Category: Bikes
2008 Ducati 1098R
To take advantage of the 2008 World Superbike rules changes allowing twin cylinder motorcycles 1200cc, Ducati produced the 1098R as its homologation special between 2007 and 2009 producing a total of 1375 bikes (500 Bayliss 1098R, 875 1098R). It was the first Ducati produced with traction control. Although labeled a 1098, the motor actually displaced […]
2003 Ducati 999R
Although the Ducati 999 was radically different appearing than the 998 which preceded it, mechanically the bikes are an evolution of the Ducati superbike formula set back in the 80s with the Ducati 750F1. Trellis frame, 90 degree V-twin with Desmodronic valve actuation. As an evolution of the 998, the 999 was also a Testaretta […]
2002 Honda RC51 SP2
After losing the World Superbike championship to Ducati V-twin superbikes multiple times, for the 2000 season, Honda decided to build its own 1000cc V-twin superbike, the RVT1000F (aka RC51) to compete with the Ducatis. The Honda was a completely modern bike with a perimeter beam frame, and gear driven cams in contrast to the trellis […]
1998 Bimota V Due Evoluzione Finale
Known as the bike that drove Bimota into bankruptcy, the Bimota V Due was the first and only bike Bimota built with an engine of its own design and construction. A 500c V-twin 2 stroke which featured crankcase fuel injection, the V Due was a tremendously ambitious under taking. Not only was it their first […]
1999 Aprilia RS250 Challenge Cup
In 1999 Aprilia began sponsoring the RS250 Challenge Cup series for their 2 stroke RS250 motorcycle in the U.S.. As the 2 strokes couldn’t pass emissions, Challenge Cup bikes were produced in Italy without lights, street switchgear. horn, kickstand, mirrors or passenger accomodations. These bikes had 15 digit VIN as opposed to the U.S. standard […]
1997 Ducati 916 SPS
Ducati’s race homologation version of the 1997 916, the 916 SPS had stronger crankcases to accomodate 996cc of displacement, a lighter tungsten plug balanced crankshaft, new heads to accomodate the bigger displacement and bigger valves. Titanium connecting rods in conjunction with the lighter crankshaft allowed these motors to rev more freely than the previous 955cc […]
1997 Bimota SB6R
Built using a 1997 Suzuki GSXR1100 engine, the Bimota SB6R was 50 lbs. lighter than the donor bike. Using Bimota’s Straight Line Connection frame design, the SB6R had a significantly lower center of gravity too. It was an improved version of the Bimota SB6 which preceded it, featuring better mass concentration and slightly lower weight. […]
1997 Bimota DB2 Edizione Finale
The Bimota DB2 was first introduced in 1993 and produced until 1997. The bike featured the air cooled 90 degree desmo V twin used in the Ducati 900SS in a lighter more compact trellis frame. Weighing about 30 lbs less than a 900SS SP, the DB2 replaced the DB1 and served as a relatively high […]
1995 Honda RC45
Produced from 1994 to 1999, the RC45 was Honda’s World Superbike homologation special built to take the place of the aging RC30 which was introduced in 1988. Bigger and beefier than the RC30, the RC45 was an evolution of the RC30 with more horsepower and fuel injection to make it more competition. 200 bikes were […]