Posts by tag: WSBK

Ducati February 23, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Putting the R in Race Replica: 2009 Ducati 1098R Bayliss for Sale

Created to celebrate his 2008 WSBK title win for Ducati, this Troy Bayliss Replica 1098R features the Aussie’s racing number, along with livery matching the bike he rode during the very last race of his career, sans sponsor logos. Ducati’s status as a sort of “Ferrari of Motorcycles” puts them in a tricky position. MV Agusta might be the much more appropriate bearer of that title for all the reasons obvious to the enthusiast community, but if you say “Ferrari” to anyone, even a non-enthusiast, they know exactly what you mean. They know it’s Italian, they know it’s fast, they know it’s expensive. And probably red. The same holds true for Ducati. If you say “MV Agusta” to your average non-rider, and all you’ll likely get are blank looks.

That sort of association is great for marketing and image, but it means the bike are under a lot of pressure, not only to perform, but to look the part. It’s a tough balance to manage, and Ducati has learned the hard way that sometimes form needs to take precedence over function. That was clearly the case with the Ducati 999 that was introduced to replace the 998. It was a radically new bike, and threw every design cue, aside from a transverse v-twin’s natural wasp-waisted silhouette and Ducati’s signature trellis frame, out the window. The style was aggressively modern, with a futuristic stacked projector beam face, fairing winglets to guide air around the bodywork, adjustable ergonomics and, horror of horror: a double-sided swingarm!

And it backfired.

So Ducati took a stylistic step backwards and introduced the 1098, a bike that continued to develop the Desmoquattro engine and their superbike platform, but incorporated a style more familiar to fans of the brand. Out went the stacked, cyclopean headlights and in came a slit-eyed face that still reminds me of a great white shark. It remains my favorite element of the design. Out went the odd, technical, unequal-length two-into-one undertail exhaust and in came twin exhaust cans clearly meant to evoke the 916. I still hate them, especially the stock parts. And back, much to the relief of the Ducatisti, was the iconic single-sided swingarm.

The homologation 1098R offers up prodigious performance and specs that are still eye-opening today: almost 190hp and 99ft-lbs of torque with the included race ECU and exhaust. That’d be terrifying without some form of safety net, and the 1098R was revolutionary for offering eight-level traction control in the form of DTC, or Ducati Traction Control. Assuming of course that you had the above-mentioned race ECU and exhaust installed, since they were required for the DTC to function. The traction control was crude by today’s standards, but was the first of its kind, a system designed to improve lap times, not provide all-weather safety, and a DDA Ducati Data Analyzer meant you could do a detailed trackday postmortem on your home computer, something of a revelation for sportbike pilots.

The R’s Testastretta Evoluzione was larger than the stock bike’s, displacing 1198.4cc, right on the WSBK limit for v-twins, and had titanium internals, twin injectors per cylinder, along with a slipper clutch to keep the rear tire under control during hard downshifts. Suspension was state-of-the-art with an Öhlins TTX36 twin-tube shock out back and a 43mm Öhlins fork up front. Brembo Monobloc calipers were the best available at the time.

From the original eBay listing: 2009 Ducati 1098R Bayliss Replica for Sale

Up for auction (or trade for collector cars) is a very rare 2009 Ducati 1098R Troy Bayliss bike. These bikes are limited production, only 500 made in total and 150 imported to the United States. This bike is unmolested, and it has 450 actual miles. I bought it because I love Ducatis and this example, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful bikes they have made. I do not have any of the original take-off parts, t-shirt, placard, etc. This bike is actually an 1198 engine, putting out 180hp@9750rpm and 99.1ft-lbs of torque. The bike has no issues, is ready for a collection or ready for use. I don’t need to sell the bike but would like to free the $ up. It is located in Sarasota, FL.

