Posts by tag: SuperBike

Ducati March 6, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Premium Trackday Toy: 2018 Pierobon X85R Superbike for Sale

If you’re thinking today’s Pierobon X85R is just some sort of Panigale in race bodywork with an aftermarket exhaust, you’re partly correct, but also missing an important detail. Hint: it’s red and is something you wouldn’t normally see on Ducati’s semi-monocoque superbike. A frame. Less obvious is the extended swingarm to improve the v-twin Pani’s somewhat unruly handling. All of it crafted to the highest standards from the best materials available, and the completed machine should be impossibly light: an X60R powered by Ducati’s two-valve engine weighs in at around 300lbs wet, depending on specification.

So why would you add a frame to a largely frameless bike? You’d have to ask Pierobon, although I’d suspect the frame has more flex to add a bit of feel to the somewhat feedback-challenged Panigale. But I’d trust them if I were you: located in Bologna near Ducati’s headquarters, they’ve been making frames, subframes, swingarms, and fuel tanks to their WSBK and MotoGP teams for over 50 years. As a sideline, they make a variety of trackday and racebike kits meant to accept Ducati’s two and four-valve engines. Be prepared for some sticker-shock though.

These are basically kits that include the frame, airbox, air duct, rear subframe, rearsets, and brackets for the electronics. To that base kit, you can add whichever suspension you want, using the original Panigale tank and swingarm. If you want, you can add beautifully-crafted, lightweight replacements from Pierobon, along with carbon bodywork that appears to be based on the Panigale. You’ll also need an exhaust, and other sundry bits. Boulder Motorsports, the folks selling this bike, have built a few of these in the past, and I’ve seen them at track days out here on the west coast. They’re minimalist and beautiful in the way that only pure racing machines can be. The seller includes the insane level of equipment that went into this one below.

From the original eBay listing: 2018 Pierobon X85R Superbike for Sale

2018 Pierobon X85R Superbike, Serial #1

This Pierobon X85R is a very unique and special trellis frame Panigale 1199R powered race/track bike and is frame number one built by Pierobon in Bologna Italy. The bike is light weight and was built by Boulder Motor Sports (US Pierobon importer) with the highest level components from Brembo, Ohlins, OZ, Magneti Marelli, etc.

Who is Pierobon you ask? Pierobon is located in Bologna Italy adjacent to Ducati’s headquarters and is a chassis and fabrication specialist company that supplies many racing teams in World Superbike and MotoGP with frames, subframes swingarms and fuel tanks as well as paddock equipment. Pierobon has built three versions of complete chassis kits known as the X60R (2-valve air cooled Ducati engine, X80R (4-Valve liquid cooled Ducati engine) and the X85R (4-valve Panigale liquid cooled engine). The X85R utilizes a lightweight trellis frame combined with a Pierobon built +30mm single sided swingarm and triple clamps that offers amazing feedback to the rider with precise engineering.

The following components where used to build this unique bike:

Pierobon X85R Chassis kit #1 (main frame, subframes, rear sets, handle bars, etc)

+30mm Pierobon WSBK single sided swingarm

Ducati 1199R SBK Engine (900km apx)

Ohlins RVP25 Forks

Ohlins RSP40 WSBK Shock

Ducati Corse WSBK Rear link and adjuster

Brembo Monobloc 2-pad GP front race calipers with Brembo Z04 pads

Brembo 16×18 Billet front brake pump

Brembo 16×19 Billet clutch pump

Brembo 84mm Bilett rear caliper

IMA adjustable thumb brake with optional rear foot brake control

336mm front racing brake rotors

Magneti Marelli SRT SBK ECU and electronics (Bike includes cable and software)

Custom race wiring loom, switch gear and components built by Bike Sport Developments UK

Electronics support traction, wheelie and launch control as well as closed loop engine braking

AIM SmrtyCam HD camera system with embeded data on screen for video playback

Termignoni WSBK/BSB Edition Force full racing exhaust

OZ “R” racing wheels

Febur full SBK radiator and oil cooler

Carbon bodywork

Race seat with seat extender

EK 3d chain with quick change sprockets

Titanium hardware throughout the entire bike

Bike will be sold with limited spare parts.

This bike was built by Boulder Motor Sports in 2018 and was ridden by Moto Rapido British Superbike rider Tommy Bridewell in the AHRMA Pro Challenge race during the Barber Vintage festival in 2018. The following year it was ridden at the same event by WSBK champion Scott Russell. The bike has been meticulously maintained and was built utilizing the highest level of components.

This is a great opportunity to purchase a collectible engineering masterpiece by one of the worlds best chassis designers, engineers and fabricators.

