Posts tagged as “collector”

Fringe Benefit – 2006 Yamaha MT-01

Published July 16, 2021 by Donn

Yamaha ventured out to the edges of feasibility with the MT-01, and presented the 1,670 muscular cc’s in select ( non-U.S. ) showrooms from 2005 to 2012. This MT-01 spent an afternoon or two at the accessory counter and looks show-ready despite almost 10,000 miles.

2006 Yamaha MT-01 for sale on eBay

The MT-01 engine is rather a stroker, and boasts 111 ft.-lbs. of torque at just 3,750 rpm. The four overhead actuators each push two valves and are tickled by long pushrods, resulting in 90 hp at a leisurely 4,750 rpm. Engineers might have been thinking direct drive or a torque convertor, but cooler heads and a 5-speed prevailed. The chassis is die-cast aluminum and incorporates a sub-frame to make engine removal possible if not easy. The forks and exhaust pipes are big enough, but the mufflers look to be artillery-sized. Plenty for the mission, 3.2 gallons of fuel are arranged around the air intakes. It’s a monochromatic presentation in silver, black and grey, with a vaguely late Monster headlight.

No history is related by the Las Vegas dealer, but this MT-01 is ready for a close-up, with most of the brushed aluminum details replaced by carbon fiber, and the full titanium exhaust lending a splash of lavender to the picture. Sato foot controls, ASV levers, and Rizoma hydraulics are a nice fit to the design. A few comments from the eBay auction:

Heavily-Customized MT-01, the only one of its kind. All Rizoma billet components and imported Carbon Fiber throughout the motorcycle. Show condition. Akrapovic Titanium full exhaust custom made for the MT-01 in Europe. Pushrod V-Twin with Akra system produces 100bhp with over 120lb.ft of torque.

Lucky that even if manufacturers elect not to send a machine here, it’s still possible to import if you have time for the homework. This makes the MT-01 that much rarer, and as the classifieds say, you won’t see yourself going the other way. Yamaha’s own V-Max is there in the MT-01’s family history, a ways down from Willy G. and Arthur, and it’s got a traffic light in the design specs, if not a dragstrip Xmas tree. Not the only bike in the next owner’s garage, but a wild specimen for sure.

-donn

1982 Ducati 900SS Mike Hailwood Replica

Published July 6, 2021 by Donn

Though its specs didn’t look like much on paper, Ducati’s 1982 tribute to Mike Hailwood’s 1978 Isle of Man win turned into one their most exciting special editions. Today’s example presents very well, and appears quite original.

1982 Ducati 900SS Mike Hailwood Replica for sale on eBay

The engine in the MHR is a later development of the Taglioni-designed 750, with bevel-gear driven cams, pre-dating the desmodromic valve train and claiming 80 hp. 40mm Dell’Orto carburetors were protected with racey looking screens, and the 860’s had recently acquired electric starting. Marzocchi supplied forks and shocks, and Brembo brought triple 280mm disks. The wafer-thin fiberglass fairing was painted in a designer’s impression of Hailwood’s 1978 race livery, plenty of room on the seat fairing for race number 12, if the new owner is inclined.

Offered by a Miami specialty dealer, this MHR looks excellent, though no background information is supplied. But for the holes in the fairing, the absent front signals wouldn’t be missed, and a single bar end mirror is installed. Loving the glass bevel gear inspection window, and the basically perfect fairings, though it’s possible they’re spilling the beans about a past restoration. Rather limited comments from the eBay auction:

Mike Hailwood replica in amazing original condition. Rare low mile survivor.

Runs and drives as it should. A great opportunity for a collector as they don’t come up often in this condition.

Mike Hailwood’s win is the stuff of such legend that several different commemoratives have been manufactured – the 1982-86 MHR, the not exactly authorized MH900E, a one-one here and there, and a really faithful – replica – of the race bike. But the original might be the most approachable and even at its level, affordable of the choices. And the principals of Sports Motor Cycles Manchester have relocated to New Zealand, offering their smashing decal in a range of sizes.