“Unmolested”? Well, let’s be honest here: it has been molested. Luckily, the farkles [except for the red swingarm] can be removed and original parts sourced, but it says something about the previous owner that he’d add those godawful grips and multi-color bits, and Ducati collectors can be snobs about stuff like that… I get it: you were trying to replicate the bike’s multicolor style, but just because there’s blue in the design doesn’t mean you can just use any color blue to… nevermind. Otherwise, this might be a great bike for collectors, with just 450 miles on the odometer. But that’s a double-edged sword, since neglect is the worst thing for any Ducati. Interestingly, a bunch of these Ducati 1098R Troy Bayliss Replicas have cropped up for sale recently, which is odd, since just 500 were made, and the seller is asking $23,198.00 for this example. Obviously, if you plan to ride the bike, you’ll need to go through it completely and do all the services, unless the seller can provide documentation. And then you might want to do them anyway, just to be safe.

-tad

Ducati February 9, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

#388 of 400: 2002 Ducati 998S Bayliss Replica for Sale

Ducati’s lineup of superbikes has long included three main tiers: the “entry-level” exotic standard version, the S-version that generally includes some trim and suspension updates, and the homologation R-version, that is sometimes a step up from the S, and sometimes an altogether different beast entirely… The most desirable bikes are most often the R-version, but when you make 400 examples of the Troy Bayliss replica 998S, you create something that combines the power and dynamics of the very best of the 916 era bikes with racing heritage.

The 998 was the end of the line for the iconic Tamburini-designed four-valve superbike that began with the 916, itself an evolution of the earlier 851 and 888. And although there is some parts interchangeability between the 916, 996, and 998, they represent a pretty significant evolution of the platform that’s much more than skin-deep. Bodywork appears largely unchanged, although subtle massaging of the shape between generations is noticeable if you look closely. In the 998, it was redesigned to fit the new frame originally used in the 996R, and allow different airflow to the reworked cooling system.

Most significantly, the 998 saw the widespread introduction of the narrow-angle “Testastretta” engine originally seen in the 996R for a big boost to performance. “Narrow-angle” doesn’t refer to the angle between the cylinders, which remained at Ducati’s traditional 90° for perfect primary balance. Instead, the Testastretta engine featured new, more compact and efficient cylinder heads with a reduced included valve angle of 25°, down from 40°, along with bigger valves, larger pistons, more aggressive cams, and shower-type fuel injectors. The result was a claimed 123hp in the regular 998, up from 112 in the 996, with an increase to 136 for the 998S.

From the original eBay listing: 2002 Ducati 998S Bayliss Replica for Sale

Offered for sale is this stunning 2002 Ducati 998S Baylis #388 of only 400 made.

Built as a tribute to Troy Bayliss’ 2001 WSB Championship, this 998S is in incredible condition and recently serviced.

Only 2200 miles!

Virtually stock with an Arrow exhaust, levers, Sargent seat, integrated turn signals and open carbon clutch cover with pressure plate.

A rare opportunity to own a classic. These 998’s are as amazing in person as they looks in pictures.

Clean title as always.

Bayliss was a popular rider, but this particular race-replica graphics scheme is a bit bland to my eye, the kind of thing you could replicate on a box-stock 998 with Photoshop and a good quality printer. It’s almost too authentic race-bike, in that it’s a rolling billboard first and foremost. 916s and 996s have dipped pretty low in terms of values and seem to be on an upswing, but the 998 was never really very cheap. It was still being produced when the… controversial 999 was introduced, and many people seem to have been aware that they’d eventually be considered collectible. This one’s $17,450 asking price is more in line with one of Ducati’s R-model bikes, but extremely limited production and low miles make it a very desirable bike.

-tad

#388 of 400: 2002 Ducati 998S Bayliss Replica for Sale

Ducati January 11, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Sport Production Special: 1998 Ducati 916 SPS for Sale

Looking at the history of the 916/996/998, it’d be easy to think that you were just looking at regular bumps in displacement as allowed by homologation requirements, especially considering that the bike itself appeared mostly unchanged throughout its development, minor changes in graphics aside. Even this very exclusive Ducati 916 SPS really looks like a 996 with a solo seat and white numberplates on the tail section.