Sound like your dream bike? Only one problem, the $110,000 asking price. Which, believe it or not, is probably well south of the actual build cost. Is it worth it? Considering the quality components, rarity, and performance, probably it technically is, although the performance is far beyond what most of us could hope to fully exploit and it doesn’t really have any value to collectors. Basically it’s a very, very expensive toy. But I know if price was no object, I’d want one.

-tad

Premium Trackday Toy: 2018 Pierobon X85R Superbike for Sale

Honda March 4, 2020 posted by Aaron

V4 Cruise Missile: 1993 Honda VFR750 Interceptor

The Honda VFR750 never fails to pop up in forum posts and old magazine articles seeking to name the best all-around motorcycle available. Inevitably, there’s some dentist from Portland who chimes in with 43 photos of his immaculate VFR and a long tale about how he’s put 175,000 miles on it from new and only ever changed the oil and tires. It’s a fact of Internet life, and it gets pretty old. But, if you spend any time at all around the bikes, you’ll discover that those Aerostitch-clad Boomers are on to something. These bikes are, quite simply, phenomenal.

1993 Honda VFR750 for sale on eBay

Of course, I am biased. A red ’97 model sits in my garage, and I sought it out after reading too many dentists telling me how awesome it was. They were right. The gear driven cams make a gorgeous whine on top of the small-block lope of the V4, the power is electric and the handling, while not exactly sprightly, is impressive for something so large and perfectly stable.

This 1993 Honda VFR750 appears to have been babied by one of the aforementioned healthcare professionals, and shows very nicely in white. The way the single-sided swingarm shows off that magnificently ’90s rear wheel is enough to give you visions of Joey Dunlop. With 15,000 original miles, a next to new set of tires and new spark plugs, battery and fuel filter, there is no reason this thing shouldn’t be down for a cross-country road trip tomorrow.

From the eBay listing:

Up for sale is my VERY clean VFR-750. Ultra low miles, adult owned and maintained. Never ridden in the rain, always garage kept on a battery tender when not riding. Has 480 miles on a new set of Michelin Pilots, new spark plugs, new fuel filter, battery is 1 year old, carbs were cleaned and sync’d, K & N air filter, gutted Yoshimura slip on muffler. Always washed after every ride, oil and filter changed every 1,000 miles using Honda oil and filter.

With a hollowed-out Yosh pipe, this thing will make your neighbors hate you, but how could they ever hate this bike?

V4 Cruise Missile: 1993 Honda VFR750 Interceptor

Honda February 27, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1990 Honda RC30

Update 3.5.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

The 1990 Honda RC30 was built specifically to win the World Superbike Championship for Honda, back in the glory days when racing meant almost as much to manufacturers as their retail operations did. People still came out in hordes to watch roadraces at tracks around the world, and the level of talent and daring were visceral in a way that the hyper-controlled environment today just cannot match. Somewhere there is video footage of Joey Dunlop changing a clutch on an RC30 laid on its side on a patch of grass.

The street legal RC30 homologation specials wed that spirit with the highest tech available to sportbikes at the time and created a legend. As a marketing exercise, they executed their mission far beyond expectations. The 118 horsepower seems pedestrian by today’s standards, but the feathery, torquey RC30 rewards focus in a way that modern machines can’t match.

This one, #58, had a fair number of miles put on by the first owner’s wife, before our pal Mark bought it, rode it enough to get the feel for it, then winterized it and put it on display in his house. As a result, it is in beautiful condition, with under 5,000 miles on the clock. It has a CBR600 front wheel to fit modern tires, but the original is included, along with the original rear. We’d keep those around for posterity, but there’s one choice if you’re actually going to ride it.

From the seller:

The bike is #58, which was previously on RSBFS years ago. Original owner put most of the miles on it, his wife rode around NorCal. All the documentation is there including original pink slip! The tires are the originals for display. There’s currently a CBR600 front wheel on it for the 3 1/2″ rubber. I wanted to try the legendary RC30 so I put new rubber on it and then rode it for 50 miles before it went into the basement. It really is a piece of rolling artwork, never really appreciated it until I rode it.

All gas was removed etc. Comes with original stand, in great condition as you would expect from something that’s lived in an air conditioned basement for the last few years. Photos are not great, happy to do a video call with any real buyer that wants to see specifics…..bodywork on or off. There’s nothing to hide, no stories with this one.

Price: $35,000.

The rarer these get, the more desirable and expensive they become. This one is one of the best we have seen, and it has been made ready to ride, display or do double duty. You can’t say fairer than that.

