That was one of the best videos Baron. Well done. Back in the 2000s I took a picture with this model in Amsterdam. It looked cool then and looks cool now. Big up for the Torque series, watched the whole series and I am with you. ❤
I'm looking forward to seeing this progress. Being near to 50 the 916 was my dream bike. I had a 748, which was an absolute joy to own, rode it in all weather, just because it looked and sounded so good
The headlight is easy to clean. I used IPA and some rags. Takes about 30mins, do both as it only needs done once and wont come back. Great bike! Good luck
This was the bike I lusted after as a teenager riding an rg125 in the early 90s, so beautifully styled & crushing everything Japan could throw at it on the track. Such iconic bikes deserve to be on the street making guys like me melt when I see & hear them, I’m sure you’ll do a great job bringing her back & im looking forward to seeing the process - good luck Chris!
Oooooo ... one of my most fav sounding motorcycles!! I'd love to hear that in real life - online audio recordings just don't do it justice. You lucky so-n-so.
Ever since I seen Foggy win the North West 200 on one of these back in '94, for me, it has remained the most beautiful motorcycle money can buy. You have secured yourself a cracking purchase and I very much look forward to your restoration uploads.
Another great find! It's nice to hear that someone else out there simply wants to pay what they think an item is worth, rather trying purely trying to buy it for the lowest possible price. I think that says a lot about a person, not wanting to tread on others. Looking forward to seeing what's to come with this bike!
Beautiful bike! I have a 998 and cleaned it up to practically brand new condition. They are stunning bikes and still look very modern for almost 30 year old design! I would suggest changing out the coolant reservoir cap. Mine wanted to overheat and all I had to do was change the coolant cap.
This makes me happy! Back when each bike or even each companies bikes could be recognized from a quarter mile away. They were all so unique! And yes, this is THE quintessential superbike. Ilove it and can't wait to see the subtle transformation.
I remeber being a kid at a skate park and a guy parked close by. I loved bikes and my dad said he would walk me over to have a look , he had a chat with the bloke and he said it was new Ducati he just bought, remember it being odd that its was a 916cc , he let me sit on it. How time flies, can't believe its a clasic now. Makes me feel old.
Chris, congratulations on the Ducati purchase. I have a 2007 1098 with 63k miles on the clock. Everytime I walk past it in the garage I have to stop and stare at it for 10 minutes. Love the 916 SPS design,/sound and performance, it was what really drew me to the brand
63k on a 1098?! That’s epic! I’m at 32k on an ‘11 848 EVO and 10k on a ‘00 996 mono. If you get the chance to scoop up a 916 series bike, do it. You won’t regret it!
63k that’s impressive mines on 15 and the sprag is starting to let go…. There’s not to many workshops in the south east that are not fully booked for months or trustworthy
Fantastic video @BaronVonGrumble... You've really stirred up something in me regarding my 96 748SP that has been laid up as long as this 916SPS you've just bought has been... Looking forward to seeing/hearing this special bike roar once again! 👍🏻
Congratulations sir! Enjoy the scary bills, but you know what you're in for. And, in my opinion, a special version of the most beautiful superbike ever made? Worth it.
I had a 95 916 which I bought with 20000kms on the clock - rode it for another 25000km over four years - even did a little touring on it (not particularly comfortable). Did some work on it; the electrics were rubbish - so rewiring is a good bad idea. I had a number of situations with the bike dying after 30-50 miles - was a connector block building up heat and burning out... The fuel pump can seize if not turned over regularly. To replace the fuel filter - you have to take the pump assembly out of the bottom of the tank. Make sure to replace the ridiculously large O ring around the pump assembly... don't want that leaking over a hot engine. But despite the many flaws - nothing makes you feel like a champ more than a 916... absolute piece of art.
Good luck! Sadly, Ive had to take a hiatus this year following an off on gravel at 25 mph on a light bike ..not. My ZZR1400 gen1 (just 30k on clock) was thankfully saved by the frame protectors. I had a bad 4 piece proximal humurus fracture right below the top joint. 10 screws and a huge plate in me now. Hopefully, I will be back next year. I have got a good bike solicitor on the case. That looks an ideal project, wish I could but no strength or decent mobility as of yet.
Congratulations Chris! I have a 916 as well (not SPS :( ) But I am sorry that you had to give up the ZXR for it. I have a ZXR like yours on my current wish list... I am looking forward to the video series of the 916!
