Description
10/10 Update: As the engine was rebuilt with new cases, there is no engine number stamping present. Iconic is happy to supply the old cases as part of the sale should the buyer wish, though we are unable to stamp the rebuilt engine in-house.
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
In 2007, Casey Stoner won his first MotoGP World Championship aboard Ducati’s V4 Desmosedici racer. That same year, the Bologna brand would unleash one of the most exotic and elite production motorcycle of the last 20 years with the Desmosedici D16RR (or “Race Replica”). Limited to just 1,500 units worldwide, the ultra-exclusive two-wheeler was the closest thing the public had ever seen to a MotoGP bike with headlights for sale.
While the D16RR is often referred to as a “detuned version” of the Italian prototype racer, it actually featured an all-new 989cc, 90-degree V4 with gear-driven cams, twin-pulse firing order, Desmo valve actuation, single-piece forged steel crankshaft, and sand-cast aluminum crankcases and cylinder heads. The RR was good for close to 200hp and 85ft-lbs of torque when equipped with the special race ECU and exhaust system which was included with each bike. In road-going trim, it was still capable of putting down 180 horses. Top speed was an equally impressive 190 mph thanks to a dry weight of only 377 lbs (425 lbs wet).
The first-ever four-cylinder production Ducati, the Desmo RR boasted a heap of race-grade hardware. Brakes consisted of the same units used on Ducati’s MotoGP bikes (wet setup) with dual four-piston radial-mount monoblocs and floating 330mm discs. Ohlins supplied its 43mm gas-pressurized FG353P forks and PRXB mono-shock.
The bodywork, heel-guards, fenders, fairing bracket, and subframe are comprised of carbon fiber, while the exhaust heat-shield is made from a carbon-ceramic composite. Ducati’s MotoGP bike for the street also utilized a steel trellis frame derived from the brand’s premier class racer, and even the LCD display was plucked straight off the GP7. As one would expect on a motorcycle with a $70K+ sticker price, the fit and finish on the Desmo RR is absolutely exquisite. Each of the 1,500 units was built by hand by a special team and each example bares a numbered plaque.
This example is VIN: ZDMD100AA8B000669. Iconic Motorbikes purchased the bike from a client this year. He had originally purchased the bike back in 2022. As noted above: the engine was rebuilt with new cases, there is no engine number stamping present. Iconic is happy to supply the old cases as part of the sale should the buyer wish, though we are unable to stamp the rebuilt engine in-house.
It is #669/1,500.
The odometer shows 1,335 miles.
Maintenance:
Adam had this to say: “If you’ve been keeping an eye on our social media or our YouTube Channel, you should know by now that this generation of Ducatis (circa 2008 model years including Desmosedicis, 1098s, etc) had what could be a VERY BAD but common issue. Ducati chose to use a particular blue coolant at the time (it appears to have been used throughout the entire production of Desmos) that will eat away at the aluminum motor parts from the inside out. It’s even more problematic with bikes that have sat with this coolant without being used for extended periods of time. Some Desmos that were ridden, regularly serviced, or taken to the track would likely have had a coolant change. If the bike happened to go in for other recall items, the dealers were quick to replace the antifreeze with a better product.
We’ve seen quite a few with damage from the blue coolant and one of the telltale signs is blue antifreeze staining on the edges of the freeze plugs, gaskets, etc. The big problem here is that you may never know until the motor just goes bad on you! Some engines may have already had damage to the water jackets, cooling system, and even the cases!
Although very low mileage, the bike had clearly been sitting for most of its life. The bike had NO SIGNS of damage, showed no stains, and ran great when it first came to Iconic and sold to one of our larger clients. He flew out here to see it initially from the East Coast; he only purchases excellent examples of motorcycling and decided that this was the bike for him. He didn’t ride it much but when he did, zero concerns!
About two years later, the owner (Matthew) called to say that he was buying another high-end Porsche and that he wasn’t using this bike or the MV Agusta F4 Serie ORO. So, rather than list them on the auction site, he made us an offer to buy them back. Seeing that I was excited about opening Iconic East, I thought it would be a fun rider for a bit of press before putting it back up for sale. We opted to list the MV ORO that was part of the package deal and seeing that it was 0 miles, we did not ride the bike and it sold soon after.
When the Desmo arrived, it started right up, sounded great, and seemed ready to ride! Unfortunately, the next day, I was planning on a ride around Rhode Island before putting it on the auction site and water was spraying from the exhaust! I caught it quick, looked down at the oil sight plug and realized what had happened. We opted to send the bike back to CA to dig deeper. After a close look, we could see a problem with the head gasket or more. Seeing as we do not have the tools to work on a Desmosedici, I asked my dear mate, Marc Maidens of Pro Italia to help. Marc handles most of our major repairs on Desmos from home as he has a full shop area, he’s Desmosedici certified, and he’s truly a class act that leaves no stone unturned.
After Marc had a chance to dig in, he reported the horrible news. One head was quite bad (water jackets were clogged and eroded, second head was ok but not great… cases had pitting and leaks throughout so they too needed to be replaced. I told him to make it as perfect as possible! We were lucky to find two brand new OEM heads and new cases. While it was apart, Marc asked if we should address other common issues such as the valve springs, rod bearings, etc… I asked him to replace it all!
I realize there are certain people that may frown on the fact that the motor was rebuilt, but there is a risk with all Desmos that there will be unforeseen damage. They had a handful of issues beyond the coolant and this bike has every known concern/issue addressed with brand new parts! If you’re looking for a super clean, very low mileage example that you can ride with confidence, this is about as good as it gets!
As an FYI, even at our cost, the parts and service work (not including quite a bit of the work that was handled at Iconic) is in excess of $25,000. At a dealer, assuming they could find the parts and had the know-how to handle, this would of been far north of a $30,000 repair!”
In preparation for the listing, we removed the engine and sent it to Marc at Pro Italia for a rebuild with new cases and heads. Upon its return, we re-installed the engine, changed all the fluids, and ran the bike through its proper heat cycles to ensure that it was functioning correctly and ready to be test ridden.
Our service department notes the following in their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition:OK
Tire Year Front/ Rear:2721/0621
Tire % Front/ Rear:85/85
Tire Press Front/ Rear:34/36
Brake % Front/ Rear :85/85
Front hydraulic fluid:NEW
Rear Hydraulic Fluid:NEW
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid:NEW
Oil:NEW
Coolant:NEW
Low Beam:OK
High Beam:OK
Turn:OK
Tail Light:OK
Brake Light:OK
Plate Light:OK
Kill:OK
Horn:OK
Fork:OK
Shock/s:OK
Final Drive:OK
Battery Standing Voltage:12.7V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM:14.2V
Notes:
• HAS MARCHESINI 17″ WHEEL
• NEW ENGINE, HEAT CYCLED.
• TEST RODE 5 MILES, UNIT OPERATES AS DESIGNED.
Modifications:
Race exhaust.
Marchesini 17″ rear wheel. The previous owner had us source this wheel as the OEM 16.5″ tires are no longer available — we believe it was the very last one produced before Marchesini discontinued this model for Desmosedici Retrofits. Iconic Motorbikes has two sets of BST carbon fiber wheels in stock that are available for an additional cost.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires with date codes of 0021 and 2721.
The sale includes one key, the original owner’s materials, the original decal kit, the street exhaust, and the stock 16.5″ rear wheel.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Ducati is offered on a clean New York title. Have any Desmosedici RR stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
