If you are a lover of rare Italian motorcycles and have overseas holiday money burning a hole in your wallet, the Bonhams Autumn Sale next month (9-10 October 2021) will no doubt be a temptation.
It features a collection of more than 40 motorcycles owned by the late acclaimed German film critic Hans Schifferle, including many rare Italian bikes led by my personal favourite, the 1974 Ducati 750 SS.
However, you will need to have a good line of credit or money in the bank as it is estimated to fetch between $A170,000 and $A245,000.
If that doesn’t scare you off, you should still check out our tips to make sure you don’t get caught out buying a dud or spending too much.
Auctions can be a fun experience and you can land yourself a real bargain. However, there are many pitfalls as well.
Ok, so now you know the advantages and pitfalls of auctions, let’s tempt you with some rare bikes owned by motorcycle connoisseur Hans Schifferle who died in March.
Has and his wife, Gudrun, and friend, the former Grand Prix racer Helmut Lichtenberg, visited many of Europe’s “autojumbles” at Imola, Mannheim, Stuttgart and Nuremberg to secure rare parts for his restorations.
Helmut did most of the work having run the classic motorcycle division at Schmid Höhenkirchen where Hans bought many of his bikes.
Hans ensured he rode all his bikes at least 3000km a year to keep them in top mechanical order.
His collection not only includes are Italian gems, but also some British and American models.
My all-time favourite, the 1974 Ducati 750 SS, is the most expensive of the lot.
It is the model that powered Paul Smart to victory at the Imola 200 in 1972.
The Ducati 750 SS featured central-axle forks, Brembo front brakes and a cockpit faring.
This 1974 launch year motorcycle was acquired by Schifferle 2002 and has correct numbers and stamps.
Another ultra-rare Italian highlight is the 1973 MV Agusta 750 GT estimated to fetch up to $A95,000.
Only 50 models in white and bronze were sold due to its initial high price tag.
This bike is one of the most sought-after MV roadsters and one of few not modified or converted into a ‘special’.
Production of the Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary, the numbered series motorcycle that Ducati has built to pay homage to the legendary career of Troy Bayliss twenty years after his conquest of the 2001 Superbike World Championship, has begun at the Borgo Panigale factory. Starting from October the bike will start to filter out to Ducati dealerships in Europe but Australian stocks of the machine are not expected to arrive until January, 2022.
This unique model immediately entered the hearts of Troy fans around the world. In fact, since the first days after the presentation at the WSBK race in Assen, the bike has been ordered by many fans, already covering a large part of the production for the coming months.
Troy is loved by the Italians like one of their own, and he loves them right back in spades and the relationship between himself and Ducati is a true family affair.
52 victories, 94 podiums and three world titles (2001, 2006 and 2008) won with three different bikes: the twin-cylinder 996 R, the 999 R and the 1098 R. Troy Bayliss is the only motorcycle racer in history to win MotoGP and World Superbike races in the same season (2006).
This special edition was anticipated as we approach the 20th anniversary of the first of Troy’s three World Superbike Championship crowns and while most had expected it to be a new limited-edition V4, of course it is only right and correct that this bike is a traditional Ducati L-Twin. It is not a limited-edition and will be available to order through Ducati dealers for the foreseeable future.
It is not a 996, 998 or 1098 from history, but a special edition based on the 155 horsepower 955 cc model that is part of Ducati’s current line-up.
Of course it wears some sexy livery commemorating Troy’s win that recalls the clothes worn by that first title winning 996 R, but also comes with a few extras to boot and is 3 kg lighter.
It’s a single-seater with Ohlins TTX36 and NIX30 suspension components and adjustable Ohlins steering damper along with a sprinkle of extra carbon-fibre and titanium.
Troy’s autograph is reproduced on the fuel tank, while the billet aluminium triple clamp shows the name of the bike and the progressive numbering of this unique model.
The motorcycle is also equipped with self-cleaning brake and clutch pumps with smoke grey oil tanks.
The electronic package, dedicated to active safety and vehicle dynamics control, includes the “cornering” function applied to Bosch ABS, the electronic quick shift that also works when downshifting and traction, engine brake and wheelie controls (Ducati Quick Shift, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, Engine Brake Control).
