Two Up – 1988 Ducati F1B

With an eye on several “Battle of the Twins” races series, Ducati brought the 750 F1 forward with a minimum of new engineering and development dollars.  The bikes are now revered for their stripped down sensibilities and this particular F1B is a gem with under 4,000 miles.

1988 Ducati F1B for sale on eBay

Descendant from the Pantah and 600TT2, the 750F1 used cam belts and twin Dell’Ortos to achieve the landmark 100 hp per liter, or 75 hp from the 748 cc L-twin desmodue.  The fuel tank rests in the steel trellis frame with fabricated swingarm.  Almost vintage in character, the right-side up forks complement single-adjustable monoshock, with 280mm Brembo brakes.  Very light but full coverage fairing has seat fairing as well.

This F1 looks very, very good, as it should for the high starting bid.  Some mishap has befallen the solo seat but the SoCal owner has a replacement biposto, which might actually make the bike more enjoyable with its more flexible seating position.  As the eBay auction states:

RARE LAST YEAR DUCATI F1 750, F1 750S, THE LAST OF THE REAL DUCATI’S, THERE WERE ONLY 134 1988 F1 750 IN USA, NEAR MINT CONDITION, ONLY 3972 ORIGINAL MILES, I LOST THE COVER FOR SINGLE SEAT WHILE MOVING, I THINK IT’S AVAILABLE IN EUROPE, IF I KEEP THIS F1 750S, I’LL CHANGE TO THE RACING SINGLE SEAT, ABOUT 150.00…

Of course the “last real Ducati” is entirely a matter of perspective, but one can hardly argue the lack of mission creep in the short F1 model run.  No concessions to touring or daily utility, it’s all you need for an afternoon in the twisties and nothing more.  Sure there are a handful of race replicas existing with their circuit city names, but the 750 F1 presented here would be an outstanding rider or nice addition to the collection…

-donn