Back in the early 1970s, Benelli was in a precarious financial position. The brand’s GP efforts from the decade prior proved costly, and their uninspiring two-strokes were struggling to sell. Thankfully, Alejandro de Tomaso (you’ll recognize that name on account of four-wheeled exotics like the Mangusta and the Pantera) stepped in and acquired 85% of the company in 1971.
1 of 8 – 2005 Vyrus 50 C32T
View PostIn Spain – 1970 Mini Marcelino
Mini Marcelinos were built in both Italy and Spain – originally created by Dinamica Meccanica Tassinari in Italy, a Spanish version was built by a former Ducati employee. As you may guess, MotoTrans was involved and they built 48cc Ducati engines under license.
1993 Ducati Superlight 900
In 1992, Ducati took their 900 Supersport and added several choice extras to create a limited edition called the Ducati Superlight. Unfortunately, for reasons unknown, in 1993 they removed almost all the extras, leaving just a fully floating rear brake to differentiate the limited edition from its less exclusive brother. Today we feature a beautiful example of one of those …
1964 Ducati Diana Mark 3
Do you like beautiful things? Of course you do. Do you like beautiful things that are temperamental and may cause you to set fire to your garage? Then you’ll want this 60-year-old Ducati Diana Mark 3. First, though, let me save you the trouble of getting lost in a bunch of internet rabbit holes due to confusion caused by how …
Moto Motivo Custom – 1975 Moto Guzzi 850T
Built by Johann Keyser of Moto Motivo, this custom (and gorgeous) Guzzi “was an exercise in creating a “period correct” cafe racer.“
2002 Di Blasi Express
I’m featuring this scoot for two reasons. First, it’s hard not to appreciate the engineering required to build a vehicle that folds up into a bag. Second, the delightfully 90s website is worth checking out.
1971 Moto Guzzi Ercole
The Moto Guzzi Ercole (Italian for Hercules) is a fantastic vintage three-wheeler typically used as a shop/farm runabout. Able to carry nearly a ton, this bike truly earned the nickname. On either side of the rider there are optional fold out seats, upping capacity to 3 total individuals, and the bed works hydraulically.
2002 Moto Guzzi V11 LeMans
Back in 2001, Moto Guzzi introduced the V11 LeMans as a spiritual successor to its iconic 850 racer. The bike featured the marque’s tried-and-true transverse 1100cc V-Twin – per MCN, “If you want an old-school Italian heavyweight with 21st century components, finish and style, look no further than the Moto Guzzi V11.” Here’s an interesting one that comes with all …
2004 Ducati Multistrada 1000 Custom
Custom built by Spirit Lake Cycles, this Ducati is an interesting take on what the Italians called the Multistrada, which translates to “many roads.” That reflects the broad capabilities built in by Ducati and Pierre Terblanche – their attempt at a touring bike you could hustle with. As MCN put it, “On face value, the Ducati Multistrada 1000DS shouldn’t work …
In Australia – 1985 Ducati TT1
Ducati’s TT1 was a 748cc race bike based on the iconic TT2 (600cc), a bike that won multiple world championships. The TT1 ultimately wouldn’t be as successful as its predecessor, but the 750 was nonetheless a solid racer that would lead to a street-legal variant we know as the F1 750. This example is not one of the original (50-60 …
1962 Aermacchi Chimera 250
The Chimera was a bit ahead of its time – despite rarely seen features (for the time) like a single rear shock and the futuristic styling, Aermacchi was only able to sell 119 examples of the 175cc variant and 177 examples of the 250cc. Here’s a rare example of the latter that’s in the US.
Zero Miles – 2003 Ducati 999R FILA #0005
Over on the auction site we’ve got an impressively original example of the bike that Ducati built to celebrate its 200th win in WSBK. The Italian firm released just 200 examples of their top of the line 999R in the Team Ducati FILA livery of 2003 – 75 were supposed to make it to the US but it’s possible that …
1970 Benelli Volcano
In a moment of insanity, Benelli shoved a 180cc two-stroke engine into a minibike frame and created the Volcano. It was the most powerful minibike Benelli created and was capable of hitting 56 miles per hour!
1993 Moto Guzzi Strada 1000
Here’s a model I wasn’t familiar with previously: the Moto Guzzi Strada 1000. Based on the limited information I’ve been able to track down, these were built between ’92 and ’94 and it was a combination of the Mille GT and the SP III. Do you have any information on it?