All the controls are integrated into the three Riding Modes (Race, Sport and Street) that can be modified using the 4.3″ colour TFT dashboard with graphics and interface designed to make menu navigation and settings adjustment intuitive, as well as immediate identification of the selected Riding Mode.
The World Superbike universe will also pay tribute to Bayliss’s career this weekend at Assen. On Sunday 25 July after the SuperPole Race, the Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary will complete a lap of honour on the track, ridden by Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Team rider Michael Ruben Rinaldi, who competes in WorldSBK with the same number as Bayliss.
The twentieth anniversary of Troy Bayliss winning his first title with Ducati is being celebrated in Borgo Panigale with a temporary exhibition in the Museo Ducati entitled “Troy Story: The Legend of a Champion” which exhibits the bikes with which Troy was able to write some memorable chapters in the history of motorcycle racing. The exhibition can be visited until 19 September 2021 (here more information on visits to the Museo Ducati).
The Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary will be available in Australian Ducati dealerships from January 2022 at $27,489.
Specifications
ENGINE
TYPE
Superquadro: L-twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid cooled
DISPLACEMENT
955 cc
BORE X STROKE
100 x 60,8 mm
COMPRESSION RATIO
12.5:1
POWER
114 kW (155 hp) @ 10.750 rpm
TORQUE
104 Nm (76,7 lb-ft) @ 9.000 rpm
FUEL INJECTION
Electronic fuel injection system. Twin injectors per cylinder. Full ride-by-wire elliptical throttle bodies
EXHAUST
2-1-2-1 system, with 2 catalytic converters and 2 lambda probes
TRANSMISSION
GEARBOX
6 speed with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO 2
2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc M4.32 4-piston callipers with Bosch Cornering ABS EVO. Self bleeding master cylinder
REAR BRAKE
245 mm disc, 2-piston calliper with Bosch Cornering ABS EVO
INSTRUMENTATION
Digital unit with 4,3″ TFT colour display
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
DRY WEIGHT
174,5 kg (385 lb)
KERB WEIGHT*
197 kg (434 lb)
SEAT HEIGHT
835 mm (32,9 in)
WHEELBASE
1.438 mm (56,6 in)
RAKE
24°
TRAIL
99 mm (3.90 in)
FUEL TANK CAPACITY
17 l – 4.5 gallon (US)
NUMBER OF SEATS
Dual seat
EQUIPMENT
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Riding Modes, Power Modes, Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 2, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO, Auto tyre calibration
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO 2, Full LED lighting with Daytime Running Light (DRL), Öhlins steering damper, Auto-off indicators, Lithium-ion battery, Silencer outlet cover in carbon fibre and titanium
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
Passenger seat and footpegs kit
READY FOR
Ducati Data Analyser+ (DDA+) with GPS module, Ducati Multimedia System (DMS) and anti-theft
WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE
WARRANTY
24 months unlimited mileage
MAINTENANCE SERVICE INTERVALS
12,000 km (7,500 mi) / 12 months
DESMOSERVICE
24,000 km (15,000 mi)
EMISSIONS AND CONSUMPTION (Only for countries where Euro 5 standard applies)
Australia is the second-most saturated market for Ducati ownership in the world, so the company pays a lot of attention to its Aussie customers.
That means there are more Aussie Ducati owners per head of population than anywhere in the world outside of Italy.
Consequently, the Bologna company showed a lot of respect for the Australian importers NF Importers (Frasers) over the years.
This was demonstrated by the fact that a Monster 659 was produced years ago specifically to comply with our learner-approved motorcycle scheme (LAMS).
The 659 is now a popular staple of their Monster line-up.
In 2020, Ducati took over direct importing of their bikes into Australian and New Zealand.
At the time, new subsidiary boss Sergi Canovas told us his first priority would be to make sure that dealer network is operating properly with training and communication and their presence in the market was maximised.
To this end, Ducati is expanding its dealer network with a second Melbourne dealership in January 2022 with the addition of Ducati Melbourne West at Essendon Fields, operated by the Preston Motors Group.
