Post Sale Update: This Varese-built Ducati sold for $9,400 after 47 bids on eBay.
The 916 has obviously become one of Ducati’s most important motorcycles, but it had a very worrying start. Right as the bike was set to debut, a fire broke out at the paint shop in Bologna. Ducati improvised and temporarily moved production to Cagiva in Varese. The bikes made here were mostly hand built, adding to the legend. According to Ian Falloon, 2,663 916s were made in Varese – here’s one of those unique few.
You can identify a “Varese” bike because the 11th digit of the VIN is a V. This bike (VIN: ZDM1SB8S1SV000731) has 6,483 miles and it’s claimed to be in excellent condition. It has a few Ducati Performance carbon fiber pieces, as well as DP front turn signals and frame plugs. Not sure why one of the lights has a yellow cover (maybe the seller loves France) but in the last 10 years, this bike has just 700 miles as it has spent that decade in a collection. During that time it was started monthly and ridden a few times a year. It also features period Marchesini wheels, but the original wheels, pegs, clutch cover, and other parts are all included.
Find this rare note of 916 history for sale in Cumming, Georgia with bidding up to $6,400