Since only 30 examples sold as new in the United States, calling this Ducati Supersport 1000 DS ‘Race’ a rare bike is an understatement. Try and find another one of those track-focused beauties with zero miles.
Purchased by a collector and later bought by IndyCar driver Graham Rahal, this factory-fresh 2004 Supersport 1000 DS wasn’t even taken out of its delivery crate until 2017 — the plastic wrap still covers the seat and frame too. Its zero-mile engine is an air-cooled, fuel injected 992cc L-twin connected to a six-speed transmission, and it revs to 11,000 rpm. Up front, Brembo Brakes and Marzocchi forks keep things under control while an Ohlins shock handles rear wheel duty.
Aside from the performance shocks and brakes, to make this a ‘race’ bike Ducati removed the headlight, taillight, mirrors and turn signal to reduce the weight. And, going against today’s conventions of light weight and race editions, Ducati lowered the price tag too, to $7,999 in 2004. Which makes the current Panigale V4 R’s price tag of $40,000 (double that of the base Panigale) almost criminal.
The current Ducati Supersport takes on a different character but isn’t exactly sluggish through the corners. Ducati brought the ‘Supersport’ name back in 2017, but instead of a track-hungry bike Ducati added some civility and made it more comfortable for everyday riding while still keeping performance and style very much intact.
As of now, this 1-of-30 motorcycle is going for under its original MSRP. At zero miles, with factory plastic wrap still intact and final steps in the dealer prep still needed, this Ducati Supersport 1000DS ‘Race’ could be your own little slice of 2004 for just under $5,000.