PMG is one of the longest established motor vehicle retailers in Australia and has an existing and relationship with Porsche which is part of the Volkswagen Group which includes Ducati.
Ducati Melbourne West will stock the entire Ducati and Ducati Scrambler range of motorcycles, all Ducati spares and accessories, and provide after-sales services with trained technical personnel.
Sergi says PMG’s long association with Porsche gave him confidence in their ability to “deliver the passion, experience and expertise that reflects the global Ducati dealer network”.
“With a large and passionate community of Ducatisti existing in Melbourne, we once again prove that we are committed to seeing the community continue to grow with the addition of a key state of the art dealership,” he says.
PMG boss Robert Gattereder says he is also a passionate motorcyclist.
“I am thrilled to introduce motorcycles to our organisation and I very much look forward to enjoying the passion that exists within the Ducati family and community. Our aim is to make it a flagship site in Victoria and a destination for Ducatisti”.
Ducati Melbourne West to launch in Essendon Fields in 2022
With the Ducati subsidiary taking over in Australia last year came a commitment to extend the Ducati dealer network, with a focus on customer satisfaction and support. In line with that Ducati have teamed up with PGM to open Ducati Melbourne West in January 2022
One of the longest established motor vehicle retailers in Australia, PMG have an existing and established relationship with Porsche, a brand that is part of the Volkswagen Group like Ducati. Having built a legacy with customer experience and performance at its core, the partnership between Ducati and PMG promises to deliver customers with additional Ducati support in Victoria.
In a facility that will spread across the Essendon Fields site, customers will be provided with services to support a premium customer experience. Ducati Melbourne West will showcase the entire Ducati and Ducati Scrambler range of motorcycles, after sales services and trained technical personnel. In addition, the facility will also house the complete range of apparel and accessories of both the Ducati and the Ducati Scrambler brands.
Sergi Canovas – Managing Director of Ducati ANZ
“We are beyond proud to partner with PMG and bring their passion and expertise to the Ducati network. After a long association with Porsche, we are confident in PMG’s ability to deliver the passion, experience and expertise that reflects the global Ducati dealer network. With a large and passionate community of Ducatisti existing in Melbourne, we once again prove that we are committed to seeing the community continue to grow with the addition of a key state of the art dealership.”
Robert Gattereder – PMG Chief Executive Officer, Robert Gattereder
“We are excited to add another premium and prestige brand to our stable and look forward to exceeding customer expectations. As a passionate motorcyclist, I am thrilled to introduce motorcycles to our organisation and I very much look forward to enjoying the passion that exists within the Ducati family and community. Our aim is to make it a flagship site in Victoria and a destination for Ducatisti.”
The facility in Essendon, Victoria will be located at 295 Wirraway Road, Essendon Fields and will open in January 2022.
The new Ducati Monster ‘937’ is now available in both Australia and New Zealand from $18,200 ride-away and if you’re not in lockdown, you can head to your local Ducati dealer for a test ride.
The new Monster is fitted with a 111 hp Testastretta 11° engine, which it shares with the latest Supersport 950.
Ducati are calling this the lightest, most compact Monster yet, representing the epitome of the Monster line, even if it does feature a double-sided swingarm. Hence the name, just Ducati Monster, or Monster+ if you’re after the extras, with no number designation.
Euro5 homologated, the engine boosts capacity over the outgoing 821, offering more power and torque while slimming down weight by 2.4 kg. The main gain is in torque which is up to 93 Nm from 85.4, while power is bumped up a couple of ponies and their should be some instant urge thanks to a high 13.3:1 compression ratio. A slip and assist clutch is also fitted.
The frame is based on the design of the Panigale V4, with an aluminium front frame attached directly to the heads, weighing only 3 kg, or 60 per cent less than the previous traditional trellis style unit.
The rims likewise have been shaved down to save 1.7 kg, while the swingarm loses 1.6 kg. The subframe uses Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer technology to save a further 1.9 kg, with a total of 18 kg saved over the Monster 821, bringing the 2021 Ducati Monster to just 166 kg dry.
The new Monster is suspended by 43 mm USD forks, while a progressive linkage and preload adjustable monoshock handle the rear of the bike via an aluminium double-sided swingarm.
