Posts by tag: collector

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We have 15 years of archives. Please note that posts over a year old may have been updated to point to similar bikes available to bid on eBay.

Bimota December 9, 2020 posted by Donn

All Red and Green ( and White ) – 2000 Bimota BD4

In livery looking a bit like an xmas ribbon candy, this sweet DB4 claims just 325 miles, minty fresh and some nice factory accessories.

2000 Bimota DB4 for sale on eBay

Bimota borrowed Ducati’s 904cc desmodue for the DB4, replacing its fuel injection with Mikuni carburetors and of course their own exhaust system. An identical 80 hp were the result, though torque improved a bit. As always, the chassis is the real story, with an alloy space frame and swingarm, a skwosh smaller than the donor machine. Premium Paoli forks and Öhlins monoshock are part of the package, as are 320mm Brembo Gold Line brakes. Though it has a full fairing, it’s lightly built and carbon accessories keep the riding weight under 400 lbs.

Not really enough pictures to answer any question, but this DB4 looks every bit as good as 325 miles might suggest. No word on why the forks are Öhlins rather than the expected Paoli, but it’s a happy circumstance. The front brake lever’s end has been removed, but no sign of any other damage. Not a huge money bike, but a pre-purchase inspection and engine run might be worth every inconvenience. Limited notes from the eBay auction:

Here is your chance to own a very low mileage rare bike! The Bimota DB4 is in very good condition and will include the factory cover as well as the stand. This bike was part of a collection and was serviced. It has a brand new battery and starts right up. Grab this one of a kind beauty at the lowest price online currently.

Bimota concentrated on Japanese power trains early on, and took advantage of Ducati’s L-twins starting in 1986. Since then it’s been a series of winners, with success meaning a few hundred copies. The brilliant 904 combined with the lightweight chassis made for a twisty road sweetheart. Not sure a classic Bimota with not even break-in miles will ever find its way to the road again, but like a winning Powerball ticket, it would sure be nice to try.

-donn

All Red and Green ( and White ) – 2000 Bimota BD4

Yamaha November 27, 2020 posted by Donn

Been There Done That – 1985 Yamaha RZ350 with Just 1,972 Miles !

Introduced in 1982 as the closest thing to a race bike on the road, and certainly one of the last two-stroke street bikes available here, Yamaha’s RZ350 can be found in all prices and conditions. With its sights set on the top of the hill, this later Fla. example has impossibly low miles and almost flawless condition.

1985 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

The early -80’s brought the Yamaha Power Valve System to their two-strokes, and it helps the engine run just fine around town. But the 55 rated horsepower are available up at 9,000 rpm, requiring a more advanced set of rider skills. Racey looks are helped by the perimeter frame and drop-in fuel tank, just like real racers of the day. Dual front disks were new on a lighter-weight machine, and compensate for the lack of engine deceleration on a smoker. Suspension wasn’t fancy, just preload adjustable but good quality like the rest of the build, and the gold-trimmed alloys had a light look.

An expert might be required to find something to quibble about on this RZ, and you’d suspect an odometer rollback if not for the museum condition. Factory pipes look sharp and dispense with the catalyzer. Comments from the eBay auction:

Kenny Roberts Edition purchased from original owner earlier this year. Great condition very little patina two small little touched up chips one on tank and fairing smaller then pencil eraser in front of gas cap the blue stripe is starting to shrink I don’t know if its from gas or what but that’s the only complaint I have with the bike because the rest of it is killer front forks are clean with very minimal rash the rims and controls are in great shape and look awesome. I have original pipes and tool kit look at the pics they tell the story look at them well please ask any questions or more pic’s if needed and the bike runs great . Miles are 1975 and the bike is all original not restored and shows extremely well for a 35 year old bike that hasn’t been monkeyed with and adult owned and cared for.

