In Addison, Texas, a seller has come into possession of 40+ excellent motorcycles that were formerly “owned by a champion racer that has passed away recently.” Not all of them are on eBay yet, but this is a seller you’re going to want to keep tabs on for the next few weeks.
In Europe – Vee Two Ducati Squalo
In the late 70s, Brook Henry (an Australian Ducati expert) started Vee Two and established himself as one of the world’s pre-eminent guys to make a Ducati go faster. In addition to a bevy of trick parts, Vee Two ended up creating a few bespoke models. One was the Alchemy, based on bevel head engines. Recently they’ve also made the …
2004 Moto Guzzi V11 Coppa Italia
Post Sale Update: After 13 bids on eBay, this Coppa Italia sold for $11,000. One of the rarest versions of the Moto Guzzi V11, just 40-50 examples of the Coppa Italia were produced. The specifications were impressive thanks to Brembo Gold Line brakes, Ohlins forks, shock, and steering damper, plus an optional $2,000 exhaust.
WMRRA Champion – 1997 Ducati Monster Racer
Post Listing Update: This Monster did not meet reserve with bidding up to $2,200. This Ducati Monster has won 2 class championships in WMRRA, thanks to some serious modifications (and plenty of parts from a 888). Unfortunately, the bodywork is going to need some work on the right side and the motor needs a rebuild. Still, hopefully someone finds this …
1939 Gilera Saturno 500
Another marquee I had never heard of…but in this case, probably should have. Gilera was an Italian motorcycle company that was in business from 1909 to 1969 when it was acquired by Piaggio. By 1939 the company had 3 500 cc models and would dominate the racing world with them right after the war. They had 2 four cylinder models …
Period Road Racer – 1976 Ducati 900SS
View PostSpare Parts Party – 1975 Moto Morini 3 1/2
Post Sale Update: This 3.5 sold for $4,325 after 21 bids on eBay. Offered with no reserve, this Moto Morini 3 1/2 stands out thanks to the rare paint color and a plethora of spare parts. Some are NOS, some are used but in good shape, and some will need some work – but it’s way more than you usually …
1996 Ducati 900 SS/CR
Ducati offered the 900SS between 1991 and 1998, and during that time they sold a full-fairing version (the SS/SP) and a half-fairing version (the SS/CR). I find the latter more attractive, though the ’96 and newer CRs have non-rebuildable Marzochhi front forks that some riders aren’t happy with – don’t worry, this seller has dealt with that. This example has …
Brand New – 1982 Ducati TT2
In 1981, Ducati introduced the legendary 600TT2 factory racer. It was an instant success, and Ducati offered examples to the public in ’82 and ’83. They were impressively similar to the four-time World TT2 championship winning-bike piloted by Tony Rutter, and are truly a landmark bike in the illustrios history of the Italian firm. It’s hard enough to find one …
1993 Ducati 888 SPO
Post Listing Update: This 888SPO was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. With just 390 examples sold between 1993 and 1994, the 888 SPO is a limited production Ducati that doesn’t seem to get as much attention as it probably should. It was street legal, but this bike is happiest on a track.
Unexpected Custom – 1971 Harley-Davidson/Aermacchi Sprint 350
Post Listing Update: This Sprint did not meet reserve at $4,008.88 after 24 bids on eBay. Looks like the seller was testing the market as he’s relisted it a few times with a BIN of $5,250. When reader Bill B sent me this bike, he said “it has one of the most dramatic before/after pics you’ll ever see,” and suggested …
1966 Ducati 350 Sebring
Before the V-Twin, even before the Desmodromic heads, Ducati had a line of Overhead Valve single cylinder, 4 stroke motorcycles. 1965 was the first year for the 350 Sebring, named for a class win by the factory at Sebring Raceway. By 1968 Ducati had introduced their Desmo heads and the rest is history.
4 or 6? 197x Benelli Quattro and Sei
Post Sale Update: The Quattro did not meet reserve at $4,850, but the Sei sold for $15,050! A seller in New York has two beautiful Benellis for sale – but you’ll have to wait a little bit as they’re both on exhibit at The Stony Brook Museum Educational and Cultural Center and they’re tied up until September 5th.
A Star is Born – 1973 Moto Guzzi Eldorado
The year was 1973 and Clint Eastwood’s “Magnum Force” is the #1 box office hit all over America. Probably the best supporting actor award should have gone to the Moto Guzzi Eldorados that all the rogue cops rode. It was great advertising for the new Eldorado line from Guzzi.
1957 Maserati 160 T4
I found this bike for sale and didn’t know it existed. Maserati made a motorcycle? The answer is an unqualified yes, but not only are the bikes extremely rare, but information on them is also very hard to come by. It seems that when Andolfo Orsi (an industrialist who owned many companies including Maserati) died his sister Ida Orsi inherited …