916 Varese Bikes - I Just Don't Get It - But I'm Coming Around

They’re interesting photographs of the early bikes. Note Massi’s red frame black wheels back in 93 only to turn up years later on the 999, way ahead of the game .

 

i was lucky enough to pick up my varese in November last year just before prices seemed to go through the roof. As other have already said first production, story behind them being built in varese, cagiva stamped parts, p8 ecu's etc all add to the story. collectors always look for what sets that particular model apart doesn't matter what you are collecting. they are a sub category of what is already a desirable bike

 

If you don’t get it about those varese bikes is because you don’t have one.
Just like i don’t get it why they give alot of money for an R or superleggera,but i don’t have one of these so maybe that is why i don’t get it.
It is like been said all ready,the first one off a model is always more sought after.
It are the small differences that make them special sometimes.
That one from tamburini has some really nice early racing parts on it as well.
I have a ‘94 as well but not care about original,changed to much all ready to be collectable.

Henk!!!

 

Originality isn't always required with older sought after bikes - take for example the RD350LC - some of the modified Hybrid bikes are commanding more than the original specification bikes. It's a strange thing as an early modified Z1 would be way below the value of an original with all the correct parts.

There are often quirks with values, which is why it's hard to know the future, who'd have thought the white with red seat R1 would be the sought after one when everyone hated the red seat and bought blue versions at launch (or reluctantly bought a red one as blue ones were in short supply).

The strange thing with the 916 and it's derivatives is the later 998 bikes are worth more... and we are 17 years on from production ending.

 

What about number 000916 ?

 

I have a 1996 916S that was American spec and was diverted to the UK by Hoss Elm of Moto Cinelli, he went to the Factory and demanded delivery of some bikes, I believe 10 arrived. Midland Motorcycles of Northampton converted the lights and switches to uk spec otherwise it stayed as it arrived. Single seat, Ohlins shock, Pirelli Corsa Tyres

 

You mean a 1996 Strada.

All US market monopostos from '95 onwards got an Öhlins rear after someone complained about the Showa damping.

The 916 S was only made in 1994 (at Varese) and apart from the factory saying they made 199 of them, not a lot has been confirmed about their specs. Some say it had the SP frame but Strada motor... maybe Öhlins rear as well plus carbon airbox?

 

I’ve read that the 916S (199 of) were a euro SP with different cams in to meet the American emissions.

 

@ west cork Paul, initially using the vin for Varesse built models but as you say into the 2600+ then i believe it would be for Ducati to confirm.

 

Hi Paul, yes Ducati is very much the Ferrari of motorcycles, and the providence and race pedigree of the entire 916 model range will make it Ducati's most collectable mass produced bike in the near future. It'll be the collectors/investors money that really decides the pecking order between the R's, SPS's, SP's, S's, Varese's etc. Still you've got to wonder how many of those first 2600 odd 916's are still in existence (I'd say much less than half given the sports status of this bike), then how many of those bikes left are original and have relatively low mileages and VIN numbers?
I'm thinking of doing a 10 day auction soon to sell my bike, so we'll have an idea of what a 22k mile, 85 - 90% original, sub 700 VIN number bike is worth.

Regards the 'tells' on the Varese bikes I'm under the impression the only way to be sure is the 'V' in the 17 digit VIN code (1) or the Manufacturers decal under the seat stating month and year of manufacture (2), because as I understand it some 916 production returned to the Bologna factory around August of 1994, so not all 1994 916's are Varese bikes, if someone could confirm this I'd appreciate it?
I also believe the following may be genuine Varese 'tells' as well -
3) P8 ECU
4) Pankl con rods
5) Fairing Rivets
6) Windscreen Rivets
7) Steering damper rubbing on the petrol tank
8) Shorter Chain Guard
9) Blue anodised oil cooler pipe fittings

The Varese 'tells' I'm not so sure about are the following because some of these changes I suspect took place as late as when Cagiva sold Ducati to that Texas groups in 1996, so it may be possible that bikes with these 'tells' were made in Bologna, although every Varese bike should have these 'tells' too they may not be exclusive to the Varese bikes -
1) 'Ducati Racing' embossed on the rear wheel hub.
2) Cagiva Markings on any part including the windscreen.
3) 916 Petrol tank wider and more sculptured.
4) Non adjustable front brake and clutch levers.
5) Single bolt clip-on handle bars.
6) 40mm brake caliper mounting bolt hole center spacings.

It would be good to have some of this confirmed if anyone knows any more about it?

Edit - Just to add the following -
7) Black coloured mirrors
8) Airbox without internal 'bumps' near the hole for the rear cylinder velocity stack hole (see photo below with the early airbox on the right) -

 

Here's my Varese baby showing the shorter chain guard -


And the exclusive part to the California model is the fuel overflow canister located between the cylinders (the round black bit) -

 

Bidding up to £8k now on eBay!

 

£8k with over a day left and needs plenty of love too, be interesting to see what it finishes at. There’ll be a nice hole burned into someone’s credit card just to trying to source some of the original parts it’s missing