Like real estate, they’re just not making any more RZ350’s, so this owner can wait until his whopping buy-it-now seems sensible or someone makes an offer. Not sure this year is CARB legal even with the original exhaust, but a knowledgeable reader will likely sing out. The alternate livery doesn’t scream Kenny Roberts like the yellow, but it’s there. You can usually hear me groan about bikes destined for the carpet, but this one is really too nice for anything but an occasional spin around the block.

-donn

Been There Done That – 1985 Yamaha RZ350 with Just 1,972 Miles !

Ducati November 22, 2020 posted by Donn

Red Friday – 2008 Ducati 16RR Desmosedici

Seasonal shopping officially kicks off this week, and here’s a suggestion for your wish list – the 409th Desmosedici, built in 2008 with just 93 original miles !

2008 Ducati 16RR Desmosedici for sale on eBay

It’s a bit of a stretch to call the 16RR a street machine, though you could ride it to the racetrack to exercise it. The V4 uses desmosdromic valve actuators, and has a near-diesel compression ratio of 13.5-to-1. Car-like power ( and sound ) of 200 hp peaks at 13,800 rpm. Components are naturally the best that Öhlins, Brembo, and Marchesini could dream up, and the data analyzing dash can download your track day for later review. The silhouette echoes the GP6 of the day, with lights at the corners and quick-release rearview mirrors.

No history to speak of, with 93 miles it looks surprisingly fresh. Reporting from a suburb north of Buffalo, so close to the Can-Am border it might actually be from across the Niagara. Not sure what exhaust part is pictured, maybe the un-muffled race kit exhaust is installed. The limited comments from the eBay auction:

93 Miles!!!! The Ducati Demosedici RR is a limited production road-legal version of the Desmosedici MotoGP racebike. In 2004, Ducati announced at the Misano circuit at the World Ducati Week that a low volume road replica of the Desmosedici would be available for Reservations beginning in June 2006. With Ducati only making 1,500 models for public purchase. This bike will go down in history as the first ever true road replica of a MotoGP racing bike!!!!

Though a few earlier Moto GP replicas come to mind, this might be the first one from the liter era. Given how much of the GP6 Ducati had to re-engineer for the 16RR ( such as the engine which had to go from a dry sump to a wet sump design ), it’s surprising they persevered and how well it turned out. Way above most realities, serious watchers and collectors will note the starting bid well below recent prices, and already wrapped in a festive cover !

-donn

Red Friday – 2008 Ducati 16RR Desmosedici

Benelli November 17, 2020 posted by Donn

Sei You Will – 1983 Benelli 900 Sei

The 900 Sei was a natural evolution of the 1974 750, which was an engineering masterpiece. Here’s a 1983 example with rather low miles and superb looks.

1983 Benelli 900 Sei for sale on eBay

Just reviewing the numbers, the Sei might not thrill – the 80 hp are nothing dramatic for a 900, and the three 24mm Dell’Orto carburetors are a good compromise but don’t incite a fire-breathing riot. Magic carpet torque made the 5-speed perfectly adequate, and the Sei’s smoothness made the high-ish cruise rpm acceptable. The six-into-two exhaust didn’t photograph like the 750’s six megaphones, but certainly helped keep the weight down. Bodywork flowed from the cockpit fairing to the integral tank and sidecovers, which Honda’s CB900F seemed to reference the next year.

Offered by a Miami classics ( everything from a fire truck to an Africa Twin ) dealer, this Sei shows just over 12,000 miles and has fawned-over if unrestored cosmetics. No word on maintenance except to say that it’s a runner. Turn that O’Neal logo on the left grip to the underside and away you go. Limited comments in the eBay auction:

A rare Original bike in fantastic condition with extremely low miles.

They don’t come up often. Collector quality. Starts, runs and drives excellent.

With DeTomaso’s help, Benelli took an early lead in the 1970’s, but was a boutique brand compared with the Japanese competition. Still their ideas inspired copycats plus some design reverence, and more recent Indian and Chinese partners have kept the engineering offices in Pesaro while moving production further east. The buy-it-now is about all any Sei could muster, but the Make Offer button could be the start of a conversation.