Featured Listing February 24, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 2002 Kawasaki ZRX1200R

This Featured Listing is part of the The Bob Benyo Collection. Thank you for supporting the site, Bob! -dc

This 2002 Kawasaki ZRX1200R is the perfect example of what is possible from Kawi’s early aughts muscle bike with a little attention and imagination. Our buddy Bob and his shop took a lot of time and care to modify the bike to give you the look of an Eddie Lawson Replica with the dynamics and handling of a modern sportbike. With a 4-1 Kerker, custom paint and custom upholstery, the bike looks nicer than any other ZRX we have seen.

2002 Kawasaki ZRX1200R for sale on eBay

Bob and his guys made the wise choice to leave the motor more or less alone, except for a jet kit and pod filters. That was a wise choice, as ZRXs will do multiple times the speed limit without even breathing hard. Leave from a light on a ZRX without keeping an eye on the speedo, and you’ll find yourself settling in to a nice fourth gear cruise at 80. In a 35. With the Kerker on board, everyone will know you’re coming long before the lime-green livery catches their eyes.

I’m going to let Bob run you down the particulars of this gorgeous ZRX.

From the eBay listing:

2002 KAWASAKI ZRX 1200R WORK OF ART, LOW ORIGINAL MILES, COMING OUT MY PRIVATE COLLECTION IN A STUNNING CUSTOM EDDIE LAWSON SUPERBIKE REPLICA THEME. NO EXPENSE WAS SPARED IN CREATING WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE THE BEST BIKE KAWASAKI EVER BUILT!

IF YOU HAVE NEVER RIDEN A ZRX 1100/1200 YOU NEED TO! I LOVE THE VINTAGE KAWASAKI AND SUZUKI’S FROM THE 70’S AND 80’S BUT LETS BE HONEST THEY DON’T EXACLY RIDE AND STOP LIKE WE ALL WISHED THEY DID. SO HERE YOU GET IT ALL, THE AWSOME LOOKS AND STYLING OF A EDDIE LAWSON SUPERBIKE REPLICA WITH THE COMFORT AND HANDLING OF A MODERN SUPERBIKE.

THIS BIKE WAS A LABOR OF LOVE TO BUILD IT INTO THE STUNNING EYE CATCHING AWARD WINNING JEWEL. I AM BUILDING 2 MORE RIGHT NOW, AND IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT THEN THIS ONE LET ME KNOW.

I HAVE THE OEM EXHAUST, THE AIRBOX FENDER AND TURN SIGNALS. THE BIKE COMES WITH THE TOOL KIT, OWNERS MANUAL, AND 2 KEYS.

THE FRAME:

THE FRAME IS ALL ORIGINAL NEVER PAINTED, DAMAGED, AND NEVER DROPPED. THE BODY WORK WAS METICULOUSLY REPAINTED BY MY SHOP GLOBE MOTORCYCLES LIMITED THANK YOU PHIL FOR CREATING A WORK OF ART. USING ONLY PPG PRODUCTS THE EDDIE LAWSON GREEN HAS BEEN MATCHED PERFECTLY, THE PURPLE IS EXACT TO THE ORIGINAL USED ON THE 2002 UGLY GREEN/PURPLE ZRX. THE STRIPES HAVE BEEN ALL PAINTED ON, NO DECALS EXCEPT THE SUPERBIKE DECAL ON THE TOP OF THE TANK. THE WHITE KERKER IS REVERSE STENCIL AND THE GOLD STRIPE WAS ALSO PAINTED ON. A NEW WINDSHIELD AND MOUNTING HARDWARE WAS USED. NEW KAWASAKI TANK EMBEMS INSTALLED. THIS CUSTOM PAINT JOB WOULD COST YOU OVER $3500.

CUSTOM MADE THE SEAT TO MATCH THE BODY WORK, (YES WE DO THAT TOO). WITH A CUSTOM REAR FENDER AND MINI TURN SIGNALS SHE LOOKS AS FAST AS SHE IS.

THE CHAIN WAS UPGRADED TO A GOLD FINSH RENTHAL 530 R-4 AND A CUSTOM PAINTED GOLD 44 TOOTH (BIGGER THEN STOCK) REAR SPROCKET (YES A WHEELIE MACHINE).

NEW AVON AV80 3-D ULTRA TIRES 190/55 AND 120/70 WERE MOUNTED AND BALANCED ON THE BLEMISH FREE WHEELS. NEW EBC BRAKE PADS FRONT AND REAR WITH FRESH FLUID. BLACK AND GREEN SPOOL/SLIDERS INSTALLED.

THE GRIPS, LEVERS, GUAGES,MIRRORS, CONTROLS, HANDLE BARS, AND MASTER CYLINDERS ARE ALL NEW OR NEW LOOKING. THIS IS A SHOW BIKE YOU CAN RIDE AND BE PROUD OF.