But while all three models of Ducati’s 90s icon are similar, and do share some parts interchangeability, they represent a continual development of the model. It made little sense to “throw the baby out with the bathwater” when the original 916 was such an impressive piece to begin with, and Ducati couldn’t really afford to start from scratch anyway, so evolution made more sense than revolution.

Given that every ounce counts on a motorcycle, especially one intended to be raced, each component is designed with a minimum of excess material, and Ducati’s original liquid-cooled, four-valve v-twin was limited to 955cc before the cases started cracking under the extreme pressures of racing, and the engine needed a significant redesign in order to safely allow additional displacement increases. The regular production 996 that followed used the updated cases and the larger displacement, but didn’t get all the other goodies included in the homologation model.

This 916 SPS in fact displaced 996cc, and was Ducati’s first use of their new reinforced engine cases and other changes that allowed the bike to continue growing in response to rules changes that increased displacement limits for Superbike racing. Externally, it looked pretty similar but internally, there were new heads, barrels, pistons, injectors, and a lighter crank. It was mated to a close-ratio gearbox from the 748. Up front was a Showa fork and an Öhlins shock helps keep the rear wheel in contact with terra firma. This 1998 year model also had a lighter frame and titanium connecting rods.

Originally, the SPS wasn’t technically road-legal in the US, but you could buy them here, and there wasn’t really much stopping you from buying a “for off road use only” bike and then registering it, since it had a VIN, lights, and mirrors. And of course Ducati damn well knew people would do just that. Thank goodness.

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

For sale, 1998 Ducati 916 SPS Superbike. Like new condition. Second owner. Extremely rare bike. Number 401 of 1058 total manufactured, for both US and Europe. Homologated for racing, only 50 were officially imported into the US. This is a true collector bike. New timing belt and battery. Tires are in excellent shape. Meticulously maintained, this bike is ready to ride!

Introduced for 1994, the Massimo Tamburini-styled 916 superbike and its subsequent evolutions captured the motorcycle world’s imagination and finally established Ducati as a brand of note. Within a short time the original 916 Strada was superseded by the Biposto (two-seat) and the higher-specification SP. The engine remained at 916cc for both models but the SP came with twin fuel injectors and bigger valves for more performance, together with a single white panel seat and an Ohlins rear shock. Next came the ultra-exclusive homologation-special 916SPS or Sport Production Special for 1997 and 1998. The SPS enjoyed a 996cc engine – complete with reinforced crankcases, new heads and barrels with both bigger combustion chambers and valves, high lift cams, a 11.5:1 compression ratio, close-ratio gearbox and various lightweight parts – delivering a mighty rear wheel 132 horsepower.

Ducati made 1,058 SPS models for 1998, so it’s less rare than earlier SPS and SP bikes, but still very much a collectible. This example has just 2,150 miles on the odometer, and bidding is up to $11,000 with the reserve not met and very little time left on the auction. The 916 was always going to be collectible, and even the most ordinary models are beginning to appreciate in value. But for collectors, this one’s at the top of the list with serious exclusivity for a “production” bike and historical significance, with serious racing links. It also helps that it has a reputation for being a pretty ferocious bike to ride, and feels far faster than the claimed power would suggest.

-tad

Sport Production Special: 1998 Ducati 916 SPS for Sale

Ducati January 9, 2019 posted by Mike

Ital-Lebanese Delight: NEW 2009 Ducati 1098R Bayliss Edition

Ducati has an enviable record when it comes to performance motorcycles. Not only do they succeed on the racetrack, but the bikes from Bologna seem to be at home on the street, in museums, as artwork, and in collections everywhere. This is partly due to the legendary record of wins delivered by the big desmo twins. Some of the biggest names in WSBK and MotoGP have enjoyed success on a Ducati, and with that brings a mythical element to the equation. It certainly does not hurt that styling is an equal partner to horsepower, as is the Italian way. To complete the trifecta, Ducati has always capitalized on the supply-demand ratio, producing limited edition and short production run examples, numbered to prove exclusivity. Many of these specials are based on famed riders for the brand, such as today’s beautiful Troy Bayliss Edition 2009 Ducati 1098R.

