View Post

1990 Moto Morini Dart 400

In Italy, Less than 5k, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

When the Dart was introduced, Moto Morini was owned by Cagiva – at the time the latter had no mid-sized bike in their model range. They decided to remedy that by taking the frame of their Freccia 125, and then shoving in a Morini 350cc V-Twin. It’s a little odd to see an air-cooled engine surrounded in plastic, but hey, …

View Post

1995 Bimota YB9SR

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

In 1990, Bimota created the YB9 Bellaria – a 600cc-powered (from the Yamaha FZR600) sportbike that was their first two-seater. A couple of years later, Yamaha built a new motor for their upcoming YZF600, and Bimota utilized it to create a new model: the YB9SR. The YB9SR was not officially sold in the US, though in a review for Cycle …

View Post

2024 Aprilia Trofeo 660

In Italy, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

Aprilia’s slogan is “Be A Racer”, and they’ve shown over the years that it’s more than just words. Their RS660 currently competes in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup, and for riders who really want to go crazy at that displacement the Italian firm offers a track-only version of the RS660 called the Trofeo. Aprilia is bringing just 28 examples to the …

View Post

5 Miles – 1995 Ducati 748 SP

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Over on Iconic we’ve got a rare find in the United States – the SP variant of the Ducati 748. A year after the based 748 was introduced, Ducati created the SP for homologation purposes in 600 Supersport. It was never officially sold in America.

View Post

1968 Benelli Mojave Scrambler 260

In Dual-Sport, Italy by AbhiLeave a Comment

Back in the 60s, you did not necessarily have to go to a motorcycle dealership to acquire a bike. Indeed, superstores like Sears or Montgomery Ward imported and sold motorcycles themselves. While Sears notably imported Vespas, Montgomery sold Lambrettas and Benellis, including the Mojave 360…and the rarer 260 variant (offered in Tourer and Scrambler options).

View Post

Still New – 2006 Bimota SB8K Santamonica

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

I think you all know by now that I’m a huge Bimota fan (at least in terms of what the company was before they got bought by Kawasaki). My personal Tesi 3D is one of my favorites from their portfolio, as is the SB8K Santamonica – which is probably the ultimate form of a Suzuki TL1000R. Here’s an example that’s …

View Post

2000 Ducati 748R

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

In 2000, Ducati updated the 748 lineup to offer three variants – the base model, the S, and the R. The R was produced for WSS homologation purposes (750cc V-Twins competed against 600cc inline-4s). Only 2,610 R models were built, 185 of which came to the US.

View Post

1983 Benelli 900 Sei

In Italy, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

When the Sei was introduced (as a 750), it was the first production motorcycle featuring a six cylinder engine. By ’78, the Sei got a bump up to 900 and a redesign that included many parts from Moto Guzzi (De Tomaso owned both companies at the time). You had to pay to play – MSRP was $5,406 in ’83 – …

View Post

2000 Bimota 500 V-Due

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

1-14-24 Update: Three years later, this V-Due is up for sale on a different platform and with a cheaper price. Find it in Spreckles, California for $40,000 here on Craigslist. Post Listing Update: This V-Due did not get any action at the BIN of $45,000 on eBay. The V-Due is one of the most interesting things that ever came out …

View Post

1993 Ducati 900 Superlight #948

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

In 1992, Ducati took their 900 Supersport and added several choice extras to create a limited edition called the Ducati Superlight. The following year they backtracked a bit and removed several of the goodies, leaving just the solo seat, composite Marvic wheels, and fully floating rear brake to differentiate the limited edition from its less exclusive brother. Still, it’s an …