THE KERKER EXHAUST IS NEW AND HAS A CUSTOM MADE COMPETITION BAFFLE AND SOUNDS LIKE THE BIKES DID BACK IN THE 1980’S THIS IS A MODERN EDDIE LAWSON REPLICA A TRUE SUPERBIKE.

THE ENGINE:

WITH ONLY 3000 MILES WHEN I GOT HER IT DIDNT NEED ANYTHING BUT I HAD TO PLAY.

I INSTALLED A HEAVY DUTY CLUTCH ASSEMBLY FOR BETTER TAKE OFFS.

THE CARBURETORS WERE ULTRASONICALLY CLEANED AND RE-JETTED TO PERFECTION WITH THE HELP OF A DYNO-JET STAGE III KIT.

K&N OVAL POD FILTERS WERE INSTALLED ALONG WITH A K&N CRANKCASE BREATHER. THE VALVE COVER BREATHER IS BLOCKED OFF. A 4* IGNITION ADVANCER IS INSTALLED.

DON’T MISS OUT ON A BIKE YOU WILL LOVE TO RIDE.

I WILL INCLUDE A BRAND NEW SHOEI X-14 TC-4 WITH THE BIKE

THIS IS A BIKE YOU WILL DISPLAY PROUDLY AND RIDE WAY AHEAD OF THE PACK. IT IS THE BEST LOOKING ZRX I HAVE EVER SEEN. I HAVE BEEN RIDING, RACING, BUILDING, REPAIRING, AND COLLECTING RARE BIKES (SEE MY OTHER LISTINGS) SINCE GRADUATING FROM AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE INSTITUTE (AMI) IN DAYTONA BEACH FL IN 1980. PLEASE LOOK AT SOME OF MY OTHER LISTINGS TO SEE THE AMAZING RESTORATION AND CUSTOM WORK MY GUYS AND I DO. THIS IS MY HOBBY I TAKE PRIDE IN EVERY BIKE AND ONLY SELL A FEW PER YEAR.

LETS KEEP E-BAY A GREAT PLACE TO BUY AND SELL. PLEASE ONLY BID IF YOU PLAN ON BUYING THE BIKE. CALL ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS BOB 954-816-0806.

I CAN HELP ARRANGE SHIPPING AND CAN STORE THE BIKE IF NEEDED.

$500 DEPOSIT WITHIN 24 HRS AND THE BALANCE IN CASH OR BANK WIRE

For way less than the cost of an original ELR, this thing will give you the right look and the modern riding experience to match. If you’re into big bruisers, this thing is not to be missed.

Featured Listing: 2002 Kawasaki ZRX1200R

Suzuki February 10, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Clean Collectible: 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750 Limited Edition for Sale

The original Suzuki GSX-R750 that was introduced in 1985 may have been a “race bike for the road” in theory, and it certainly gave privateers an excellent foundation on which to build a pretty competitive machine. But there are always areas where compromises are made for production efficiencies, so there’s always room for improvement when sharpening a motorcycle to a razor’s edge for competition. This GSX-R750 Limited Edition was created to help remedy some shortcomings the original machine had, and homologate completed machines incorporating those changes for production racing classes.

The original package was pretty potent to begin with: suspended in a cradle-type frame, the GSX-R’s inline four had twin cams and four valves per cylinder, good for about 80hp at the rear wheel. Weight was saved using Suzuki’s Advanced Cooling System that eliminated water-cooling in favor of a high-capacity oil system that included a double-chambered pump and jets directed at the underside of the pistons. SACS proved pretty effective, and the system remained in place for the first two generations of Suzuki’s cutting-edge sportbike.

The Limited Edition homologation version of the bike included a vented dry clutch that made them a popular target for thieves at the time, along with a solo seat, longer swingarm, and electronic anti-dive forks from the bigger GSX-R1100, all for a price that made it the most expensive Japanese sportbike available at the time.

This Japanese-market bike features a distinctive red-and-grey color scheme that looks terrific and appears to be in very stock condition, down to the original rear fender and exhaust that looks much less “vintage,” with a blacked-out heat shield that downplays its bulky, 80s style.