2009 Ducati 1098R Bayliss Edition for sale on eBay

If you’ve been following RSBFS for any period of time, you already know that the “R” spec versions of Ducati models are special. Usually bestowed with carbon fiber components and riding on upgraded suspension, the R bikes also usually offer more HP than a standard edition base model. In many cases, the R specification had a different engine entirely: late year, top spec 851s were 888cc, the SP0 versions of the 888 were actually 916 configurations, etc. So too, did the R version of the 1098 herald the coming of the 1198 – at least in displacement. This was good for 180 horsepower, making the 1098R no slouch on the dyno. Traction control was included.

From the seller:
A great opportunity to own a Superbike, a piece of history, which would take pride of place in any serious collection. Ducati saluted Troy Bayliss career with a great special edition -R in 2009, with his race number and Aussie flag livery.

Bayliss Limited Edition has been drenched in carbon fiber and has a special colour scheme designed by Aldo Drudi. comes with rear paddock stand.

No track work, very reluctant sale. Number 355 of 500. This bike still brand new, never registered. available for pick up in Beirut, Lebanon. also available for International shipping

Ducati introduced the Troy Bayliss Edition 1098R to celebrate Troy’s swansong. After winning the 2008 WSBK championship Bayliss retired from competition, a 3-time crown winner. The 1098R Troy Bayliss Edition is essentially a R model with some minor additions (carbon fiber pieces and model specific wheels). The major highlights were in the graphics: livery that resembled the WSBK racer, replete with the famous Bayliss 21. With only 500 examples produced worldwide, this was a fitting tribute to one of the greats.

This particular example is claimed new (as in never been registered), wears a reported 150 miles on the odo, and is located in Beruit. Given than only about 150 examples were imported into the US, it is natural to find good examples elsewhere in the world. But certainly this is the first RSBFS post highlighting a bike in this particular region. If I had to nitpick, the pictures are not as high-res or clear as I would like. Still a rare Duc is a rare Duc; the question is really about importation. Prospective buyers need to consider paperwork and shipping as part of the bargain. Starting bid for this one is $22,500 – which is in the money zone compared to most Bayliss LE models we have seen, however it may be a bit high for the opening ask. No bids as of this writing, which gives you time to jump in. Check it out here. Once you look at the details, come back and share your thoughts in our Comments section. If you were in the market for a Limited Edition Ducati, does the Australian-flagged Bayliss model make your top 3? Let us know, and good luck!!

Ital-Lebanese Delight: NEW 2009 Ducati 1098R Bayliss Edition

Kawasaki January 8, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Kiwi Kawi: 2001 Kawasaki ZX-7RR for Sale

Slathered in Kawasaki’s traditional lime green, the ZX-7RR was the homologation version of their 750cc superbike. It wasn’t quite as trick as Honda’s RC45, but its more pedestrian underpinnings make it a bit of an underdog, and the bike had surprising success and longevity for a machine that was updated in 1996, as you can see from this 2001 example. It was obviously pretty long in the tooth by then, but still provided a solid foundation for production-based racing.

The parts you’d expect are there: an adjustable steering head and swingarm pivot, and suspension provided an even broader range of adjustment, compared to the regular bike and, up front, Nissin six-piston calipers replaced the stock Tokico units. The bike had a close-ratio gearbox, and the cases were reinforced, and the engine used a heavier flywheel in an effort to improve traction off corners.

Interestingly, the bike was homologated with both 39mm and 41mm flat-slide carburetors, up from the 38mm CV units on the regular R. Kawasaki was covering their bases by offering that choice to racers, but conventional wisdom is that the 41s are just too much carburetor, especially on the street and even some racers went with the smaller 39mm units.

