1998 Ducati 916
Miles: 9,800
Clean Title
Listing Price: $11,950
Listing Ends: August 26th, 2024
Ducati entered the modern age technologically with the 851 superbike in 1987: it was their first ever liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, four valve engine and was designed to compete on equal footing with modern counterparts from Japan, albeit with two fewer cylinders. But while the 851 was the first modern Ducati superbike, it was 1994’s Ducati 916 that really cemented the company’s image as a company known for building fast, loud and, above all, beautiful machinery. So beautiful, in fact, that the company kept almost the exact same bodywork, with minimal changes and updates from 1994 to 2004. Today’s Ducati 916 is from the bike’s final model year before it was replaced in 1999. The claimed 114hp output sounds shockingly modest by today’s standards, but it came with a broad spread of midrange torque and a complete lack of electronic rider aids, and should offer plenty of thrills for a modern rider. Handling was sublime, the riding position was cruel and unusual, and values are steadily increasing. Buy one now.
For your consideration is this excellent riding, recently extensively serviced, recently fully detailed, beautiful 1998 Ducati 916 Monoposto with a clean title. New tires, new timing belts, new timing belt tensioner bearings, and a new battery are just some of the examples of maintenance in 2023-2024. This 916 presents extremely nicely with a nearly spotless fuel tank and excellent condition body plastics. This is an original Monoposto, NOT a conversion. This 916 should meet the needs of the buyer looking to have a presentable 916 they can actually ride.
I am a diehard Ducati enthusiast having owned numerous Ducatis (ex: 748, 916, 996S, 998, 999, 900SS, Monster). This 916 is from my personal collection and is something I would want to keep but I am getting out of motorcycles due to a recent knee surgery and back issues. I take the listings and presentations of my vehicles very seriously.
The rule of thumb with any car or bike, but especially a Ducati is, buy the best you can afford. Fixer-uppers are best left to the professionals, and even “simple” restorations can quickly become money pits. With the steady increase in values of the Tamburini superbikes, the $11,950 the seller is asking seems very reasonable, considering the bike’s mileage, condition, and the obvious care that’s been put into maintenance. The only downside? This was the last year of 916 production before the changeover to the 996, and the company had already switched to the newer, much blander version of the Ducati logo. I just wish I had $12k lying around I could use to buy this thing.
-tad
