Posts by tag: collectible

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Ducati September 19, 2022 posted by
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Polyphemus – 2005 Ducati 999R

Before its recent resurgence as a classic, even a 999R could come under the customizer’s gaze.  The air and eye flow more easily over this ultimate Ducati offering from 2005, beautifully presented by a leading northwest dealer.

2005 Ducati 999R for sale on eBay

Quite a bit more than the sum of its parts, the 999R was a portfolio of red and carbon, exquisite drivetrain engineering and special components.  The R is set apart from the rest of the line by the even more oversquare engine, with titanium rods and valves plus knife-edged crank.  The chassis has an adjustable headstock, and the beside hand and foot control adjustments, the seat console can be moved a little closer or further from the bars.  Glitter from Öhlins, Brembo and Marchesini were ti-coated, radially mounted, and forged.  2005 brought a revised swingarm but deleted the number plate on the triple tree.

No info on ownership history, maintenance, or how the modified nose came about, but the rest of the bike looks excellent for its reported 11,135 miles.  The fairings and other carbon bits appear complete and undamaged, with other mods including a bar-end mirror, streamlined turn signals, fuel filler and stripes that are somewhere between the Xerox or Desmosedici.  The exhaust looks to have been coated, and the tail-ectomy deserves a closer look since the brake light can be a tricky detail.  Evidently paying by the word in the eBay auction –

Superbike with solo headlight fairing, Termignoni exhaust, and just 11K miles on the odometer.

Most collectors would take off points ( and dollars ) for almost every change from the factory original, but this 999R is asking over $20K so we’ll have to see how it goes.  The overall condition doesn’t seem like a totaled bike could’ve been the catalyst for the nose job, but that question is going to come up eventually.  The single headlight solution holds together well, and might lead the next owner to blast out even more miles.

-donn

Polyphemus – 2005 Ducati 999R
Ducati July 4, 2022 posted by
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Orange from Orange – 2006 Ducati Sport Classic 1000 Monoposto

Ducati simplified their SportClassic offerings after the initial year, making the 2006 model the one to look for.  Today’s monoposto looks very good even parked on a dusty shoulder.

2006 Ducati Sport Classic 1000 for sale on eBay

Ducati wowed fans when the 2006 SC’s were introduced, with three specific knods to a past classic.  The monoposto had a café racer’s vibe, and one of Panigale’s best engines, the 91 hp dual-spark air cooled 992cc.  Plenty of designer attention was given to keep the SportClassic’s message focused, with two-into-two exhaust and spoked aluminum wheels.  Up-to-date brakes and suspension are hiding in plain sight but offer welcome performance, and Marelli fuel injection brought emissions down to the new Euro-3 standard.

This Sport Classic shows nicely, seeming undamaged and with a few updates.  The separate Termi’s are a regular choice for this model, though most owners opt for an open clutch cover.  The tail has of course been tidied, and the factory chrome bar-end mirrors and tank filler replaced with black anodized components.  Valve train service was recently completed and tires are fresh.  The handlebars appear to have the later, higher risers, though maybe a reader could verify.  Like helmets in the new Top Gun movie, front turn signals might be optional these days.  Owner’s notes from the eBay auction –

2006 was the only year for the Sport Classic to have a dry clutch, single swing arm/shock/spring, single seat, etc. and then Ducati switched to wet clutch, double swing arm, etc. from 2007 onwards. I’m selling because I simply don’t ride enough these days. The 2006’s are extremely hard to find and are increasing in value, but I need to make the space. The bike is well cared for, lightly ridden, and always garaged. It has the Termignoni exhaust and the Pirelli tires have less than 500 miles on them. It also has a brand new battery. Mechanically sound, rides strong and clutch engages solidly. Aesthetically all looks good overall. The turn signals, as they do for every Sport Classic, break off far too easily and should be replaced. Major service was completed about 1000 miles ago or so at Rider Revolution in Costa Mesa. The bike is ready to be ridden. I have 2 keys, the manual and some service history/records as well.

After the splash, Sport Classics languished in the showrooms, but have more than made up their popularity in recent years.  The 1000DS’s revered torque band and sound is still available on the Scrambler page, the 800 or 1100’s being Ducati’s only air-cooled models.  Now a classic in their own right, these retro tributes appear to have been ahead of their time.

-donn

Orange from Orange – 2006 Ducati Sport Classic 1000 Monoposto
KTM April 2, 2022 posted by
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Featured Listing – 2015 KTM 1290 Super Duke R

Update 4.2.2022: This bike has SOLD to an RSBFS reader! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Contact us now for your own Featured Listing!