My favorite bike is a Ducati 916 my brother had a yellow model and the sound is sooo nice, they are super rare now, I will look forward to seeing the progress on this beauty
That bike changed everything regarding good looking bikes, they upped the game by 4 or 5 divisions. Its still gorgeous Chris. You mentioned Guggenheim museum Chris, I have seen one in Beaulieu museum too
If you’re concerned with the “purity” of the top fairing, wet sand it with 1200+ (across the old lacquer & exposed paint), taper the hard edge where the lacquer peeled & re-clear coat (cover the low spots a couple of times & then full coats). Or redo decal.
- YES - IMO maintain, maximize origainlity at all cost if valuation is a concern. Conservation of any bike is as rare as the bike itself. I was a bit taken with a flippant, I'll paint the side fairings???. As to method consult a couple pros and see work they have done. Red, as you probably know both is sensitive to UV damage and difficult to match but I have seen Guards Red for instance G50 911's perfectly matched doing only a door to one side. B-ful bike that has found an new owner - few who could enjoy it more. Enjoyed the tag along.
The dream bike of my life. 30 years ago I saw a Pirelli advertisement with the tail of an unknown bike- a 916 as it turned out a few months later. Not sure if I will ever be able (or want) to own this unicorn of my youth . But it’s the most beautiful bike I’ve ever seen in my life. Imo
An absolute barn find, the only Ducati I'd actually own. Looking forward for project videos about getting that beauty back to original racy state! Keep it up mate!
Can’t go wrong with this! A good clean and service. My headlight was like that and I managed to clean it using a microfibre cloth taped to the end of a wood dowel. Those original wheels are sought after but I managed to pick one up for £250.
That sticker 'Casoli Moto' ....brings back memories as I used to take my 748SP to them in Barnet back in early 2000's👍🏻 great video mate and great bike.....
This remind me of the 996 I once had. 10years old with only 1500 miles. Love that bike. Beautiful to look at. Make sure you get the cambelt/timing belt changed as those are due every 2 years. I’ve never heard of them snapping but on a bike that’s been sat for this long you might be in a high risk category.
748 owner - 2 minor mods you should do. 1) do the Ohlins fork internal upgrade kit for the Showa. 2) if you can find it, get/make a heat blanket that fits above the the plastic tray between exhaust cans and the seat. It helps to keep the heat away from the back side. If your legs are getting to roasted, then a ceramic exhaust coating on the rear down pipe section helps when stopped in traffic. It dose not change the looks of the bike because it is hidden from view. The Dave Moss rear suspension ride height bar setting is 3 threads showing top and bottom. This should get you in the ballpark for chassis setup after you set shock sag. An EVR Slipper clutch also is nice if you don't mind modifying the bike from stock form.
Without doubt as you say, the most iconic bike ever, I almost bought a 916 in the late 90's, but got put off with the servicing costs, looking back I probably should have bought it, because the prices these are now fetching, can't see me buying one any time soon, looking forward to watching the journey with this little gem. 👍
Beautiful bike looking forward to more videos, I recently bought a 996, iv always wanted something out of the 916 family of bikes, and I now have it sat in my living purely as an ornament. Nothing as special as your sps but I love it.
Fingers crossed your Rockers haven't started flacking. Very common with Ducati's from that era with sitting so long. That will be the biggest cost of the restoration if they have. I'm speaking from experience here. What's inside the tank like? The original internal skin can deteriorate as well with sitting.
Obviously first thing is strip the engine flush out all the fluids. Hope the water and oil didn't mix and that the internals aren't too worn. Good looking bike though! Best of luck when you get to tearing it apart and finding out what's up.
Great '98 916SPS! I have a '99 996SPS with 80.000 km on the clock, running great. I noticed you are missing the exhaust heat shield (by your right leg), hopefully that's in the box of spare parts. And also, don't be tempted to put a 190/50 rear tire on it, these bikes are much better with a higher profile tire in the rear, I'm running a 180/55.
So happy for you and what you have got coming, whish I could do this kind of thing with some classic old bikes. I've done a little with my 2000 ZX9r, but a lot of work was already done by the time I got the bike in March '21, it was off the road only seven years, so not so long as the 916, but five of those it was under a cover outside. Now back on the road after a four month nightmare with the top end rebuild 😄
Wish me luck 😅
oh hamburgers
luck
Best of luck Sir👊
I hereby officially bequeath to you, the best of luck.
Break a leg
Great to have you back producing more regular vids under the BvG banner, I've missed these! Thank you.....
That was one of the best videos Baron. Well done. Back in the 2000s I took a picture with this model in Amsterdam. It looked cool then and looks cool now. Big up for the Torque series, watched the whole series and I am with you. ❤
I'm looking forward to seeing this progress. Being near to 50 the 916 was my dream bike. I had a 748, which was an absolute joy to own, rode it in all weather, just because it looked and sounded so good
Always best to heat stickers up with a hairdryer before peeling them off, it softens the adhesive.
