Hi All After a bit of help, been offered a 94 916.. Supposedly Varese built. It was UK registered in feb 95, so backs up it probably being built in 94. Few 93 components on it. Chap only had the original blue log book, but the chassis number from what I can gather is too late? *This was what was written on log book (forgot to check bike).. DM916S1003180 (might be a D and not a 0 at the end... hard to tell) Any advice gratefully received chaps...
The frame number stamped on the bike more likely looks like ZDM916S1*003180*. With the stars, as the typical 13 digits Euro vehicle identification number (VIN) pre 1998, with “Z” for Italy and “DM” for Ducati Motorcycles. There should be no letters in the last digits (framed by stars) as this is the factory sequential production number of the bike. Do you have a picture of the frame to double-check? Administration agents sometimes goof it up on the registration paperwork… Unlike the 17 digits US VIN numbering system, which had a « B » for Bologna (or Borgo Panigale?) and a « V » for Varese, there is no encoded mention of the assembly factory in the pre 98 Euro VIN system. Probably why this « Varese built bikes are more valuable » nonsense came from the US in the first place… I guess all Cagiva bikes are more valuable than Ducatis then, since Varese was the Cagiva factory, used as a contingency assembly location for a few months as the factory in Borgo was unavailable due to some fire incident... The only way to know where this bike was assembled is for the current owner to ask Ducati customer service by email. They can look into their archives.
21 pages of discussion https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/varese-bikes-i-just-dont-get-it-but-im-coming-around.79011/
Not sure what the obsession with Varese vs. Bologna built is? IMHO buy the bike if you want it but, it matters not where it was assembled.
They are just early bikes… with a few manufacturing flaws like, for example ,the tank rubs the steering damper. Not worth more than any other model imo.
916 is iconic and becoming desirable to collectors. A Cagiva owned Ducati bult at the Cagiva factory instead of Bologna. Interesting! Pinky YZF 750's are more sought after than other colours. Also did you notice the engine number was blanked out in the video?
Agree MarcoDuc, I already own a 97 916, and have been offered a potential Varese.. So my post isn't "do people think Varese Ducs are worth more"... My post is merely about identifying it as a Varese built one.
You may not have noticed (or read) but I told you above exactly what you needed to do for this. Have the owner contact the Ducati Customer Service ([email protected]) with pics of the bike, frame number, engine number, ID and title and then wait (a few weeks sometimes) for their answer.
Beautiful lines, credit is due to the gardener for an excellent display of topiary… if only you could move that bloody bike so we could get a better look!
I would be asking the seller for a photograph of the stamped in frame number. The one shown on the V5 does not appear correct. Although it is 13 digits (correct for motorcycles of that period) it should start ZDM…….. It could be a genuine error on the V5 caused by ‘whoever’ by submitting incorrect details on the V55 (either new or used) or an error made at DVLA.
