2008 DUCATI DESMOSEDICI RR

This Ducati Desmosedici RR is a sensational road-legal version of its MotoGP racing bike, which is presented in outstanding condition, direct from the first and only owner. Its engine is a 989cc V4 producing around 210bhp, coupled to a six-speed manual transmission, following the format of the 2006 MotoGP machine ridden by Loris Capirossi and Sete Gibernau. The odometer shows just 3,601 km.

Motor Cycle News summed up this incredible machine by saying: “There’s no other way to describe the Ducati Desmosedici RR than as a MotoGP bike with lights; it really is that close to the real thing”. Sharing the chassis, bodywork, and powertrain with the racing bike, the RR was strictly limited to just 1,500 units.

Ordered and purchased new by the current owner in 2008, it was first registered for the road in June 2010. He advises that most owners received a copy of a special RR book with the bike, which listed 10 accessories that could be added to take its appearance and performance to an even higher level.

The vendor selected seven of these components to add to the bike, the most notable of which was arguably the Titanium Racing Complete Exhaust Kit, at a cost of $15,249. This revised the exhaust to the layout of the World Championship-winning Desmosedici GP7, with two cylinders exiting under the carbon-fibre racing seat, and the other two via the carbon-fibre belly pan. The kit also included a specially mapped ECU and high-performance air filter, which increased power by around 5%. The titanium exhaust cut around 50% from the weight of the standard exhaust system, and also came with ‘decibel killers’ to comply with most race track regulations.

Two other significant upgrades that the vendor chose from the RR accessory book comprised the Titanium Bolt Kit and the revised Final Drive Kit. The former swapped out 80 engine bolts and 49 chassis bolts for titanium items, at a cost of $7,000, further reducing the weight of the bike. The latter incorporated a choice of two rear sprockets in Ergal alloy, a hardened steel front sprocket, and the lightweight Regina chain as used on the GP7 Championship-winning bike.

Other options selected were the Carbon Rear Mudguard, which complements the race-inspired aesthetic of the RR; the Double Bubble Screen, which enhances the aerodynamics and wind protection at speed; the Alloy Fuel Filler Cap with carbon-fibre surround tray for quick keyless refuelling; and the Front Paddock Stand, to enable easy removal of the wheels for servicing, cleaning and maintenance.

The vendor attempted to source the titanium footrests kit in 2008, and on several occasions since then, but this item has never been made available to him. The two other accessories not selected were the Ducati Performance Tyre Warmers, and the Racing Nose-Fairing in Carbon-Fibre - both of which were race-focused additions that the vendor did not require.

Given the discerning selection of components from the official accessory book, the vendor believes this is almost certainly the only example in Australia that has all of the road-appropriate upgrades installed. Even worldwide, it is reportedly very rare to find a Desmosedici RR that has all of the same accessories. Most importantly, the vendor has retained all of the standard components that were replaced by the Ducati high-performance upgrades.

Today, it presents in genuinely excellent condition throughout, having never suffered from any damage to the bodywork or chassis. Its paint and livery is entirely original, and still presents very well, with one or two small marks, some slight lifting of the protective film around the rear body, and damage to the clear coat over the carbon-fibre front mudguard. The vendor also notes a small stone chip under the driving light on the right-hand side. All of the main controls and switchgear works as it should, and there are no faults with any of the electrics.

Despite the very low mileage, the bike has been serviced at least every two years, and sometimes annually, including engine oil, filter, and brake fluid changes. Prior to the workshop closing down, it was looked after by Causeway Ducati; and since then it has been tended to by the owner and his mechanic as required.

Accompanying the bike are all of the original handbooks, which are still in superb condition. The vendor also has a framed print signed by Australian racer Casey Stoner after he won the 2007 MotoGP World Championship, which will be included in the sale.

This Ducati Desmosedici RR is a jaw-dropping limited-edition superbike, which is arguably as close as you can get to riding a road-legal MotoGP specification racing machine. Already an exotic bike that has been beautifully built, this particular RR has been upgraded with the majority of the exclusive OEM accessories to enhance its performance even further. There is nothing else quite like it; and probably no other RR in the world that boasts this example’s blend of single-owner provenance, high specification, low mileage, and superb original condition.

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This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.