And peel them at a 180 degree angle and not straight up at 90 degrees. 90 degrees tends to lead to the paint coming off.
what a gem! great find. If the engine is fine it will be great to see this beautiful modern classic riding again.
I love that you wondered, "What do I enjoy doing?" and came home with this. Fun! She's a beaut.
The headlight is easy to clean. I used IPA and some rags. Takes about 30mins, do both as it only needs done once and wont come back. Great bike! Good luck
She's absolutely gorgeous 😍 cant wait to see her looking her best and running again
Good luck Sue 👊 Love it….. don’t forget to give Al his hairdryer back 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
This was the bike I lusted after as a teenager riding an rg125 in the early 90s, so beautifully styled & crushing everything Japan could throw at it on the track. Such iconic bikes deserve to be on the street making guys like me melt when I see & hear them, I’m sure you’ll do a great job bringing her back & im looking forward to seeing the process - good luck Chris!
I forgot how good looking these bikes are just timeless design.All the best with the rest of the project 🤩
Oooooo ... one of my most fav sounding motorcycles!! I'd love to hear that in real life - online audio recordings just don't do it justice. You lucky so-n-so.
Such an iconic bike. Got a 2002 748r that hasn’t moved since 2008. I’ll be tuned in to see what happens.
Ever since I seen Foggy win the North West 200 on one of these back in '94, for me, it has remained the most beautiful motorcycle money can buy. You have secured yourself a cracking purchase and I very much look forward to your restoration uploads.
I'm so glad you found her, I lost her years ago, please send her back to me .
Timeless design this is what youtube needs rebuilding restoring the best bikes ever made
Another great find! It's nice to hear that someone else out there simply wants to pay what they think an item is worth, rather trying purely trying to buy it for the lowest possible price. I think that says a lot about a person, not wanting to tread on others. Looking forward to seeing what's to come with this bike!
You get all the goodie's bro! I have been watching you guys for years now! It's cool to see how far you've come! Baron von 44teeth lol
Beautiful bike! I have a 998 and cleaned it up to practically brand new condition. They are stunning bikes and still look very modern for almost 30 year old design! I would suggest changing out the coolant reservoir cap. Mine wanted to overheat and all I had to do was change the coolant cap.
Im already itching for the next episode! Good luck, Chris!
Awesome. I was riding when this came out. Unobtainium then. Great it will have a new life
This makes me happy! Back when each bike or even each companies bikes could be recognized from a quarter mile away. They were all so unique! And yes, this is THE quintessential superbike. Ilove it and can't wait to see the subtle transformation.
Chris, that gave me chills the moment you exposed the rear section! Wow! Great find! Cheers mate!
I remeber being a kid at a skate park and a guy parked close by. I loved bikes and my dad said he would walk me over to have a look , he had a chat with the bloke and he said it was new Ducati he just bought, remember it being odd that its was a 916cc , he let me sit on it. How time flies, can't believe its a clasic now. Makes me feel old.
Uncovering that in the garage, it’s just a lovely sight.
You just know that's going to look and sound the dogs knackers. That's a great find and a brilliant project.
"...not going to cost me a sh*t load of money..." You're hilarious mate! I drooled over this bike when they came out!!!
Good find Chris. Looking forward to seeing this project.
I still remember where I was the first time seeing a 916. Still blows me away to this day. Bellissima!
The excitement at the start of the video. Love it.
Chris, congratulations on the Ducati purchase. I have a 2007 1098 with 63k miles on the clock. Everytime I walk past it in the garage I have to stop and stare at it for 10 minutes. Love the 916 SPS design,/sound and performance, it was what really drew me to the brand
63k miles. Fantastic to hear mate. Shame we don't see more ducs with higher mileage
63k on a 1098?! That’s epic! I’m at 32k on an ‘11 848 EVO and 10k on a ‘00 996 mono. If you get the chance to scoop up a 916 series bike, do it. You won’t regret it!
63k that’s impressive mines on 15 and the sprag is starting to let go…. There’s not to many workshops in the south east that are not fully booked for months or trustworthy
Lucky boy! Looking forward to seeing more. 👍
just with the stickers removed it looks fantastic, even with the clearcoat buggered on the nose cone
Best of luck sir! They do have quite a wonderfull caracter the sps, with ti rods and different cams. Big difference frim the std 996…. Enjoy!
Fantastic video @BaronVonGrumble... You've really stirred up something in me regarding my 96 748SP that has been laid up as long as this 916SPS you've just bought has been... Looking forward to seeing/hearing this special bike roar once again! 👍🏻
Your philosophy on both parties being happy and fair is spot on. Hope the bike brings you lots of joy!
