Introduced to the rest of the world as a 1994 model, the Ducati 916 was introduced to the U.S. market as a ’95 model. Due to a fire at the Bologna factory, production of the 916 was delayed and early bikes were produced on a makeshift production line at the Varese factory. While the specification of Varese produced bikes varied little from later Bologna production (hollow aluminum mushroom fasteners used to attach the mid and lower fairing sections and the windscreen to the upper fairing and VIN sticker in the rear tail secion) the Varese bikes were given Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) which clearly identify them as the earliest produced bikes (11th digit of the VIN is a V). Approximately 2,900 bikes were produced before production was moved to Bologna.

This bike has been with me for over two decades and has covered 60K+ miles. It has a set of aftermarket carbon fiber mufflers, Brembo cast iron rotors, later model Showa forks with Ohlins internals and Brembo front brake calipers, Ohlins rear shock, Karbarcher seat, Helibars and Dymag magnesium center and carbon fiber rim wheels. It has been custom tuned by Doug Lofgren. All the stock parts are stored so this bike can be returned to original for static display.