Posts by tag: 2009
BMW April 5, 2017 posted by Tad Diemer
The Ultimate Boxer: 2009 BMW HP2 Sport ABS for Sale
In the early days of motorcycle design, there were a variety of alternatives to the telescopic forks that have become the standard in an industry evolving towards efficiency but, unfortunately also towards homogeny. Even the S1000RR that followed today's HP2 Sport as BMW's flagship sportbike is evidence of this: that striking asymmetrical bodywork is wrapped around an inline four and conventional, if highly sophisticated suspension. Sure, it blew everything into the weeds upon its introduction and has more performance than any mortal can actually use on the road, but it's kind of… same-y. You certainly can't accuse the HP2 of that.
It may look like a pair of telescopic forks up front, but that's actually BMW's Telelever front end, and the HP2 features a pair of Öhlins shocks: one in the rear, and one controlling the movement of the front wheel. These days, the only real players in the alternative front end game are BMW and Bimota, although there are always a few weirdo independent builders lurking in the wings. Forkless front ends have distinct theoretical advantages, but generally seem to have two problems. One, they're more complicated to design and manufacture, and multiple linkages in set ups like the one used by Bimota can lead to play and vagueness in the handling, something that should actually be a strong point of the design. But the bigger issue seems to be the fact that the rest of the industry revolves around telescopic forks. They aren't ideal, but people know how to set them up and make them work, you can buy highly-developed components off the rack from specialists, and riders are familiar with how they feel: Bimotas and BMWs are actually engineered with a bit of dive tuned in, so they don't feel completely alien to riders used to telescopic forks.
Like the front suspension, the engine of the HP2 is a bit more than it seems as well. Sure, it uses BMW's iconic flat-twin engine with its longitudinal crank, shaft-drive, and cylinder heads sticking out where you might find the highway pegs on a Harley Fat Boy. But inside, you're looking at titanium connecting rods, and the bike debuted new four-valve cylinder heads with radial valves that helped the bike produce a claimed 128hp. Those heads feature skid plates in case you deck them out on track: roadgoing cornering clearance is generous, but track riders are advised to add a bit of rear ride height, and might need to adjust their racing lines slightly if they're used to dragging elbows in the corners. For the rest of us, this is a very capable mount for road or track.
Elsewhere, the bike was kitted out with the best of everything: monstrous radial Brembos, adjustable ergonomics, and even a quickshifter that was the very first fitted from the factory to a production motorcycle. Carbon fiber is everywhere and includes a self-supporting rear seat unit, and helped the bike weigh in at a relatively svelte 392lbs dry. Keep in mind that those exotic titanium rods will need replacement at the 30,000 mile mark, but that's a long way off for a collectible like this, and at least you just need two of them…
From the original eBay listing: 2009 BMW HP2 Sport ABS for Sale
This is the ABS version. One owner bike. Own the coolest boxer ever. This is number #103. Only 1987 miles. Bike is nearly perfect. There is a small blemish on tail section. Tires are like new, bike has been maintained at local BMW dealer with full records. Currently has extended warranty until June of 2017.
So the original listing makes the lazy eBay poster move of copy/pasting the bike's manufacturer's specs in place of any detailed information about the bike being offered. Sellers take note: no one cares about the fact that the bike has a three-phase alternator. And just what in the hell is "inner leg curve, unladen weight"? If you've got some sort of wild racing cams in your bike, the people looking to buy it might want to know. Otherwise, it just smacks of "well, I know I should post something here in this section…" It's basically non-information: no one is reading it, and most of it is pretty meaningless even if they did. I'm assuming with just a shade under 2,000 miles it probably hasn't needed anything. And even if this isn't the original owner, I'm sure the "full records" mean that the seller can confidently say "there are no issues" leave it at that.
