I really do not see people (even in France ) mollesting a SP5 or SPS or any other factory race bike to fake a less powerful model to get it homologated for the road. I am very unsure this would have been « common practice » in 20th-21st century France. May be some did, but it seems universally stupid, IMHO... Until 2013, bikes with engine power exceeding 100hp had to be restricted before homologation could be granted. Restriction was often mechanical (e.g. 998s, with a metallic tab preventing WOT at the butterfly) or electronic with a specific Ducati EPROM (e.g. 996). The restriction had to be made by the official importer (SIMA, just south of Dijon, was the official French importer of Ducati’s for decades before the whole marketing model evolved to what we know today) in order to get the homologation certificate. That law was amended (2013) and today, ABS equipped bikes are good to go without power limitation.
That plate looks very legit to me. Still does not explain the dodgy stamping on the frame. If you don’t mind, I could use these pics to ask the French old timers what they have to say about this?
The number on the French plate (888S1) is the overstamped prefix not the original 888S stamping of the frame so the plate matches the modified frame number rather than the origional, S1 being a Strada prefix. SIMA must have homologated it with the modified frame number as the modified number matches the plate. Please send it out to see what they say as I am curious about it.
Alasdair - I have my fingers crossed for you being able to get the factory to authenticate it. If I hadn't already got my 888 Strada (which I have spent a bundle on), I might have been tempted with this, as like you, mine is a keeper, just didn't have the budget for a SP5 at the time, let alone a tired one. Hope you enjoy the new toy and with most of the parts on that one being original, there shouldn't be too much to go hunting for. The only thing I saw had been altered was the undertray, and they are almost impossible to find unmolested, so you either need to live with that, or keep your eyes peeled and wallet ready if one comes up. Keep us posted on the progress in a new thread.
It would be good to know what you find out. As you said previously it does seem somewhat universally stupid to do this. Was it really so hard and costly to get the bike restricted that someone did this dubious change to the frame number? Someone obviously thought it was a good idea at the time!
SIMA started out in 1976 and are still going strong. They are the official importer for Royal Enfield (among other brands) in France since 2019. Back in the mid 90’s, they were doing Ducati, Cagiva and Husqvarna.
You truly are a tit. Did you not read any of the above posts? SIMA is a multi-marque importer HQed in dept. 21 and adds these plaques for local homologation etc. etc. Maybe google SIMA? It's kinda bullshit comments like yours that leads to scaremongering!
Well done Alasdair! I am very glad that someone bought the bike who actually wanted it, rather than someone who only wanted to make money. Not that there's anything wrong in doing that but y' know... I hope to see some pics of it out for rides maybe? Its a beauty.
A TIT. I don’t always tell people about my background but between 1994 and 2001 I was an expert witness regarding the identification of stolen vehicles including motorcycles recognised by the Courts in the UK. SIMA may be a genuine company but you can still buy blank VIN plates as shown from companies that are not SIMA. This bike has a dubious background. I like the theory that the stamping was done to get it round French BHP regs. That would explain the why the prefix and not the suffix was altered. The Upshot is that this bike has been considerably devalued. Over to you BELL END.
These happend more then you would think,not alone with bikes,but with cars as well. I know a few porsches where from the changed the numbers,just to avoid taxes. Even special ones like a 911 speedster,at some point these where “just” old cars and bikes and had not that big of a collectors value. Henk!!!
Well I don’t know about this. What I know, though, is that a modified frame number like this will get you in trouble over here, should you get controlled by the cops on the side of the road (speeding, noise, or just routine). French law strictly forbid to mess with frame and engine numbers, let alone in a DIY mode. I have passed the word, pics and the link of the listing to the 888 community over here. There seems to be consensus that seen from here (pics) it does look like a legit SP5, and that it would be very simple to confirm (or not) in front of the real bike. They say if the original stamping underneath is indeed 888S (can’t be seen on pics), then the sequence number #1952 does match a SP5 frame. Moreover, they insist that there are many parts to change in order to clone a strada into an SP5. Not worth the money just to sell a fake. That being said, nobody understands why the frame number was so messed up. They suggest contacting the SIMA and see if they have kept archives of that era. A long shot, as the business has changed hands since, but you never know. If that helps, Alasdair, I could try and help you with this. Unless you are fluent in French, of course.
I picked the bike up yesterday so will get the log book away (the last 2012 issue is not there) so need to post it rather than do it electronically. There is a French dealer sticker on the bike so I have emailed them as they are still going to ask them about it. The bike is not bad, a bit rough round the edges but nothing bad. It is definitely a proper SP5 for sure looking at all the bits and pieces on it.
I'll start getting some parts sorted for it and get the motor to Slick Bass on the IOM hopefully when the travel restrictions are lifted again as have another 3 to take as well.
Well good luck with this project and hopefully you'll get the question answered on the chassis number etc.
I am sure I will get to the bottom of it and get it sorted. Not too fussed either way! I need a screen if anyone has one for grabs as it's missing.
If not on here from the members then perhaps the 851/88 web site if it's still running for those lost or misplaced items.
