We are expanding horizon this week, starting with the World Superbike Edition Yamaha R1 and ending with the stunning Métisse Steve McQueen Desert Racer. Between them are two very different Ducatis; Brand new Ducati DesertX Discover and Ducati 250 Scrambler 1972.
Yamaha R1 WSBK Series by Crescent Yamaha Thanks to its famous ‘crossplane’ crankshaft, the Yamaha R1’s thunderous roar is a sound that all motorcyclists rejoice over. The iconic YZF-R1 was first released in 1998—and even though the crossplane engine didn’t arrive until 2009, the R1 has always been a critically acclaimed machine. And with its lightweight, powerful, and well-tuned suspension formula, it’s easy to see why.
But all good things must come to an end. Thanks (in part) to new EURO5+ emissions regulations, the last road-legal R1 will roll off the production line in 2025. To celebrate one of Yamaha’s greatest sports bikes, Crescent Yamaha has decided to produce a series of special editions.
If the name Crescent Yamaha sounds familiar it’s because they are the dealer behind the Pata Prometeon Yamaha World Superbike team. Suffice to say, they know their stuff. If you’ve ever fancied a World Superbike machine parked next to your minivan, that’s what Crescent Yamaha is offering here (the bike, not the minivan).
The first package from Crescent is the Jonathan Rea Race Replica, designed to be the ultimate street-legal Yamaha R1. The second package is a complete race bike and the closest thing money can buy to a World Superbike-spec machine.
The Street Legal Jonathan Rea Clone [above] Available in the official Prata Prometeon colour or in a mysterious grey and white ‘Winter Test’ paint scheme. The wheels are from Marchesini, the suspension has been upgraded with top-of-the-line Öhlins components and the brakes have been improved with the option to upgrade them further. The sound is enhanced by a full Akrapovič exhaust system.
The Yamaha R1 racing bike [below] is where everything is turned up to eleven. Available in just grey, its engine has been upgraded to the moon with a combination of WSBK and World Endurance parts. Together with the Akrapovič exhaust, the whole package is rated at over 230 horsepower.
The electronics, bar clamps and switches are all WSBK-compliant, as are the BMC race filter and induction system. Suter supplied the clutch and swingarm, and the suspension was Öhlins. The Marchesini M7RS wheels are wrapped with Pirelli tires and the bodywork is of course carbon fiber.
65 road-going versions are being produced with prices starting from around £29,995 [about $38,000]. This track-only machine is much more exclusive—production will be limited to 10 units, with a price tag close to £65,000 [about $82,200].
If you can see yourself riding an original WSBK, contact Crescent Yamaha. But hurry—their last special edition sold out within 36 hours. [Source]
Ducati DesertX Discovery Ducati has just revealed a beautiful new option in the ever-expanding DesertX range – the DesertX Discovery.
As the name suggests, Ducati has improved the touring features of their off-road-focused adventure bike. The paint job is the first big change—dubbed ‘Thrilling Black/Ducati Red’, it uses bonded graphics to protect the bodywork when out on the trail (or if you’re a bit clumsy in the garage).
Up front, the windscreen is taller than the standard DesertX, but like the standard model, it’s not adjustable. The extra height does provide a little more wind protection, though, which can be a big advantage on long days in the saddle.
Heated grips are standard on the Discovery, and cooler weather is further limited with new, reinforced hand guards. Turn-by-turn directions are integrated into the TFT dashboard and fed to the display via the Ducati Link smartphone app.
Protection continues on the lower part of the bike, with an upper crash bar included in the package. The radiator guard is new, as is the heavy-duty oil pan guard. Convenience is key on a long trip, and the Discovery’s centre stand makes chain and wheel maintenance easy.
Any long adventure includes a good amount of storage space, and Ducati has delivered the goods here too. The lockable aluminum hard case can be fitted to the DesertX Discovery as the ultimate travel accessory. While we love soft luggage for off-road trips, there’s something incredibly convenient about hard cases when driving on the road.
Combine that with a dirt-friendly 21-inch front wheel, a 5.55-gallon fuel tank, and a blazing 937cc Testastretta engine, and it paints a very adventure-friendly picture. Any bike is an adventure bike, but we like that Ducati is giving its customers even more options. [Ducati]
For sale: A 1972 Ducati 250 Scrambler Fresh out of Alan Wilzig’s 30-strong motorcycle collection is this stunning 1972 Ducati 250 Scrambler.
The history of the Scrambler goes back to the 1960s when American Ducati importer Joe Berliner convinced the Italian company to develop a Scrambler. disturbed person can go anywhere and appeals to young drivers. Ducati took their Diana 250cc road bike, stripped out the sporty bits and replaced them with sturdier items.
The off-road suspension has been upgraded with longer-travel components and a longer seat. The generously padded seat features a distinctive curved design that keen-eyed motorcycle enthusiasts will recognize as a carryover element to the present. Ducati Scrambler line up. The tank design is great, like all Ducati tanks from the 1960s, the high handlebars, big headlight and wide tires still look as good as they did back in the day.
The spirited 250 was brought to America, with many of the motorcycles finding a good life in road racing. The engine itself is a work of art that we have always loved. The sloping fins, curved engine cover and sculpted cylinder head all come together in a delightfully simple and coherent way.
This particular bike has a particularly beautiful patina that only time can create. It has had a very easy life, with only three miles on the odometer. Everything is original except the battery, ignition coil, and ignition switch—all of which the seller recently replaced.
The bike is being offered for sale through Iconic motorbike auction, and as such went through the Iconic workshop. Team Iconic made two new keys, rebuilt the carburetor, and repaired the ignition.
Sadly, the Pirelli tires are past their expiration date, so the car cannot be driven in its current condition. But a simple rubber change and readjustment will make this Italian beauty as vibrant as it should be.
Sold: Métisse Steve McQueen Desert Racer Founded in the 1950s by Derek and Ron Rickman, Métisse Motorcycles built its reputation on building lightweight, sturdy frames for customers looking to upgrade the performance of their bikes. Frames can accommodate everything from Triumph twins to Honda inline fours.
Métisse soon began offering fully customized bicycles, complete with engines of the customer’s choice. One of the most popular Métisse models is their Desert Racer, which is essentially a heavily modified and heavily modified Triumph TR6C. Steve McQueen famously owned, rode and loved his Métisse, saying it was the best handling motorcycle he had ever ridden.
The bike you see here is one of just 300 limited edition Métisse bikes that bear the name and signature of Steve McQueen (thanks, McQueen family). Starting with a nickel-plated and brazed 4130 chrome tubular frame and swingarm, the frame is mated to a pair of 35mm Ceriani forks. The rear shock is a Girlings replica and the brakes are Triumph.
The McQueen-approved battleship gray body was made entirely of fiberglass and was incredibly light. The engine was a completely rebuilt 1967 Triumph 750cc twin. Dry weight was an astonishing 300 pounds.
First produced in 2017 (but registered as a 1967 model, like the bike McQueen owned), the bike recently came up for sale via Collect cars with only 550 miles on the clock; something very rare indeed. It sold for £16,500 [about $20,900]£3,250 more expensive than a brand new Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE.
However, we know which one we would choose. [Source]
