I've seen a few for sale over the last year, actually more than you would think based on the numbers. I was surprised some hung out as long as they did before they either sold or the owners decided to keep them. Not a good time to be selling rarer bikes and have high expectations too. I took a closer look at a couple of 916 SPS bikes maybe a year ago or so. I physically inspected one low mile example going for a little over $10K. It was a little rough on the cosmetic side, but a nice bike though. I considered a third bike during that period, a 95 916SP. To be honest I kind of liked the SP bike better than the SPS. I know the latter was a 996, but I think the SP was just as special in my opinion with its motor performance bits and a whopping 131HP. Not bad for a 916, in fact more than the SPS if I'm not mistaken. The SP also had a distinctive exhaust note, it was raw and quite frankly awesome. I was introduced to that sound while on a group ride in the Sierras five years ago. I was at a rest stop when I heard the sound of a Duc heading my way, but the sound of the exhaust was different from other Ducs I've heard. It was something else hearing the sound of the bike going through the gears as it echoed off the canyon walls. Low and behold the rider of the 916SP was Martin from Motowheels. That was my first impression of the SP, needless to say it had a lasting effect on me.
Any of the older Desmoquattro special edition bikes like the SPS and SP bikes would be great to own. They have a special place in the scheme of things. Too bad Ducati didn't promote them better in terms of a nameplate or some other means of identifying them other than that little label on the tail.
You will find more limited production bikes in this geographic market, more than anywhere else because Nor Cal has always been one of Ducatis best selling zones. Its likely owners who might be considering selling their special Ducs are waiting for the market to adjust rather than giving them away. For example theres a 998 Bostrom for sale for $12.5K. Before last year or so I never saw one listed for less than $14K or as high as $18K. I know bikes depreciate but limited edition/replica bikes are slower to react compared to standard models. Maybe the above is the new bar and they will never go back, who knows. I think it was last year when $12K to low $13K was a price thrown around for a good SPS, who knows what the market will allow at this time.
