I always keep my eye out for 851/888s for sale. Last week I found a 1991 851 Strada for sale locally. Asking price 11k USD. It was on consignment at a local shop. This rarely happens finding one in the same city let alone same state. Took a short drive and was completely impressed. It was in 9.5 out of 10 condition. Super clean with the rear fender intact.
Asking about it, it was owned by the shops Ducati mechanic who owned it for the last 25+ years. We took it out of the showroom and it fired up rather quickly (given these things are cold blooded). They gave me the number to the owner and we talked. I was confident this was a well cared for bike and dropped the down payment. Bringing the cash back in a couple days.
Well during that time the owner called me and told me he didn’t want to sell it. Change of heart. I told him I’m feel for him but I signed the paperwork and bought it. He said, technically “no” I didn’t as he still had the Title in his possession. He said he refused to give it to me or the shop.
I called the shop and they said, true, they did not have the title but they would convince him to turn it over. And that I should finalize the paperwork. And that they would get him to turn over the title but couldn’t guarentee it. I told them, NO. I’m not giving the balance over if they didn’t have the title and how come they didn’t get the title from him when he wanted to sell it. They said he’s a good friend and they basically skipped the formality of doing a true consignment deal.
I called the owner again, he was absolutely firm he was NOT going to sell it and he hung up on me. At first I was going to fight this and get an attorney just to prove a point. And didn’t care if I tied the bike up in some legal battle for years. But I figured not worth the hassle. I’ve seen 851s for around that price for sale around the country every now and then but this one was SO clean.
I believe part of the reason he changed his mind is he called me with some info but was saying his wife was pissed that he sold it so cheap, that he could have gotten close to 14k. But he too admitted on Bring a Trailer, they were going for about what he was asking. Not to mention he brought it down on Friday and I was there first thing Tuesday morning when they opened. So I think he believes he was selling it for too low a price.
So I’m very disappointed I didn’t get this bike as it didn’t need anything. It had a couple really mild changes that were easily reversed.
On a very slight positive note. He accidentally butt dialed me and hung up. I called him back and he said he was adding me to his contacts for when he decides to sell it and I’d be the first he’d call. We’ll see. Not holding my breath. I’m willing to pay the 11k. But if he’s asking 14k, I’ll look around…
Just had to get this off my chest
