Posts by tag: WSBK

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.

Featured Listing: 2010 Aprilia RSV4 WSBK Racer!

Honda June 9, 2018 posted by Donn

Once Smitten – 1990 Honda VFR-750R / RC30

If there was to be sportbike bubble, the grail-like Honda RC30 might be leading the way, prices rising as you watch, with collector auctions drumming up some truly outlandish numbers. Still it is a venerable model which stood the WSBK universe on its head for a few years – lightweight, powerful, easy to ride, and just a few thousand exist. This one has low miles, few modifications, outstanding condition, and a knowledgeable owner.

1990 Honda VFR-750R RC30 for sale on eBay

Bred and born for superbike racing, the RC30 has the goods, sometimes well hidden. Titanium connecting rods and 360-degree crankshaft timing help make a torquey flexible 102 hp. The single-sided swingarm is novel for the era, and quick-release front axle is also race-derived. Rideability is enhanced by the factory slipper clutch, and the endurance racer fairing protects the monoposto up to its 149 mph top speed.

Careful enough that he raked the gravel in the photo shoot area, this might be a unique previous owner. Evidently having owned a few RC30’s over the years, this one was preserved and carefully modified with just a polished exhaust and matching 17-inch wheels from an RC45. It certainly shows beautifully, even without the fairings, making the pictures a must-save for RC30 fans or owners. From the eBay auction:

As you can see from the pics, the bike is in exceptional stock OEM condition and has no period performance modifications other than the wheels and exhaust noted above. The bike still wears its original paint, and it is in very nice condition for its age. As best I can tell, all of the original Honda warning stickers and decals are still in place and looking good. There are a few very minor nicks and scuffs here and there, but you have to examine the bike very closely to find them. The most notable are on the lower fairing chin (see pics) and a scuff on the right side of the original windshield (see pics). Some of what you see on the fairing chin is actually the clear plastic chip guard lifting around the edges and trapping a bit of dirt, but there are a couple of chips at the very nose of the “chin” (it is not cracked through anywhere to my knowledge). There are also a few areas around mounting points that show some minor stress cracking in the paint which is quite common for an RC30 with any mileage, but these are minor enough that I could not get them to show in the photos. The front of the lower forks also have some discoloration in a few spots which is also very common for these bikes (see pics). The above said, the overall appearance of the bike is excellent.

The RC30’s balance and powerband led it to a long career at the Isle of Man and under endurance racing privateers. Reviews said it was light handling and Honda-easy to maintain. Prices had been in the mid-twenties until recently, in varying levels of miles and restoration. A couple of zero-miles examples have popped up this year, one selling at Bonham’s for over $90K including commission. Nothing like that here, but this is a great specimen that it wouldn’t hurt to ride once in a while. That is what it’s all about, isn’t it ?

-donn

Once Smitten – 1990 Honda VFR-750R / RC30

Bimota May 29, 2018 posted by Donn

Motown – 2000 Bimota SB8R

Bimota was fighting its way back from the V-Due debacle and brought forward the SB8R, based on Suzuki’s 996cc V-twin. This example appears to have components from an SB8R Special, sporting all carbon bodywork and so even lighter. It hails from an area more known for NASCAR but should be at home on any back road.

2000 Bimota SB8R for sale on eBay

The WSBK Series was in Bimota’s plans when their designers looked into the SB8R, and though that wasn’t to be, the design is a smashing collaboration between the boutique frame and mass-market powertrain manufacturers. The aluminum perimeter frame has carbon connectors and 137 hp on tap from the Suzuki engine. Bimota’s engineers tweaked the fuel injection with 59mm Marelli throttle bodies and underseat exhaust, resulting in a more SBK experience, as does the adjustable Paioli suspension. Carbon fairing and carbon seat subframe lead to a ride 45 or so pounds lighter than the TL1000.

The owner hints that this is a race bike on its way back to road duty, and though there are no mirrors or signals, it looks way too nice to have ever actually done a race season. Maybe a premium track day machine. From the eBay auction:

Spectacular all carbon fiber bodywork steals the show at motorcycle gatherings. The awesome intake sound through the huge snorkels is hard to describe and really enjoyable.

Starts, runs, rides perfectly. Fantastic canyon or track day motorcycle.