KTM introduced the Super Duke in 2005 and has proved a long term success for the brand – and the 1290 Super Duke R won most super-naked shootouts in 2015.  RSBFS reader Steve offers his impeccably maintained example for your consideration.

2015 KTM 1290 Super Duke R $11,000 in Northern California

KTM latched on to ending their engine sizes in -90 as catchy marketing, and the 1290 is close but actually gulps 1301 cc’s per rev.  Even pushing 177 hp, the V-twin is optimized for torque, with a 106 ft.-lbs. push at 8,060 rpm.  Those kinds of numbers can’t be trusted to the right wrist, so a suite of electronics offers selectable levels of throttle, traction and wheelie control, along with ABS.  WP supplies suspension at both ends of the orange trellis, with a single-sided swingarm leaving room for the Arrow muffler.  There is also a factory steering damper and ramped clutch which provides a slipper action.  The limited fairings channel air toward the radiator and away from the headlight, and don’t shield the rider as much as remind them of what’s in store.

As KTM’s most extreme streetfighter, there’s not all that much available in the upgrade department, but Steve had an Arrow exhaust fitted, and the 1290 breathes a little easier without the catalyst.  Of course the DOT rear fender has been tidied up.  Nicer Power Parts seats and luggage come with the bike, as well as the factory seats and exhaust.  Service last fall and new tires mean it should be a while before this Duke needs anything.  Steve asks $13,000 $11,000 and supplied these notes:

New Michelin 5 Tires
Full Service completed on 9/14/21 at A&S Motorsports. Maintenance history included.
KTM Power Parts Seats, OEM seats included
KTM Power Parts Luggage Included
R&G Exhaust Hanger, OEM passenger pegs included
TechSpec Tank Grip
Shorai Battery 2 years old
Arrow Race Tech, Slip-On Exhaust w/link pipe, Full OEM Exhaust included
Rottweiler SAS Block-offs/cat delete
Low Mileage 6,700
Includes Owners Manual, one key, plus Orange key and key code card
Tail tidy / fender eliminator
Runs and Drives perfectly, incredible Horsepower and Torque – aka, “The Beast”
Clean Title in Hand, California registration good until October, 2022
Clean Vehicle History Report
Garage kept. Properly maintained and Cared for. Near Showroom Condition.

A stop-and-go is required to adjust or defeat the traction control and ABS, which reviewers didn’t like.  They then went on to urge caution since the Super Duke will wheelie in the first three gears with very little effort !  The ride by wire throttle reviewed as more linear than earlier Dukes with a cable-operated throttle and closed loop EFI ( and the lean programming required ).  Otherwise the Duke will do just about anything you could ask, and the lack of fairings won’t let you tell LEO’s you had no idea of your speed.

Send questions or offers to Steve via – email –

-donn

Featured Listing – 2015 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
Ducati December 29, 2021 posted by
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Giallo Auge – 2008 Ducati 1098

Not as popular as red or black superbikes, Ducati’s yellow looks great with black, grey, or carbon accessories, and is a dead ringer for Lamborghini’s – sunbeam yellow –.  Today’s 1098 has more miles than usual, recent valve clearance inspection, and just a few aftermarket upgrades.

2008 Ducati 1098 for sale on eBay

Outwardly, the 1098 looks like more of an evolution of the 998, with its lower side-by-side headlights and individual underseat mufflers.  Even deep down, the EVO 1098 engine made long strides from the 999, with the revised testastretta heads came extended valve service intervals, a big improvement in the cooling system, and beaucoup power at 160hp.  Showa dampers were on the non-S, along with the WSBK-derived single sided swingarm.  Brembo monobloc calipers were a first for the 1098, and though there is a factory data analyzing dash, the 1098 pre-dates the multiple electronic nannies that were just over the horizon. 

With the tell-tale puddle on the driveway, this 1098 might have been in the back of the garage for a bit before washing.  Seems like this might be the third owner, and had maintenance earlier on.  Either way it is a nice piece of kit, as they say, well equipped from the factory, and upgraded with the Termignoni exhaust.  The lowers could be re-painted and/or wrapped with not much trouble.  The smaller front sprocket isn’t a bad compromise for the street.  Notes from the eBay auction:

The bike is in good mechanical shape and does not have any leaks or smoking. The bike fires up first try every time, and has had some recent bigger maintenance including belt tensioning and valves checked. Additionally, it’s modded perfectly with a full Termi exhaust, the corresponding Race ECU, and a 14t front sprocket so the gearing isn’t insanely long. 

The bike is a beautiful piece of Italian engineering and a huge value compared to today’s electronic superbikes. However, the exterior condition on this bike is not perfect, this would be a great canyon carver or track bike. The front fairing has a chip above the right headlight which has been touched up. The front fender has some rock chips. The middle pieces of the fairing on both sides show some wear which has been touched up. The lower piece of the fairing on the right side has some scratches which have been touched up. The good news is, it still looks amazing from a few feet away and there is no concern about dropping it or scratching it up using it!

