Luigi Segale started his professional involvement with motorcycles a dealer in 1972, but he truly made a name for himself by partnering with Dirk Ildebrand, a frame builder, and building endurance racers with Japanese bikes. Here’s a rare example of Luigi’s work for sale – the bodywork has clearly seen the ground, and the front isn’t what I’d call attractive, …
1966 Atala Rizzato Ringo
I’m unable to find any information on this little scoot, but according to the seller it’s a rare Italian with a 49cc 2-stroke engine and a 3-speed hand shift transmission. I can only see examples that are white and red online, but this example is…not. Got any experience with this marque?
2006 Ducati Paul Smart 1000LE
The Paul Smart is one of those bikes that always gets me to do a triple take when I see it in person. Inspired by Ducati’s 70s race bikes – especially the one Paul Smart won the 1972 Imola 200 with – this gorgeous motorcycle was limited to a production run of 2,000 models. I hear that they can be …
Restored – 1968 Wards Riverside Benelli 350
Sold through Montgomery Wards department stores in the ’60s, Benelli bikes were made available in varying displacements. Here’s a 350cc example that’s claimed to have been completely restored with NOS parts.
1993 Moto Guzzi Daytona 1000
5-3-16 Update: Two years later, this Daytona is back up for sale. The mileage is now up to 11,600 and the seller says it’s more of a sport bike than he expected, so it has to go. I’m surpised to see that the price has dropped down to $5,300 – find it here on Craigslist in Houston, Texas. There’s a …
1980 Ducati 900 Super Sport
Post-Listing Update: This Ducati was pulled off of eBay with bidding at $25,800, final sale price unknown. The Ducati 900SS was built as a sportier version of the 860GT, and it was designed to evoke a similarity to the classic 750SS Desmo. Unfortunately, bikes like the Mike Hailwood Replica were more in demand, relegating the 900SS to commercial mediocrity. According …
1977 Moto Guzzi Le Mans 850
The seller of this Le Mans found it in a barn 15 years ago – it was mechanically solid but cosmetically rough. He took it down to the frame and had it repainted, so this book looks great and runs just as well.
In Ireland – 2008 Bimota DB6 Delirio
A great name for a naked bike, Delirio (which translates to Delirium) was Bimota’s designation for their 6th modelbuilt with a Ducati engine. It was the cheapest Bimota of the time, though that still meant a MSRP of $30k.
2000 Moto Guzzi V11 Sport Custom
4-30-16 Update: Alright, this’ll be the last time I share this bike. If it sells, it sells. If not, c’est la vie. Find it with bidding up to $2,125 and the reserve not yet met here on eBay. 7-6-15 Update: Almost a year later, this bike is now on the west coast. Unfortunately, the original Ghezzi speedo (which had broken) …
1993 Moto Guzzi 1000S
Post Sale Update: This 1000S sold for $14,400 after 20 bids on eBay. Introduced in 1990 (and built for three years with slight revisions), Moto Guzzi’s 1000S is a cult classic that is hard to find for sale as owners rarely let them go. It did not sell particularly well, but the retro styling – it was designed to look …
In Spain – 2001 Ducati 750SS Scrambler Custom
Nowadays, “Ducati Scrambler” has a specific connotation, but this is something different. Every time I look at it I’m split between thinking it’s cool or stupid – what do you say?
In Italy – 1939 Taurus G27
I really struggled to find more information on this bike, and I’ll be really impressed if one of you guys or gals knows more about the Taurus marque. At this point, all I’ve got is that it’s Italian and that a few years back, someone tried to update the marque to modern times with a custom based on a Royal …
Sidecar Racer in Belgium – 1947 Moto Guzzi Dondolino
Built for privateers, the Dondolino (weirdly, this is Italian for ‘rocking chair’) featured a 498cc OHV single that produced 33 horsepower, good for a top speed of 110 miles per hour. Dry weight was a paltry 282 pounds. The Dondolino was actually introduced the previous year, and it immediately won the Swiss Grand Prix and Spanish Grand Prix, as well …
In Italy – 1975 Bimota YB1 350
View PostDockray Built – 1975 Moto Guzzi 850T Custom
Post-Sale Update: This 850T Custom sold for $8,610 after 36 bids on eBay. One of my favorite custom Guzzis of all time was this previously featured beauty built by George Dockray. I was so enthralled by it that I profiled George in an interview as well. I’m thus not surprised that this cool Guzzi was also built by Dockray.