From the original eBay listing: 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750 Limited Edition for Sale

INTRODUCTION:::

You are bidding on a 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750 Limited Edition (in Japanese Domestic Model Specification and original factory color scheme) Suzuki produced the GSX-R750 Limited Edition in red Yoshimura colors only in Japan to celebrate the success of the Yoshimura racing team in the Japanese racing class. According to the January 2017 edition of Pratical Sportbike UK magazine only 150 units were produced by Suzuki in the special Yoshimura red colors… Suzuki only produced 500 units world wide of the GSX-R750 Limited Edition, homologation rules required a certain number of models to be produced by the manufacture in order to qualify for endurance and superbike racing. The Limited Edition models were equipped with many race oriented parts most notably the dry clutch system. Also below this description I have listed all of the special features the limited edition models were equipped with. This particular GSX-R750 limited edition is in all original factory condition, and has 11,235 kilometers (6,981miles). But please feel free to read more about the specifics of this bike and look at the pictures for verification. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. U.S. and International bidders are welcome to bid on this motorcycle but must arrange shipping themselves…

CONDITION:::

All of the body panels are in excellent condition, there are no cracks or major nicks anywhere. The paint is in very good condition and shines very nicely. The original Suzuki exhaust is in excellent condition with no scratches or dents anywhere, the wheels are also in excellent condition with good paint and no major chips anywhere. Basically the motorcycle is a 9 out of 10 cosmetically. Mechanically the bike runs and rides perfect. All of the electrical components work as they should; lights, blinkers, horn, speedo, tach, fuel gauge, all work properly. The bike just had a full service tune up, all fluids were changed, and mechanically everything was inspected and replaced if necessary with original Suzuki parts.

LIMITED EDITION FEATURES:::

The Japanese spec GSX-R750 limited comes with a few extra features that the USA spec limited models did not have: flat slide carburetors, all black ray gun exhaust, fuel gauge, city lights, headlight kill switch, deletion of side reflectors, tinted turn signals… The following parts are unique to GSX-R750 limited models world wide; dry clutch basket, aluminum body rear shock with remote reservoir, wider rear wheel, larger 41mm front forks, NEAS electronic anti-dive system, lightened counter shaft cover, wider handlebar, steering damper, solo rear seat cowl and seat, plexiglass headlight cover, quick release fairing screws, swing arm drop outs for stand, triple tree with milled pattern, larger 310mm fully floating disc brakes.

CONCLUSION:::

This is a great opportunity to buy a rare, all original Suzuki GSX-R750 Limited Edition. International buyers please keep in mind that there are some small variations in original parts in different countries; this GSX-R750 limited edition is a Japan market original specifications edition. If you need any additional pictures or have any additional questions please feel free to email us. Domestic & international buyers are welcome to bid but have to arrange the shipping themselves; however we will be glad to help with any loading of the motorcycle. We have assisted in shipping motorcycles overseas for other customers in the past. Please feel free to bid as long as you make the shipping arrangements.

Interesting that the seller mentions the tinted directional lenses: at first I assumed they were non-stock, but they appear to be exclusive to the Japanese-market bikes. This thing is pretty frighteningly clean, and the high-quality photos should give anoraks plenty of information about the bike’s originality. Honestly, the paint on the brake calipers and anti-dive system looks brand new, so I wonder if it’s been restored, or just sealed in a vacuum, since even the low 6,981 miles should see at least a bit of wear-and-tear. Regardless, it’s a very nice example with plenty of time left on the auction.

-tad

Clean Collectible: 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750 Limited Edition for Sale

Bimota February 3, 2020 posted by Aaron

Shogun in an Italian suit: 2000 Bimota SB8R

Taking Italian suspension, style and bespoke build quality know-how and shoving it full of deadnuts-reliable and prodigious power from the other side of the Atlantic, or in this case the Pacific, is a time-honored tradition. In the ’60s, the likes of Bizzarrini and Iso executed the formula to devastating effect in cars. But Bimota ported the practice over to bikes with racing success to back it up.

2000 Bimota SB8R for sale on eBay

In this case, the Italians hung a handbuilt frame and handmade carbon fiber bodywork around a Suzuki TL1000R engine, then threw Paioli springy bits at it to give it Bimota’s signature refinement. Before they were done, Bimota tweaked the big v-twin to push out just south of 140 horsepower at the crank. The result was a piece of industrial art that was made for race tracks but was almost too pretty to ride in anger.

This one, located at Speedart in Miami, Florida, has covered just 5,100 miles, and has been kept the way you’d expect for a collector’s piece of this caliber. There isn’t a surface on it that you’d be scared to eat off of. This one has a Power Commander III that was added by the second owner, which after a tune settled down some of the fueling issues these bikes can have thanks to those massive throttle bodies. It also wears a very stylish Arrow exhaust.

From the eBay listing:

Vehicle Description
Chassis No: ZESSB8R02YR000013

Odometer: 5,105 Miles

Engine: 996cc Four Stroke, V-Twin 8-valve, Liquid Cooled DOHC

Transmission: 6-Speed Gearbox

Performance: 135 bhp @ 9,750 rpm / 77 lb-ft – 0-60 mph 3.1 sec / 170 mph

Exterior: Competition Red/White

Interior: N/A

About This Motorcycle
“The first thing you notice about the SB8R is the striking exotic looks, thanks to passionate Italian design, hand-built craftsmanship, and the advanced, for its time, use of carbon fibre.”

