Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Ducati’s 916 was an instant classic as soon as it was shown to the world. Built for 5 years before evolving into the 996, this bike was one of Massimo Tamburini’s crowning achievements. Though it produced less horsepower than the Japanese competition, the engine made more torque, and no bike from any country could compete on style.
In 1998, the Guggenheim featured an exhibit called “The Art of the Motorcycle”. The 916 was one of the few modern bikes to make the cut. But you probably already know all about the 916 and what makes it fantastic – the lovely single-sided swingarm, designed to speed up wheel changes during races, for example. Or the underseat exhausts that cleaned aesthetic lines, but also aerodynamic flow. Forget all that for a moment. Today we’re featuring a very special version of this classic – the Ducati 916 Senna. Built as a fund-raiser for the late Ayrton Senna’s namesake foundation, Ducati took just under 1,000 of their standard 916 two-seaters (known as the biposto), and added carbon fiber in a few choice places – like the clutch cover, front fender, exhaust pipe insulation panel, and mudguard. You also got one of the coolest paint schemes to ever grace a Duc – metallic gray with red wheels, and multiple Senna decals. It is one of the rarest 916s ever made.
Ayrton Senna was a personal friend of the Castiglioni family (partially, no doubt, because he was a repeat high-profile Ducati customer), and personally agreed to the first run in his honour before his demise. Profits from the reps went to the Senna Foundation, to provide Brazilian kids with free sports facilities, as long as they went to school. The second run arrived in 1996. As with the Senna I, the bike got treated to a trick paint scheme (though, this time in a lighter silver), a Strada-spec engine, and an SP chassis (Öhlins shock, cast-iron, fully-floating Brembo discs and braided brake hoses).
This example is VIN: ZDM916S1010211. The seller acquired the bike six years ago from the original owner.
The odometer shows 12,588 kilometers (7,821 miles).
Maintenance:
The seller reports that he has changed the timing belts, adjusted the valves, restored the brake rotors, installed a chain kit, and given the bike a detailing.
Modifications:
Per the seller, this 916 is stock.
It is riding on Michelin Pilot Sport tires that have aged out.
The sale includes two keys, the original owner’s materials, and a bike cover.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
The seller states that there are no significant cosmetic blemishes of note.
Currently located in Tombolo, Italy, this Ducati is offered on a clean Italian title. Have any 916 Senna stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!