-donn

Mr. Omologato – 1993 Ducati 888 SPO

Published June 22, 2021 by Donn

Ducati took accuracy to a rare height in the early 1990’s, with the 851 and 888 models reflecting their actual displacement. Today’s SPO is a California native and looks great with just 10,654 miles.

1993 Ducati 888 SPO for sale on eBay

A stateside-only model, the SPO had a single fuel injector per cylinder, and met EPA regs with a nice round 100 hp. 888’s had a distinctive exhaust note, especially with Termignoni or Ferraci “silencers”. Showa USD forks and were fully adjustable, and the rear suspension had an interesting rocker arm arrangement which allowed ride height adjustment separate from the Öhlins monoshock. The SPO was always a monoposto, and used a steel seat subframe instead of the alloy part used on the Euro model.

This owner states they are the third, and though not well documented, the condition is sparkling. Cast iron rotors provide better high performance braking, though they require regular inspection. Hopefully the timing belt service is up to date as well. Comments from the eBay auction:

10,654 original miles. The bike is in excellent shape, always garaged and adult owned. The bike was purchased in 2007, and I am the third owner. The bike has had a recent oil and filter change. The bike is fitted with Ferracci carbon fiber exhaust and cast iron floating front disk brakes but is otherwise in stock condition. The original front disk brakes and Michelin Sport Pilot tires (unmounted) are included in the sale.

Production was very limited at around 270 copies ( and some stayed in Europe ), seemingly made for a numbered plaque but that wasn’t in the plan. It does come with a grand number 1 on each side of the seat fairing, commemorating Doug Polen’s 1991 and 1992 Superbike crowns. The beauty of the 888 is a little more roller derby queen than the subsequent 916’s supermodel lines, but still grabs eyeballs.

-donn

Unchecked – 2003 Honda RVT1000R / RC51 with only 795 Miles !

Published June 20, 2021 by Donn

Hard to know whether parking a barely broken in RC51 would elicit cheers or jeers, but it’s looking downright visionary 17 years later. Today’s RVT1000R is a one-owner, carefully tended, showroom stocker in amazing shape.

2003 Honda RVT1000R / RC51 for sale on eBay

As the second round of RC51’s, the SP-2 had revised suspension and fuel injection. 133 hp were on tap at 10,000 rpm, thanks to dual fuel injectors in each 62mm throttle body. Up front, that triangular scoop sends fresh air through ports on either side of the headstock right to the airbox. HRC had plenty of input on the alloy chassis and rear suspension, though the new model’s wheelbase grew a bit. Fully adjustable dampers are aboard the 43mm forks and Pro-Link monoshock. Side-facing rads have a lot of exhaust area and there is a cooling fan behind each one. The myriad incremental changes on the SP2 made for another Colin Edwards WSBK championship.

Though years of storage might have more effect than 795 road miles, neither are apparent from the pictures of this RC51. Not seeing any mods save a magnetic tank protector. Too many good pictures to bring over but they are available with the seller’s comments in the eBay auction:

Original Arizona title, with only 795 original miles. D208 OEM tires, service just completed, new lithium battery, NGK IFR9H11 spark plugs, fuel system service ( fuel injectors sent to RC Fuel Injection for cleaning and flow testing with receipt, new fuel filter, pressure regulator ) GN4 oil and OEM filter, both OEM keys, books, toolkit, solo cowl cover and spare passenger seat, gasket for rear passenger seat. Fantastic condition, doubt there’s a better 700 mile bike on the planet, has been stored since 2004.

The SP2 is the curator’s pick for a long-term RC51 purchase, though there was a Nicky Hayden special edition which might be more collectible. The ask for this example is not far from double the MSRP, a good comment on the sport bike market. Hopefully this one isn’t quite done turning the gears, and can produce a few grins before going up on the pit stand for the long term.

