Aside from an absurd OCC theme bike or other high-profile chopper, there isn’t a lot on the commercial motorcycle market that demands the better part of $100K. There is an option for performance enthusiasts though—the beloved Ducati Desmosedici. The exclusivity that comes with the price of admission is something that no other sportbike can match, and while the price tag might seem inflated for the performance you get we must keep in mind that $100K luxury sedans are a dime a dozen. Really, the bike is a bargain when you consider the big picture—owning a direct link to a MotoGP bike is a pretty unique characteristic.
The 200 horsepower V-four engine is the main attraction, of course, and a direct descendant of the D16 MotoGP bike, albeit detuned. It offers the best of all the motor configurations—it’s got grunt from low in the powerband like a twin yet still revs up to nearly 14,000 RPM like an inline-four. The sound is mechanical, thunderous and unlike anything else on the road. Is it worth the price though? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder of course, and to some the Desmo is a steal while others don’t understand that it’s a tangible piece of MotoGP technology for us mortals.
Other notable items that bump the ticket price are magnesium wheels (with a 16-inch rear that has only a single street tire available for it) and totally impractical (for street use) gas-charged Öhlins FG353P forks (those cost $7000 off the shelf).
With a $72,000 initial investment the Desmo is still a long way from the big number, but a quick visit to Ducati’s accessory department would alleviate the weight of the extra greenbacks. Everybody loves an aftermarket pipe for more power, lighter weight and cool exhaust tone, and Desmosedici owners are no different—save for the fact that their wallets are beaten black and blue by a titanium full race system. Titanium engine and frame bolt kits are also offered at a hefty premium along with a Desmo-specific front stand. Even something as basic as a windscreen costs nearly twice what it would for a Japanese sportbike. Imagine if Ducati offered Desmosedici oil and lubricants—$25 per quart sounds about right!
What It’ll Cost:
Ducati Desmosedici: $72,000
Titanium frame and motor bolts: $3,246.80
Front stand: $643
Race transmission kit: $714.40
Double Bubble windscreen: $205.20
Carbon fiber headlight fairing: $1,948.60
Titanium race exhaust: $9,067.70
Total: $87,825.70
*Toss in some matching leathers and along with a custom painted helmet to match and you’ll have just enough cash left over to fill up the tank.
500
NUMBER OF US-SPEC DESMOS PRODUCED