HP2s are quirky, fast, rare, and actually usable, although they don't seem to be particularly desirable yet. Maybe they're confusing to collectors? Neither fish nor fowl, with decent, but not eyeball-flattening performance and sporty, but not particularly beautiful looks. High-quality, light-weight, race-bred parts attached to a platform ultimately limited by design in terms of absolute performance. But with a whole raft of perfectly fast, competent, and slightly vanilla inline fours out there that can be had by the bucket load, it's hard to put a price on character and individuality. Or maybe you can: the Buy It Now price for this one is $16,999 which is pretty much right on the money for a nice HP2
BMW February 24, 2017 posted by Tad Diemer
Brains and Brawn: 2009 BMW HP2 Sport for Sale
Before the introduction of their conventional, but devastatingly effective S1000RR, BMW was known for their durable, quirky motorcycles and "old man in a Roadcrafter suit" image. But in the lead-up to the introduction of the RR, BMW attempted to revive their forgotten, but very legitimate sporting image with the limited-production HP2 Sport. BMW already had an inline-four engine that would, on the surface, have seemed like a more likely candidate for sportbike-ification, but BMW instead chose to base their sportbike on their iconic 180° flat-twin configuration. Did they choose the twin to clearly separate the planned inline-four superbike from their previous offerings? Or was the existing, longitudinally-mounted "brick" simply too heavy for sportbike duty? I'm not sure, but the resulting HP2 ended up being much more "nerd Ducati" and less "Teutonic Gixxer."
In terms of specification, the HP2 is surprisingly close to Ducati's L-twin-powered superbikes of the period: two cylinders, 128hp near the 9,500 rpm redline, and a claimed 392lbs dry weight is probably closer to the older 999 than the 1198, but the HP2 is still in the ballpark. That low weight looks especially impressive when you realize power reaches the rear wheel via a heavy driveshaft, and the BMW comes with a raft of high-performance parts to turn what might otherwise have been a bit of a sow's ear into the proverbial silk purse: dual overhead cam heads, radial valves, titanium connecting rods, adjustable ergonomics, and even a self-supporting carbon-fiber subframe. The lack of a slipper clutch is unfortunate, considering the rotational mass of the powertrain, but one is available if you have the time or money to drop the engine and install one.
The sometimes vague feeling often criticized by reviewers of BMW's "alternatively suspended" bikes is happily missing in the HP2, and handling is considered a high point, while Brembo monoblock calipers offer impressive stopping power well in excess of what might be required to rein in those 128 horses. The heads sticking out in the breeze do ultimately limit cornering clearance, but you'll need to be on a race track before it becomes anything more than an academic issue. Luckily, it comes fitted with plastic sliders… A bit of rear ride height helps, but dragging an elbow in corners might ultimately be impossible if you lack simian proportions.
From the original eBay listing: 2009 BMW HP2 Sport for Sale
Original adult owner purchased from Lone Star BMW in Austin Texas. Carbon fiber body panels, forged aluminum rims, brembo antilock brakes, clutchless upshift, and ohlines suspension. All warranty work done and service completed. Replaced the fuel pump with a ethanol compatible unit. Never dropped, raced or crashed. There is a blemish on the right lower fairing from a stone. This is the ultimate boxer. With only approximately 115 ever imported to the US, you don't have to wait for this to become a rare classic – it already is! Clear Texas title. 2016 miles.
Keep in mind that there's a price to be paid for all that exclusivity and high-performance technology: these weren't meant for casual owners and, when new, were priced north of $20,000. Maintenance costs are appropriate for a low-production exotic as well, and BMW recommends the titanium connecting rods get replaced at 30,000 miles, so start saving now. Hey, at least valve-adjustments should be a snap!
Aprilia February 17, 2017 posted by Tad Diemer
Tiny Titled Two-Stroke: 2009 Aprilia RS125 for Sale
Back when two-strokes ruled the entry-level sportbike class in Europe, Aprilia's RS125 was designed to appeal to new riders who wanted something sporty, but were limited in terms of displacement and outright power by strict licensing laws that prevented the purchase of bikes that in the USA would be considered "learner bikes." Sponsor logos and race-replica paint jobs were the order of the day and, made between 1992 and 2012, the RS125 had a pretty long and successful run. Details and styling varied throughout production, according to tastes of the period, but spec was similar: a 124.8cc two-stroke, single cylinder and six-speed gearbox, aluminum beam frame, racy big-bike looks, and a sub-300lb dry weight.