Brakes are Brembo M4.32 monoblock four-piston units, with semi-floating 320 mm rotors, and a radial master cylinder. At the rear you’ll find a 245 mm rotor with Brembo two-piston floating caliper.
Seat height is now 820 mm with a narrow design between the legs, ensuring an easy reach to the ground. A lower 800 mm accessory seat is also available. For those who need the bike lower still Ducati offer a lowered suspension kit which can further lower the seat height to 775 mm in conjunction with the low seat, but that will of course have trade offs in suspension travel and compliance.
The steering angle has been increased to 36°, up 7° compared to the 821, benefiting low speed maneuvering, with handlebars 70 mm closer to the rider and more upright for better control and comfort. The rider’s feet have also been moved, with Ducati stating ‘the legs are now less curled up’.
An extensive electronics package includes cornering ABS, traction control and wheelie control as standard, alongside launch control. Ride modes include Sport, Urban and Touring, with electronics controlled via the switchblocks and current settings and speed viewed via a 4.3 TFT display that includes tacho and gear.
Other standard fitment tech includes the Ducati Quick Shift system, full LED lighting, including dynamic indicators and a USB socket for charging personal devices.
On the Monster+ we see a fly screen and passenger seat cover included. Service intervals are 15,000 km or every 12 months, while Desmoservice is every 30,000 km.
The 2021 Ducati Monster will be available in Ducati Red and Dark Stealth with black wheels, or in Aviator Grey with GP Red wheels. The Monster+ will be available in the same colours.
The new Monster is available in Australia with a starting price of $18,200 Ride Away.
Missing the iconic trellis frame and L-shaped cam covers, the controversially styled Ducati Monster 937 has arrived in Australia with very competitive pricing.
Slotting in between the 821 and 1200 Monsters, the 937 actually costs less than the previous 821 at just $18,200 ride away ($NZ18860).
It comes in Ducati Red (black wheels), Aviator Grey (red wheels) and Dark Stealth (black wheels). There will also be an exclusive ‘Plus’ version, which adds an aerodynamic windscreen and passenger seat cover to the standard fittings.
The new Monster is powered by a 937cc Testastretta 11° twin engine in a lightweight monocoque aluminium frame, featuring fully adjustable ABS Cornering, Traction Control and Wheelie Control.
Power-to-weight ratio has been improved over the 821 thanks to a 188kg wet weight which is a whopping 18kg lighter.
The new hybrid monocoque frame with a fibreglass-reinforced polymer subframe saves most of that weight.
However, the loss of the iconic trellis frame and L-shaped cam covers has many Ducatisti asking whether it is a true Monster.
While the original round headlight was ditched ages ago, this model has a slightly rounder looking headlight with an LED ring to pay homage to the originals.
The Queensland Italian Bike Addicts facebook page even ran a poll asking fans whether they prefer the design of the new Monster or a garbage truck. Guess which won!
A quarter of a century ago, the Monster took the motorcycle and design world by storm with its muscular naked looks, making a highlight of the frame and L-twin.
In recent years the full trellis frame has been whittled down to a shorter frame attached to the cylinder head with a separate subframe.
While photographs can be deceiving, I’ve now seen the 937 in the flesh/metal and it unfortunately looks like most Japanese naked bikes, particularly the popular Yamaha MT models.
However, that power-to-weight ratio should make for an engaging ride!
Father’s Day is fast approaching and Ducati has some great gift ideas for the Ducatisti dad, whether you’re looking for some apparel so he can show that Ducati pride everywhere he goes, or so you can keep in touch while he’s out on a ride.
That includes the Ducati Corse Tee and Ducati Corse Backpack for the dad with a keen interest in racing, or the Ducati Company Cap for a more traditional look. The Ducati Communication System meanwhile, is the ultimate gift for if you’ve got extra to thank dad for this year.
Here’s a look at some options, with an even larger range to browse at the Ducati website, or if you’re lucky enough not to be in lockdown, you can drop into your local Ducati store.
