750 Paso Value

[bf-fly]

Well I'm new here, time to ask the vets:

I just bought a 88 red 750 Paso. Cosmetics are very good to excellant overall but is has been sitting. Typical minor rust in a few spots, minor scrapes in easily repaired areas.

Here's the kicker- 5318 miles origional tires. The first owner, a Dr., put 1000 miles on it and parked it in his basement as a conversation piece for 10 years. Two owners since, one put 2300 miles on it, the other 2000. Has sat for 2 years now. I did ride it, functions normally but of course needs TLC.

I'm quite experienced at restorations for an amature. I worked at 4 bike shops (Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha,BMW, Harley) and also did autobody work in another life. I know what I see, I know what I'm doing (though I know little about Ducati's). I do know precisely what a Paso is. I've just finished a XS650 for my girlfriend (quite respectible)(her and the bike), and working on restoring my 78 CB750F2. I also have a mint black 92 ZX11.

I'm not new, I've owned over a dozen bikes, I've put over 100,000 miles on them, and I'm just starting my retirement collection. (I'm 45)

I paid $3000.

I think I have a long term collectable keeper.

I would think 5300 miles would make it one of the lowest time Paso's in the US. Except for the occaional ride, the miles will stay very very low. It will be returned to true mint. I think in 20 years (some in my basement) it will make a very strong collectable.

What are your thoughts???

I'm seriously looking for any feedback here, pro or con. I know what the Paso 750 is and isn't. But I do believe that it's the bike that started Ducati's resurgence in the market that we see today. I believe that in time it will be recognised as such.

[bf-fly]

Note: it is 100% origional, tires, brakes, farts in the seat.

[Desmo_Demon]

Welcome to the world of Paso ownership! Sounds like a nice bike, and I hope you get a lot of enjoyment out of it.........BTW, where are you located?


I've always found it bad to buy something and then ask people if they thought I got a good deal. Sometimes, I don't get the answer that I was looking for, and other times, people don't give their true opinions in hopes of not upsetting me, so.....I choose to do all my research before I buy the item......to skirt along, some more.....it's never a good idea to buy a bike as an "investment". There are so many better avenues to sink your money into for a better return on your money......and for full-fairing Ducatis, I think the 750F1 and 888 SPO are better choices for "investing"....plus, I believe Ducatis are made to be ridden......just my opinion. :ugh:

[persempre907]

Dear Bf-fly,
without malice!

You worked in 4 bikes' shops and in autobody work and you do know what you see, what you do and what "precisely" is the Paso.
So, what have you to ask us?

Don't worry. You have bought your Paso at a fair price.

But, remember the bikes aren't an investment, but a passion.

So, ride your bikes and don't think too much to their worth.

Ciao

[bf-fly]

Thank you for the response, but to be honest I wasn't asking if I got a good buy, I'm comfortable with that decision based on several factors.

Specifically to investments, bikes, particulary japanese are in their infancy for collectibility. Ask the guy who spends $1800 for a mint 1970 Z50 Honda. Or 3700 for a CB350 scrambler, or 25K for a sandcast Cb750, or 15K for a KZ1000ELR. Or 12 for a CBX. Those are the facts as they are.

Ebay has had a dramatic effect on the value of vintage bikes. They don't have to be overly special either. What makes an old vehicle valuable?1) a large market of willing buyers (ebay) 2)the bike or car you wanted as a kid but couldn't afford, but now you can. The fact is the market is increasing on all old bikes, and ebay has a lot to do with it. A low milage 80 GS1000 will bring $3000 or better. What is special about an 80 GS1000? Absolutely nothing. The day of a $500-1000 bike is almost gone. If you don't believe me, watch ebay as it happens now that riding season is just about upon us. It's just plain frick'n nuts.

If you found an 83 CB1100F mint with 5000 miles on it, what would it bring on Ebay? Try 8-10K or more. Now what will it bring in 20 years? How about that old clapped out POS GTO you had in high school? (hypothetically of course)

My question pertained more to the long term collectibility. Flash forward 20 years. How many mint, completely origional (flaws and all) Pasos would there be with 6000 miles on them? I'm thinking about 9.

I invest carefully in other areas. This is fun and a great hobbie, but I believe a smart one too. The huge advantage of collecting bikes is you can put 6 in a one car garage, and spread your risk out. The key is to guess what will be valuable or to find what already is valuable and buy it for a bargain. I'm guessing the Paso will be one of those in 20 years that will bring lots of buyers. What does an interesting, milestone 1968 Ducati bring now?