-donn

12 Responses.

Plated in Place -2002 Ducati MH900e #552

Published May 29, 2021 by Donn

-Editors pointed out this MH900e had been on RSBFS back in 2019, with new location and new pictures, worth a new post. – donn

Polished in places most bikes don’t give a second thought, Ducati’s Mike Hailwood tribute was way more show than go. Except for aftermarket grips, this D.C. example is startlingly original.

2002 Ducati MH900e for sale on eBay

Looking futuristic and retro at the same time, Pierre Terblanche’s late 20th century design used Ducati’s 904cc air-cooled engine, tuned for 75 hp. The cam belt covers have a passing resemblance to the bevel-drive shaft covers on Hailwood’s race bike, and perforated chrome guards the exhaust on its way by. It was only natural to design a red trellis frame, with modern forks and one of the most sculptural single-sided swingarms ever. No sense messing with anything but up-to-date Brembo brakes, inside the bespoke cast rims. The monoposto cockpit is protected by a generously sized fairing which flows to the tank cover almost seamlessly.

Like so many MH900e’s this one is barely broken and for being almost 20 years old, is in breathtaking condition. It has the rarely seen factory clutch cover plus stock exhaust. The mirror delete makes sense for display and grips are of course the at rider’s discretion. Some belts and tires might be in order in the unlikely event this was to be ridden extensively. Comments from the eBay auction:

Dated July 2001 and number 552 of 2,000 built during the two-year production run. It shows approximately 1,100 miles. Designed by Pierre Terblanche as a tribute to Mike Hailwood’s 1978 Isle of Man TT-winning NCR 900, the Evoluzione is powered by a fuel-injected 904cc L-twin paired with a six-speed gearbox. It features a steel trellis frame, single-sided swingarm, Brembo brakes, and Marchesini wheels. This one-owner example was sold new at a major DC area Ducati dealer. Recent service includes fluid change and new batteries in preparation for the sale. Reversible Mods: The original mirrors and handgrips are removed, and are included in the sale. The license plate carrier has been tailored to fit the smaller US size plate. This MH900e is now being offered with an owner’s manual, seat housing tool kit, and a clean Maine title. There are no scrapes, dents, or cracks, only the slightest evidence of wear based on the very low mileage. The plexiglass fairing screen has two half inch long surface abrasion marks from road sand or similar.

Maybe Ducati’s corporate overlords weren’t impressed with the MH900e, but riders and collectors were. Evidently Terblanche did some of the test riding since it helped to be tall to reach over the long tank. The edition of 1,000 was extended to 2,000 after the first grouping sold out in hours, on the internet of all things. Since then, they’ve led a private life, on display, ridden only occasionally, as part of a larger stable.

-donn

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Quail Grail – 2001 Ducati 748R #839

Published May 19, 2021 by Donn

One benefit of the tighter World SuperSport rule book was that since less could be modified for racing, the showroom specials sometimes came better equipped than their WSBK stablemates. Here’s a Bay Area Ducati 748R whose great looks stretch the truth about its twenty years since new.

2001 Ducati 748R #839 for sale on eBay

Most of the 748R’s differences aren’t visible, like the titanium connecting rods and valves, allowing 12,000 rpm and 105 hp. Lifting the tank and opening the carbon airbox will let you see the shower injectors and spacious trellis to accommodate. More accessible are the Öhlins dampers, 320mm Brembo brakes, and light 5-spoke alloys. The close-ratio gearbox helps you take advantage of that higher revving engine. The fairing is a close match for the 996, though 748’s are often seen in speed yellow.

None of this 748R’s cosmetic defects are shown in the pictures, but they sound pretty minor. The Micron exhaust is unusual with its blue-red fade design, but not seeing any other mods. The interest is there as bids are over $9,000 but haven’t crossed the reserve threshold yet. The owner reviews recent maintenance in the eBay auction:

Only 2,610 Produced of which 185 U.S. Models

Year 2001 only 100 shipped to U.S.