-donn

Ducati November 13, 2020 posted by Donn

Choucoune – 1997 Ducati 900 Supersport

Ducati’s 1990’s Supersports were some great all-around bikes and only relinquished that honor to the new Monster. This late SS is over on the sporty side with the CR’s half-fairing and looks better than excellent.

1997 Ducati 900 Supersport for sale on eBay

The 900SS took styling cues from the 907 Paso, but with the 84hp air cooled desmodue. Appointments were contemporary with 6-speed, 17-inch wheels and inverted Showa forks, and the drivetrain wasn’t left behind with newer 38mm Mikuni carburetors. Trellis frame and silhouette fairing helped keep the weight under 425 lbs. wet. Nicer components like aluminum swingarm, lighter wheels and carbon rear mudguard moved around on the range but are readily available.

This SS hails from Florida and The half-fairing with engine scoop looks better than its just over 10,000 miles. Just a couple of mods evident, Sargeant seat, carbon clutch cover and tinted windscreen. A word about recent maintenance might help some prospective buyers weigh the rebuilt title. From the eBay auction:

Show quality! It is so clean that you could eat off the engine. Look closely at the photos and you will realize that this is a very special motorcycle. It has only 10,179 careful miles on it. That makes only 442 miles per year of its life. It has been lovingly cared for during its entire life. It starts, idles, runs, shifts, brakes, and handles like the day it was made. It also looks like new. Both tires are excellent.

It has an amazingly comfortable Sargent seat and dual carbon slip ons that sound great! It has absolutely no issues and is ready to go anywhere. You will not be disappointed.

It has a “Rebuilt” title because of cosmetic damage when it was knocked over in my garage. The engine was not even running and the bike was stationary. Now there is not a scratch on it and it is not possible to tell that it had any repairs.

SS’s had roles as varied as racebike and sport tourer among their owners, and the design and better quality suspension made it possible. Even with clip-ons the riding position was a good compromise and reviewed well. The classic sound and appearance will make new fans even now.

-donn

MV Agusta November 5, 2020 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 2018 MV Agusta F4 LH44 New In Crate !

The Lewis Hamilton Edition F4 is a sight to behold. As exotic as a recent MV Agusta is, the LH44 has quite a few special MV and LH touches.

2018 MV Agusta F4 LH44 ( New Zealand ) For Sale

As an update to the F4 RC, itself a template of the 2018 WSBK mount with ride-by-wire controls and many bespoke components, putting the LH44 a step above is not a trivial exercise – but a full titanium exhaust and accompanying ECU program boosts power to 212hp. It shares most of the RC’s innovations, MV’s Torque Shift System stretches the torque band, and a full electronics package has selectable maps for power delivery, traction control, and of course ABS. A factory quick-shifter and slipper clutch make going faster even easier.

As with many limited editions, finishes and materials play a large part. Just 44 of the mostly carbon LH’s were painted with Hamilton’s choice of candy apple metallic, with a unique white frame, and Öhlins finished their signature gold dampers in black to blend in. The leather and alcantara seat continues the red and black theme, the smoked windscreen lies low, and even the Pirelli Diablo SP tires came with a red graphic treatment.

RSBFS reader Matt represents the owner of this LH44, which has never been out of its original shipping crate, explaining the limited photos of the actual machine. It’s number 41 of 44, and though it’s in New Zealand, the factory packaging is ideally suited for trans-oceanic delivery. He had these comments recently:

A very rare opportunity to purchase what is probably the only Lewis Hamilton F4 still in its crate in existence today.

This bike is number 41 of 44 units built, with Lewis himself taking three units for him and his family leaving just 41 of these incredible machines available to the worlds market.

Also included is an extra set of special Pirelli tyres with red stripe and LH44 logo are included, I believe these were a limited production run and an extra set is certainly more desirable for a discerning buyer.

