1998 DUCATI 916 SENNA III

This Ducati 916 Senna is a very smart example of one of the most iconic superbikes, with exceptionally low mileage. It is powered by the 916cc L-twin Desmodromic engine producing 112bhp, coupled to a six-speed manual transmission. Having spent most of its life off the road in a private collection, the odometer shows just 1,290 miles from new. It is currently registered on the plate 'R916 DUC', which is included in the sale.

The 916 is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful bikes ever made, but it was also immensely successful on the circuit. The model won 120 World Superbike championship races, eight constructors' titles and six riders' titles.

Racing driver Ayrton Senna owned numerous Ducatis, and was a close friend of the family owners of the marque. In the early 1990s, he set about developing a limited-edition model with them that would see profits go to the Instituto Ayrton Senna charity. Tragically, he did not live to see its launch.

The 916 Senna combined the standard Strada specification engine with the Öhlins rear suspension and Brembo front brake discs from the 916 SP. Just 300 were made in the initial production run, which was followed by the ‘Senna II’ and ‘Senna III’ models comprising another 300 bikes in each.

In addition to the unique combination of black paintwork with bright red wheels, the Senna III also saw the inclusion of a carbon-fibre air box and mudguard. This particular example is number 108 out of the 300 Senna III bikes built.

A 1998 model that was first registered in June 1999, it spent the first 17 years of its life with a single private owner, and was only used on the road sparingly. The current owner acquired the bike in 2015, and it has been stored in his own collection since then.

The bodywork and paint presents in excellent condition throughout, with no panel damage or scuffs in the finish. The light lenses are free of cracks and chips, and the plastic trims and metal fasteners have held up very well over the last two decades. Its exhaust has been upgraded to a high-performance Termignoni racing system with carbon-fibre silencers, though the original items remain with the bike. The 17-inch three-spoke cast alloy wheels are in superb order.

As it has been kept off the road, the last MOT test on record was on 31 May 2011 at 1,285 miles. If the next owner intends to put it back into use, it will likely need a fresh service and minor recommissioning, along with a fresh pair of tyres to replace the original rubber currently fitted.

This Ducati 916 Senna is a collector-quality example of a rare special edition. It is accompanied by all of the original books, and is presented in highly original condition. Undoubtedly one for the most passionate Ducati enthusiast given its remarkably low mileage, though it would be a shame not to enjoy it on the open road when the right occasion arises.