This version of the RS125 is clearly meant to resemble Aprilia's range-topping RSV1000, with those angular, cat's-eye headlights and stealth-fighter angles, although it shares those traits with the RSV4 that followed as well. Ultimately, the RS125 was superseded by the RS4 that more closely matched the look of the bigger RSV4 and was powered by a four-stroke single to meet today's more stringent emissions requirements. It's a perfectly competent machine and looks very sharp, but it lacks the pop and fizz of a manic two-stroke, and is far less tunable to boot.
The RS125 were never officially imported to the USA for road use, but some made it here "for offroad use only" and they do come up for sale from time to time. Unfortunately, the sleek little RS125 has two problems: one, you can't just call it an "RS125" or people might not be clear what bike you're talking about. Did you mean the Aprilia or the Honda's entry-level race bike? Two, and obviously more significantly, the same titling and registration issues that affect all grey-market two-strokes apply here. If you live in a state with a liberal DMV, you may be able to find a way to make one road-legal without too much trouble: titled examples like this one have shown up on this site before. If not, you're stuck with a handsome display piece or a very slow track day bike. If I was looking for a display bike, I'd probably want a bit of genuine racing machinery or something truly historic…
Fortunately, this example is ready for road use, at least in Pennsylvania…
From the original eBay listing: 2009 Aprilia RS125 for Sale
For Sale-York, PA. 2009 Aprilia RS 125 2 stroke. Clean and clear title. 798 miles. 34mm DeLorto carb, V-Force 3 reeds, pinned TPS, pipercross OEM style air filter, Arrow exhaust, Tyga carbon fiber rear hugger, chain guard and engine cover, Rhinomoto front and rear axle sliders, Driven Racing swingarm spools, R&G tail tidy, Evotech exhaust hanger, Woodcraft rearsets w/ GP shift, Aprilia OEM European ECU and harness to allow lighting, factory signals, mirrors and TS relay, Ohlins front fork springs, many replaced OEM parts included, Dyno tuned by Eraldo Ferracci of Fast By Ferracci. It comes with the factory Aprilia parts book and service manual. This was $5499 new in 2009 when only 150 were imported for racing only. It came derestricted with no lighting. Considering the amount of kit put on this bike and the rarity of this bike I think it is a more than fair price. I reserve the right to end this auction as the bike is also for sale locally. Serious bidders can contact me for more pictures or information. I will not ship this motorcycle so it will have to be picked up. Bike will have to be picked up within two weeks of auction end or deposit will be forfeited. You must have at least a 95% positive feedback rating to bid and at least 20 positive feedbacks. Deposit can be made through PayPal but the balance must be paid in cash.***It is currently tagged, titled, inspected and insured in York County, PA. It is titled as a regular motorcycle.
So what's it worth? Well this seller has set the starting bid at $6,000 and there are no takers yet so he may be aiming a bit high. Certainly this one has that road-legal status, very low miles, and has been thoughtfully modified using quality parts and tuned by the famous owner of Fast by Ferracci. Eraldo had his hands on my Ducati Monster when I had it in to be rejetted and I was pretty happy with the results, so that'd certainly be a selling point for me. If you're in the market for a little two-stroke sportbike you can thrash the living daylights out of without tripling the national speed limit and live somewhere it can be titled, this one might be worth a look.
Ducati October 14, 2016 posted by Tad Diemer
Featured Listing: 2009 Ducati 1098R Bayliss LE for Sale
Update 2.20.2017: Price is now $17k and links are updated. -dc
Regardless of how you feel about the Ducati 999, it was a significant failure in terms of sales for the company, something they could ill-afford for their flagship product. Although it was an improvement in virtually every way when compared to the outgoing 998, Ducati's conservative fan base never really warmed to the bike's wildly futuristic looks or the practical, but more conventional double-sided swingarm… But all was forgiven when Ducati released the 1098, and the bike restored their reputation while mechanically offering further refinement of the four-valve L-twin engine and trellis-framed package that culminated in today's Featured 1098R, the pinnacle of the range. Both the 1098 and the little-brother 848 proved popular among Ducatisti and paved the way for today's radical, frameless Panigale.
As is often the case with homologation bikes like the 1098R, there's much more going on than meets the eye. Ducati's R models are intended to qualify their bikes for WSBK racing and, by the time the 1098 rolled around, Superbikes and their roadgoing counterparts shared more parts than ever before, making this R very much a "race bike for the road."