At 441lbs dry, the bike is a bit of a porker, but these Kawasakis were always more than the sum of their parts. Track down an old magazine article, or read a more recent review of these now “classic” sportbikes, and the writers will wax poetic about the bike’s “sublime front-end feel” and stability.

As you’d expect, it was pretty expensive for what was really pretty close to the standard model, but didn’t work as well on the street, or even on track for that matter, in the hands of ordinary riders. The RR was $11,999 compared to the R’s $8,999. $3,000 was a hefty chunk of change then and even now, but compared to the RC45’s $27,000, it was a screaming bargain, and one of my favorite Japanese superbikes.

From the original eBay listing: 2001 Kawasaki ZX-7RR for Sale

Kawasaki ZX-7RR Ninja (750NNA – 2001 Registered)

Genuine motorcycle, which has traveled just over 5,200km from new. I purchased this example about 5 years ago on a trip to Tokyo, Japan and shipped it to New Zealand where it has been in my private collection. It is an exceptional example, all original, and appears not to have ever been ridden in the rain! The spare key still has its factory protection on it. The motorcycle was featured in a newspaper article on the model a couple of years ago.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/bikes/74403132/null

The original Japanese registration documents show it was first registered in Japan in 2001, and may well be one of the last of these RR versions manufactured. I have not complied and registered it in New Zealand, but have the paperwork and can arrange this if this buyer so desires.

I own a classic motorcycle restoration business and have shipped many motorcycles worldwide. It will be securely wrapped, packed and shipped in a steel crate, clad in plywood for safety. Feel free to contact me for a shipping quote, we use a broker and CFR Rinkens for shipments to the USA.

This is a very rare opportunity to secure what I consider may well be amongst the best ZX-7RR examples in existence.

Excellent condition, has been part of a private collection for a number of years. Run up about every six months, but seldom ridden.

Well, this particular collectible Kawi looks to be in great shape, with low miles and a sharp Buy It Now price of $20,000, although bidding is only up to $15,000 with very little time left on the auction. The only downside? It’s in New Zealand, and that makes shipping a bit of a pain if you’re here in the US.

-tad

Kiwi Kawi: 2001 Kawasaki ZX-7RR for Sale

Honda December 25, 2018 posted by Tad Diemer

Christmas Bonus: 1989 Honda VFR750R RC30 for Sale

Long before “mass centralization” became a popular marketing buzzword for sportbikes, Honda was investing its bubble economy-inflated budget in a bike that took advantage of that very concept, the exquisitely-engineered VFR750R, otherwise known as the legendary RC30. Honda was so invested in sportbikes at the time that it actually sold an I4 and a V4 range of bikes concurrently, with their CBR and VFR filling slightly different niches. But when it came to their homologation bikes, Honda took their hard-won knowledge from the street-oriented V4 bikes and used it to develop the bike seen here, the VFR750R.

If you’re passingly familiar with Honda’s roadbikes, “VFR” probably evokes images of practical and engaging sport-touring bikes that lean on the sport end of the spectrum. This is not one of those bikes. The RC30 was developed to win production-based racing classes, specifically the then-new World Superbike Championship, although the ELF-designed single-sided swingarm hints at the bike’s endurance racing capabilities as well.

At the heart of the bike is obviously a compact V4 engine with a relatively narrow frontal area for good aerodynamics and very centralized mass, gear-driven cams for extremely precise valve control, and a 360°crankshaft that improved traction at the rear wheel, compared to a more traditional 180° unit. The concept of the 360° crank is that the combustion events are clustered close together, instead of spaced evenly throughout each engine revolution to allow the rear tire to “recover,” increasing traction and improving tire life. It also gives the bike a flatter powerband and a distinctive soundtrack that can be appreciated, even if your skills don’t extend to tire-spinning corner exits. The downside of a V4 is generally increased weight compared to an inline-four and tight packaging, especially with a 90° v-angle, as used here. Stripped of its fairing, the RC30 looks very dense and packed with mechanical bits, and V4s can be a bit of a bear to work on.

