That’s a very interesting thread, I’ve been following these past few days. A few notable differences with my comprehension of the market over here in France. First point, as an element of context, the “Varese” bikes have virtually no market of there own, over here. They are considered as standard 1994 bikes, early production but no different, and as such, the pricing is only based on their condition. The “Varese” madness you seem to see in the UK or the US looks a bit out of proportions, seen from here, really. Like some kind of “hype”. On the opposite, there is absolutely no way a 916 like the one described in this thread would ever be sold below 12.000€, at the moment. Not in your wildest dreams. A lot of people do their own desmo maintenance over here, now, as Ducati completely turned their back on these awhile ago and “indies”, as you guys call them, are not easily found and usually ask big money as the demand is important. So for someone who can do their own maintenance, recommissioning this one is probably less than 1000€, buying quality parts, as it is in a really well preserved state. After spending mostly some hours on it, you end up with a pristine super low miles 916. That’s exactly what I did with my SP3, even though the initial investment (buying) was obviously higher. In a nutshell, I am really surprised one could offer less than 10k for it, and not so surprised your offer got turned down, to be honest. Seller should advertise in France!!
Thanks for the detailed reply Guillaume, There are plenty of £10k Ducati's on the market currently and most do not seem to be moving very quickly but these from what i've seen have been higher mile bikes 8-10-15k miles but all seem road worthy with history!! i guess one would be paying a premium for the low miles as you would expect especially if the bike had allot of history.. This one does not have any at all.. I have no problem paying the right money for the the right bike or bikes but i see no comparison for a genuine low mile bike apart from dealers demanding imo "high prices" I would be able to do 99% of the work on the bike so would mainly be parts and re-coating costs but obviously need to factor in time, parts costs, and also the "unknown".. What would you expect that bike to fetch on the open market fully recommissioned/restored? I guess looking at it production numbers wise it is a low 'Value' bike demand wise as it is a Biposto but being one of 141 yellow BIP bikes sold in 97-98 in the uk market 'May' bring the value up for a collector for such a low mile bike..
Whatever the color, the type of tail (bip or solo), the model year, this is a « brand new » 916. As such, I personally believe it is already a collector, in addition to be THE sport bike of all times. Aside from the usual consumables, the engine is brand new inside. You will know the second you do the valves. My feeling is that it could fetch not far from 14k€ in the current French market, when fully cleaned, maintained and tuned up. No clue about the UK market as it seems to be very different from ours, much more versatile, for some reason, with highs and lows that are difficult for me to understand… Having worked on my new to me « low miles » (4500km) 916 SP3 last year, which didn’t look half as clean as this 916 to start with, I cannot begin to tell you the joy it is to find all things new under the crust and grime. It’s an amazing feeling. If you’re looking for a keeper, and can do 99% of the maintenance/refurb/recommissioning yourself, then ask the seller how much he would let it go for, and work from there, instead of starting from a lowball offer… It’s a Ducati 916 mate, not a 600 Fazer!
Thanks I have spoken with the Owner/Owners there lowest figure is way over what i would call realistic.. I've left my details with them so let's see..
Simply looking at the miles on the ODO, @Chris. Brand new motor, yes. Probably not even broken in yet, actually… I don’t see what’s wrong on the picture you posted? What, DOT sucking on humidity on the caliper fitting? Time does this and it is part of the consumables, as far as I am concerned.
Which is precisely why I put “brand new” between hyphens and wrote “I personnally believe” as it is no more than my own perception here, you are right. Trying to make a difference between the “brand new” off the show room and the “brand new” of a machine that’s hardly been used at all in the past 25 years. Even though you probably perfectly understood what I meant, let me just tell you I don’t exactly enjoy being called ridiculous… Thanks for keeping your messages polite, if not friendly.
I’m not sure what’s wrong with the paint on the calipers. Aren’t those marks just the bolt tightening check marks?
Yeah marks like that weren't really common back then... in my memory, so it's definitely had some spanner work more recently. Anyway I think we can all agree it's an exciting opportunity. It will be up to the OP to decide what he thinks it's worth paying. Let move on
Holy shit mate, you really need to go drink an ice tea! Sorry if my opinion pissed you off this much. An opinion is all that is. Now, so we can agree on something at least, « advisers are not the payers », you are right.
Well, keep preaching, dude. You seem to enjoy it. I was merely chatting about mechanics. Next time, I may have to express myself in my own language and may be I will use nuances that please your holy ears. Be warned, though, my French can be horrendous, SACREBLEU! PS: Bringing God in a discussion about bikes is a little too much for me. I’ll go back to my wrenches. In the meantime, say a little prayer for me.
WOW.. I see this is just like most other forums.... Strange when people go on a rant over nothing then delete their comments but hey ho.. I completely understood what you meant Guillaume when you said "brand New" some parts on the bike do look like they have just come off the showroom floor.. Some have been exposed to the elements over the past 20+ years but it is in a way like new.. I guess some people take offence to using the 'wrong' word..
Well, its still (to me) secondhand and not brand new. It's in very good condition but if I was a collector, its not good enough. Mint means mint. Thats v.good. I still wouldn't pay more than 7k for it. Its a v good one that can be ridden and enjoyed and not sat in some pretenders lounge like a fucking shite porcelain ornament. Its not an SP. Its a boggo biposto. A terrific usable bike. I'm not arguing with anyone.
If you think your going to buy a 916 in that condition for £4-500 to £5000 with that millage, dream on. That would make £6k on eBay as is all day long.