Great ride due to its light weight (395 lbs dry), fully dialed suspension, torquey TLR engine (though with Bimota’s own EFI and throttle bodies), and awesome Arrow race exhaust note. Engine and transmission gone through with everything returned to stock configuration.

All new fluids and ready to go except needs new street tires — pick per your preference. Carbon fiber clip on handle bars, special race rear set foot controls, Arrow carbon fiber racing mufflers. All the trick stuff that Bimota did on this design such as the self supporting carbon fiber subframe/tail, hybrid aluminum-carbon fiber main frame, mean intake snorkels, rear shock placement (forward for mass centralization)…

Even Laverda patron Francesco Tognon couldn’t turn the tide at Bimota, after their WSBK sponsor bailed early in the season. Revitalized in the early 2000’s, the company has a new race team and a line of bespoke machines. Very special but not in the giant killer way of the race-derived SB8R generation. This auction has seven days to run and appears to have had a starting bid but no reserve. Something to keep an eye on…

-donn

Bimota December 29, 2017 posted by Tad Diemer

Race History: Ex-Anthony Gobert Bimota SB8K for Sale

Both a flamboyant racer and a cautionary tale, Anthony Gobert was a hugely talented rider who fell from grace after a failed drug test. Several times, actually. Racing today is obviously a far cry from the wild days of the 60s and 70s, where playboy racers partied with stewardesses well into the night before getting up the following morning to risk life and limb while nursing a hangover. Today’s riders generally treat racing as the serious profession it has become, instead of as a way for daredevils to travel and booze it up on someone else’s dime. I’m sure Gobert’s missteps would have been laughed off in another era, but a failed test for marijuana, of all things, ended his MotoGP dreams in 1997, although he continued to race in Superbikes events in a variety of classes. Somewhere along Gobert’s slow downward spiral, he got a ride on this Bimota SB8K and managed to make an underfunded machine from a tiny manufacturer briefly competitive, a testament to his talent.

Bimota’s SB8 was really the TL1000R that Suzuki wasn’t able to build, and one of their most successful models. There’s no doubting the liquid-cooled, 996 v-twin engine’s prowess: it’s been used in various iterations by Suzuki since 1997 to power both sports and touring models. More importantly, both Cagiva and Bimota saw the potential for the engine to power some serious sporting hardware, and just needed to work around the layout challenges posed by the v-twin. As can be seen by the Ducati Panigale’s side-mounted rear shock, a transverse 90° v-twin is very long, making it difficult to package efficiently in a compact sportbike while simultaneously maximizing swingarm length. Suzuki used an innovative rotary damper with roots in Formula 1 to support the rear of their TL1000S and TL1000R. Unfortunately, while the concept was sound in theory, it didn’t work so well in practice, as the undersized unit tended to overheat and cause handling to go from “stable” to “exciting” without much warning.

Bimota took that throbbing, 138hp lump of an engine and put it into a machine that could much more fully exploit its obvious possibility. As with all Bimotas, the SB8’s real party trick was a state-of-the-art frame. While I’m a sucker for Ducati’s classic trellis unit, the SB8 used a wild composite design based around stiff, lightweight aluminum spars with carbon fiber side plates and a self-supporting carbon fiber tail section. You can see Bimota’s solution to that rear suspension issue, peeking out on the right side of the bike from behind the main frame spar. Ultimately, the SB8 weighed in at nearly 50lbs less than the TL-R, although the bike is uncharacteristically broad and bulky for a v-twin, ironic considering the amazingly slim design of the Ducati 996. It’s exotic for sure, but not especially pretty, and the carbon air tubes on the original SB8R also meant you’d better know where those hand controls are without looking, or you’d be craning your neck awkwardly trying to find the high-beam switch or cancel the turn signals. Best not to use them.

Of course, the locations of headlight and turn signal switches matter little in this particular case, since this is the updated SB8K version that did away with the massive carbon tubes in favor of a more conventional intake system. And this bike doesn’t have signals or lights anyway, since it’s the very World Superbike machine that Gobert used to win at Philip Island in 2000, reminding everyone of his talent, if not his self-control. Many who worked with him feel he could have been one of the all-time greats, and flashes of his brilliance can be seen in results he achieved on the SB8K.

