The Ducati 916 is often hailed as the most beautiful motorcycle ever produced. It certainly was a game changer for Ducati, as well as World Superbike. With performance well beyond the existing 851/888 series and a sharper, more focused look, the 916 won the accolades of the press, the trophies on the track, and set new sales records for Ducati. Despite its success, it was not immune to the Ducati “limited edition” way. The 916 was offered in SP and SPS variants, as well as specialty livery. This Senna Edition is just such a bike. Limited to 300 units and built with carbon fiber panels, the Senna Edition celebrated Ayrton’s life and his charity for underprivileged children in his home country of Brazil. This was a very expensive 916 (which itself was far more expensive than any contemporary sportbike). Today, there are Senna Editions of both Ducati and MV Agusta machines, and their resale value is somewhat spotty. It is a good looking color scheme to be sure – but comes with a premium price tag.
1998 Ducati 916 Senna Edition for sale on eBay
From the seller:
Exceptional motorcycle being a part of a series limited to 300 copies in the world. It’s a masterpiece of unique and rare beauty. This motorcycle is the last Senna built by the factory in 1998 with the n° 300, has been signed by Troy Bayliss (Superbike Worldchampion). First swiss road registration made in may 2000.Irreproachable state, with only 5923 km, maintained by enthusiast. Runs like new and always parked in closed garage. Comes with all documentation, double of keys and all original accessories: cover, back stand bike and slip on carbon Termignoni.
Last Ducati dealer inspection and service done in january 2014.Estimation made by Bonhams Europe between 15,000.- and 18,000.- euros that’s 19,000.- 23,000 USD. The motorcycle is in Geneva – Switzerland(Swiss).
We have seen quite a few Senna Edition Ducatis and MV Agustas on the pages of RSBFS. In fact, we have seen this exact bike before, right down to the Troy Bayliss signature on the side cover (click here for the post from last year). It still claims the same number of miles: 5,923. Back then the BIN was set at a very high $23,000. Today this bike is at auction with a BIN of $20k. Worth it? Time – and the market – will decide. The latest auction is right here, and contains new pictures and details. Good Luck!
MI
1) Description makes it sound like the Senna was based on the SP. It wasn’t. SP has a hot engine, the Senna has an Ohlins shock, floating discs, paintjob, and a plaque.
2) 90% sure the side fairings were NOT carbon fiber–I’d have to confirm that.
3) Seller–If the entire value is tied into the (original) cosmetics, maybe you should ditch the black screen, rim stripes, and whored up sticker kit.
Hi Adam – thanks for the comments. Engine specs for the Senna were based predominantly on the base Strada, with the exception of different con-rods. From a chassis perspective, this is closer to the SP (suspension and brakes).
The large side panels are not carbon; simply paint. However the fender, mudguard and small side panels are carbon on the Senna. The MV Agusta version of the Senna Edition offered carbon side panels.
I don’t get it.
The bike is probably a treat to ride, and looks technically amazing, but beautiful?
Nope.
Don’t see it.
It’s blocky-looking (to me), and aesthetically jarring.
I’ll take either the Kawasaki or the Yamaha in the background though.
Maybe I’m just getting old . . . .
Get off my lawn!
“Worth it?” Absolutely not.