Posts tagged as “Pierre Terblanche”

Fade to Black – 2002 Ducati 900SS

Published March 15, 2023 by Donn

With everything else Ducati had in the early 2000’s showroom, it’s not surprising that even the newly re-vamped Supersports struggled. But the Terblanche design has weathered the storm, and the time-tested chassis with its fuel injected, air cooled mill is still a great choice.

2002 Ducati 900SS for sale on eBay

Charged with updating the square headlight design that had been on the books since 1988, Pierre Terblanche presented a complex set of curves that was sculpted in places the old 900SS didn’t even have places. The long wheelbase favored gentler curves but the torquey L-twin still made plenty of power. Showa USD forks and Sachs monoshock were fully adjustable, accompanied by typically excellent Brembo brakes and a dry hydraulic clutch. Semi-gloss black looks super-bad and maybe even a little longer than a gloss black finish.

Today’s 900SS is presented by a Virginia mostly auto dealer with an eclectic collection, and looks good with just under 4,000 miles. Not much catches the update eye except the DP exhaust, open clutch cover and seemingly recent matching Michelins. Hopefully “serviced” includes cam belts, a good question for the dealer. A new owner can lavish the TLC all those different silver and black finishes need, and maybe put a black cover on that Pepé Le Pew seat. Just a short comment in the eBay auction –

We just purchased this nice 2002 Ducati 900 Super Sport with only 3995 miles!

This Ducati was purchased in Italy new by one of America’s finest service members and brought back to the states!

Just serviced & Virginia state inspected and ready to enjoy!

The later Supersports had a sportier riding position, and raising the bars might require some finagling since the fairings are snug. The Weber-Marelli fuel injection was tuned for less emissions and often wanted a Power Commander to plump up the fuel map. But for a relatively modern 900 with easier two-valve maintenance, this example looks worth an inquiry.

-donn

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The Past Future – 2002 Ducati MH900e

Published November 22, 2022 by Mike

It was a long time ago – and a long time coming – but the spectacle of The Year 2000 loomed large during the final minutes of the last century. This was the future date by when we would have flying cars, personal jetpacks, and robotic assistance in every aspect of our lives. The same year also promised catastrophic failures across any number of computer and infrastructure systems in the form of the Y2K bug. Looking back it is laughable that a single New Year’s Day would suddenly encompass all our hopes, dreams, ideals and fears into an isolated event, but it became a momentous milestone all the same. And amid all of the hoopla, Ducati embraced the fad known as the internet to offer a new take on an old classic for sale in an exclusive manner: The MH900e was born.

2002 Ducati MH900e for sale on eBay

Designed by the controversial stylist Pierre Terblanche, the MH900e morphed the traditional Mike Hailwood model DNA into an extremely stylized display. Highly accentuated features such as the aggressive stance, the shotgun pipe high exhaust, asymmetrical shock and single sided swingarm make the bike stand out like none other. You know an MHe when you see it. But not all is for show. The MHe started life as an adaptation of the standard Supersport package, motoring an air-cooled, two-valve, torquey Desmo twin. Brembo brakes, Paioli shock and 43mm upside down forks add to the go side of the equation. The riding position is said to be a bit stretched out, but many MHe examples have seen some reasonable miles, making the show AND go equation work out well.

From the seller:
or your consideration is a rare Ducati MH900E ( # 1587) of which only 2000 were produced world wide. These were sold online and first available to order at 12:01 1/1/2000. They sold fast and are a combination of old and new design.

This is truly a special low production bike. Often referred to as the most beautiful motorcycle ever built. The bike has just 1306 mile in 20 years. It has been run regularly and maintained to the highest degree. Belt service preformed 2 miles ago last week as well as valve adjustment. I’m the second owner and both myself and the original own have kept the bike in a climate controlled storage. The batteries and all bulbs just replaced as have the plastic fuel line connectors with new metal connectors. The OEM connectors have a tendency to crack with age. The bike runs like a champ and sounds awesome. I have the things you see in the pics that came with the bike. Clean title is in my name. Feel free to come inspect the bike if you wish or ask any questions. Bike is all original except for the service items mentioned. Not original is the carbon fiber chain guard. The previous owner had a mishap with the bike stand cracking the chain guard and scratched the swing arm that has been touched up with exact color match could wet sand if you wanted but you will not see it unless you know it’s there. The emissions box has been removed but is included and is simple to reinstall. Bike recently ceramic coated and looks great. Original tool kit and cover included.