The name Bimota is derived from the first two letters of the names of the three founders, Bianchi, Morri, and Tamburini.

Massimo Tamburini crashed his Honda 750 at the Misano race course in 1972, breaking three ribs. Finding himself with time on his hands while recovering, he designed and constructed a tubular steel frame that would eliminate the flex and handling problems that plagued the high horsepower machines of all the large Japanese manufacturers. Bimota’s first model, the HB1, was the result of his work and vision.

Only ten of them were produced, starting when the company was formed in 1973. In the early years Bimota produced mainly racing frames, then began manufacturing complete high performance machines as well as ones in “kit” form. When the now legendary KB1 was developed, the company was assured of commercial success. Bimota continued to be at the very leading edge of extremely high performance motorcycle design throughout the 80’s, 90’s and into the new millennia on both the track and the street.

Now more than forty five years after the firm’s founding, Bimotas of any era are sought after throughout the world because of their beauty, technological superiority and exclusivity.

The SB8R was the first production bike to use carbon fibre in the frame. There is plenty more additional carbon fibre elements, including the unusual but effective air intake system integrated into the front fairing, tail assembly and more. Bimota used engines from other manufacturers and constructed their own frame and body work to give it less weight and improved handling over the “donor bike”.

The Bimota SB8R uses a Suzuki TL-1000 motor, with Bimota’s own fuel and exhuast system that resulted in 135 hp. The motor and special designed rear suspension give the bike perfect balance resulting in a machine that is a joy to ride.

Even though the SB8R was designed for the track, most owners (true in the case of this motorbike), used them sparingly, riding on nice days, and the occasional bike show. This Bimota has only 5,100 miles after 16 years of ownership.

From the total of 150 hand-built examples spanning a two year period only 69 SB8Rs were exported into the US. It is questionable of how many are still in this pristine and original condition. Upon a closer examination it is easy to attest to the claims that it’s never been tipped over or any evidence of track time.

Speedart Motorsports is pleased to present this time capsule original SB8R in the configuration it left the factory in Rimini with a couple of small modifications in order to improve the ownership experience.

The light switch was modified so the headlight can be turned off, foot-pegs were replaced with European fixed position pegs, and the fueling system was modified to make it more rideable in street configuration.The fairings have original paint, carbon fiber parts have no cracks, all lights, turn-signals are original and working, tires have little wear, although they are at least 2 years old, so may want to consider replacing.Shocks don’t show signs of needing seals, engine has no leaks, runs great, once it warms up (these are cold-blooded beasts). Brakes have plenty of wear left, recommend oil change for the engine, something I intended to do, but haven’t made time.

This bike was purchased new from Ducati Bellevue on 3/2/2002. The 1st owner was a local Seattle aerospace engineer who rarely rode the bike. The last owner purchased the bike on 2015 prior to Speedart Motorsports acquiring the Bimota.

The 1st owner made only one modification to this machine. His one mod was having a custom fuel trimmer or potentiometer made to work with the existing wiring harness. These bikes were known to have fueling issues due to the massive throttle bodies and this is where the potentiometer helps out. Unfortunately the potentiometer is old technology and the adjustment range was limited. The second owner installed a PCIII that was tuned by Nels at 2 Wheel Dyno Works in Woodinville, WA.

PCIII was installed by second owner to permanently wash out some of the fueling issues that was typical of the SB8R model and its huge throttle bodies. This bike accelerates easier through the rev range than before. The fuel trimmer that had been installed by the first owner was only finite and could not adjust or reach some of these issues in the rev range. This modification alone makes it rideable even in heavy traffic.

As previously mentioned, the first owner added an out-of-production Evoluzione SB8R fuel trimmer provided by a Bimota enthusiast in Colorado. This unit is more precisely calibrated with nearly infinite settings between 0 and 999. The Bimota trimmer has 8 positions total.

The Arrow exhaust on the bike has been cored for better performance and sound. The result is outstanding in that it essentially replicates full racing pipes with much better performance and sound.

The stock tank on these SB8R’s is an Acerbis tank. The tank that’s currently installed on the bike was sealed and lined by Russ Foy in late 2014 to prevent any tank expansion. Furthermore braided steel clutch and brake lines were fitted in lieu of the stock rubber.

The sale of this race bred super bike is accompanied by owner manuals, service books and two keys.

The fortunate new owner will receive a galore of unobtainium spare parts worth thousands of dollars and who are no longer available. Such spares include, composite full fairing skins that can be painted with the desired livery suitable for racing, extra monoposto seat, additional OEM Acerbis Tank, OEM full exhaust system with silencers, lithium battery charger, rear pit stand and more, making this acquisition the ultimate SB8R package.