The asking price is $75,000 USD and Matt will coordinate with the buyer’s shipper. Contact Matt via email – here -.

Since his partnership with MV Agusta, Hamilton has only added to his record, eclipsing his rivals and heroes on the Formula 1 circuit. Hard to imagine this would do anything but increase the value of his first superbike project. As this example is still yet to be uncrated, it might be a very special collector bike for an unequivocal superfan. Reach out to Matt for additional information via email – here -.

-donn

Featured Listing – 2018 MV Agusta F4 LH44 New In Crate !

BMW October 27, 2020 posted by Donn

Showroom Stock – 2003 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup with 21 Miles !

Real life is often in the way when an exciting new bike hits the floor, and maybe that was you in 2003, when the signed Randy Mamola Boxer Cup Replica arrived. Well you could still go there, courtesy of this BMW insider who parked his BCR with just 21 miles.

2003 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replica for sale on eBay

BMW owners wanted a real S-variant and got it with the Replika, the low bars and high seat were great on the track but some owners fitted bar risers for comfort. The Laser exhaust allowed other riders to actually hear a BMW, and the optional 5.5″ rear wheel looked bad. Power was the standard R1100S 98 hp, though the lack of bag racks and ABS brought the weight down a bit. Beside Randy Mamola’s signature, the BCR came with Öhlins dampers, braided brake lines, and carbon fiber lowers.

Though the long-range logic that would park a brand new race-replica is pretty opaque, it sure looks good in hindsight. Any and all expendables will have to be replaced, but after that a failure would be surprising. Comments from the eBay auction:

Special Edition Boxer Cup Randy Mamola Signature Series limited production bike with only 21 miles. The bike has not been started or run since 2003. The bike is as new condition as can be if it just came out of factory crating. Bike also comes with center support stand as seen in picture. It has been on display in my man cave and will need to be serviced prior to being ridden.

Randy Mamola was the winningest GP rider never to become champion, but was a great spokesperson and ambassador for the Boxer Cup series, which supported the GP races and came to Daytona for a few years. The R1100S was BMW’s long-awaited return to S-models, and the signature edition is a fine tribute and great milestone. This NOS example could resume show duty, but might be looking forward to a riding owner.

-donn

Showroom Stock – 2003 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup with 21 Miles !

Aprilia October 16, 2020 posted by Donn

Collector Alert – 1998 Aprilia RS250 with Zero Miles!

Twenty-plus years down the line, an unused RS250 has surfaced courtesy of EuroCycles Las Vegas. What some collector or racer might give for a “new” RS250 might be challenged by this time machine.

1998 Aprilia RS250 for sale on eBay

Aprilia introduced their road-going 250 a year after Max Biaggi won his first championship on their racer, though the street bike used a Suzuki V-twin engine. For 1998 73 ponies were on tap, though a big twist of the wrist and active left foot were required to keep the engine at peak power. Twin 34mm Mikuni carbs contribute smooth running and Aprilia’s own exhaust releases pent-up power. The twin-spar chassis and swingarm are made of aluminum/magnesium alloy stampings, with cast connectors and a fairly conventional seat sub-frame. The livery echoes Rossi’s rides from the era, though the similarity isn’t much thicker than the decal set.

Not much history in a never-ridden example sold on a bill of sale. Plate and key fob are from a Parisian moto boutique. Equipped for the road, some paperwork would await a new owner intending to ride. EuroCycle’s comments from the eBay auction:

This is the grey-market RS250 that was street-legal, never sold in the US. Showroom Condition, sold on bill-of-sale. Serious Collectors only please.

The fairing decal states “Racing Department Technology” – which is true, though it might be a year or so before the Departo Corse’s ideas make it through production engineering. Though this one doesn’t have livery commemorative of a championship or rider, it’s hard to stop looking at what the factory intended, especially a factory so close to the race circuit.

-donn