The 1098R's Testastretta Evoluzione L-twin was fully kitted out with titanium connecting rods and valves to save weight and decrease the mass of reciprocating parts so the bike revs faster than the standard version, in spite of the slightly longer stroke. Unlike the current Panigale R model, the 1098R is actually bigger than the standard bike at 1198.4cc which, coincidentally, is the upper limit for bikes wishing to compete in WSB. Perhaps most impressively, the service intervals remain the same as for a regular 1098 which was, in itself, a vast improvement over the earlier bikes.
Power is a claimed 180hp, or 189 with the included Termignoni exhaust and race ECU combo, up a full 20+hp over the standard bike. Torque is a stump-pulling 99ft-lbs, or 9ft-lbs over the regular 1098 and a factory slipper clutch helps keep the rear tire in contact with the road during aggressive downshifts. The R was also the first production bike to feature a sophisticated traction control system that, rather than being a safety net, is actually a go-faster aid! Ducati's "DTC" requires the installation of the race ECU and exhaust to function. That's likely because this is exactly the same system fitted to the WSBK machines, although with 8 levels of intervention to suit each rider's individual preference, you don't necessarily need to be Troy Bayliss to appreciate the technology.
With all that impressive engine performance, it's easy to overlook the suspension, but the bike delivers there as well: the rear Öhlins TTX36 twin-tube shock was one of the most sophisticated units available at the time, and offers up a surprisingly compliant ride for such a heart-attack serious, track-focused bike.
From the seller: 2009 Ducati 1098R Bayliss LE for Sale
The 1098R Bayliss LE is one of the more interesting of the Ducati line in terms of nomenclature.
Not to be shy, Ducati stuffed the 90° V-twin Testastretta Evoluzione into the 1098 for an 1198cc version of the bike with Carbon Fiber Body Work, Forged Marchesini Wheels and Ohlin's Suspension to homologate the 1098R. Nothing like cubic inches. Ducati, along with Troy Bayliss, immediately won the 2008 WSBK Championship with the race version of the bike. Ducati, in their infinite wisdom, then issued 500 Limited Edition Bayliss 1098R's for sale the following year to celebrate their victory.
New, the bike listed for $43,995. It was the same time period of the Desmosedici RR and both bikes were ridden back to back by testers in the day. Some felt the 1098R was a better track bike and the price difference being $30,000 between it and the Desmosedici, a natural choice for use besides there being 1500 Desmo's sold to the R's 500.
This particular bike was purchased new at a NC Ducati Dealer. It was ridden by a mature enthusiast who could afford the bike and the care it required. This bike has had a couple of track days on it and is outfitted at such.
-Ohlins SBK Valving
-Ohlins Fork setup for a 250lb rider
-Vortex Rearsets
-Full Termignoni Race System
-Translogic Quick Shifter
-Afam Quick Change Sprocket Carrier
-Ducati Performance Open Clutch Cover
-Ducati Performance Slipper Clutch
-Dzus Fastener Kit
This bike was also had the revised version of the traction control that originally came out on the 2008 Ducati 1098Rs.
Reason For Sale
One thing that was soon discovered with the bike is that with the older age of the owner it was too fast for his speed of racing and it is not much of a day to day street bike that does not get its legs stretched regularly. It was not ridden too much over the years with 5172 miles now showing. Most of the miles were when the bike was fairly new and it was kept for it's esthetic value until recently. Now it is time to share the bike with a new home or track.
The bike did experience a low slide on wet pavement which cracked the rear tail section. A used tail section can be had in the 1200 range. The price on the bike reflects the cost associated with getting the tail section repaired or replaced.
The selling price is $18000. VIN#ZDM1XBHW99B021570. No Trades or Test rides.
The 1098 looks a bit like it was designed by committee to reference the 916 wherever possible instead of forging its own style but there's no arguing that it is a very sleek machine, and the electronics package, while a bit primitive by modern standards, was nonetheless very effective. The Bayliss-replica graphics may not appeal to everyone but are very striking, and the bike won't be mistaken for a run-of-the-mill 1098 or, heaven forfend, an 848. The cracked tail section is a shame, but is a simple fix and it's good to know that the bike is actually being ridden and could be looked at as a badge of honor: "Oh, that? Yeah, lost the front end going into a corner at the track last weekend." If you're looking for a genuine, high-performance collectible Ducati that can still cut it on track or as the centerpiece of your collection, this 1098R certainly fits the bill.
