888SPO prices

RON816

Seeing as I've been out the 888 game since 94, what's the opinion on here about a reasonable price for a very good condition 888SPO with 12k miles. MOT's to verify mileage, looks like Marchesini race wheels and Termig carbons. Chassis no ZDM1HB7R1PB000623. Can this no be checked to see if raced etc.
Thanks

lefty

So my understanding, confirmed by the USA style VIN number, that the SPO was a bodged up 888 made for and sold to the US as a street bike because the real SP's were not allowed to be used on the roads (ie for track only) so you get a basic exact same Strada 888 engine with some nice high level pipes and bronze wheels with single seat unit, but you don't get a UK bike with UK type VIN (ZDM888S1...etc.) they weren't imported to the UK so are likely to be worth more in parts here than as a premium for a collectable standard bike. I doubt the rims are forged, the cast wheels were simply painted bronze to fox the US market and the bike is unlikely to have been raced as it will be a bog standard 888 engine with <100hp. On the other hand you get the single seat and precious seat pad and rear pillow plus high level pipes but you could likely buy a decent UK 888 and add the same bits on. All depends what you call 'reasonable' - it may be 'reasonable' next to a UK 888 because it is what it is - an SPO, not an SP2/3/4/5, it should be compared to a UK Strada that has some nice bits on it...??

lefty

sorry - meant to add that the mort's can't verify the miles as you suggest as the bike will have spent time in the USA before being imported where it could have collecged star trek mileage (unlikely as that may be)... the history and provenance of imported bikes are very difficult to substantiate, look at the bike for what it is rather than a history that can't be verified

RON816 wroteSeeing as I've been out the 888 game since 94, what's the opinion on here about a reasonable price for a very good condition 888SPO with 12k miles. MOT's to verify mileage, looks like Marchesini race wheels and Termig carbons. Chassis no ZDM1HB7R1PB000623. Can this no be checked to see if raced etc. Thanks

RON816

lefty wrotesorry - meant to add that the mort's can't verify the miles as you suggest as the bike will have spent time in the USA before being imported where it could have collecged star trek mileage (unlikely as that may be)... the history and provenance of imported bikes are very difficult to substantiate, look at the bike for what it is rather than a history that can't be verified

OK thanks Lefty, so back to the original question, what's a good price then? I was aware of the SPO history and reasoning but I'm just not conversant with current prices. It's not a bodged 888 Strada at all though, just a different variant of the 888 to suit a different market with different regs, and only 270 were ever produced. The wheels are not standard SPO on this model but the shape of the spoke cries early Marchesini s3 spoke, they are black too.
Does the SPO value benefit from being as close to stock as poss?
I'll never be able to afford a SP5 so a SPO, if good value, is closer to my expectations.
MOT's start early 97 and bike was imported to UK in 95, 2 years after new. First mot shows 7k and all the rest show steady progress to 12k miles, so I'm happy with that.

brad black

there is no reasonable price. they're rare, so if you find one and you want it you buy it for whatever the seller will sell it for. the more original it is the more it'll probably sell for.

from memory the 93 was called 888SPO, and the 94 model was called 888LTD, and i think they had black wheels?

lefty

I think the 851/888 is a great bike to own in any format, after a few sherries I think I was trying to err on caution as a US spec bike will have a lesser market here in the UK, flip side is that many 888 owners enjoy making their 888's look like an SP4 or 5, ...or in other words an SPO. The extras the SPO comes with are highly desirable, not only because they are fabulous and enhance an 888 with a solo seat but a seat and cushion went for just under £500 on Ebay a couple of weeks ago. With old bikes overall condition is most important - so if the bike reflects it's oh so low mileage then you get a great 888 already with the single seat/high level pipes etc., market prices are very hard to gauge thanks to folk thinking that Ebay, where chancers are asking daft money for average bikes, is an accurate guide... I think that the 851/888 series will start to gather interest with those who see bikes as 'investments' so if you are lucky and prices rise your purchase price isn't so critical. When negotiating bear in mind that even with low miles the bike may need consumables (tyres, chain/sprockets, belts, fuel lines etc.) which can add a fair bounty on what you spend. If you go see the bike you will know quite quickly whether you are "I must have it" or "hmmmm, not sure"... how much is the seller asking?

RON816 wroteOK thanks Lefty, so back to the original question, what's a good price then? I was aware of the SPO history and reasoning but I'm just not conversant with current prices. It's not a bodged 888 Strada at all though, just a different variant of the 888 to suit a different market with different regs, and only 270 were ever produced. The wheels are not standard SPO on this model but the shape of the spoke cries early Marchesini s3 spoke, they are black too. Does the SPO value benefit from being as close to stock as poss? I'll never be able to afford a SP5 so a SPO, if good value, is closer to my expectations. MOT's start early 97 and bike was imported to UK in 95, 2 years after new. First mot shows 7k and all the rest show steady progress to 12k miles, so I'm happy with that.

nine16

In the US, if it's very nice you're generally looking 12,000+ USD.

Very difficult to say what it would bring in a foreign market.

AJV

Good UK SP5 is around £20k & 888 Strada £10k

I'd pay slightly more for an SP0 over a Strada because I like the SP look but not even close to true' SP money.

Around £12k feels about right. Be prepared to spend another £1 - £1.5k on full service inc. tyres, chain & sprockets, fork oil, shock service etc. to get the most enjoyment. Any well maintained 851/888 is a fantastic bike to ride