Disclaimer
Whilst Speedart Motorsports, LLC. (“We”) make a sincere effort to contain information that is accurate and complete, we are aware that errors and omissions may occur. We are not able therefore, to guarantee the accuracy of that information and we do not accept liability for loss or damage arising from misleading information or for any reliance on which you may place on the information contained in this website. We highly recommend that you examine the vehicle to check the accuracy of the information supplied. If you have any queries with regard to any information on our website, please contact us at . This disclaimer does not affect your statutory rights.

The buy-it-now for this beast is set at $23,000, and there are just a couple days left on the listing. With few owners in its history and one very carefully done modification, this thing is ready to make its third owner very happy.

Shogun in an Italian suit: 2000 Bimota SB8R

Ducati January 29, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

More Than Skin Deep: 1998 Ducati 916 SPS for Sale

We’ve been a little Ducati-heavy this week, but there’s no way I was going to skip this one: an Eraldo Ferracci-prepped and tuned Ducati 916 SPS. Sure, this might look like yet another boring 916, but the SPS is one of Ducati’s fire-breathing homologation specials, and this example has been endowed with a highly-tuned stroker motor from one of the era’s premier tuners.

If you’re not familiar with Ferracci, he was an east coast Ducati tuner whose bikes won several World Superbike and AMA titles. He eventually opened a well known Ducati/MV Agusta dealership, and the company still sells high-performance Ducati parts on their site, although the brick-and-mortar dealership itself is closed.

The SPS or “Sport Production Special” was basically a way for Ducati to begin racing their stronger, larger-displacement 996cc v-twin before the 996 was introduced. As with all the bikes in the 916/996/998 series, it might look like a regular 916, but featured extensive, evolutionary upgrades to the Tamburini superbike that was introduced way back in 1994. It used the close-ratio box from the smaller 748, along with updated suspension that included an Öhlins shock and a lighter frame.

But of course, the heart of the matter was the updated 996cc engine that included titanium connecting rods for 1998. Ducati found that the functional limit for their original Desmoquattro was 955cc: any bigger, and the cases tended to crack under racing stress. The new engine was a comprehensive redesign that saw the inclusion of new heads, barrels, pistons, injectors, and a lighter crank.

Combined with the usual tuning tricks that didn’t make it over to the regular 996, the changes all added up to an engine that was more than the sum of its parts, with a savage and aggressive character. It was very expensive, but made testers at the time struggle to find enough superlatives to adequately describe the lust it inspired. The seller borrows a good chunk of his description from a very nice history of the SP/SPS Ducatis over at OddBike, and it’s worth a read if you’ve never checked that site out.

From the original eBay listing: 1998 Ducati 916 SPS for Sale

About This Motorcycle:

“The primary reason of building the 916 SPS was to homologate the new 996cc engine for Superbike competition but fortunately for bike fans, the installation of the 996 engine into the 916 setup produced a bike that was described as legendary, astonishingly good looking and a true Superbike. Only 404 examples were built with less than 50 of those imported into the States.

The SPS was released to homologate the new 996cc engine for Superbike competition. The previous 916 crankcases had been maxed out at 955cc, and had problems with cracking and stress fractures under racing conditions. So in 1997 Ducati tried again by taking their new 996 engine and putting it into the 916 frame. The result was the 916 Sport Production Special (SPS).

New reinforced crankcases were needed, and to accommodate a displacement closer to the 1000cc limit for twins in Superbike the case mouths needed wider openings and wider stud spacing to match. Thus the barrels and heads were new, made wider to match the new cylinder stud spacing. Bore was now up to 98mm, with the same 66mm stroke as before. The heads had larger combustion chambers and bigger valves. Compression ratio was now 11.5:1 inside a lighter crankshaft with tungsten plug balancing. The high pressure double injector fuel setup with P8 ECU was carried over from the SP.

Press reviews of the 996 powered SPS declared it to be something quite special, with some testers being able to crack 170 miles per hour with the Termignoni exhaust and ECU kit fitted, a pretty stunning speed for a twin with ‘only’ 120-odd horsepower. The new engine gave a much wider power delivery band but this together with neck-snapping torque was enough to push the limits of the chassis. The 916 models in general did not respond well to ham-fisted riders, so it is not surprising that the SPS and its significantly wider power band resulted in a bike that could be dangerous for even skilled riders.

Despite its somewhat dangerous reputation the SPS was still sexy as hell with a sound like the apocalypse, especially if the Termi pipes were installed. Price tag new was almost $25,000 USD, a significant amount above the $16,500 Biposto and nearly double the price of a 748 model. Most reviewers declared that despite its dangerous nature it was worth the extra investment and there was a lot of demand for the SPS but since these bikes were built for homolgation, just 404 examples were built and only a small number of those brought into the USA.”

