Moto Guzzi first started testing the by now iconic longitudinal 90 degree V-Twin in 1966. Released as the 700 CC V-7 in 1967 it was updated in 1969 as the 750 CC Ambassador (or V-7 Special in Europe) Incredibly to me Guzzi was in state receivership for financial reorganization at the time. To say that the Ambassador sold well (particularly …
1999 Laverda Formula 750S
View PostEx-WorldSSP Racer – 2016 MV Agusta F3 RC
Was yesterday’s gorgeous MV F4 World Superbike Racer a little too rich for your blood at $129k? Do you still want a taste of what it would be like to be a factory MV racer? Let’s look at World SuperSport instead, where (again thanks to Newport Italian) you have the opportunity to acquire last year’s 2nd place winner.
1967 Wards Riverside 250 Benelli
If you grew up in the 1950s and ‘60s rural America (like I did) one of the really big things to watch for was the current editions of the Montgomery Wards and Sears catalogs. You could buy ANYTHING by mail from these two giant retailers. And you could certainly tell the interests of the whole family by the worn sections …
Ex Leon Camier WorldSBK Racer – 2016 MV Agusta F4 RC
Last year, Leon Camier competed in World Superbike for MV Agusta RC (Reparto Corse). Though he did not earn any podiums, he did crack the top ten with an 8th place finish over the season. Somehow, his race bike has made its way to Newport Italian, who are willing to give it to you in exchange for $129k. Camier had …
2002 Ducati 998S Ben Bostrom Replica – 15/155
When Ben Bostrom was competing in AMA Superbike with a 998S, he raced with the number 155. So when Ducati decided to sell a limited edition replica, the production quantity was obviously…310. OK, that might not make sense at first glance, but it comes from totaling up 155 bikes in the US and 155 in the UK. Ben signed every …
Street Legal – 2000 Aprilia RS250
For many enthusiasts, the Aprilia RS250 is as good as a 250cc sportbike gets. This example is even better because it’s already plated and street legal.
1980 Italjet Pack 2
Post Sale Update: After 4 bids on eBay, this Italjet sold for $1,125. In the 60s, Italjet produced a folding scooter called the Kit Kat. It was designed for pilots and sailors who found themselves at a destination without wheels. A couple of decades later, the Italian company modernized the idea with a scooter they called the Pack 2. It’s …
1971 Ducati 450 R/T Desmo
For one year only, Ducati decided to create a 450 motocrosser after their American importer convinced them it was a market worth exploring. “R/T” stood for Road/Trail, which might explain why the bike was heavier than the MX competition at 300 pounds. It did not sell well, meaning these are hard to find nowadays.
2004 Ducati 998 Matrix Edition
If you are looking at a motorcycle purchase as an investment (not really advised), one of the best things you can look for are top-of-the line models – those “S” or “R” models, or special editions, especially if they are limited runs of a few hundred or so. This Ducati 998 Matrix fits that latter category.
1979 Ducati 900 SD Darmah
Dharma. In Hindu it is the principle of cosmic order. In Buddhism it is the teaching of the Buddha. Also the name given to a mystical man eating tiger in India. The namesake hardly matters, the Ducati Darmah was a concurrent replacement for the failing 860 GTS in 1977. Some fairly simple frame and motor changes coupled with new styling …
One Owner – 1991 Ducati 851
Introduced in 1987, the 851 made Ducati relevant in motorcycle racing again. It featured fuel injection, liquid cooling, and desmo 4V heads. This example is a one-owner bike from 1991, the last year of production before Ducati bored out the motor and created the 888 SP4 and SPS.
1974 Laverda 750 SF2
Laverda got their start with big bikes in the US through American Eagle, the brainchild of Jack McCormack. Laverda knew that if they wanted to have success in America, they’d need to up their displacement. So they partnered with the McCormack to bring a 744cc twin to the States. Unfortunately for Jack, his company folded fairly quickly, and Laverda soldiered …
Collection of 20 – Harley/Aermacchi 2-Strokes in Canada
Twice in a week, we’ve got a collection of 20 Italian bikes in Canada. This time it’s a little less glamorous, but it’s still an interesting option for the small percentage of you that are into the Aermacchi/Harley bikes.
1982 Laverda Jota 120
Roger Slater was Laverda’s importer in Britain – and like all good importers, he asked the manufacturer to make something faster. So Laverda wisely responded by turning the 3C into the Jota, the fastest production motorcycle to date. The Jota was built between 1976 and 1982, and the 1,000cc triple featured 180 degree crankpin phasing that led to a distinctive …