Reviews then and now describe it as an easy bike to take full advantage of, a bike that rewarded finesse, a bike that just did as it was told and allowed the rider to get on with winning. Power was unremarkable, weight was average, and nothing about the bike screamed “race winner.” But win it did, even against stiff opposition from Ducati, Bimota, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki, and Honda only abandoned the V4 formula when it decided that rules in WSBK favoring v-twins were onerous and biased. So they built a v-twin and showed everyone they could win with those as well, but it was clear their hearts would always belong to the V4…

The RC30 is a handsome bike, with nearly perfect proportions and a wealth of amazing details, although it doesn’t have the easy wow-factor of something from Italy. It’s not often you can accuse Ducati of cribbing styling elements, but the 916’s taillights and distinctive single-sided swingarm look awfully similar to what you can see here. And unlike those Italian machines, every single component is carefully thought out to work as part of a complete package, and engineered to near-perfection.

From the original eBay listing: 1989 Honda VFR750R RC30 for Sale

Long term ownership and fewer than 5,000 miles

1989 Honda VFR750R RC30

Frame Number: 2100129

Engine Number: 2100162

Legendary 16-valve gear-driven DOHC 90 degree V4 engine

Reportedly fewer than 3000 produced

Single owner since 1990

Fewer than 5,000 miles from new.

One of the modern era’s few immediately collectible classics, the Honda VFR750R – better known as the ‘RC30′ – was created for just one reason: to win the World Superbike Championship, a feat it achieved in the nascent series’ first two seasons of 1988 and 1989. And while American Fred Merkel was bringing Honda its first two WSB crowns, Britain’s Carl Fogarty used an RC30 to win the TT F1 World Championship in 1988 and 1989, and the equivalent FIM Cup in 1990. No mere short circuit scratcher, the RC30 and its derivatives proved durable enough to win a hat-full of Endurance Classics too. That this latter requirement was also part of the design brief may be determined from the fact that a quick-release front fork and single-sided swinging arm – essential for speedy wheel changes – were part of an unrivaled specification that included a twin-spar alloy beam frame, 16-valve V4 engine with gear-driven cams, close-ratio six-speed gearbox and four-pot front brake calipers.

All of which did not come cheap: at the time of its launch in 1988 an RC30 cost near double that of other super-sports 750s. Despite the passage of time and progress of motorcycle technology, the RC30 remains a match for the latest generation of sports bikes but possesses an exclusivity that none of them can approach. ‘No other bike from the late-Eighties is lusted after like the RC30’, reckoned Bike, and few would disagree. And then there’s the exhaust note – loud, of course, but soulful enough to bring a pit crew to tears.

This RC30 was only very recently liberated from its second and very long-term owner. Purchased in the UK in 1990, fewer than 5,000 miles have been put on the bike since it was new. Not long after acquisition, the superbike was taken to the Isle of Man where it was driven around the race track, but not actually raced. In 1991 the machine was brought stateside. Regularly maintained since new, the previous owner reports that the RC30 was taken to the local Honda dealer for a pre-sale service within the last couple of months.

Fresh from nearly three decades of single owner care, this legendary machine is offered in excellent condition throughout. The engine starts readily, idles smoothly and has an abundance of power. The clutch is silky-smooth and brakes and suspension are near perfect. I would opt for a new pair of tires before serious road use and am happy to negotiate your tire choice in to the price.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a motorcycling icon of performance and provenance and a must-have for a discerning collection.