What a great find Chris can't wait to hear the Terms thumping out a beautiful bassfull boom! 👍👍
Regular sound in my village. There are 5 bikes here, my Triumph and 4 Monsters close by, lad next door has Termi's on his 1100S.
Now that's class a lot of work to restore to working condition.❤
Prolly the most beautiful Ducati wvwr produced IMO. Good find, have fun bringing her back to life!!!!!
That's the dream. No doubt.
Put some gold marchesini 5 spokes on there...perfect.
Quite agree, you can't beat cocking around with old bikes. Looking forward to seeing her come back.
Yes I was always wanting the latest and greatest now a survivor excites me more than anything shiny!
Congratulations sir! Enjoy the scary bills, but you know what you're in for. And, in my opinion, a special version of the most beautiful superbike ever made? Worth it.
Lovely Nige! Look forward to following your progress 👏🏻👏🏻
Beautiful bike! Ready for the videos on it!
Can't wait for the next episode! 🤩
I had a 95 916 which I bought with 20000kms on the clock - rode it for another 25000km over four years - even did a little touring on it (not particularly comfortable). Did some work on it; the electrics were rubbish - so rewiring is a good bad idea. I had a number of situations with the bike dying after 30-50 miles - was a connector block building up heat and burning out... The fuel pump can seize if not turned over regularly. To replace the fuel filter - you have to take the pump assembly out of the bottom of the tank. Make sure to replace the ridiculously large O ring around the pump assembly... don't want that leaking over a hot engine. But despite the many flaws - nothing makes you feel like a champ more than a 916... absolute piece of art.
Good luck! Sadly, Ive had to take a hiatus this year following an off on gravel at 25 mph on a light bike ..not. My ZZR1400 gen1 (just 30k on clock) was thankfully saved by the frame protectors. I had a bad 4 piece proximal humurus fracture right below the top joint. 10 screws and a huge plate in me now. Hopefully, I will be back next year. I have got a good bike solicitor on the case. That looks an ideal project, wish I could but no strength or decent mobility as of yet.
Wow! It'll be amazing once she's sorted.
Good luck on the resto job. Going to be a fun mission by the looks of it.
Good luck on the build! I grew up watching your content and have been riding for a year now! Thanks for inspiring so many!
Excited to see where this goes!
Seriously love this kind of content. Gorgeous machine. Well done. All the best with this project.
Awesome!!🚀🔥🏍️ look forward to seeing this one getting restored!!!
Amazing that a find like this is still out there. Lucky man Baron
They're so beautiful, the 916s. Hopefully its not a fortune to sort it out. Good luck.
Immense purchase there BVG ❤
Need to get the panels over to RRC Restoration - he's done a epic job of recommissioning a 916.
Congratulations Chris! I have a 916 as well (not SPS :( ) But I am sorry that you had to give up the ZXR for it. I have a ZXR like yours on my current wish list... I am looking forward to the video series of the 916!
Thats a lovely bike mate. Congrats. i have a 998 with 48,000 miles. Ive been through nearly every part of it so if you need any thing, let me know.
Congrats! What a find. Always sad to see a bike go (Kawi) but always exciting to bring life to an ol girl.
Beautiful bike, glad you rescued it and will put it back on the road where it belongs!
Absolutely love your videos? What a glorious find!!! Can’t wait to hear it run!!!!
Liked it before pressing play. Lovely.
My favorite bike is a Ducati 916 my brother had a yellow model and the sound is sooo nice, they are super rare now, I will look forward to seeing the progress on this beauty
That bike changed everything regarding good looking bikes, they upped the game by 4 or 5 divisions. Its still gorgeous Chris. You mentioned Guggenheim museum Chris, I have seen one in Beaulieu museum too
Love it! Can't wait to see the progress of the resto.
Definitely a Modern classic hope she runs all right nothing James can't fix am sure good luck.
If you’re concerned with the “purity” of the top fairing, wet sand it with 1200+ (across the old lacquer & exposed paint), taper the hard edge where the lacquer peeled & re-clear coat (cover the low spots a couple of times & then full coats). Or redo decal.
- YES - IMO maintain, maximize origainlity at all cost if valuation is a concern. Conservation of any bike is as rare as the bike itself. I was a bit taken with a flippant, I'll paint the side fairings???. As to method consult a couple pros and see work they have done. Red, as you probably know both is sensitive to UV damage and difficult to match but I have seen Guards Red for instance G50 911's perfectly matched doing only a door to one side. B-ful bike that has found an new owner - few who could enjoy it more. Enjoyed the tag along.