Only 5,168 miles

The Ducati 748R was produced from 2000 through 2002 as a homologation to compete in the World Superbike Championship Series. This 748R is not only registered in California, has a clear Title.

Some may argue this is the holy grail of the 748 series because of the limited production, larger frame, overhead shower-injector arrangement. This Race Homologation Model also has titanium rods, valves, crank and high compression pistons.

Bike has a 1.25 inch scuff mark located on the right side fairing and 1.5″ scratch on the on the right side of the headlight. Rear wheel has brake fluid splatter on right side. Aside from those flaws, the vehicle is very clean for being 20 years old.

This bike runs and rides excellent.

4/11/21 Clutch fluid flush and oil change done myself

5/15/21 Serviced and inspected at Nichols Sportsbike in Milpitas, CA

-New set of Dunlop tires installed

-New timing belt

-Brake fluid flush

The eminent Quail Motorcycle Gathering and Ride would have this been this month, just an hour or so ride for this 748R, but was cancelled again this year and will re-boot in 2022. Perhaps more classic oriented than this 2001 race prep machine, there still might be room for a rare R-model with the venerable 916 nose.

-donn

4 Responses.

Flying Brick – 1987 BMW K100RS with just 21,536 Miles !

Published May 6, 2021 by Donn

BMW wagered heavily on the future with the K-series, and took their water cooled four ( and triple ) into the sunset. This RS variant is five years into the model’s run and has an understated magnificence.

1987 BMW K100RS for sale on eBay

Bayerischen had been considering the proper successor to its almost universal air cooled flat twin, and settled on the distinctive side-winding inline engine, with Bosch fuel injection. With four valves per cylinder it made 90 hp for the RS and worked seamlessly with the factory’s shaft drive. The chassis holds the engine from above, supported by right-side-up forks and the monolever rear end. Brembo brought their triple slotted disk brakes, and even ABS was optional. Always thinking longer haul, the Rennsport had a larger 18-inch front wheel, and an almost 6-gallon tank.

This Canadian owner hasn’t owned his RS forever, but chose carefully and took great care with it. It’s the top model in a premium color and rarely out in the weather. BMW-specific maintenance is recent, with fuel injection pump and shaft drive taken care of. New tires, brakes and fork seals, and a nice day-only leather seat. If exportation paperwork is available then re-importing to USA should be a snap. Comments from the eBay auction:

Garage kept all its life, meticulously maintained by mature owner. In beautiful rare special order mother pearl white paint with hand painted red pin striping from the BMW factory, this was a substantial higher cost option. You can see gold in the paint when the sun or the light shines on it.

With 1000cc longitudinal DOHC inline flat 4 cylinder engine, liquid cooled, fuel injected which was very rare on motorcycles in the 1980’s. Super silky smooth, with triple Brembo drilled disk brakes and shaft drive. New Bosch fuel pump, new fuel screen filter, new rubber mount/vibration damper for fuel pump, new fuel filter, new fuel lines, new fuel cap rubber seal. New spark plugs, new air filter.

New professionally reupholstered seat with real leather, not vinyl, with custom fitted gel pad in seat for driver for extra comfort and soft rubber grips on handlebars for extra comfort. New coolant, new thermostat, new radiator hose. New rear brake reservoir, new rear brake hose line from reservoir to master cylinder, new rear brake pads. New front and back Pirelli tires. Brake fluid flushed. Recent front fork seals and front brake pads.

The driveshaft spline was lubed at 16,000 miles. New Battery in July/2018. Oil and filter changed every year regardless of mileage and has now been changed again for the 2021 season. Only use high 94 octane fuel. Inside the factory aluminum fuel tank looks like new. Comes with extra new fuel cap rubber seal, extra new gear shifter rubber, motorcycle cover, battery tender.

Also has all original manuals, plus Clymer shop manual, original BMW tire repair kit, original tool kit, also both original keys.