This bike is 100% turn key ready. I would not hesitate to ride it 1000 miles tomorrow if I wanted to.

Modifications:

  • Full 70mm Termignoni Exhaust

  • Ducati/Termignoni Race ECU

  • 14t Front Sprocket

  • Dark Smoke Double Bubble Windscreen

  • 6k LED Headlight Bulbs

Maintenance:

  • Previous Owner: Ducati Certified Tech

  • Previous Owner: Enthusiast

  • April 2021 – 13,000 Miles

      • Belts Tensioned

      • Checked Valves (In Spec)

      • Oil and Filter

      • Front Fork Seals

      • New Rear Tire

  • September 2021 – 13,300 Miles

      • New Front Tire

Partly because WSBK was changing their formulas lickety-split, the 1098 was soon replaced by the 1198, even less suited to mere mortal road riding.  Rather than a limited edition showpiece, a 1098 with a few memories might be a better choice for a more regular rider.  The ask for this one might put it into a garage without a matching Gallardo.

-donn

Giallo Auge – 2008 Ducati 1098
Ducati December 11, 2021 posted by
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Black and Gold Tiger – 1979 Ducati 900SD Darmah

Ducati called in stylist Leopoldo Tartarini to help them back from the 860GT mis-step, and beside the 900SS bevel, and he penned most of the sporty SS attributes into the unfaired SD Darmah.  Here’s a very original SD with a recent powertrain rebuild, and very presentable survivor cosmetics.

1979 Ducati SD900 Darmah for sale on eBay

Ducati wasn’t ready to abandon their 864cc L-twin, which laid down a torquey 65 hp, featuring 32mm Dell’Orto carbs with individual airboxes and single overhead cams.  The 5-speed and frame were fairly conventional, though the transmission got good marks for smooth shifting.  Marzocchi forks and monoshock provided a firm but not harsh ride, tailored well to the centrist performance.  Triple 280mm disks put a hurting on the 18-inch tires, but got the job done.  The factory seat was way over on the sporty side, but easily upgraded.  Nippondenso instruments and controls eyebrows some eyebrows, but worked every time.

The seller delves into patina issues when the survivor condition is really quite good.  Darmah’s pre-date all the age-proof paints and finishes we almost take for granted, but the originals here look great.  Longer stalk mirrors have been fitted and the factory seat re-stuffed.  The drivetrain rebuild is more of a story than the odometer change, and probably will account for quite a bit of the strike price.  Comments from the eBay auction:

The last affordable Bevel Head. Prior owner acquired the bike in 2012 and the speedo was inoperable and replaced with a NOS unit. By 2015 the prior owner had put 2,600 miles on the engine and that’s when the motor was rebuilt. Odometer shows less than 5,000 miles now. What’s wrong with it? 

It’s a great original bike with with patina that comes with something that has always been cared for rather than something fixed up from a wreck. Clear coat by the gas cap peeled when the PO purchased the bike and has not progressed (maybe US gas ?), There is also clear coat peeling right side under brake fluid reservoir – maybe spills/ leaks at some time. Clear coat peel near rear seat lock. Hasn’t been run by me in nearly 9 months.  Mirrors aren’t original although they are Ducati. PO had replaced originals with little “racy” ones. The ball end on front brake lever is snapped off. (I have replacement and haven’t installed yet.)  Seat has been recovered and padded.  Anyone who has ridden on one without this “mod” will know why this was done.  This was going to be my “forever bike” but plans changed…as they do.
 
Complete engine rebuild in winter of 2015 by Karl Engelenner (MMS – Sacramento CA).

      • New rods and crank pin

      • New 88mm pistons and rings

      • New valves and seats

      • New bearings, all of them in the motor and trans

      • New Surflex clutch

      • Vee Two high flow oil pump

      • All rocker arms reconditioned

      • All transmission shafts and gears reconditioned

      • New 36mm Dell’orto carbs/Originals available 

      • Original Paint

      • Campagnolo wheels

      • Braided steel brake lines

      • New Rubber brake lines 

      • New Avon  Roadrider tires 

      • Tomaselli 2C throttle

      • K&N filters

        Serviced 90 days ago  by the Zen House of Point Arena

        new Starter Sprag Fitted 

The Darmah has a page or two in Msgr’s Tartarini and Taglioni’s history, but Ducati is still not done with the desmodue.  The stately black and gold had a European sophistication, and the saddle’s relationship with the tank may have advertised a different sportiness than the chassis wanted to deliver.  But the torque and stability made the Darmah a signature Ducati.  Just one day to go and plenty of bids, but none satisfying the reserve.