Ducati Corse Tee
Grab dad this technical T-Shirt with highly breathable and fast drying fabric, making it ideal for everyday use and the warmer weather we’ve got on the way. Eco-compatible, it efficiently wicks away moisture while keeping the body dry. The Ducati Corse Tee is available for $59.00 RRP.
Ducati Communication System
The Ducati Communication System V2 by Cardo is an intercom for riders who want to travel in groups as well as for the technology enthusiast who want to use their device safely, without taking their hands off the motorcycle controls. The Ducati Communication System V2 allows the use of voice commands, as well as syncing for navigation instructions, taking calls or to communicate with passengers or other riders in your group who’ve also got a comms system fitted and paired up. The Ducati Communication System V2 is available for $517.27 RRP.
Ducati Corse Backpack
An extremely light and versatile multipurpose bag with practical double cord closure and metal reinforcements in the corners, the Ducati Corse Backpack is the ideal accessory to accompany Ducatistas in every adventure. The backpack measures in an 34 x 44 cm offering a decent amount of storage and is just $18.18 RRP.
Ducati Company Cap
For a classic clean look, that is simply Ducati, you can’t go past the Ducati Company Cap. Iconic colours, fabric and 3D embroidery combine for a timeless style, making it the perfect gift for all occasions, for $31.77 RRP.
In 1922, a group of passionate motorcyclists decided to hold an amateur race, christened “8 of the Langhe”.
The route took riders from Cherasco to Narzole, past the Dolcetto di Dogliani vineyards and the typical Murazzano tomes.
It wound through Calizzano, with the path twisting and turning beyond the Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena, through the San Bernardino Pass and the province of Valle Tanaro, up a beautiful ascent to Garessio.
A quick break for well-made vittles at the popular Locanda del Mulino Val Casotto taverna, and onward by the Torre di Mondovì commune, to the Vicoforte Sanctuary of the Nativity of Mary, with an eventual finish in Cherasco at Salmour in the dome of the Parco dei Giganti where the competitors were to be awaited by the timekeepers.
A gorgeous route – and one that came to an unfortunate halt in 1949.
Where am I going with this, do you ask?
Well.
According to a report from RideApart, an Italian nougat/hazelnut factory owner named Dario Sebaste was an ardent Moto Guzzi collector of his time and paid homage to this gorgeous piece of vintage moto history during his life.
With his passing in the 2010s, locals revived the race in his honor, calling it “The Dario Sebaste Trophy,” with the first race held in 2016.
Today, the Dario Sebaste Trophy attracts bikers from all over the country – with a special emphasis on riding vintage motorbikes.
The four-day race does wonders for the area’s local communities, as it brings in extra funds to families that would otherwise rely on typical local income.
Care to be one of the 62 riders participating for next year?
Expect to see a slew of Moto Guzzi, Gilera, MV Agusta, Aermacchi, and Ducati brand bikes from an older era, as well as an iconic bike from Sebaste’s own collection, to be fired up at the third leg of the course.
The race starts August 26 and runs through August 29, 2021 – so make sure to check back for updates on the lucky winner of the fifth annual Dario Sebaste Trophy!
Italian professional motorcycle road racer and multiple-time MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi will officially retire from the MotoGP scene, effective at the end of the 2021 season.
The news came announced via live coverage on MotoGP’s website, alongside the report that the young Italian made his decision in the shadows of the Styrian GP, where he first won a podium during his 125cc class debut in the Grand Prix motorcycling scene of 1996.
According to a release from Motorsport, Rossi has been hauling podiums with his decorated self for 26 seasons, making him one of the most iconic racers of our time.
Of the years he has been leaning into track twisties, Rossi has competed in a total of 414 races – 115 of which stand strong as Grand Prix victories.
After his first win in the 250cc class of 1998 (The Dutch TT), Rossi signed on to Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) – and a very nice factory NSR500 – winning the first of his seven premiere titles for Y2K in what was then the highest class in World Championship motorcycle racing.
His success continued into his riding for the Honda REPSOL team at the MotoGP World Championship, carrying him into victories for both the 2003 and 2004 years, before he made an abrupt about-face switch to Yamaha in 2004.
With the Yamaha YZR-M1, Rossi made headlines again, blasting past Max Biaggi and securing a win for the Yamaha team in both the 2004 and 2005 seasons.
