Unless you have been living under a rock for the last 20+ years you have undoubtable heard someone talking about how beautiful the Ducat 916/996/998 series of motorcycles is. Since the launch people have hailed it as one of, if not the best looking motorcycle ever. Not only is it an amazing looking motorcycle, but it is also an amazing looking object. People that know nothing about motorcycles can instantly recognize the desirability of the style.
Much has been written about the specs, performance, race wins about this generation of bike, so no need to repeat all of that. At this point the buyers are well beyond buying on specification and are mainly looking to add one to the garage for emotional reasons.
Over the years depreciation took it’s toll. While these never got to the level of “cheap” time marched on and these were fairly easy to find nice examples. Newer, faster, more modern offerings from Ducati kept prices in line. In the last year or so the market has began to understand that this era of bike is no longer just a used toy, it is a classic collectable. Prices for clean, low mileage examples have shot up rapidly.
From The Seller’s eBay Listing:
This auction is for my 2001 Ducati 996 Superbike with only 4350 actual miles on it. It is in true mint condition and starts, runs and rides perfectly. Very few of even the smallest scuffs on it, you would be hard pressed to find a nicer example. As far as I can tell all bodywork is original and almost perfect. I have really wondered if it has ever been ridden in the rain. It has always been stored in a climate controlled garage. It is of course the Biposto model. It is completely stock other than the Termignoni exhaust installed by the selling dealer when it was new, and the dark windscreen. The factory clear windscreen is included in the sale. I have a clean and clear title in hand. Please email with any questions. Delivery possible within 500 miles of 45701 for an additional charge. Thanks for looking!
Buy It Now price of $8995 is sure to attract some attention. Amazing that the seller is even opened to offers. Under 5k miles means this will be able to be ridden guilt free from time to time. Seller notes how original this example is. Generally the market does not view the Termignoni exhaust as a modification in the negative sense, rather the expensive and high quality pipes are viewed as a value adding addition. A rare feet in the aftermarket. Small details like the unmarked heel guards and uncut under tail plate mount go a long way for collectors.
While the Biposto was never the most desirable model, it dose have all of the looks and performance of the single seat versions. A rising tide raises all ships and while the prices on S and R models is shooting up, this two seat bike might be a great opportunity for a collector to get in on the action before everything really gets out of hand.
eBay shows sold for $8,895. -dc