Ghezzi-Brian was founded in 1995 by Giuseppe Ghezzi and Bruno Saturno. Within a year they won the Italian SuperTwin championship, thanks to first place finishes in 9 of the 32 races. They took their SuperTwin and built a small run of road-legal replicas with the drivetrain from a Moto Guzzi Sport 1100i. Most of the production run stayed in Italy, …
2002 Ducati 998S Troy Bayliss #393
2002 was the first year of the 998, which featured an all new Testastretta motor that produced 123 horsepower (up 11 from the 996). Ducati offered the base 998, the 998S, and the 998R. The middle-of-the-road “S” model got an Ohlins shock and steering damper, carbon fiber belly pan, revised brake calipers, and color-matched mirrors.
2009 MV Agusta F4 1078 RR 312
Over on the auction site we’ve got one of the last examples of the first generation of MV Agusta’s legendary F4 1000. You wouldn’t be alone if you though the MV Agusta F4 was the world’s most beautiful motorcycle – but styling is subjective. What can’t be argued is speed, and the F4 R 312 was, when released in 2008, …
191 Miles – 2010 Ducati 1198 S Corse
The 1198S was a phenomenal machine – MCN called it “one of the best V-twins ever made” and “truly one of those motorcycles that everybody should be allowed to ride once in their life.” For those of you that want a dash of exclusivity, Ducati produced a special cosmetic package called the Corse between 2009 and 2011. Here’s one that’s …
No Reserve – 1986 Moto Guzzi LeMans 1000 Custom
As 1984 wrapped up, Moto Guzzi introduced the next generation of their iconic Le Mans with a bigger motor, Lario-inspired styling, and a 16″ front wheel. The front wheel change was polarizing as the frame had been designed around the 18″ front wheel of the previous generation but no changes were made to accommodate the smaller rim. This one has …
1 of 30 – 2021 Aprilia Tuono V4 X
In 2020, Aprilia created the ultimate version of their RSV4 sportbike. They called it the “X” and made just 10 examples, which sold out immediately and for hefty prices. Soon after, they recreated the magic with their naked bike, the Tuono. This time they made 30, and they sold them for $41,667. That’s not the only impressive number – the …
1 of 23 – 2007 Bimota DB6 Delirio Azzuro
6-23-2022 Update: Three years later, this bike is back up for sale. It’s got a few more miles (now up to 1,209 even though the seller says 700), but more importantly the opening bid ask is down quite a bit. Last time I featured this the seller wanted $25k as an opening bid. Now bidding starts at $11,000. Find it …
Owned By Forbes – 1982 Bimota SB3
Just 402 examples of the SB3 were ever built – and only nine of them were in white with red speed blocks. One of those nine was originally sold new to Malcolm Forbes (the publisher of Forbes magazine), and that’s the bike we’ve got up for sale over on Iconic.
2000 Cagiva Mito 125
Over on the auction site we’ve got a rare-in-the-US example of a Tamburini-designed tiddler. Introduced in 1989, the Cagiva Mito (Italian for “myth”) was built to replace the Freccia 125. The original model featured dual circular headlights and for four years it was the best-selling motorcycle in Italy.
1989 Italjet Buster
Italjet marketed the Buster as “a terrific little bike that is approved for AMA racing in the Pee Wee class for ages 4 to 8.”
750 F1 Tribute – 1993 Ducati 900SS
Built by Johann Keyser of Moto Motivo, this custom (and gorgeous) Ducati is a tribute to a Ducati 750 F1 Bol d’Or endurance racer.
Carbo-Tec Frame – 2002 Ducati “1036CS”
I saw this bike on eBay last week and didn’t share it because I figured it wouldn’t meet reserve, but I didn’t realize how far off I was. Now it’s back up on eBay and the seller has an asking price – $58,000 or best offer. Is it worth it? You tell me.
1969 Tarbo TR350
The seller of this Italian scooter says he’s never seen a Tarbo Sport 50 before. Hell – I’ve never even HEARD of it before, which is why I’m so glad to share it with you.
Pantah Body Kit – 2011 Ducati Monster 796
In 2010, Ducati announced an interesting program for Monster owners. The Italian firm released a series of body kits that could be installed very quickly (10 minutes) to change up the look of a Monster 696, 796, 1100, or 1100S. This featured 796 has the “Pantah” kit, which has a livery reminiscient of the classic 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL.
1980 Moto Morini 500 Strada
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 as the Italian company tried to compete with bikes coming out of Japan.