Find this Ducati 1098R Bayliss on Greensboro Craiglist
Aprilia June 28, 2016 posted by Tad Diemer
Under the Skin: 2009 Aprilia Tuono 1000R for Sale
Although the American motorcycling community seems divided along impractical bikes at either end of the spectrum, journalists and riding enthusiasts long bemoaned the lack of real performance nakeds like this second-generation Aprilia Tuono: bikes that had the performance of a sportbike with all-day ergonomics. A bike you could ride to the twisties and then in the twisties.
Triumph and Ducati got it right, mainly owing to a lack of budget I think: take an actual sportbike in your lineup, rip off the fairings, and tack on some risers and a set of handlebars. The Japanese manufacturers all built their own performance nakeds, but inevitably overthought things, crafting new, heavier frames, bodywork, and instruments for what should have been minimalist exercises, and reviews [if not sales] suffered as a result. When Aprilia threw their hat into the ring with the original Tuono they created what may have been the best package of the bunch, if not the best-looking machine.
The v-twin RSV's relative lack of straight-line performance compared to Japanese rivals mattered very little in a more road-focused package like the Tuono, and all three generations of the bike received positive reviews from the motorcycle press. And that funky mini fairing, while a bit aesthetically-challenged, at least does provide some functional benefit and certainly is very distinctive. The odd, 60° v-twin developed by Rotax is compact, powerful, and sounds like an Italian v-twin should while being reliable in ways Italian twins often aren't. Prices have remained relatively low for these, possibly owing to the unfortunate looks, or maybe just because they're too new to be classics, and made by a company with less name-check cachet than Ducati.
This Tuono R is one of the nicest, lowest-mile examples I've seen. Probably, because Tuono riders ride the hell out of their motorcycles. They carve canyons, tour on them, and everything in between. Wind protection is pretty minimal, but is better than nothing, and the bike is otherwise the "real-world sportbike" Aprilia advertised. These currently offer up a pretty killer bargain for riders who want v-twin character and performance, without the Ducati headaches. This one is priced way outside the realm of most Tuonos, although we're still talking about just a couple grand over what you might normally expect to pay.
From the original eBay listing: 2009 Tuono 1000R for Sale
MINT condition – only 1,735 miles!!! Price posted ($6,745) is for the bike WITHOUT the upgrades (see below). With the upgrades, as seen in the pics., the price is $7,745. Buyer MUST specify which way they want the bike. If you pay the $6,745, you will get an OEM bike without any of the upgrades. If you purchase the bike with the upgrades, you will get that + all of the OEM parts (I have all of them in new condition).
You will not find a nicer, documented very low mileage Aprilia Tuono 1000 R, anywhere! ~ a must see! Everything works GREAT (needs nothing). It looks and drives perfect. 2009 was the final, and best year, of the great Aprilia Tuono V-twin. In 2010, they switched to the V-four, which to many (including myself) lost much of the character the V-twins had in abundance.
Up for sale is my 2009 Tuono R. It is in mint condition and only has 1,735 original (and documented) miles. Always garage kept, appropriately maintained, and babied. The only reason for the sale is that I very rarely get a chance to ride it. I do 99% of my riding two up with my girl on the back of my other bike (2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000) and I work about 50 hours a week. So, very unfortunately, my Tuono lives under the cover with a trickle charger attached. Thus, the ultra-low 1,735 miles.
I can't overstate just how much fun this bike is to ride. It induces more smiles per mile than any bike I've ever ridden. Also, this bike gets lots of attention. Almost every time I've ridden it, people will walk over and compliment me on what a nice and unique bike it is (often adding "I've never seen one before"). I have had some tasteful high quality aftermarket items installed as listed below. No internals have been touched or altered in any way. If you prefer an OEM Tuono R experience, all of these parts are very easily removed for easy conversion back to the original from the factory, state. I have all of the original OEM parts, in new condition, to convert it back if you wish. I have priced the bike two ways – in its current state with the upgrades – and in its original OEM state without the upgrades. If you prefer it without the upgrades, I would be happy to convert it back for you.