Despite a series of further wins for the young racer in 2008 and 2009, Rossi’s career came to a pause when he broke his leg, putting aside any hopes invested in the Italian 2010 title.
2011 saw Valentino healing from the broken leg, as well as undergo surgery for a shoulder injury. He signed on to the big guns during this time with a move to red on a two-year Ducati contract.
2011 was Rossi’s first winless season – the first time in his Grand Prix career – and the battles on the track were harder than ever.
His best finish on a Ducati to date was in his 2012 season in France, when he beat the Tech3 riders and finished second place.
Rossi also experienced similar successes that year with his time on the track at Le Mans of San Marino (many contribute these successes in part to the new and improved swingarm and frame sliders installed on his Ducati around this time).
Rossi soon rejoined the Yamaha team, where he was to stay until the present date. During his 2014-2021 seasons with Yamaha, Rossi and fellow teammate Maverick Vinales struggled a bit with their racebikes, leaving the racers feeling frustrated and less than satisfied on the track.
Despite this, Rossi continued to secure a few wins, taking the podium twice in 2014.
In 2015 the drama mounted when Rossi accused Marc Marquez of conspiring with Jorge Lorenzo to can his potential for Australia. The resulting consequence had the Italian in a back-of-the-grid start for the Valencia finale.
Rossi’s further wins were dwindling; the Italian secured two wins for 2016, then one in 2017 (The Dutch TT). His podiums also were less frequent, from five podiums in 2018 to two in 2019, and a final podium last year at the second race of Andalucia.
Despite the chaos and beauty that naturally accompanies the stats of a racer’s career, Valentino Rossi is an amazingly talented man.
With his generous personality and competition with Biaggi, Sete Gibernau, Casey Stoner, and Lorenzo, Rossi helped create a MotoGP that, today, is seen and loved by all.
“I have made my decision for next year – and I have decided to stop after the end of the season. Unfortunately, this will be my last season as a MotoGP rider”, says Rossi in a live coverage.
“It was great and I had an unforgettable moments with my team, with all my guys that worked for me. Molto, molto bueno. ”
The young racer will always live in our hearts, as well as through his recent work with the VR46 Riders Academy, founded in 2014.
Big names have arisen from this academy – including Morbidelli, Bagnaia, Marini, Bezzecchi, Nicolo Bulega, Niccolò Antonelli, Andrea Migno, Celestino Vietti, Lorenzo Baldassarri, Stefano Manzi, Dennis Foggia and others – and we look forward to the amazing moment that Valentino Rossi’s VR46 team graces the MotoGP stage, in 2022.
Stay tuned for updates, and make sure to check out Rossi’s Sky Racing Team VR46.
If there’s one thing Ducati is good at, it’s putting a big price tag on a pretty engine – and they’ve started work on a new SP model.
According to a report from MCN, a set of American Emissions Documents has given away the fact that Ducati is in the works of making an SP version of their popular Streetfighter V4 S.
While this may not come as a complete surprise, the exact details on what is getting updated have yet to be released.
Despite this, we can still compare the information we have been given against the other SP Ducati models to guesstimate updates that will be installed under the proverbial hood.
We’ve been told the power and range of the hyper naked will be the same, which means the shiny bits of new technology that inevitably follow every Ducati release will be the buggers contributing to the steep price tag.
Suppose the updates are anything like the Panigale V4 SP model that Ducati released.
In that case, we’ll be getting a very lovely set of Stylema R calipers, an MCS master cylinder, carbon fiber wheels, and probably something like a dry clutch conversion to keep the traditional Ducati rumble and roar.
There’s also a couple of zero’s to chew on if we’re comparing the Panigale V4 S to the price tag of the V4 SP model. The Panigale V4 SP costs £32,295 in the UK – that’s a stiff £7000 more than the original V4 S model.
Expect the Streetfighter V4 SP to have a similar rise in price and for the release of the bike to hit later this year, given the EICMA tradeshow (the probable location of the new Streetfighter V4 SP reveal) has purportedly been delayed until November due to ongoing restrictions. We’ll keep you posted, so make sure to check back regularly!