1985 Ducati Mille S2 1000. Youre looking at one of the most exclusive Ducati motorcycles ever built. This is number 39 of just 171 produced in the world and one of only 4 that were sold new in Canada. The bike is all original including paint and decals and has only been owned by one owner since taking delivery of it in 1986 in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan. Vintage pictures of it being delivered and unboxed out of its Italian wooden crate even come with the bike along with an original dealership service manual, owners manual and factory equipped tool kit under the seat. The bike also comes with aftermarket 2 to 1 exhaust which was installed on the bike for most of its existence. The factory Silentium pipes have been reinstalled on the bike and are in flawless condition. The factory seat was also stored when the bike was new, and a Mike Corbin seat was used when the bike was ridden. The factory seat is on the bike and the aftermarket one also comes along. The odometer shows 50,865 kms which is true milage according to the only owner. It has not been restored but treated as a show bike for decades and ridden sparingly the last 20 years. Recently the bike has undergone a full service at Action Cycle in Moose Jaw including oil change. The only thing in need of replacement is the battery. Original keys also come with the Ducati. Its condition is outstanding and its obvious the bike has not ever been dumped or damaged. The black paint could use some polishing, but its unblemished. The fairing and windshield are also near perfect. Tires are likely older but not cracked. The only other modifications are the addition of a Honda helmet lock added to the rear fender, a tank guard, and a throttle lock for highway cruising. Powering this rare bike is a 973cc L-twin Bevel-Drive engine. Think of it as a gear driven over head cam. It was the last of its kind produced by Ducati. By the early 1980s, Ducati found itself in a dilemma. The companys lineup of bikes, particularly the 900 Mike Hailwood Replica (MHR), was starting to look dated. Based on a bevel-drive engine design that dated back to the early 1970s and equipped with dual shocks and 18 wheels, the MHR was no longer competitive in a market dominated by cutting-edge Japanese machines. Financial struggles and outdated technology hung over Ducatis future. Despite this, Ducati remained committed to the bevel-drive engine concept, even as its more modern Pantah line slowly gained momentum. In 1983, legendary engineer Fabio Taglioni, alongside his prot©g© Massimo Bordi, began developing a new and improved bevel engine, one that would become known as the Mille. By 1984, this new Mille engine was ready. It featured a number of significant upgrades: a fully pressurized oiling system with a plain-bearing crankshaft, Nikasil-coated (hard, lightweight coating of nickel and silicon carbide electroplated onto its aluminum walls ) aluminum cylinders (973cc with 88x78mm dimensions), and larger 42/38mm valves. A new Nippon Denso starter replaced the Magneti Marelli unit, and an improved dry clutch design was implemented. The engine was a technical leap forward and much more reliable than its predecessors. However, the Mille engine was originally installed into familiar chassis platforms"most notably the 900 MHR and the 900 S2. The Mille S2 in particular retained the visual language of its predecessor, the 900 MHR and the 900 S2, but received a bold new black/orange/yellow color scheme, distinguishing it from the other Ducatis. Only 171 Mille S2s were ever produced, making it one of the rarest factory Ducatis of all time. Unfortunately, the market didnt fully appreciate the less obvious changes to the bike. To most buyers, the Mille S2 and MHR looked like older models with minor updates. Ducatis failure to communicate the updated mechanical advancements limited commercial success. In 1985, the company was officially taken over by Cagiva, who quickly pivoted away from the bevel-drive engine platform. Though Massimo Tamburini briefly explored a new chassis for the Mille, the project was shelved before reaching prototype stage. The Mille engine would mark the end of an era. By 1986, the bevel-drive Ducati was gone from the catalogue, making way for the newer, Pantah-derived models. The Mille still stands out as the great finale for Ducatis bevel-drive legacy"technically refined, visually striking, and mechanically significant. Today, the Mille S2 is an exceptionally rare and important machine, exemplifying Ducatis engineering heritage just before its modern renaissance began. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, it represents the final and most evolved chapter of the bevel-drive story. Whether youre a collector seeking a rare piece of Ducati history, or a rider who appreciates a classic thats ready to go from day one, this Mille S2 is for you. Its not just a showpiece " its a rideable classic that will turn heads as you go by. Dont miss the chance to own one of the rarest Ducatis ever built: a fully original Mille S2 1000 thats ready for the road or display.
The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of posting. Corrections or additions may be made without notice. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions. All vehicles sold by Rods Hotrods undergo a basic mechanical and operational Safety Inspection. The majority of vehicles we sell are used antiques operating with original and unrestored parts and components. Many vehicles are also modified from original specifications. Due to the wide array of varied regulations and requirements from province to province, Rods Hotrods cannot guarantee any vehicle sold outside of Saskatchewan will pass a safety inspection.
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