Like a lot of things BMW, the design and build were quite durable, and the successor K1100 took the RS through 1996. Sporty for a tourer, the RS was quick but only a long-term threat to a lightweight sportbike. And the flat twin survived, in oil-cooled then water cooled form, and may outlast all the four-bangers. Hoping this RS will find the owner to extend its run many more seasons.

-donn

Lights and Mirrors – 2005 Ducati 999R

Published April 28, 2021 by Donn

With everything that wasn’t cast or welded made of carbon fiber, Ducati’s 999R was almost ready to race right out of the crate. Here’s a Sacramento example that has 6,000 miles and a fresh major service.

2005 Ducati 999R for sale on eBay

Introduced in 2003, the 999 was a new design which has taken its share of lumps, but is more appreciated as time goes on. The EVO testastretta aboard the 2005 R has incremental improvements with more titanium parts and revised Marelli fuel injection, and calls out 150 horses at 9,750 rpm. The trellis chassis is visibly more robust at the transmission mounts, which hold the massive double-sided swingarm. Headstock angle and Öhlins dampers are adjustable though a race tech and trackside data system might be part of the equation. Even with the high compression twin, a slipper clutch isn’t factory installed, since they were “free” ( unrestricted ) under WSBK rules, it was assumed any race team would just install their favorite. A slightly taller windscreen above the full carbon fairing and Termignoni canister muffler occupy the ends, above forged Marchesini alloys shod in Pirelli Diablo Rosso gumballs.

The close-ups show just how many carbon parts Ducati made for the -R, and how built everything is. Not seeing much to quibble over. Just wish the photos were as high resolution as the comments from the eBay auction:

Only 200 of these bike were built in 2005. The R bike is almost identical to the factory prepped race bikes, save for the lights. The motor is identical to the factory race bikes. I’m assuming if you’re looking at this ad, you know what an R bike is and how rare they are. This is very much a collector / track enthusiast bike. I’ve never tracked this bike, and to my knowledge it has not been tracked.

Designed by Pierre Terblanche, this bike was absolutely the cutting edge Super Bike from 2003-2006. The 2005-2006 bikes had many engine improvements, making them the ultimate of the 999R run.

The R bikes have a larger bore and shorter stoke than the 999 or 999S. Therefore they rev much quicker than the standard 999 engine. Rated at 150 hp in stock trim, but add the Termi exhaust and race ECM that come in the crate with the bike, and it’s rated at 165 hp. All in a bike that officially weighs in at 399 lbs! 0-60 in less than 3 seconds.

The R bike is absolutely dripping with carbon fiber. All the body work, belt covers, clutch cover, exhaust shroud, heel guards…. almost everything. The motor has titanium valves, titanium connecting rods, and sand cast cases, magnesium valve covers and headlight bucket. All these super lightweight and technical parts are what add up to its amazing sub-400 lbs weight.

I bought this bike in January 2013, and it’s lived in my home with my collection of bikes since then. I just completed the extensive 6,500 mile maintenance on the bike when re-commissioning it. The bike is 100% and in amazing, like new condition.

We did all the standard maintenance and a more extensive tear down for the 6,500. Obviously as part of the maintenance it got new belts, fuel pump, spark plugs, tires, battery, brake fluid, etc. All engine internals looked great and are completely within specification. All Ducati parts purchased at a Ducati dealer. All the work completed by a 30 year Ducati master tech. I’ve ridden this bike a few times since we completed the work, and it’s absolutely amazing.

I’ve got the books and manuals that came with the bike as well as two keys, a cover and stand. If you can arrange pickup I’ll be happy to include the stand. I’ll help with shipping / pickup on my end, and can deliver to a forward air terminal within reason.

Not part of Ducati’s plan, but the short run of the 999 design makes it almost a guaranteed rarity, particularly in -R form. However in the four years of production, the 999 won three WSBK mantles. Really wanting for track time and a knowledgeable team manager, a 999R adjusted mid-range would still be a blast on a good back road. Carefully.

-donn

One Response.