1996 DUCATI 916 955 Racing Ex- Ian Simpson Race Bike
955 Racing Ex- Ian Simpson Race Bike
Price
£59,999
Used MotorcycleDealer: The Bike Specialists
100 vehicles listed
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Motorcycle Specifications
Description
The bike specialists, trading standard award winners for the past 12 years. Bike ID: #10125 We are proud to offer for sale, new in at the Bike Specialists, another excellent investment opportunity. The Massimo Tamburini designed Ducati 916 is probably the most influential motorcycle design of the last 30 years and our example is a unique and rare 916/955 Race bike supplied with what must be the most comprehensive set of provenance we have ever had supplied with any bike that has passed through our showroom. For the 1996 model year, Ducati's catalogue racer was the Ducati 916 Racing, a machine that closely mirrored the specification of the 1995 factory bike campaigned to World Superbike Championship victory by Carl Fogarty. Built for serious competition by the Ducati Factory, the 1996 916 Racing was powered by a 955cc engine with identical camshaft timing to the 1995 factory machines. It featured 37mm intake and 31mm exhaust valves, a Magneti Marelli IAW twin-injector system, and a 435 (P8) ECU. A close-ratio gearbox, carried over directly from the factory bikes, was also fitted. While the compression ratio was slightly reduced to 11.8:1 compared to the previous year, the bike still delivered an impressive 153 bhp at 11,000 rpm. Only 31 official customer race bikes were produced for the 1996 season. One of these, frame number ZDM916S007155, was acquired early in the year by the GSE Duckhams Ducati Racing Team for use in the British Superbike Championship (BSB) of the 96 season. Under the management of Colin Seeley, GSE & Duckham Ducati Racing began the 1996 BSB season with two 1995-spec Ducati Racing machines for their lead riders, Ian Simpson 22# and Jim Moodie 21#. Early in the season, the team received a new brand-new 1996 Ducati 916 Racing, frame number ZDM916S007155, which was designated as Ian Simpson's number-one race bike, with Moodie continuing with the 1995-spec machine. In that 1996 season Ian Simpson scored two podium finishes (3rd place) and set a fastest lap in the British Superbike Championship, finishing the season with 143 points, competed in both the British (Donington Park) and European (Brands Hatch) rounds of the World Superbike Championship, scoring 2 points & claimed victory at the 1996 North West 200, one of the most prestigious road racing events in the UK. The bike was retained by GSE Racing throughout 1997 and 1998 and, following its competitive use, at the end of the 1998 season it was sold by John Hackett Performance, on behalf of team owners Mr. Thomas French (T. French and Sons Haulage) and Mr. Norman Lymburn (Lymburn Civil Engineers), to Mr. R. Ormsby. The original bill of sale, documenting this transaction, remains with the bike. Over time, the bike passed through several owners and eventually fell into disrepair. It was later acquired by Tom Irvine of Fuel Race Parts, a respected collector and restorer of Ducati racing machinery. Under his care, the bike underwent a full concours-level restoration to exact original factory specifications. The restoration was thoroughly documented on the Fuel Race Parts Facebook page, providing an in-depth look at the meticulous process. We can organise shipping of this or any of our other motorcycles anywhere in the world. We are a family-owned company who pride ourselves on the quality of our Motorcycles and all of them are carefully chosen, handpicked enthusiast pre-owned examples that are always HPI Clear for your peace of mind. We offer all the usual Motorcycle Dealer facilities such as Low-rate finance and extended warranties and operate a no pressure environment where you can relax and en
About the Ducati 916
The Ducati 916 is one of the most iconic motorcycles ever produced, a true design masterpiece and a dominant force in World Superbike racing in the mid-1990s. Renowned for its stunning Massimo Tamburini design, exposed single-sided swingarm, and powerful Desmoquattro V-twin engine, it's a bike that transcends mere transport to become a work of art and a visceral riding experience. In the UK, the 916 holds legendary status among enthusiasts and collectors, representing a golden era of Italian superbike engineering and design.
Why Buy a Used Ducati 916?
- The 916 offers an unparalleled analogue riding experience, connecting you directly to the road with its potent engine and race-bred chassis.
- Its timeless design by Massimo Tamburini ensures it stands out in any collection and continues to draw admiring glances.
- As a highly sought-after classic superbike, a well-maintained Ducati 916 can be a solid investment, with values steadily appreciating.
- Owning a 916 connects you to a rich racing heritage, celebrating Ducati's dominance in World Superbike championships.
Typical Price Range
All prices are approximate and subject to change based on condition, mileage, specification, and market conditions.
- 1994–1995: £9,000 – £15,000 — These earlier models might show more signs of age or higher mileage, offering a more accessible entry point for restoration or a rider's bike.
- 1996–1998: £15,000 – £22,000 — Generally in better condition with lower mileage, these represent well-preserved examples for regular riding or collection.
- Collector Grade (Low Mileage/Special Editions): £25,000 – £40,000+ — Immaculate, low-mileage bikes or rare special editions like the Senna or SPS command premium prices, often aimed at serious collectors.
Common Issues to Check
- Electrical Gremlins: Wiring issues, particularly with the regulator/rectifier, are common and can lead to battery drain or charging problems.
- Fuel System Age: Fuel pumps, lines, and injectors can degrade over time, requiring replacement to ensure reliable running.
- Cam Belt Condition: Desmodromic engines require cam belt changes every two years or 12,000 miles; check service history for this crucial maintenance.
- Exhaust Cracks: The exhaust system, especially the collector box, can suffer from cracks due to heat and vibration.
- Fairing Condition: Original fairings are often brittle; inspect for cracks, stress marks around mounting points, and previous repair quality.
Running Costs
- Fuel Economy: Around 30-35 mpg (miles per gallon), depending heavily on riding style and engine tune.
- Insurance Group: Typically in the highest performance motorcycle groups (e.g., Group 17), reflecting its power and collector status.
- Servicing: Specialist servicing for the Desmodromic engine is required and can be expensive, particularly the major 2-year/12,000-mile service including cam belts.
Which Variant Should I Choose?
- 916 Strada: This is the original, single-seat variant, offering the purest expression of the 916's race-bred design and performance for solo riders.
- 916 Biposto: Featuring a passenger seat, the Biposto (two-seater) is ideal for those who occasionally wish to share the experience without compromising the core 916 character.
- 916 Senna: A highly desirable, limited-edition model (Series I, II, III), dedicated to Ayrton Senna. These are sought by collectors for their rarity, unique colour schemes, and investment potential.
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