Ducati 748RS Race bike. Ex-Team Redbull Reve Racing. Ian Simpson. Original

Ducati 748RS 2001. Ex BSB & WSB Supersport Race Bike.

I am selling off the last of my Ducati race bike collection to fund a new business venture.

This bike was raced by Ian Simpson in The British Supersport Championship at BSB and the World Supersport Championship at WSB in 2001.

Ian raced the bike for the famous Red Bull Reve Racing team of that era. His teammates included John Reynolds and James Haydon. The "Ben Atkins" owned team was well-funded by Red Bull, hence the bike lacked for nothing throughout its racing life.

The bike was completely rebuilt by the Red Bull team after Ian had a monumental off on it at Brands Hatch in 2001. The bike had been unridden since the rebuild when I bought it. It was like a brand new bike.

I bought the bike via an agent representing the Red Bull team.

I also bought 2 x 748RS race engines, a brand new gearbox cluster, and a host of other spares and equipment. I went on to race the bike at club level for a couple of years. However, I only raced it at Aintree. I did less than 300 race miles during that time. It was a regular winner and was wonderfully reliable. Needless to say, it is sensational to ride. You won't believe just how low you can go through corners on this thing. It took me to new places as a rider.

I removed all of the original carbon fibre factory Corsa bodywork and tank off the bike before I raced it in my own racing livery. [See the photos. The action shots are of me racing the bike in Red]. This means that the original Red Bull bodywork is back on the bike. The bike is now how it was when owned by the Red Bull team.

I am including the race bodywork and spare fuel tank I used when racing the bike in the sale.

Since the bike was last used, it had the valve clearances checked, complete with timing belts and oil/filter replaced. Again, though, I would recommend new timing belts as the bike has not been used for a few years. A new battery and belts would see it ready for the track. The engine is all good.

I am selling the bike as a complete package with the spare engines, etc. I have seen a 748RS engine sell for £6000 alone on here. Worth considering that when working out the value of what I am selling here.

To my understanding, only 42 Ducati 748RS's were built. Only 15, 2001 models were made. Make no mistake, this is a very rare machine. It is a true Ducati race bike. When you consider that Ducati 916 “Foggy” [King of the jungle!] replicas are making in excess of £30,000, it makes you wonder what this bike will be worth in a few years' time?

This bike is dripping with “MS Production” Ducati Corsa carbon fibre components. The air intake tubes alone cost £1800 a pair back in the day.

The bike is also supplied with spare Marchesini/Ducati Supersport 5-spoke wheels complete with wet weather racing tyres.

This bike is super competitive in Steel Frame 600 classes and is ideal for the ThundersportGB Golden Era Supersport class. Maybe you could get Ian Simpson himself to race it for you?! You never know?

With the spares that come with it, it could cost you a whole lot less than you might first think.

One thing is for sure: the bike will make for a great investment. Not only is it very rare, but it is also part of Ducati and Red Bull's racing history.

I have really enjoyed my experience of owning and riding this bike. Now it is somebody else's turn.

I consider this bike to be a real bargain at £20,000 complete with the spares I have mentioned.

Please feel free to phone me between the hours of 10am and 10pm UK time.

I can assist with packing and shipping to anywhere in the world.