c.2004 Ducati 999/749 'Desmosedici Casey Stoner Replica'

We are advised by the Ducati Museum that this rare motorcycle is one of five commissioned by Ducati's then CEO, Mr Bonomi of Investindustrial Holdings SpA, the Italian company's former owners, which were built for promotional purposes by Ducati Corse, the Italian factory's racing department, to celebrate Casey Stoner's and Ducati's first overall win in the MotoGP World Championship in 2007. Using Ducati's superior electronics and taking full advantage of Bridgestone tyres specially developed to suit its unique characteristics, the Desmosedici was the class of the field in '07, the now retired Australian ace securing 10 wins to take the Championship by the then unprecedented margin of 125 points.

Not to be confused with the road-going version of the V4-engined Desmosedici Grand Prix racer - the Desmosedici RR – this motorcycle is based on the Ducati 999/749 superbike platform, production of which ended in 2006, and is powered by a 749 engine. Notable features include Desmosedici-style bodywork, Magneti Marelli instrumentation, a Showa rear shock absorber, Brembo braking components, carbon fibre huggers, and an applied Ducati 'works team' decal kit. It is fitted with Bridgestone Batlax racing tyres: a 180/640 R17 rear (dated June 2003, TAM2403) and a 125/600 R17 front (dated September 2003, TAM4003).

Formerly part of the late Clifford Jones Estate collection, which featured a significant selection of racing machines, this Stoner Replica was purchased by the private vendor from Bonhams' Stafford Sale in April 2013 (Lot 399). The engine fitted, numbered ZDM749W4*000029*, is believed to originate from a circa 2004 Ducati 749 (exact variant unknown). The frame number visible beneath the overpaint appears to read ZDMH400AB4B009705* which is believed to correspond to a 2004 Ducati 999.

The private vendor advises that the motorcycle has not been started or ridden since its acquisition in 2013. It has been stored indoors and, as a preservation measure, periodically placed in fifth gear and turned over manually approximately three to four times per year.

It should be noted that there is no battery currently fitted. However, when a slave battery was connected and the ignition switched on, the instrumentation powered up and displayed "1,875," which may or may not represent mileage or kilometres covered. A flashing key-code warning was also observed, believed to indicate that the key requires recoding; consequently, no further attempts were made to start the machine using the starter button.

Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves with regard to the condition, completeness, authenticity and compatibility of this Lot's component parts prior to bidding. They should also be aware that these replicas were intended for track use only and are not road legal. Sold as such, this example represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a factory-built replica of Ducati's legendary Desmosedici MotoGP machine: an exhilarating track-day weapon or perfect centrepiece for any Ducati collection.

Offered with an A4 photographic Print of Stoner, Capriossi and team; a photographic print of Stoner, signed by the rider; an October 2007 Ducati Corse Goods Delivery Note, listing goods delivered to Metropolis (Motorcycles), Vauxhall; including 2 x Moto SBK 999 S 02 R, listing ZDM numbers: ZDM010101065 and ZDM01010209; a selection of Bridgestone and Stoner No. 1 stickers.
Offered with key