The seller has included a cold start video which can be seen here:

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Sold only through the internet and with all 2000 units sold out in short order, the MH900e was only ever destined to be a collector bike. As such, we see these bikes turn up from time to time, always in immaculate condition, and – more often than not – with fewer miles than most other banner bikes. Today’s example looks well loved and clean, has a very modest number of miles on the clock (1,306), and is nicely photographed. Pricing – at $30k or best offer in a Buy It Now format – is pretty much on the money for what is being asked with similar examples. You can check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

7 Responses.

Featured Listing – 2001 Ducati MH900e

Published October 30, 2022 by Mike

Update 1.31:2023: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Be sure to check out Bob’s other Featured Listing: 1986 Suzuki GSX-R 1100!

Offering what is – today – perhaps one of the most unique, stunning and collection-worthy motorcycles available, Ducati created a media storm by offering the re-imagined Mike Hailwood replica to internet-only buyers in the wee hours of the year 2000 (the first lot of 1,000 which subsequently sold out in minutes). Dubbed the Ducati MH900e (the “e” stood for Evoluzion), many consider this bike the greatest stroke of pen from oft-maligned designer Pierre Terblanche. Highly sought after and rising in valuation year after year, the MH900e is one of those limited edition bikes from Ducati that always generate tremendous interest.

Featured Listing – 2001 Ducati MH900e for sale on eBay

The MH900e also began an interesting trend from the Bologna bike maker, expanding the use of the 2-valve desmo twin and ushering in the era of the Sport Classic series just a year after MHe production concluded. But the MH900e started it all, viewed as a modern homage to race winning hero, Mike Hailwood. Rumors have it that the MHe nomenclature was to work around licensing royalties involving the Hailwood name, but Ducati subsequently settled the matter retroactively with Mike the Bike’s widow.

From the seller:
COMING OUT OF MY PERSONAL COLLECTION OF OVER 150 VINTAGE, CLASSIC, AND RARE MOTORCYCLES (GLOBEMOTORCYCLES.COM) IS MY 1 OF ONLY 2000 PRODUCED 2001 DUCATI MH900E MIKE HAILWOOD LIMITED PRODUCTION. SHE IS ALL ORIGINAL WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE UPGRADED STAINTUNE EXHAUST AND YES I HAVE THE FACTORY PIPES.

THIS FLAWLESS EXAMPLE HAS ONLY 4000 ORIGINAL MILES. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A CROWD FAVORITE AND WILL MAKE A GREAT ADDITION TO YOUR COLLECTION AS IT DID MINE. I AM TORN ON THE PROSPECT OF GIVING UP THIS BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED, PIERRE TERBLANCHE CREATION BUT I AM JUST RUNNING OUT OF ROOM. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO HAVE A LOOK IN PERSON AS THE PICTURES DO NOT CAPTURE THE REMARKABLE DETAILS AND APPEARANCE THE MH900E HAS TO OFFER.

More from the seller:
I HAVE BEEN COLLECTING, RESTORING, REPAIRING, RIDING, AND RACING MOTORCYCLES SINCE BEFORE GRADUATING FROM AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE INSTITUTE “AMI” IN DAYTONA BEACH FLORIDA IN 1980. I HAVE OWNED OVER 2 OF THEASE BIKES AND THIS IS ONE I NEVER PLANED ON SELLING, BUT I AM OUT OF ROOM. SO DON’T MISS OUT ON YOUR CHANCE TO OWN ONE OF MY AMAZING BIKES.

BID WITH CONFIDENCE DON’T MISS OUT ON A MUSEUM QUALITY PART OF HISTORY. THESE SPECIAL PRODUCTION MODELS APPRECIATE OVER 15% PER YEAR. TELL YOUR WIFE IT’S A BETTER INVESTMENT THAN YOUR STOCKS AND HER JEWELRY, SHOE AND HANDBAG COLLECTION 🙂 THE BIKE CAN BE VIEWED DURING THE AUCTION IN PERSON OR VIA FACE-TIME OR SKYPE. CLEAR TITTLE IN MY PERSONAL NAME SHOWING ACTUAL MILES.

PLEASE ASK QUESTIONS I AM SURE I LEFT OUT SOMETHING ELSE. DON’T MISS OUT BID HIGH AND ADD HER TO YOUR COLLECTION.

While the L-twin was standard Supersport or Monster level on performance (meaning about 80 HP and all that great low-end torque), the remainder of the package was all super special and stylized. Features abound on the MH900e, and little details can open up whole new discussions. Take that single-sided swing arm, for example. Sure, it was done on the 916, but certainly not like this. Ditto for the high, under seat exhaust, poking out of the tiny tail like a double-barrel shotgun. What about the asymmetrical shock placement or even the rounded cases or chrome headlight bezel – all nice, subtle touches that somehow work well together. This is artwork you can ride, or more like a genuine performance motorcycle that you can park and enjoy as art.

