2018 marks 25 years for the Ducati Monster, and it’s had quite a run during that quarter-decade. In 2005, the model line was updated with a new king – the S4RS Testastretta (999 Superbike motor/Ohlins suspension) and the S2R desmodue (2V Desmo motor). The latter borrowed the styling from the former but it offered similar amounts of joy for a …
1982 Ducati Pantah 600SL
The Ducati Pantah 600SL (actually a 583cc) was the first Ducati to use a hydraulic clutch. Other upgrades included Bosch ignition, Paoli forks, and a tougher gearbox. The engine was good for 57 horsepower at 8,500rpm and it was paired with a 5 speed transmission and Dell’orto carbs. A year later, the Pantah got an even bigger engine and became …
Street Legal 2-Stroke in CA – 2000 Cagiva Mito 125
In 1994, Cagiva updated the styling of their little Mito 125 with a redesign by none other than Massimo Tamburini – that’s why it looks like like his iconic 916! These are absurdly rare in the United States (according to Mecum, just 20 were imported in 2000), and this one is extra special for residents of California because it’s plated …
2016 Ducati Hypermotard 939 SP
A friend of mine in the motorcycle industry is selling his Ducati Hypermotard 939 SP – and the SP is the one you want with Ohlins suspension, better brakes, slight reduction in weight, and even a slightly longer wheelbase. It’s the ultimate commter!
1995 Ducati E900 Elefant
Post Sale Update: This Elefant sold for $3,500 after 15 bids on eBay. Ducati was sold to Cagiva in 1985, and one of the things the latter did with this infusion of bikes and technology to try and compete in the Paris-Dakar rally. They created the Elefant, which won the rally in 1990 and 1994. In the US, the bike …
Rare in the US – 1991 Gilera CX125
Post Listing Update: This CX did not get any interest at the opening ask of $7,995. 5-3-2018 Update: Looks like the original sale did not go through, and this rare Gilera is back up for sale. The unmet opening bid is $7,995 here on eBay. Post-Sale Update: After 2 bids on eBay, this Gilera sold for $5,900. The coolest looking …
“V5 Sport” – 1981 Moto Guzzi V50 III Custom
Post Listing Update: This “V5” did not meet reserve despite 12 bids up to $2,520. When Moto Guzzi first released the V50 in the late 70s, they were met with a tepid response from an American market that preferred bigger bikes and expected smaller bikes to be cheaper. Not many were sold, but this example is truly a 1-of-1 as …
Restored to Ride – 1975 Ducati 750GT
Post Listing Update: This 750GT did not meet reserve despite 33 bids up to $17,800. Ian Falloon doesn’t think model years are the best way to differentiate when it comes to the Ducati 750GT. Instead, he says there are three “production stages” that differ significantly enough to be considered separate. This “third production stage” 750GT was restored in 2009 and …
0 Miles – 2003 Aprilia RS250 GP1
Post Listing Update – this Aprilia did not meet reserve despite 21 bids up to $9,100. 5-3-2018 Update: Almost two years later, this basically-new RS250 is back up for sale – though the seller now calls it a 2003 model instead of a 2004. Find it still in Salinas, California with bidding up to $6,000 and the reserve not yet …
2010 Moto Guzzi California Vintage
Post Listing Update: This Cal Vin did not meet reserve despite 3 bids up to $5,200 on eBay. In 2006, Moto Guzzi brought back the California name for a new model, but the additional word of “Vintage” in the title tells you what this is all about – vintage styling with modern components.
2007 Bimota DB6 Delirio
Post Sale Update: Wow, the seller made quite a profit. This bike sold for the BIN of $12,000. 4-30-2018 Update: Over two years later, the new owner of this Delirio has put 100 miles on it and is moving on. Find it in Knoxville, Tennessee with a BIN of $12,000 (compare that to the previous sale price below) or best …
1958 Moto Rumi Junior
Post Listing Update: This Rumi did not get any interest at the opening ask of $14,999. Rumi started building two-wheelers after WWII in direct response to Italy’s need for cheap transportation. The man in charge of two-wheel design (Donnino Rumi) was a sculptor, and you could see that in several of his designs – such as the Formichino scooter or …
2012 Moto Guzzi Griso 8V SE
Post Listing Update: This Griso did not meet reserve despite 6 bids up to $6,000. When it’s adorned in Tenni Green, the Moto Guzzi Griso is one of the most beautiful motorcycles in modern production. It’s more than a looker – in 2014 Cycle World compared the Indian Scout, Honda CB1100, BMW R9T, and the Griso. Even though the Guzzi …
2004 Moto Guzzi V11 Coppa Italia
Post Listing Update: This Coppa Italia did not get any interest at the BIN of $8,600. Consider me surprised. One of the rarest versions of the V11, the Coppa Italia was built to commemorate Guzzi’s challenge for the National Naked Bike Championship of the Roadster Cup in their home country of Italy in 2003. To properly pay tribute to a …
2016 Aprilia Tuono Factory
In 2015, Aprilia updated the Tuono with a 1,100cc motor, and it made a great bike even better. In their review, MCN summarized it as: “nothing short of sensational. It sums up what a super naked should be: the ultimate in sportsbike performance, all wrapped-up in a usable, practical road package. Power, torque, handling, braking, electronics and comfort are second …