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Rare Duc in Italy – 1993 Ducati 888 SP4

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This SP4 got no interest at the opening bid of $19,000. In 1992, Ducati introduced the 4th version of their Sport Production 888 – simply called the SP4. It was produced along side the base 851 and the very exotic Sport Production Special (SPS). Both SP bikes got Brembo brakes and Ohlins supension, plus the “1” racing …

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1999 Bimota SB8R

In Italy, Sport by Ted CloughLeave a Comment

This is a lovely piece of Italian exotica. The SB8R used the Suzuki TL1000R motor in it’s bespoke frame, surrounded by the usual Bimota top-end components. I will refer you to the seller’s listing, as it is very comprehensive about the specifics of this model and also this particular bike. Suffice it to say that if you have a need …

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Ending Soon – 1962 MV Agusta 1962 Checca GTE Sport

In Italy, Small Displacement, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: Despite 38 bids up to $5,150, this Checca did not meet reserve on eBay. According to the seller, Checca translates to “Fairy” in English. It looks like the modern translation has taken more of a derogatory meaning, but hopefully you get the implication that this is a lightweight, nimble motorcycle. This gorgeous example has won multiple first …

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Factory Streetfighter Kit – 2001 Aprilia Falco

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Aprilia Falco (also known as the SL1000) was a roadster that slotted in between the race-replica Mille and the sport-touring Futura. I thought it was slightly confusing – unlike the Tuono, it wasn’t much more comfortable than Aprilia’s sport bike at the time. To make the Falco stand out a bit more, Aprilia offered a limited edition “Streetfighter” kit …

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1970 Moto Guzzi V7 Ambassador

In Cruiser, Italy by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This V7 did not meet reserve with 24 bids up to $5,200. Moto Guzzi’s Ambassador was a hit with the US motorcycling press, who saw it as an excellent platform that was well designed for touring with a large fuel tank and comfortable seat.

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1967 Ducati Sebring 350

In Italy, Sport by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

When Ducati introduced the Sebring 350 in 1965 it was the largest bike in the Ducati line up. By 1968 the 450 had been introduced and in 1967 Ducati announced the Desmo bikes for the street (It would be 1969 until they hit the street) and the company changed forever.

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1959 Ducati 200 Turismo

In Italy, Sport by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This Turismo sold for $8,000 after 30 bids on eBay. After the Nazis retreated from Italy the country was left in a hot mess. Not only was there extensive war damage but the Germans took/destroyed most everything that was usable as they left. There was a pressing need for cheap transportation. Enter Ducati and others to make …

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Sitting in Sweden – 1980 Bimota SB3

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This Bimota SB3 sold for $16,000. The SB3 was quick, but it sure was uncomfortable. In their review of the bike, Motorcyclist magazine said, “No one on our staff has ridden anything short of a hardtail that was as harsh as the SB3.” If you can put up with a rough ride (and you can deal with …

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Italian ADV – 1986 Moto Guzzi TT

In Dual-Sport, Italy by AbhiLeave a Comment

Tutto Terreno translates to All Terrain, so you could probably guess what market Moto Guzzi was trying to target when they released this bike. It had potential thanks to a Tonti frame, V65 engine, and a wet weight of approximately 400 pounds. But Guzzi’s attempt to capitalize on the market created by the BMW GS did not go well thanks …

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NCR Build in Italy – 1978 Ducati 900SS

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This NCR build stalled at $12,350 after 16 bids on eBay. NCR was an acronym for Nepoti, Caracchi, and Rizzi – the last names of the founding trio. The company was created in 1967 and they quickly became known as some of the world’s foremost Ducati experts. Thanks to NCR’s proximity to Ducati, the tuning house soon …

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In Holland – Magni Sfida

In Italy, Sport by Abhi1 Comment

12-7-16 Update: This Magni did not get any action at $30k, so now the seller has relisted it at a still-not-affordable $26,500 or best offer here on eBay. Magni is probably best known for the incredible bikes it made in partnership with MV Agusta, but over the years they also did some work with engines from BMW, Honda, and Moto …