From the original eBay listing: Ex-Anthony Gobert Bimota SB8K for Sale

ex-Anthony Gobert, winning in Philip Island April 2000.

VIN: 00071

This is a legendary bike in a WSBK history for who remembers the victory in april 2000 in Philip Island when Fogarty ended his career… also it is an ICON for the Italian racing motorcyles enthusiasts and the Bimota collectors.

Only 2 FACTORY bikes were built for the 2000 WSBK, frame #71 and frame #73. This is the only of the 2 fully preserved, complete (with telemetry) and owned by BIMOTA FACTORY from year 2000 to 2017. Full history know, fully untouched since the 2000 season ended.

The bike is fitted with SUZUKI FACTORY TL1000R magnesium/dry clutch engine but tuned then for Bimota by one of the TOP mechanics in the Italian motorcycling history, Franco Farne’… yes the Ducati legend! The bike comes with some spares: engine cases, 2 heads, spare rear wheel, box with bits and pieces.

Letter of verification by the FACTORY present.

Parade, race and collect!

Be sure to check out the photos in the gallery above. The shot of the injectors and one of the high-capacity radiator with the cutout for the front cylinder are especially cool. This is yet another ex-race machine being offered by the same seller as the YB4 racebike from a couple weeks back and, a bit of expected racing wear and tear and some significant discoloration on the swingarm, appears to be in very nice condition. There are several days left on the auction, and bidding is up to just under $9,000 with the Reserve Not Met.

-tad

Race History: Ex-Anthony Gobert Bimota SB8K for Sale

Honda October 28, 2017 posted by Donn

Rev. 2.0 – 2003 Honda RVT1000R / RC51

Honda joined the V-twin WSBK fray in 2000 and Colin Edwards won the inaugural season on the RC51. The SP-2 was introduced in 2002 and incorporated many lessons learned the first two years. Almost every aspect of the machine was improved, with a little more power and less weight. This example has been hiding in Queens, New York and shows only 2,295 miles.

2003 Honda RVT1000R / RC51 for sale on eBay

With the general layout of its nemesis, the RVT-1000R used a nicely oversquare 996cc twin, with the SP-2’s whopping 62mm throttle bodies helping Honda stay on the right side of WSBK rules and deliver 136 hp. Steering head angle was reduced to sharpen handling, and the swingarm from Edwards’ racing machine was put into production with a loss of two pounds of unsprung weight. Parts that were merely advanced were redesigned and lightened where possible, like fairing stays, alloy seat subframe, and ram-air intake which doubles as a fairing support.

This RC51’s New York owner has taken nice care and made a few choice upgrades. The Sato exhaust alone saves 10 lbs. and has been dyno-tuned. Limited photos so an in-person inspection will be a must. From the eBay auction:

This bike runs great with no problems or lights on and is extremely powerful. The bike was put on a dyno machine and tuned perfectly. The plastics are in great condition with some light scratches too the decals and a scuff mark on the front brake lever. Never been in any accidents or stunted or abused in any way. Always babied. Through out the years I added all the upgrades. This bike comes with ultra rare Sato Racing titanium exhaust, power commander, K&N air filters, CRG levers, black tinted windscreen, Sargent gel seat, PIAA bulbs, yellow high beam, Proton front turn signals, Michelin Pilot Power tires (like new condition) Pro Grip hand grips, Hot Bodies under tail and tire hugger, axle mounted LP bracket, new battery. The bike has low miles but may go up because I ride it now and then. This bike also comes with but not pictured the OEM bike manual, factory tool kit, OEM factory repair manual in binder, results from dyno machine.

Edwards went on to take WSBK in 2002 as well, and a Kentucky upstart won the AMA Superbikes on RC51 race number 69. But the wind direction changed abruptly when FIM changed the rules to allow 1000cc fours, and Honda returned to their successful formula. With just a few thousand produced each year, the RC51 isn’t super-limited, but also not mass-produced. The SP-2’s many improvements make it the one to have if you’re a fan. And for an almost fifteen year-old motorcycle, the low miles and adult ownership make this RVT-1000R look even better…

-donn

Ducati July 18, 2017 posted by Tad Diemer

“For Off Road Use Only”: 1992 Ducati 888 Corsa for Sale

Update 7.18.17: We originally saw this 888 Corsa last September and the seller was reportedly looking for $75k. This bike is back on eBay and has a buy-it-now of $60k. Links are updated. -dc

This Ducati 888 Corsa isn’t some roadbike that was stripped of lights and accessories. It is one of a claimed 30 built in 1992 explicitly for racing and came ready for battle, naked except for the parts both inside and out needed to make it go fast and be competitive in World Superbike racing.