The dream bike of my life. 30 years ago I saw a Pirelli advertisement with the tail of an unknown bike- a 916 as it turned out a few months later. Not sure if I will ever be able (or want) to own this unicorn of my youth . But it’s the most beautiful bike I’ve ever seen in my life. Imo
An absolute barn find, the only Ducati I'd actually own. Looking forward for project videos about getting that beauty back to original racy state! Keep it up mate!
There is something about a Duc on a stand. Love it mate
A great buy, looking forward to following it's progress.
I used to own a 996 SPS. It was magnificent, really looking forward to the next video. enjoy!
Congrats. The headlights will clean up easily by swilling them out with some rubbing alcohol. My 996 was just the same when i got it.
Can’t go wrong with this! A good clean and service. My headlight was like that and I managed to clean it using a microfibre cloth taped to the end of a wood dowel. Those original wheels are sought after but I managed to pick one up for £250.
Did the same thing works just great
Same here👍
That sticker 'Casoli Moto' ....brings back memories as I used to take my 748SP to them in Barnet back in early 2000's👍🏻 great video mate and great bike.....
I’ve missed that intro tune 🎵 ❤
This remind me of the 996 I once had. 10years old with only 1500 miles. Love that bike. Beautiful to look at.
Make sure you get the cambelt/timing belt changed as those are due every 2 years. I’ve never heard of them snapping but on a bike that’s been sat for this long you might be in a high risk category.
Excited for this. Good luck Chris.
748 owner - 2 minor mods you should do. 1) do the Ohlins fork internal upgrade kit for the Showa. 2) if you can find it, get/make a heat blanket that fits above the the plastic tray between exhaust cans and the seat. It helps to keep the heat away from the back side. If your legs are getting to roasted, then a ceramic exhaust coating on the rear down pipe section helps when stopped in traffic. It dose not change the looks of the bike because it is hidden from view. The Dave Moss rear suspension ride height bar setting is 3 threads showing top and bottom. This should get you in the ballpark for chassis setup after you set shock sag. An EVR Slipper clutch also is nice if you don't mind modifying the bike from stock form.
Well done Chris … she is an absolute beut!
Excellent video. Dig deep into those pockets!!
Stunner good work finding that Gem, cant wait for the follow up vidsss😍
Such a beautiful machine. Congrats.
I can tell just by the ecu with the 2 heatsinks either side that it's a genuine sps
Without doubt as you say, the most iconic bike ever, I almost bought a 916 in the late 90's, but got put off with the servicing costs, looking back I probably should have bought it, because the prices these are now fetching, can't see me buying one any time soon, looking forward to watching the journey with this little gem. 👍
Never heard of a Honda RC30. RD250/350LC, Vincent Black Shadow, Honda Cub, GSXR, CR500, BMW BOXER, ETC........
Awesome. Good luck colour matching on the cowl 🤞🤞
Beautiful bike looking forward to more videos, I recently bought a 996, iv always wanted something out of the 916 family of bikes, and I now have it sat in my living purely as an ornament. Nothing as special as your sps but I love it.
Fingers crossed your Rockers haven't started flacking. Very common with Ducati's from that era with sitting so long. That will be the biggest cost of the restoration if they have. I'm speaking from experience here. What's inside the tank like? The original internal skin can deteriorate as well with sitting.
Obviously first thing is strip the engine flush out all the fluids. Hope the water and oil didn't mix and that the internals aren't too worn. Good looking bike though! Best of luck when you get to tearing it apart and finding out what's up.
Proper messy trousers bike.... my oh my, what a find!
Best looking bike ever!
when you said 16 years ago, it hit me like a brick that I'm old. 2006 feels so fresh in my mind.
Great '98 916SPS! I have a '99 996SPS with 80.000 km on the clock, running great. I noticed you are missing the exhaust heat shield (by your right leg), hopefully that's in the box of spare parts. And also, don't be tempted to put a 190/50 rear tire on it, these bikes are much better with a higher profile tire in the rear, I'm running a 180/55.
Looking forward to seeing this project.
Nice . My Bro used to have every SPS ever built . Great bikes with a soul
Looking forward to see the process of getting this beauty up and running 😀
So happy for you and what you have got coming, whish I could do this kind of thing with some classic old bikes. I've done a little with my 2000 ZX9r, but a lot of work was already done by the time I got the bike in March '21, it was off the road only seven years, so not so long as the 916, but five of those it was under a cover outside. Now back on the road after a four month nightmare with the top end rebuild 😄
Beautiful and a really exciting project!
Can clean the fog out of the lights pretty easily I’ve just done it on one of my project 916’s 🙌👍