In the world of modern Italian sportbikes, most people immediately default to Ducati. But if you’re looking to broaden your horizons, you might want to consider a different offering – the Benelli Tornado 1130.
1975 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport
My favorite Guzzi, the Moto Guzzi V7 Sport is still one of the most famous Guzzis ever made. Produced in small numbers (about 3,500) for only three years, it represented a change in focus for the firm. After years of truck-like bikes such as the Ambassador and the Eldorado, the V7 was specifically created by Tonti to honor Guzzi’s racing …
1956 MV Agusta 125 TR
Post-Listing Update: Despite being re-listed, this MV Agusta 125 TR did not meet reserve at $3,600. Known as the Turismo Rapido, the MV Agusta 125 TR is a beautiful, small-displacement Italian. This example enjoyed an older restoration, though there’s been recent mechanical work to make it a rider. It’s not perfect, but it’s one of the better examples I’ve seen …
Baby Darmah – 1978 Ducati 350 GTV
Looking like a baby version of the early Darmah, the Ducati 350 GTV was an evolution of the unpopular GTL. Unfortunately, nearly all the Ducati parallel twins suffered from reliability issues, but this one seems to be in good shape…for now.
Ending Soon – 2006 Bimota DB6 Delirio
Post-Listing Update – As expected, this Bimota DB6 Delirio did not sell at the ask of $20,000. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to find this bike sooner – regular readers who wait for the email won’t see this bike until after the listing has expired, but I doubt it will sell and I’m sure you can always contact the seller …
Reader Ride – 1983 Ducati 900 MHR – Mike Hailwood Replica
Post-Sale Update: After 21 bids on eBay, this Ducati 900 MHR sold for $19,400. Reader Paul W. has just let me know about his Ducati 900 MHR that’s for sale on eBay, and this beauty is worth sharing. As you may know, the Ducati 900 MHR (Mike Hailwood Replica) was built to commemorate Hailwood’s success in the 1978 Isle of …
1980 Moto Morini 500 Strada
Post-Sale Update: This 500 Strada sold for $3,161 after 14 bids on eBay. Most riders think of the 3 1/2 when they hear Moto Morini, but the firm was also known for their 500 Sei-V that was produced a decade later…to very little fanfare. What was once a classically beautiful motorcycle became an odd jumble of plastic and angular lines …
1983 SWM 440GS
Ever heard of the motorcycle company SWM? Well, I hadn’t, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to introduce you if you were in the same boat as me. Founded in 1971 by two Italians, the company built several off-roaders around engines from Sachs and Rotax (the latter was utilized after 1977). In fact, one of SWM’s bikes …
1979 Ducati 900SS
The Ducati 900SS was built as a sportier version of the 860GT, it was designed to evoke a similarity to the classic 750SS Desmo. Unfortunately, bikes like the Mike Hailwood Replica were more in demand, relegating the 900SS to commercial mediocrity. As the model evolved, the 900SS moved from street-legal racer to eccentric sport-tourer, gaining comfort and reliability at the …
1972 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport Racer
Post-Listing Update: Despite 26 bids on eBay up to $15,150, this Moto Guzzi V7 Sport Racer did not meet reserve. A bike so classic that the firm has released a new model with a similar name, this Moto Guzzi V7 Sport Racer is an excellent example of the beautiful factory cafe. One of the most famous Guzzis ever, the V7 …
Ducati Custom Chopper
Here we’ve got a custom chopper that ‘started’ as a Ducati Monster 900, though at this point, the only Ducati left in this build is the motor, fuel injection system, and electronics. It’s been on display at Ducati days at Daytona Speedway, and is claimed to be very fast and very loud. No matter what adjective you choose to describe …
1964 Ducati 250cc F3 Racer
I end today’s Ducati trifecta with this absolute stunner – a Ducati 250cc F3 Racer. Built to compete in the Formula 3 series, this bike was partially based on the Marianna, though nearly nothing from the road bike 250cc engines were used. According to Bonham’s, which put up a similar bike for auction with an estimate of about $80k in …
“Pasta Rocket” – 1975 Ducati 860 GT
Built for just two years, the Ducati 860 GT was the Italian’s first ‘square case’ bevel twin. It was also a commercial flop, to be quickly replaced with the much more beloved 900 series bikes. This bike was styled by noted car designer Giugiaro, who went with an angular design that created some controversy. The bike put down 57 horsepower, …
1993 Ducati 888 SPO
The Ducati 888 SPO was a limited edition of the 888 – only 390 were produced over two years. Featuring the trademark desmo valve V-Twin, this 888 produced 94 horsepower and were very much suited to track time. Though road legal, the riding position is what one would call “committed”, and they weren’t friendly in traffic.
1984 Laverda RGS 1000
Post Sale Update: This Laverda RGS sold for $13,000 after 36 bids on eBay. The Laverda RGS 1000 is one of the last versions of the big triple, which tamed the “peaky” Jota engine, isolated the rider from vibrations with rubber mounts from the engine, and added the half-fairing. It was a true sport tourer, best on fast roads with …