Among these rare breed of motorcycles there is something even more special and quite possibly one of the most spectacular, modern era homologated Ducatis. Now that would be tough to believe except this is a FBF bike, but for those who know about Eraldo Ferracci and his relationship with Ducati will easily justify the aforementioned statement.

Speedart Motorsports acquired this motorbike few years back and it has been a highlight of our Ducati collection ever since.

The first owner of this stunning example took delivery in November 1998 from Mr. Ferracci and he commissioned FBF on November, 11 to transform the SPS in to one of their 1,026 cc stroker fire-breathing monsters at an exorbitant cost.

The following is a partial list of the work performed by Eraldo Ferracci with an FBF serial number stamped on the case, further attesting to the pedigree of this extravagant Production Special.

Renthal quick change rear sprockets carrier

Ferracci billet lightweight flywheel

High pressure fuel regulator

Ported and polished heads

Stage-3 Eprom chip

Corse rearsets

37mm Intake valves

31mm Exhaust valves

54mm Ferracci Forza full stainless system

Ohlins shock revalved

Hyperpro spring

Ferracci billet clip-on handlebars

98mm 12:1 Compression piston Kit

FBF power crank 68mm stroke

Ducati Performance carbon fiber under-seat oil vent tank

MS Production carbon air intake runners

Stage-3 cams

Pankl Racing titanium rods

Carbon fiber MS Production swingarm cover

During our custodianship at Speedart Motorsports, further enhancements were performed including Dymag carbon fiber wheels, ultra-rare Ducati Corse RS slipper clutch with DP carbon cover, NCR sprocket carriers, Poggipolini titanium fasteners, Samco hoses, Spiegler cables with fittings and much more.

The sale of this legendary Ducati is accompanied by extensive documentation, owner’s manuals, all Ferracci build records including Dyno sheets, fastidious maintenance receipts, stands, cover, etc.

Speedart Motorsports invites all serious inquiries of what is believed to be the most extraordinary 916 Sport Production Special in captivity, freshly serviced, in spectacular form both cosmetically and mechanically.

The high-compression pistons match the original 98mm bore, but the new crank’s 68mm stroke is up 2mm from the original for a total of 1026cc, compared to the original 996. That might bother some collectors, but it looks like only the very best parts have been used to upgrade and tune this very special SPS. Other than the gold plugs that don’t match the frame paint, this is a very nice, very trick bike, and one of just 1058 built in 1998. A nice SPS will generally sell for much less than the $34,500 asking price seen here, but they usually haven’t had as much attention lavished on them.

-tad

More Than Skin Deep: 1998 Ducati 916 SPS for Sale

Kawasaki January 23, 2020 posted by Aaron

Ride and cherish: 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR

The 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR is the ultimate expression of streetbike muscle from the era when racebikes actually were just tricked out street bikes with hot engine kits, big brakes and slicks. Without someone like Pops Yoshimura in your rolodex, you still weren’t gonna get close to Eddie Lawson’s horsepower numbers, but with a couple number plates and a decent imagination you wouldn’t be far off.

1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR for sale on eBay

The 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR was the company’s marketing play on Eddie’s 1981 and 1982 AMA Superbike championships aboard a very green KZ1000. With bodywork from the previous year’s GPz, a warmed up engine and the hallmark bright green and blue bodywork over gold wheels, the look was perfect. The bikes were always meant to be a little extra special, so they sold few of them and the ones that remain are blue-chip collector bikes.

This one is a Canada-spec machine, with no smog equipment and a kilometers per hour speedo. It shows some wear and tear from its 37 years, but it feels nitpicky to mention them. With just under 11,000 kilometers on the dial, this thing has a lot of cruise nights left in it.

From the eBay listing:

1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR (Canada / Europe spec) This model does not have engine head cover US emission valve as can be seen in photo. Speedometer in Kilometers. Very rare and hard to find period FOX race shocks. Bike is in very good condition with 6822 miles or 10979 Kilometers on the bike. 150PSI plus on all cylinder compression and valves adjusted. Repacked steering head bearings, new petcock seals, rebuilt front forks with seals and 20W fork oil. Good condition and painted side covers with decals and emblems as hard side cover grommets damaged the tabs on the side covers. Bike has new side cover grommets now. Owners manual and partial tool kit as can be seen in photo. Bike runs and have video of bike running . Shifts through all gears and no clutch issues. Brakes work as they should. All lights work. New Metzeler Sportec Klassik tires front and rear. New Yuasa battery.
Clear title in hand.

This bike is very clean and original, but not so gleaming that you’d feel bad about riding it, which we love. For someone out there, this bike is the perfect addition.