Okay, it goes without saying, but offering up two alternate prices on an eBay listing seems… problematic at best: the platform is set up as an auction site, so I can see a whole lot of back-and-forth emails in the seller's future. And he's making the usual eBay mistake of believing the aftermarket bits in some way retain their value after they've been installed. Really? You're going to include the cost of consumables like a chain and sprockets? Frankly, that'd be like including the labor costs of valve adjustments and belt changes in the selling price of your Ducati. Other than the fact that it indicates no expense was spared maintaining it, no one's likely to be impressed.
Either way, the price is pretty stiff for a Tuono, but the seller is correct about this being a very nice and very low-mileage bike. If you're looking for a v-twin Tuono, you probably won't find one nicer and the initial outlay might pay dividends in the long run.
Bimota June 15, 2016 posted by Tad Diemer
Edgy Beauty: 2009 Bimota DB7 for Sale
Starting with their DB1, obviously, and continuing through the present day, Bimota has a long history of using Ducati engines in their bikes. And while other Ducati-powered Bimotas have generally used the torquey but relatively low-power air-cooled versions of their classic v-twin, this Bimota DB7 is powered by the liquid-cooled, four-valve Testastretta version, which gives it the goods to keep up with other superbikes of the period!
Founded in an era when the Japanese "Big Four" had mastered the art of making powerful, reliable engines but were still falling short in the handling department, BiMoTa [Valerio Bianchi, Giuseppe Morri, and Massimo Tamburini] took those powerplants and stuck them into lightweight, cleverly-engineered masterpieces that were very much "race bikes for the road." Lightweight bodywork that lifted off with just a couple bolts, stiff and light frames that look like modern art, and high-end suspension components all made for racy, rolling sculpture. But time marches on, and once they were done with engines, the Japanese manufacturers moved their attention to handling, which would have effectively put Bimota out of business. So it was "adapt or die" time for the tiny Rimini manufacturer, and they shifted to building the bikes they do today: hideously expensive but very exclusive and meticulously-crafted motorcycles for well-heeled enthusiasts.
I've said it before, but take a long look at the photos: Bimotas get more impressive the closer you get. That hybrid frame with both steel trellis and machined aluminum components, along with a swingarm that matches. The DB7 isn't really any lighter than a Ducati 1098 of the same era and doesn't make more power, so you're paying a real premium for style and quality, which you get in spades. Only the Koso gauge lets the looks down a bit, since I've been seeing ads for them in the back of bike magazines for years and is a bit too "common" for my taste. I'd prefer something a bit more in keeping with the wild looks, but it should at least work, something older Bimota gauges seemed reluctant to do. Plus, those white segments along the outer edge of the tach do light up as the needle swings around, which is pretty cool.
As the seller mentions, this example has had the muffler removed, leaving just the "bladder" that likely contains the catalytic converter, with a pair of tips on one side. Funny, it almost looks like it was designed to be that way… This is a popular trick for older single-sided swingarm Monsters as well, saving weight and increasing noise in a way that's easily reversible. Better sound, less weight, and no impact on the environment: win, win, win!
With a $15,000 starting bid and no takers yet, I think this bike looks like a bit of a bargain, compared to the nearly $35,000 list price for a new DB7 in 2008. Of course, that's really the only time you could think of a DB7 as any sort of bargain…
From the original eBay listing: 2009 Bimota DB7 for Sale
This is the 2nd bike they built which makes this bike even more exclusive. This bike has been sitting inside my living for the past 3 years and now stored at a local performance shop where they did a complete major service. This is a one owner bike and has never been down, crashed, wrecked, tracked, or even ridden by anyone except myself. I babied this bike from the day I purchased it six years ago. I only rode this bike every three months from Las Vegas to Angeles Crest Hwy in LA so all miles were highway. This is the cleanest bike you will find. It looks BRAND NEW!!!!!!
