SOLD: Four top buys

from Silverstone Auctions, London Motorcycle Show sale, February 18

SOLD FOR £47,250 1994 Ducati 888 Corse

A 926cc 1994 Ducati 888 Corse race bike – one of only 26 produced by the Italian factory – set a new UK auction record for the model when it sold for this price. Part of a private collection for the last 20 years and in unused condition, it certainly was an exceptional machine. Still fitted with its original battery, it came with its Ducati letter of authenticity and a rare marketing brochure from the period.

The 926cc 888 is a rare model in road specification – but the 142bhp over-the-counter race version is genuinely über-rare. This particular example, in as-new condition, made a worthy record breaker.

SOLD FOR £16,875 1982 Kawasaki Z1000J2 S

We’ve become used to early Z1s and Z900s making top money at auction in recent times, but this 1982 Kawasaki Z1000J2 moved into early Z1 territory when it sold for this amount. Previously, no J2 model had ever sold at auction for more than £10,000, making this machine – the winner of the Best ’80s Bike award at the autumn Stafford show last year – another world beater for Silverstone Auctions.

Restored during lockdown using mostly original NOS parts, the Uk-supplied/registered machine boasted an impressive history file for the new owner, including details of the restoration, receipts and NOS parts packaging.

SOLD FOR £18,000 1993 Spondon Ducati Sports 996

This Spondon-framed machine is a Ducati with a difference – it’s one of 10 produced by the Derbyshire engineering firm, with this one having been supplied to Ducati guru Steve Wynne. Only two of the batch are believed to remain in the UK, making this 996 Sps-engined confection a rare beast in these islands.

With top-spec Ohlins suspension front and rear, PVM magnesium wheels, anakrapovic exhaust and custom and Dream Machine paintwork, the Uk-registered machine would make a sensational trackday or road machine. It even sports an electric starter and a Q/D rear light cluster for road use.

SOLD FOR £1463 1965 BSA Bantam D7

Anyone looking for an affordable lightweight classic for the coming riding season could have done a lot worse than having a go at this tidy little 175cc D7. While the engine number on the machine doesn’t match that in the logbook (it’s thought a factory reconditioned unit may have been fitted at some time), the bike benefitted from a number of practical improvements for regular use. With 12-volt negative-earth electrics, LED lights, a self-generating electronic ignition system and high-compression centre-plug head, the bike was described as running and riding well and certainly looked ready to go. silverstoneauctions.com