For additional information and photos go to ClassicAvenue.com

V4s are all the rage these days, but Honda really pioneered them for modern motorcycle applications. Because who the hell else would want to design around such a packaging headache? Obviously, Honda has a history of doing things just because they can, practicality be damned: their oval-pistoned racebikes grew out of a staunch refusal to adapt to the changing technology of the Grand Prix scene and simply build a competitive two-stroke. And although that particular experiment was a failure, it shows the lengths to which Honda will go when they believe in an engineering concept. Luckily, the V4 wasn’t quite so complex and was ultimately vindicated by both in-period success and by the legacy it left behind. This example has very low miles and appears to be in very nice, original condition with an asking price of $44,900 and just one more day on the listing, so if you didn’t get what you wanted for Christmas this year and happen to have a bit of your holiday bonus left lying around…

-tad

Christmas Bonus: 1989 Honda VFR750R RC30 for Sale

Ducati November 13, 2018 posted by Tad Diemer

Heart Transplant: 1997 Ducati 916 SPS for Sale

Continuing our recent trend featuring flawed homologation specials comes this Ducati 916 SPS that is, quite tragically, missing its original engine. A truly original example would be pretty pricey, so that missing engine means it might be possible to pick this one up for a relative song. And that’s no bad thing because there’s more to an SPS than just the engine. There’s that numbered plaque, for instance…

The problem is that the SPS engine was pretty trick, and responsible for the bike’s fire-breathing character. That was the whole point of the SPS, after all. Simply bolting in another engine from the later 996 won’t really do much except get you the correct displacement, and building something close to the original specifications will also be an expensive proposition, and won’t restore the lost value.

As is typical for Ducati, it’s a guessing-game as to whether or not the bike’s numeric designation accurately reflects the engine’s displacement. In this case, it most definitely doesn’t: the 916 SPS was the first bike to use the 996’s reinforced engine cases. The older 916 engine effectively maxed out at the 955cc often seen in early bikes with big-bore kits by Ferracci and others. But the new engine was significantly revised to take the bike closer to the 1000cc limit for World Superbike v-twins and included new heads, barrels, pistons, crank, injectors. The new engine was mated to a close-ratio gearbox shared with the company’s 748.

The FG43 Öhlins FG43 fork on this bike is a significant upgrade over the original Showa unit, and the included radial Brembos should improve the already excellent stopping power. The SPS had an Öhlins shock as standard, so I’m not sure if this is the original part or an aftermarket upgrade. The rest of the changes are typical for a 916 and are of good quality, although it’s not clear if the bike has a vented engine case, as indicated by the seller, or just the rather generic vented clutch cover seen in the pictures.

From the original eBay listing: 1997 Ducati 916 SPS for Sale

1997 Ducati 916 SPS #99. 1 of 50 imported to the US, 1 of 4oo worldwide. VIN & frame verified by Ducati HQ as authentic. Engine is not an original SPS, it is a stock 916 motor. I do not know why it was removed or where it is now. Otherwise it would be $15k-$20k bike. This bike has the European headlight on/off switch, another feature unique to the SPS.

VIN # – ZDMH100AAVB000117

Bunch of nice goodies on this bike. Clean and clear title. This bike is worth over $10k in parts alone.

14k miles

FG43 Forks and Radial Brembo Calipers

Ohlins Rear Shock

Marchesini magnesium wheels with brand new Michelin Power RS tires

Vented Engine case (clutch side) (WSBK style)

Samco Hoses

Yoyodyne Slave

Fast by Ferracci Clip Ons

Forza Exhaust

Aftermarket water pump cover

STM pressure plate

Harris Billet rear sets

Bigger gauge stator/rectifier wiring

New Chain

New Battery

Bruce Meyer’s from BCM supposedly went through the stock motor to verify everything was good to go.

Fairings are all OEM Cagiva Ducati. But the side fairings could use some love (just paint) and the front fairing had some touch up paint sprayed on but a slightly different tint. But again, all original Cagiva fairings are on the bike.

Honestly, maybe the next owner can track down an original SPS engine someone has lying around, or build a 996 motor to SPS specifications and beyond. I’d guess the non-numbers-matching status will murder the value, although the seller doesn’t indicate their reserve, so perhaps they’re being realistic. Bidding is very active, but is only at $3,000 at the moment, so maybe someone will be able to pick up what amounts to a nicely upgraded, non-original 916 with that very tasty numbered plate on the top triple.

