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Lot #7 - 1996 DUCATI 916 BIOPOSTO - A 1990s icon with only 8,670 km

  • Auction House:
    Donington Auctions
  • Sale Name:
    Collectors' Motorcycles, Cars & Horse Drawn Carriages - Featuring the Private Museum of Racing Driver Bryan Thomson
  • Sale Date:
    20 Jun 2021 ~ 2pm (AEST)
  • Lot #:
    7
  • Lot Description:
    1996 DUCATI 916 BIOPOSTO - A 1990s icon with only 8,670 km
    A 1990s icon with only 8,670 km
  • Notes:
    The 916 was introduced at the end of 1993 and spearheaded Ducatis revival of the 1990s.Designed by Massimo Tamburini, this took the 888s water-cooled four-valve engine and placed it in an evolutionary chassis with revolutionary styling. The 916 immediately set a new standard of performance and styling for modern Superbikes and enjoyed incredible success in the World Superbike Championship. It is now acknowledged as defining the era and the ultimate 1990s Superbike. Although the 916 looked revolutionary with its strong frontal aspect of twin poly-ellipsoidal headlights, single-sided swingarm, and exhaust system exiting under the seat, it still continued Ducatis traditional philosophy of evolution. At its heart was the Desmoquattro 90-degree V-twin, born in 1987 as a 748 before growing to 851 and 888c. When Massimo Tamburini set about designing the 916 at the Cagiva Research Centre in San Marino he was determined his baby would be faultless. While the 916 engine was essentially a stroked 888, with the same liquid-cooled double overhead camshaft desmodromic cylinder heads and Marelli electronic fuel injection, the rest of the motorcycle was new. Tamburini eschewed the ubiquitous Deltabox aluminium frame in preference to the traditional Ducati space frame but created a more compact design with improved weight distribution. Another important consideration in the design was a reduction in frontal area and an improvement in aerodynamics over the 851/888. The front 43mm Showa triple clamps were machined in pairs, the chill-cast lower triple clamp notable for its exceptional depth. The 916 produced 114 horsepower at 9,000 rpm but sheer power wasnt what the 916 was about. Although capable of 260 km/h, there were faster and more powerful motorcycles available. The 916 offered more than engine performance, and provided a balance between the engine and chassis that set a new standard. It also took Ducati beyond that of an enthusiast niche market manufacturer to one that produced a universally admired and desirable motorcycle. Updates for 1995 saw a dual seat added, becoming the Biposto, and it was virtually unchanged for 1996. However, supply was problematic and only 100 1996 specification 916 Bipostos were imported into Australia. The 916 went on to become arguably the greatest Ducati ever. It provided the class-leading standard for close to a decade, and no other Ducati has had such success on the track for such a long period and remained at the top of the performance world for so long. This 1996 916 Biposto was first sold to Darren Dunn of Plenty Victoria on 6/1/97. It was supplied by Café Racer Motorcycles via Lloyd Chapman Motorcycles in Perth. At that time Lloyd Chapman was the official Ducati distributor for Western Australia but also occasionally supplied bikes to non-official dealers elsewhere in Australia. As Mr. Dunn was building a new family home and funds were needed for a new kitchen, Bryan purchased the bike around 1999. It was subsequently ridden by Bryan to various motorcycle events, including the Phillip Island MotoGP. As it has been used sparingly this Ducati 916 is presented in immaculate original condition. Accompanying the sale is the original sales contract, service book and owners manual. This bike is featured on pages 64 of issue No. 15 Sep/Oct 2009 of Old Bike Australasia. Previously registered by the current owner with Victorian registration XTASY, this registration has elapsed, and the motorcycle is sold unregistered. The plates with rights to display will be sold as their own lot (not associated to motorcycle) in this auction.
  • Estimate:
    A$18,000 - 24,000
  • Realised Price:
    *****

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  • Category:
    Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.



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