The Bike, The Icon: 1995 Ducati 916 Corsa

Lately we seem to have had a lot of pristine/desirable Ducati machinery popping up for sale. Perhaps its just coincidence or perhaps people are making room so Father Christmas can bring them some new toys, either way I am not really complaining.

Here we have a lovely 1995 Ducati 916 that has had some tasteful upgrades, including a big bore performance engine. I know the 916/996/998 Ducati lineage has appeared here on RSBFS enough that some would argue it isn’t really a rare sportbike but follow with me for a bit and read on because I think after taking a closer look most true rare sport bike fans will agree its something special.

1995 Ducati 916/926 Corsa superbike for sale on ebay

For anyone not familiar with the importance of the 916, simply put the 916 Ducati is a true icon, a bike that helped move Ducati from a still-small-but-respectable-motorcycle manufacturer to status/luxury item. The folks at VisorDown wrote (quite eloquently):

“Every once in a while a true classic comes along: James Joyce’s Ulysses, The Beatles’ Revolver, Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs. Greats one-and-all, to be seen, owned or understood by the discerning and devoted. To the list of timeless classics, we can add Massimo Tamburini’s Ducati 916. Never had a motorcycle provoked such feelings of pure lust or been so coveted. Here was sex made metal, a Sophia Loren in cro-mo steel and alloy.

Slim and curvy, the 916 took the breath away from any angle and redefined how a motorcycle could, and should, look. Styling owed much to the phenomenal single-cylinder Supermono racer, but wasn’t just about looking good. The bottom of the tank was designed to be incorporated into the top of the air box, to form one sealed unit. The 916 got a beautifully sculptured single-sided swingarm that pivoted off the back of the engine cases, as well as being supported by the simple yet strong trellis frame. That, and the underseat exhaust pipes, became the look that defined the 916 and made it the most instantly recognizable rear in motorcycling.”

The 916 wasn’t just good looking, the four valves per cylinder desmodromic V-twin pushed the 187kg bike to a top speed around 160mph which at the time of its launch made it the world’s fastest road-going v-twin. The 916 also served as the basis for renewed Ducati success on the track, with 916 derived bikes being used by Carl Fogarty to power his run of four World Superbike Championships.

As stated earlier in this post, this 916 has had some very tasteful upgrades. Here is what the seller has to say:

Engine: Modified with Ducati Corse Hi-Compression 926cc Piston Set (from the 955cc Corse Race Bikes) and Race Cams, Jerry Branch Ported Heads w/ Big Valves.
Exhaust: 48mm Full Race System Fast by Ferracci Termignoni Exhaust w/ Carbon Fiber Silencers, Eraldo Ferracci personally recalibarated the EFI computer.
Drive: Lightweight 520 Chain and Aluminum Sprocket Kit.
Suspension: Ohlins Adjustable Resevoir Rear Shock, Steel Braided Brake Lines.

Wheels: Marvic Magnesium Race Wheels
Brakes: ISR 6-Piston Front Brake Calipers with Braking Full-Floating Rotors on Front, Stock Brembo 1-Piston at Rear.
Bodywork: Carbon Fibre Lower Fairing Panels, Ducati SP Rear Number Panel Section, Carbon Fibre Heel Guards on Footpegs.

As always, we come now to the question of whats this 916 worth? The seller has the auction listing with a buy-it-now of $9,995 USD and the bike has done 12,106 miles. That price is actually right in line with previous 916 posts here on RSBFS. The seller also states that the bike has been stored since 2002 but that all factory required servicing and recalls have been performed, the battery has kept charged,and it has been started every month to keep it fresh.

If back in the 90’s you drooled over a 916 but you couldn’t afford it, this may be your best chance to get a great version just in time for the new year.

-Marty/Dallaslavowner