-tad

Heart Transplant: 1997 Ducati 916 SPS for Sale

Aprilia October 22, 2018 posted by Mike

Featured Listing: 2010 Aprilia RSV4 WSBK Racer!

Update 10.22.2018: Price reduced to $70,000 AUD, or roughly $49,600 USD as of today. Good luck to buyers and seller! -dc

In the motorcycling world there is the collectible category, the unobtanium performance category, and the pure bike porn category. Today’s Featured Listing ticks all of those boxes – and so much more. Originally a 2010 Aprilia RSV4 WSBK offering, this particular example has been upgraded to a more current spec including a 2012 Aprilia Racing EV02 SBK engine with ZERO hours. The provenance comes direct from the source: Aprilia Racing. What you are looking at a supermodel with Olympian capabilities and a royal bloodline, ever sexy, ever willing and ever special.

Featured Listing: 2010 Aprilia RSV4 EV02 WSBK Racer!

Writing words about this special machine feels sacrilegious; it’s like talking over an opera by Mozart, Puccini or Tchaikovsky. It’s akin to diagramming artwork like the Mona Lisa in finger paint. So I’ll stop and just let the pictures speak for themselves. Try not to get lost in the exquisite carbon fiber, rare alloys in the chassis, engine and exhaust, and the pristine packaging. Prepare to drool:

From the seller:
I bought this bike direct from Aprilia Racing in 2013 and motor has been rebuilt with zero hours.
Bike has not been ridden since 2014.

How about a spec sheet for this amazing bike? Read on!

From the seller:
Aprilia Racing WSBK Full world SBK, from Aprilia Racing
Aprilia Racing EV02 SBK engine, cylinder heads, Billet Camshaft Retainers/holders. Oval Exhaust ports!
The motor is one of the last full spec WSBK before the engine reactions came in to place
WSBK engine, airbox etc retail cost over $65,000
Cam Shafts DLC coated (adjuatable inlet and exhaust,WSBK)
Carbon Fibre airbox
Billet Fuel rails, Top Injectors direct mount to theottle bodies
STM WSBK clutch
WSBK Akrapovic exhaust — Oval Header pipes
Aluminium Fuel Tank,
Billet WSBK FUEL Pump and internal rails
WSBK subframe and carbon under tray
Aprilia Racing Carbon Fibre WSBK fairings
Carbon Fibre seat tray
WSBK alloy front dash bracket
Aprilia Racing Billet Triple clamps
Ohlins SBK front forks (Oval outer tube, stiffer under brakes, more flex in corners)
Ohlins RSP rear shock (world SBK supplied only)
Brembo WSBK front and rear calipers
Brembo Billet WSBK master cylinder
Brembo 6mm WSBK front disc
Brembo full floating rear disc
Marchesini M7 Magnesium wheels
Aprilia Racing WSBK swingarm with billet WSBK linkage
APX-2 Aprilia Racing ECU, wire harness and dash
Aprilia Racing rear sets

This caliber of equipment, power and exclusivity does not come our way every day. And nobody ever accused WSBK machines of being cheap. But if you want the best of what is available, you might want to take a closer look. Thankfully, this seller has provided a significant number of high-quality photos.

From the seller:
Asking $70k Aussie dollars
Happy to organize freight at extra costs to anywhere In the world

Contact: jai@curtisconstruction.com.au

By today’s conversion rates, the seller is asking just shy of $60,000 USD. That is well within the range of what we have seen for WSBK spec bikes in the past, if not marginally less. Technology will continue to evolve, speeds will always increase, and time will continue to march on – but this will ALWAYS be an Aprilia Racing WSBK machine, and the cachet that goes along with that is ageless. This beauty is eternal, whether you choose to show it or shag it at your favorite track day / exhibition event. Bikes of this caliber are few and far between, and rarely come up for sale. Serious parties should reach out to Jai Curtis directly before this amazing RSV4 WSBK-spec beast is gone.