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 …
Wide Case Racer – 1968 Ducati 450 Non-Desmo
Though it could be plated for street duty because it’s got lights, a horn, and all that other good stuff, this 450 is currently setup for racing. Note that despite the “Desmo” on the tank, the original head was replaced with a conventional head for “reliability reasons” and the Desmo head is no longer available.
In Canada – A Collection of 20 Classic Italians
A seller in Canada is letting go of his entire collection of Italian motorcycles. There’s big bikes, scooters, and even a brand I’ve never heard of before (Sertum). They’re current on display at his home and all of them were runners before they were put in show mode. With that said, the seller has ridden several within the last 2 …
Dealer Build – 2015 Ducati Scrambler Icon Custom
Beverly Hills Ducati is trying their hand at custom building bikes, and it looks like they’ve started with an Icon version of the Scrambler. What do you think about it?
1977 MV Agusta 800 America
View PostRecent Restoration – 1956 Mondial 200 Sport
The glory years of FB Mondial were right at the beginning – they were founded in 1948 and immediately started winning GP World Championships. Specializing in high performance, small displacement bikes, FB Mondial hand built most of their motorcycles, resulting in production numbers between just 1-2 thousand a year. The (FB) Mondial 200 Sport was one of the few street …
2005 Ducati 999S Custom
The seller of this bike took a salvaged 999S and turned it into something designed to be much more comfortable and easier to ride. It’s not what I would call pretty, but for those of you that believe upright bars and a more neutral riding position are the way to go, this is a unique way to go.
Movie Star – 2015 Ducati Hypermotard 821
Ducati is auctioning off one of the Hypermotards used in the remake of CHiPS, and all the proceeds are going to PATH (People Assisting The Homeless).