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: ZDM916S009317.
It is production number 145.
During his ownership, the seller has ridden this bike less than 50 kilometers. The odometer shows 5,745 kilometers (3,569 miles).
“This bike was originally purchased in Japan by a local collector, and has sat in his extensive collection since. We are lucky enough to be helping said collector to sell off some of his collection. This bike was purchased in Japan approximately 4 years ago. This bike is being offered for sale as presented to us by the owner of the collection that it is being sold from. Being an import from Japan, we have no knowledge of it’s history prior to being here in New Zealand. We all know that the 916 is a truly iconic sports bike, and the Senna version is a rare and desirable motorcycle if ever there was one.”
Maintenance:
“This bike has been fully serviced including fresh belts, coolant, brake and clutch fluids, oil and oil filter, new tyres and chain. Documentation vcn be provided for this.” The seller states that there are no known mechanical issues.
Modifications:
Aella clutch slave cylinder.
MRA tinted screen.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin tires with date codes of 4424 and 2125.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“This is a very nice example that presents very well. There are some minor blemishes on the tail unit, and some very minor corrosion as one would expect from a Ducati of this era.”
Currently located in Wellington, New Zealand, this Ducati is offered on Bill of Sale only. “This motorcycle has not been registered in New Zealand so does not have a certificate of title. We are a motorcycle dealership in New Zealand and are offering this motorcycle for sale on behalf of its owner. We have extensive experience with packaging and shipping motorcycles around the world so can happily assist purchaser with this.” Have any 916 Senna stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