This auction is going on right now, and is currently climbing through the low $20k mark. There is a reserve in place, and a Buy It Now option for $28,000. With only 2,000 units produced across a two year span (2001 & 2002), the MH900e will always be a collectable item. This bike looks to be extremely clean, has very low miles, and the seller has offered up some excellent pictures. Check out all of the action on this beautiful bike right here. Good Luck!!

Most Legendary – 2007 Ducati SportClassic 1000S in MHR Colors

Published June 23, 2021 by Donn

Professionally executed customs often change hands without a word or in a charity auction, but here’s a beauty based on the dual-spark 992.

2007 Ducati SportClassic 1000S MHR for sale on eBay

More often seen in the silver Paul Smart SE livery, the 1000S was a very rideable retro, with one of Ducati’s best air-cooled mills and 91 hp. The long tank and trellis frame were punctuated with Marzocchi USD forks and dual Sachs shocks. 17-inch spoked wheels carried 320mm Brembo brakes, and could be had with single or dual seats. Big dual mufflers were installed at the factory, but updated to a single exhaust here.

Evidently a cooperative effort between Ducati’s southern Conn. dealer and their North American sales office, this ’07 has the full fairing and a great impression of the 1979-81 MHR if not the 1978 Isle of Man winner. With 480 miles it’s been on display or stored almost exclusively, and the auction shows several dealership scenes with the bike. Fully serviced for the next collector, it’s still unlikely this MHR will be doing much more than a parade lap. Notes from the eBay auction:

Built by Ducati NA to commemorate Mike’s 1978 IOM win on a Ducati model, and subsequent 1979 & 84 Ducati MHR Replicas. It has been only used as a show bike for local events, TV & Display since its inception in 2007, and only shows 480+/- miles, some more details included in attached photo showing further history and marketing. Upgrades also include a Shark performance exhaust and billet rear sets, besides the many other upgrades that can be seen in the attached photos. It just returned from a full inspection at Ducati NYC, where it received new belts, new brake fluid and all adjustments needed. While there, they also included it in their Instagram page, as you can see in the photos. As you can expect from any 14 year old bike, it has some minor imperfections from wear and usage, but overall a very clean bike.

This has to be much rarer than a Paul Smart or any other MHR bikes, because it is a one-off built by Ducati NA.

Hailwood had been most often a Honda rider, but after an eleven year retirement returned to endurance racing on Ducati’s. IOM had been pulled from FIM schedules due to the unforgiving nature of the course, but continued to host their own special event each June. The comeback win in 1978 deserves every commemorative it could get, and the Pierre Terblanche design carries the livery well. Possibly the new owner will enjoy the easier to ride, fuel-injected liter, but more likely it will be trailered to a new venue, cleaned again, and the lights turned up bright.

-donn

6 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

One Response.

MidiTwin – 2003 Ducati 800SS SuperSport

Published May 21, 2021 by Donn

It’s rare to see an 800SS, though it had a thoughtful group of compromises, the Terblanche design took many years to be accepted. Here’s an Iowan example which is a good year, in understated Senna colors, with several carbon updates.

2003 Ducati 800SS SuperSport

Ducati’s new 800cc L-twin was a desmodue, but engineered for a higher rev limit and made 74 hp at 8,250 rpm. A six-speed was specified to capitalize on the peakier torque curve, and a wet clutch is behind that unusual closed cover. The ’03 has an alloy swingarm, as well as multi-adjustable suspension, both of which fell to the auditor’s eraser the next year. Expected Brembo brakes and Termignoni exhaust fill the bill, and the cast alloy wheels are nicely sized if not the lightest. Full or upper-only fairings were available, and the tank came from the factory with a rubber belt buckle guard.

This seller doesn’t flesh out the maintenance history, but says it’s ready for cam belts. The tires don’t look bad, but might have outlasted their use-by date. The Sargent seat is a nice addition, and the carbon mudguards look great ( better than the carbon tank protector ). Quite clean with just one scuff apparent under the near side grip. Comments from the eBay auction:

Ducati Supersport in great condition. It has a Termignoni exhaust, Sargent seat and plenty of CF added. It is due for belts and the black key was bent at one point so is a little finicky. Comes with the red master key which works without issue.

The 800 got high marks for its handling and braking, and had plenty of power if not supertwin torque. The build quality was a high point for Ducati and the wet clutch proved easy to love. With 620, 800 and 1000cc variants, there might have been too many choices in the SuperSport department, and most riders willing to spend $9k on the mid-size could spring for the liter. But for someone wanting that happy-to-rev 800, this example looks very tidy and might be a perfect entrée into the air-cooled Ducati experience.