-donn

Black and Gold Tiger – 1979 Ducati 900SD Darmah
Honda November 29, 2021 posted by
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RC Wannabe – 2006 Honda CBR600RR with 877 Miles !

Not generally clearing the rarity bar at RSBFS, this CBR600RR caught our eye since it’s for all intents a new bike.  Maybe you’re thinking lighter and would like to sample the state of the supersport art in 2006.

2006 Honda CBR600RR for sale on eBay

Honda brought a host of technical achievements to the CBR600RR, some came with the original 2003 model – like dual stage fuel injection, Unit Pro-link monoshock, and a casting method that reduced the thickness of the frame elements to just 1/10th of an inch.  For 2006 there were new inverted forks ( with radial brake mounts ), revised chassis, and somehow, 22 less pounds.  The fairing, exhaust, and swingarm are patterned to looks like its inspiration, the RC211V GP bike.

Offered by a specialty shop nearby PA’s Susquehanna River, this CBR looks excellent but not perfect.  A bonk or two from the garage elves might lead to a new fender and turn signal, probably still available from big red.  The owner states it’s been brought to running condition, so just a quick rubdown and the new owner will be ready to go – or maybe stay.  Just a couple of notes in the eBay auction:

Only 877 miles !  All original ! 
 
This is a one owner bike that has never been modified. Even the tires are original with nipples, showing how little the bike was used. It has recently been serviced and has been ridden enough to have everything checked out. 
 
Clean and clear, original title in hand. 

To keep team costs down, Supersport rules generally are less flexible on modifications, but something about the way they boiled out made the Honda dominant in World Supersport and Formula Xtreme, if not AMA Supersport.  Chassis tuning got high marks from reviewers in 2006, and most mention the diminutive size of the package, better for younger jockeys perhaps.  Maybe it’s been on your shoulda-woulda-coulda list since real life intervened back then, if so you’re not likely to find a better candidate.  And the Make Offer button is available.

-donn

RC Wannabe – 2006 Honda CBR600RR with 877 Miles !
Yamaha October 29, 2021 posted by
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Almost Pre-Sports – 1985 Yamaha FZ750 with 1,586 Miles !

Though big red dominated, Yamaha’s FZ750R / OU45 regularly appeared as the best of the rest in mid-eighties AMA Superbike.  Here’s a collector which has somehow escaped the suburban Dallas heat, and dodged a lifetime’s worth of garage elves.

1985 Yamaha FZ-750 for sale on eBay

Yamaha had reportedly toyed with as many as seven valves per cylinder, but settled on five for the Genesis engine.  Laid forward to straighten the path through the 34mm Mikuni’s, 105 hp was the result.  The four was wedged across a double cradle chassis, with right side up forks and a monocross rear.  270mm brakes are period correct but seem undersized for the mission, and the 16/18-inch wheel stagger would be seen as under and over-sized just a few years later.  Riding position was a pretty good tuck and helped the rider get behind the upper-only fairing.

The comments say the bike has been in the back of the garage for a generation, so this might be the original owner.  Condition is hard to believe with none of the usual bumps, bruises, or mods that might be expected.  A fork brace is visible and a Fox shock is hidden.  Otherwise it looks original right down to the tires.  Notes from the eBay auction:

This bike has been in a controlled environment for the past 35 years. The 80’s motorcycle market is getting hot and this is a perfect opportunity for a collector or lover to own an iconic bike. It runs and rides like a new bike with a couple of original 80’s upgrades remote adjustable rear Fox Shock and a fork brace. The miles are original, I was putting it in my collection but it needs to be ridden and because of my age and old racing injuries I can’t manage the low bars. The value will only increase as this is the only FZ 750 I have seen come on the market over the last 2 years. One sold in January of 2019 for $9,000 with 39,000 miles on it and needed attention. This bike is as good as the day it came off the ship.

Part of the design concept was the five smaller valves which didn’t require double valve springs, allowing higher revs and an easier life for the cams.  Yamaha stuck with the Genesis for several years, attesting to the idea’s success.  The conventional auction ( high reserve though ) reflects the almost super-stardom of these early superbikes.  It might take a re-list, but interest in an FZ in this condition will come.

-donn

 

Almost Pre-Sports – 1985 Yamaha FZ750 with 1,586 Miles !
Honda October 28, 2021 posted by
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Come In For a Test Drive – 1987 Honda VFR-750R / RC30

Update 10.28.2021: Previously posted September 2020, this RC30 is back on eBay with a buy-it-now of $48,995. Links updated. -dc

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