSBK winning ways, and presented an homologation special to legalize their 996. Just a few hundred SPS were made in any year and they appear only occasionally. This example has been returned to riding status after a long time on display and looks excellent.

1999 Ducati 996 SPS with 4,560 Miles !

The 996 added a new desmoquattro to the legendary 916 design, the increased bore bringing 123 hp to the track-oriented machine. Pit lane features like quick-release fairings, flip-up seat, and single sided swingarm made service items easy to get to. SPS buyers who were going right to the track needed the adjustable steering head angle, but all appreciated the lightweight Marchesini rims, adjustable Showa forks and Öhlins monoshock and steering damper. Monoposto seat and red paint were part of the SPS package.

Over the 20 years this SPS has travelled under 5,000 miles, and looks very original. RSBFS reader Chris has these notes:

– only 4,560 miles on odometer
– professionally gone through / got running / checked over
– new battery, belts replaced, new fuel pump, screen, filter, air filter, spark plugs
– tank cleaned, injectors and lines cleaned, oil change
– light weight, lots of carbon fiber
– only minor blemishes from years of sitting / storage, little riding, no major damage of any kind
Asking $12,990

As the 916 – 996 – 998 family progressed up the slippery slope of track-ability, street manners suffered with ergonomics and cooling systems that called for highway speeds at minimum. But the 996 SPS is in a good spot on the timeline, and with a little judicious route planning and maybe a fan override switch, can make for an exhilarating morning off. The extra power and lightness reviewed as worth the upcharge when new, and look like an absolute bargain these days.

-donn