The front windscreen has been painted white to match the bike
The bottom belly pan had been painted white with custom red/black BIMOTA logo
The wheels were painted white
The exhaust was custom cut and two stainless steel tips added
Custom license plate bracket
HID lights installed
Brand new tires
Brand new rear sprocket
Brand new chain
This bike looks amazing… all the above were tastefully done. It draws attention everywhere you go. If you have any questions, please contact me. The bike is now stored at Irish Mike's Performance in Henderson Nevada. If your local or happen to be in Vegas, just stop by his shop. He has full service reports.
The seller mentions that this is "the second bike they built" but, since the DB7 was introduced in 2008, I'm wondering if this is maybe the second bike of the second model year? Regardless, the DB7 is a very beautiful machine, with immaculate detailing. I think modern Bimotas are well worth the money if you're a rich enthusiast, as you'll appreciate the workmanship that went into its creation and the exclusivity, while the extra outlay in purchase price is probably a drop in the bucket compared to the other toys already in your garage. But if you're a regular Joe, looking for the best bang for your buck, this doesn't even rate: there are plenty of faster bikes out there that cost far less and won't have you crying every time you accidentally rub up against it with a belt buckle or jean rivet…
MV Agusta April 6, 2016 posted by Tad Diemer
Perfectly Collectible: 2009 MV Agusta F4 RR312 1078
With so many "paint and tape" special editions, it sometimes seems like there were very few standard MV Agusta F4s actually built… But the 1078 RR312 is more than just some flat-black paint with a famous name slapped on it. The RR312 throws any pretense at race-eligibility out the window with a big-bore motor and near 200mph performance. In a rare instance of honest alpha-numeric labeling, it packs a full 1078cc unit good for a claimed 190hp and a top speed of 312kph or over 190mph.
Introduced in 1998 as a 750, the exotic, radial-valved F4 found itself being compared to Japanese literbikes that blew it out of the water in terms of outright performance. The updated F4 1000 that followed addressed that perceived lack of power spectacularly. The F4 may offer minimal on-paper performance advantages over other literbikes, but the character is entirely different. Where bikes like the GSX-R1000 are famous for their near sport-touring versatility and flexible power, the F4 1078 is another animal, a highly-strung monster with handling that rewards commitment.
And so many F4s have been admired more than they've been ridden, but this RR312 one-ups other F4s in that regard as well: just 36 miles have rolled under the wheels from new.
From the original eBay listing: 2009 MV AGUSTA F4 RR312 for Sale
36 MILES FROM NEW
This 2009 MV AGUSTA F4 312RR 1078 was the most advanced MV to come out of the factory up to that point. It has since held on to the title of one of the fastest and best handling motorcycles in the world.
The condition of this machine is virtually brand new. There isn't much more you can say besides this bike is in showroom condition. Everything on it is basically as it was when it left the dealer in 2009. Please note this bike comes in with a clear title. It has been in 2 private collections since new, is started on a regular basis, and ridden very short distances occasionally.
Don't ask if there are any scratches on the bike. There aren't. If you see something that looks like a scratch, it's the light reflecting off the fairings. The bike was purchased new and obviously ridden very sparingly since acquisition. All of the major engine, transmission, and braking components have been recently checked for safety, and anything needing attention was serviced. NOTHING needs to be done to the bike to ride it!
The tires on the front and rear are new. They are the original tires delivered with the bike.The paint is on the gas tank and fairings is original and again, in flawless condition, with no chips or scratches or scuffs evident anywhere on the machine. The battery was just replaced, and everything on the bike is working as it should. The brakes were also checked to make sure they functioned perfectly as well.
I also have the ORIGINAL AND CORRECT rear stand for the bike as well as the original owner's manual and spare parts catalog. Again, there is absolutely NOTHING that needs to be done to this machine to ride it occasionally and enjoy it as a showpiece.
It's hard to imagine how someone could own a bike with this much performance and only ride it as far as my daily round-trip to the office… Of course, there are definitely concerns if you plan to add to those 36 miles: cars and bikes that sit definitely deteriorate in expensive ways. Seals and gaskets dry out and fail, rubber cracks and falls apart, meaning some of these low-mileage dream bikes can turn out to be more expensive than they look if you plan to do more than display them. Luckily, this one is still new enough that's not likely to be much of a problem.