Powered by a liquid-cooled, four-valve development of Ducati’s air and oil-cooled Desmo L-twin engine, the 851 and later 888 marked Ducati’s return to relevance. The air-cooled bikes certainly handled well, but were significantly down on outright power and, as the Japanese Big Four continued the rapid development of their four-cylinder sportbikes, just couldn’t compete in terms of outright performance.

Hung in one of their tubular trellis-style frames, the new Desmoquattro featured fuel injection and generally made less peak horsepower than competing four-cylinders, but produced its torque-rich power across a wider range, allowing riders to get on the power sooner for better drive out of corners. That, in addition to the displacement advantage granted to them compared to the 750cc inline fours, gave the new four-valve Ducatis a significant advantage, and they were very successful in World Superbike with the 851, 888, and later with their 916.

From the original eBay listing: 1992 Ducati 888 Corsa for Sale

This bike is one of 30.
Only 30 were produced in 1992 for Ducati race teams.
Don’t know how many are left in the world.
The bike has Termignoni exhaust.
The front brakes are one carbon rotor and one conventional rotor.
Bike is titled as an off road track only but it is titled.
From 1989 to 1992 the frame was white and a red body.

Unfortunately, the listing doesn’t include any information about the bike’s history. As a race bike, there’s likely been an evolving roster of components, unless the bike’s been off the road for a long time, and I wonder what’s going on under the skin. Witness the mismatched front discs that use two different materials and the modern radial front brake and clutch master cylinders. The bike is obviously clean and in excellent shape, and bidders don’t seem put off by the spare listing: at almost $32,000 the reserve has not been met and there are still several days left on the auction.

-tad

“For Off Road Use Only”: 1992 Ducati 888 Corsa for Sale

Ducati April 2, 2017 posted by Mike

B-Boz Beauty: 2002 Ducati 998S Bostrom Edition

Today is a bit about eye candy. Well, it’s really all about eye candy. My day really comes together when I see a great machine photographed in a manner that really makes it pop. Today’s seller has done just that, and I welcome you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the sublime photos of a Ducati 998S in striking livery.

From the seller:
This one is #015/155, only 155 of Ben Bostrom special edition models made for this market.

This bike literally needs nothing. I just had EVERYTHING & anything serviced to get this bike ready for a new home. 6k service compete with fresh belts and valves within spec, new spark plugs etc. (Old belts come with the bike, as well as valve clearance sheet)

Everything has been done.

More from the seller:
Lots of period correct upgrades

Termignoni FULL 52 mm Titanium exhaust with ECU
Pazzo Racing Black Billet Levers
Heli-Bars clip-ons for comfort
Rizoma Sprocket Cover
Rizoma Clutch Cover
MPL Frame Billet Aluminum Frame Plugs
Billet Aluminum Adjustable RearSets
Carbon Fiber Heel Guards
Carbon Fiber Exhaust Guards
Evoluzione Turn Signal Integrator
-1 tooth Ducati Performance Race Aluminum Front Sprocket
Goodridge Red Steel Braided Clutch, Front and Rear Brake Lines
Ducati Performance Steering Head Bolt, Oil Breather, and Clutch Slave Cylinder, Red Pressure Plate and Springs
Billet Aluminum License Plate relocator

Awesome pictures and a great write-up by the seller regarding services completed and modifications made. I know that we here on RSBFS tend to prefer bikes in more of a stock condition for collector value, but you have to admire the dollars thrown at this limited edition Bostrom model – it looks absolutely sano! If you can live with the “Mr. Knievel goes to WSBK” graphics, there is little about this low-mileage, booming twin NOT to like. It appears the internet agrees with that assessment, as bidding has been pretty spirited on this bike. It is still under the reserve price, but getting closer with each wave of the virtual auction paddle. Check it out here, and then ride it like a Boz! Good Luck!