The 916 truly needs no introduction, but we’ll defer to VisorDown for our favorite summation: “Every once in a while a true classic comes along: James Joyce’s Ulysses, The Beatles’ Revolver, Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs. Greats one-and-all, to be seen, owned or understood by the discerning and devoted. To the list of timeless classics, we can add Massimo Tamburini’s Ducati 916.”
“Never had a motorcycle provoked such feelings of pure lust or been so coveted. Here was sex made metal, a Sophia Loren in cro-mo steel and alloy. Slim and curvy, the 916 took the breath away from any angle and redefined how a motorcycle could, and should, look.”
“And it wasn’t just skin deep. The four valves per cylinder desmodromic V-twin measured 916cc and produced 114 crankshaft horsepower, with torque from tickover.”
Thanks to the gift of hindsight, we know that the 916 was one of Ducati’s most important models of all time. But did you know that it nearly had a catastrophic beginning? Right as the production lines were spinning up to bring the world the prettiest sportbike of the decade, a fire broke out at Ducati’s paint shop in the factory in Bologna.
Ducati did not let this cripple them – instead they improvised and utilized the Cagiva factory in Varese to build 2,663 of the first 916s. Per Ian Falloon, 641 of the Varese bikes were sold in the US. You can identify the Varese-built bikes because the 11th digit of the VIN is a V. Manufactured in November of 1994, this example is VIN: ZDM1SB8S3SV002500, Engine #: SB8S003021. The owner acquired it 14 months ago from a private collector in Carlsbad, California.
During his ownership, the seller has covered 20 miles. The odometer shows 6,611 miles.
It is US emissions compliant.
The seller notes that “V is for Varese!!! This is a Varese built bike featuring the desirable Cagiva logos on the windscreen and fuel cap.”
Maintenance:
“Desmo service completed in May 2025 with record
– Valve check
– Timing belts
– Spark plugs
– Throttle body sync
– All fluids flush”
The seller states that there are no known mechanical issues.
Modifications:
Oberon Performance slave cylinder (original included).
Aftermarket bar ends.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Pilot Sport tires that have aged out.
The sale includes 1 ignition key, tool kit, and the original clutch slave cylinder.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“– Some cosmetic oxidation in some areas due to its California coastal upbringing
– The only notable bodywork flaw is a small crack in the front of the left upper fairing fastener. Given the age of the original fairings, some brittleness is to be expected.
– A mouse appears to have sampled the headlight dust boots at some point in the bike’s history. There was no other rodent damage.
– The seat retains its original cover, which exhibits some light tearing at a few of the tightest wrap points along the seat’s perimeter.”
Currently located in Murrieta, California, this Ducati is offered on a clean California title with registration current through MONTH YEAR.
Have any 916 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