-donn

6 Responses.

Take Two: 2005 Ducati 999R

Published May 1, 2021 by Mike

Spring has sprung in a magical way here at RSBFS. Not only did we find three low-mileage Ducati 851 examples in the past two weeks, we now have our second super-clean Ducati 999R in a single week (see the first one here). If you are in the market for something to collect, now is definitely the season; the market is rife with the rare and exotic.

2005 Ducati 999R for sale on eBay

For Ducati fans, there are a few things to know about the 999 series. Firstly, it was designed by Pierre Terblanche, whose credits include the unicorn Supermono racer and the MH900e. Secondly, note that pictures do not do these bikes justice. In person the 999/749 series actually work well, standing out visually without being overbearing. Thirdly, this next-generation Ducati superbike is fast – faster than the 996/998 series it replaced. And finally, it is multi-configurable from an ergonomic perspective, and can be made to be relatively comfortable (try that on a 916).

From the seller:
I have owned this bike for the past 4 years and truly enjoyed it. I am switching to only track racing and I do not ride on the road anymore.In 2018 oil, belts and spark plugs (very expensive) have been replaced. I have receipt.New tires also – Bridgestone in 2018.Engine oil was also replaced in 2019 although very little mileage was put on the bike since (500 miles maybe).The 999R comes with one key, the key card, OEM manual.Some tasty options:Full Titanium “race only” exhaustAdjustable LeversClutch CoverShorty leversQuick remove gas capThe bike is a joy to ride, the sound of the titanium Termignoni is intoxicating.

The 999R is a bit of a “love it or hate it” design. But there are so many intricate elements to the bike that one really needs to spend some time on the details to fully appreciate what it brings to the table. Check out the peek-a-boo “999R” logo on the fairing, with the carbon fiber showing through the paintwork. How about the skeletonized triple trees with the fully adjustable front suspension components? The analog / digital dash which keeps the important items (i.e. tach) front and center? How about the way the rear cylinder head just peeks through the bodywork on the side view, hinting at the mechanical violence underneath? It’s easy to get lost in the 999 design once you look beyond the stacked headlights.

The 999 series is also on the rise from a monetary perspective. Like always, the higher spec R bikes will lead the way, as these are the most rare and the most potent. But with Ducati quick to revert back to the 916/996/998 design language for the subsequent 1098, the 999R becomes a bit of a unicorn in the R bike world. These are magnificent motorcycles that have real (and growing) collector value. This particular example looks great, is well photographed, and is currently in the value basement at $12,500. There are several days to go and more than a few watchers, so I would expect it to follow the price path of the 999R posted on these pages earlier (that one is at $15k and still climbing). Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

7 Responses.

Digital Effect – 1999 Ducati 900SS/CR

Published February 26, 2021 by Donn

1999 was the first year for Pierre Terblanche’s re-style of the venerable Supersport, which despite a comprehensive set of upgrades, polarized prospective fans. This Minne example looks excellent and surprisingly as-delivered.

1999 Ducati 900SS/CR Supersport for sale on eBay

Ducati’s dual-spark 900 was all new, and though the 80 hp was just alright, the spot-on Marelli fuel injection and two plugs per cylinder provided excellent usable power in a wide band. The charging system was updated, and the air-cooled engine loved the upper-only fairing. Nicer components with USD Showa forks and adjustable monoshock, and Brembo P4 brakes with four piston calipers. The gold trellis frame states its case from behind the fairing that, love it or hate it, is designed by one of the best.

Evidently presented by a recovering bike nut, this CR looks excellent with just middling miles at 11,967. A pair of Giannelli silencers is included, not sure why they were un-mounted. Two spots of paint damage are shown in detail, but can’t be detected in a wider shot. The owner posted a cold start – video – and has this to say in the eBay auction:

Amazing original and all stock condition. The bike starts right up with its strong battery, and it pulls strong and clean through the rev range. Shifts are solid and smooth. There are 2 minor cosmetic blemishes that occurred during transport, and the 2 areas are clearing pointed out in 2 of the photos. 1999 introduced fuel injection to the Supersport range of bikes, and this example is the rare half-faired CR model. The bike comes with the set of Giannelli slip-on high mount exhaust that were on the bike when I purchased it. The original exhaust were included in the sale, so I put them on the bike. Bike received full Desmo service 2 years and 1000 miles ago. 4 months ago, a new fuel pump, fuel line and filter installed along with fresh oil and filter.

The new Supersport could’ve been a game changer but the styling changed more minds than the engineering, and the model took the down escalator. Along the way the powertrain was upped to 800 and 1000cc dual sparks, both also quite rare – but the 900 is a classic Supersport displacement. No bids yet, but even at the buy-it-now this one will provide the new owner a lot of sport for the money.

-donn