First sold in 2008, KTM’s RC8R superbike came at the tail-end of the analog superbike era, just as things like ride-by-wire, traction-control, and cornering ABS were becoming the norm. After some initial issues with a crunchy gearbox that were quickly resolved, the RC8’s four-valve, twin-plug 75° v-twin was increased from the initial 1148cc to 1195…
Update 6.9.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc This 1996 Aprilia RS250 Mk. 1 is an RSBFS alum that has come back for a master’s degree looking much sharper than it did the last time it crossed our desks. For one thing, the year has been corrected, the VIN shows it’s…
Update 7.31.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc It was never going to be sufficient for Ducati to commemorate Carl Fogarty’s contributions to motorcycling with yet another race replica superbike with faux sponsor livery. Sure, go ahead and remember Ben Bostrom and Troy Bayliss with tarted-up 999Rs, but Foggy deserved something…
If you’re looking for a track bike, your best bet is something as modern as possible, with broad parts availability. A reliable tool for going fast as effortlessly as possible. Something completely disposable. There’s a reason you see a ton of GSX-R600s and 1000s, R6s, the occasional SV650, even a new crop of Ninja 400…
By the late 1990s, Ducati’s success in production-based racing and general iconic-ness meant a new emphasis on v-twins for many manufacturers. It helps that a v-twin package makes for a great roadbike, with flexible midrange torque and lots of character at any speed. As a bonus a v-twin just sounds like a motorcycle. With 916-level…
Update 7.7.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc It was supposed to be a World Superbike-dominating Ducati killer. That never came to pass for the 1999 Suzuki TL1000R, but the bike’s sweet engine gained it a huge cult following. With a few choice modifications, TLs can be fantastic weekend mounts, and…
The first-generation Aprilia Tuono is the odd Italian bike notable more for what it does than for how it looks. It’s relatively practical, with a comfortable, upright seating position, is powered by a reliable v-twin developed by Austrian firm Rotax, and offers bonkers, uncompromising performance. Suspension is high-quality, handling is excellent, and it apparently is…
The Daytona/Sport 1100i were very entertaining machines, with plenty of grunt from the nearly 1100cc v-twin, matched with quality suspension and brakes. Unfortunately, they were also burdened with shaft drive and nearly 100 extra pounds of weight, compared to other Italian sportbikes of the era. So basically a charismatic engine in an overweight package. Sadly,…