Bidding is very active and up to almost $9,000 with several days left on the auction and the Reserve Not Met. If it stays anywhere near that price, you're looking at pretty tremendous bang for your buck to go with those stunning, exotic looks. Obviously maintenance is a whole different story for an MV Agusta but I can't imagine anyone using one as a daily rider, especially one with such low miles…
Ducati February 15, 2016 posted by Tad Diemer
Update 2.15.2016: Now on eBay. Good luck to buyers and seller. -dc
Designed to bring sex appeal and sales success back to Ducati after the aesthetically disappointing 999, the 1098 was a visual restyle and mechanical evolution of their four-valve superbike line introduced in 2007. Although styling is subjective, it's pretty clear that the redesign resonated with fans of the marque and the bike was a big seller for Ducati. Today's Featured 1098R represents the very top of the range.
While that little letter at the end of the name looks pretty innocuous, the Ducati's "R" models are homologation specials that share little besides the silhouette, engine cases, and frame with their more common siblings. A larger bore and shorter stoke, combined with titanium rods and valves to save weight, let the bike rev higher and harder: with the race kit installed, the bike made a claimed 189hp. The R in fact displaces a full 1198cc, which is just a hair less than WSB regulations allow for v-twins.
But it wasn't just the hard parts that were special: the bike included the cutting-edge Ducati Datalogging Analyzer and the first traction control ever fitted to a road-legal motorcycle. This sophisticated Ducati Traction Control system featured 8 levels of control designed to help riders go faster, safer, something that is now the norm on high-performance sportbikes.
Today's R is just that little bit more special, done up in Troy Bayliss replica colors. Possibly not the most subtle paint scheme, but there's no denying that rider's impressive career and longstanding relationship with Ducati, as he rode their bikes to three World Superbike championships.
From the seller: 2009 Ducati 1098R LE Bayliss Replica for Sale
The 1098R Bayliss LE is one of the more interesting of the Ducati line in terms of nomenclature. In 2007 Ducati came out with the 1098 which was had as it's heart, a 1099cc engine. It brought back the styling presence lost by the 999 with it's two sided rear swing arm, attending body work and exhaust. Real world acceptance of Ducati had started with the 916, the most iconic vision of a motorcycle ever produced with it's single sided rear swing arm and huge racing successes. The 999 never really jelled with buyers despite being a better motorcycle in most respects. Ducati was not lost to the conclusion.
The 1098 came back to it's successful styling clues even if it meant compromises in handing capacity due to it's layout. Despite this, Ducati was able to improve the handling and power of the bike over the 999 and they flew off the floor. There were three models, the base 1098, the 1098S and 1098R. The 999 had proven to Ducati that they had reached the physical and mechanical endurance limits of competitive racing in WSBK, which up to 2008, limited the displacement of twins to 1000cc. By introducing the 1098 in 2007, an engine that was larger then the WSBK limit for twins, Ducati stacked the deck with the threat of removing it's self from world class competition. Much hand wringing and lobbing latter, WSBK eventually increased this limit for twins to 1200cc for the 2008 season assuming that this would create an equal playing field for all of the manufactures. The only ones happy with this were Ducati with Suzuki threatening, rightfully, to withdraw at the perceived disadvantage of displacement regardless of the fact that the twins could only be modified from the factory build slightly.
New, the bike listed for $43,995. It was the same time period of the Desmosedici RR and both bikes were ridden back to back by testers in the day. Some felt the 1098R was a better track bike and the price difference being $30,000, a natural choice for use besides there being 1500 Desmo's sold to the R's 500. One thing that we have learned here at Automania over the years is that the life span of Desmo engine is about 2000 miles while the 1098R's seem to last equally as long as other Ducati twins built to the same spec with proper maintenance.
Contact the seller through their website.
Aside from the minor cosmetic blemishes mentioned by the seller, the bike is in top shape and very rare. Just 150 out of 500 were imported to the US in 2009 and, with just over 3,000 miles on the clock, this example isn't even broken in yet, although the seller does recommend that the belts be changed as a precaution as the bike has been largely unused for the past few years. These make amazing track-day or back road bikes, so collect or ride, the choice is yours.