Lets face it, here is a web site devoted to the Paso. It has it's admirers now. I believe that the resale market for them has just about bottomed out. To to the average buyer, it's just "and older slower Ducati". We know better, that's why this site exists.

My question is specifically, is the paso recognised, as I believe it should, as the bike that started Ducati's return to prominance in the marketplace? I know it's recognised for it's style, that's a given.

10 years ago you could buy a 69 CB750 for a song. A ragged out high milage POS that doesn't run brings brings 4k or more now.

While I don't believe the Paso is the best choice I could possibly make, I felt as though I had to make it. 5000 mile Pasos don't grow on trees anymore. And that's precisely my point. I have no doubt it will bring a good price tomorrow or down the road, maybe not as good as some, but quite possibly maybe more.

Am I wrong?

(and by the way, go find yourself a low milage mint 1978 Mazda RX-7 for a song, park it for 20 years and test my theory)

Thank you for your response. Don't take my comments as harsh, I only meant to illistrate my point/question better.

Bob

[bf-fly]

Passion also = money my friend.

When the passion fades for something when the latest and greatest replaces it, how long before the passion returns for the greats of yesteryear? How much would you be willing to pay to recapture the glow of that passion never forgotten?

I truely value these responses, but I wonder if your guys are getting my perspective on this.

Yes I will ride the Paso, absolutely. But when I want to ride, I'll ride my Ninja or my CB750 or whatever else I pick up.

Gentleman, we all gotta retire someday. Is it not possible that our passions can also be out security blanket??? I say it's the best of all worlds, a lifelong passion, a hobbie, and part of a retirement plan.

[persempre907]

I can't tell if the Paso's worth will be increased in the future.
I have loved this bike since I saw it the first time in a magazine.
But, the Pasos never have had a good commercial luck, and now in Italy a good 750 is not sold for over €. 2.000.
And we are talking about a 20 bike...
So enjoy your Paso!
Ciao

[wilbur]

Welcome!

I was watching this bike on Ebay. Are you in PA?

You paid about the average price. I would say the range is from $2500 to $3000 depending on condition and mileage. I'm talking Pasos that are in good mechanical and cosmetic condition. I've seen most of the clean originals sell around $3000. I don't think you paid too much for it.

As far as collectible goes I don't think it will be a sought after bike. It is a bike that has a unique shape and style. It may become slightly more valuable because scarcity. Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder, right?

I purchased my first Paso in 1987 brand new and sold it later for a 900ss. I recently bought another 87 Paso cause I still love the look of the bike. I don't need the fastest bike and I could ride my Paso all day without aches or pains. The bike to have is the 907ie but it just dosen't look as nice IMHO.

Enjoy your purchase and good luck. The Paso makes a really nice living room ornament if you want to go that route but I would much rather ride the bike then look at it.

[Fraser]

Bob,

You have raised an interesting point and it is definitely just one of the reasons I bought the Paso. I am convinced, that in future years (might have a long wait here) it will become one of the recognised classic models. However, this was not the only reason for the purchase, just hopefully, a long term benefit. In the meantime I get to ride a beautiful red Ducati.
There is also a big picture, here in NZ we are swamped with used Japanese bikes. As Japan was the biggest export market for Ducati we have been getting vast numbers of used Ducatis. For example, I've had my '86 Paso for 3 years, a used import from Japan, it had 13,000km (8100ml) and it cost NZ$5000 (approx US$3000). Where I'm leading with this is as the value of the bike increases some entrepreneur will see an opportunity and move the bikes from one market to another (just like we have in NZ at the moment). There are plenty of really low mileage Ducatis in Japan of every possible model imaginable. Here is a link to our local auction site (we do not have eBay, we have TradeMe) there are 92 listings for Ducatis
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Categor ... &x=77&y=14
The Pasos have gone, there were 2 in the last few days.

So, use your Paso and maybe in 20 years there will be a dollar benefit as well as the aesthetic value you had been enjoying.

Fraser.

[bf-fly]

Good info Fraser, valid points. Certainly there will be that facet of the market whereby bikes will be shuffled around the globe to suit the market. Of course in each case the mileage will continue to climb. Other bikes will spawn imposters, limited edition models like the ELR will open the door for fakes (or the limited Paso). If the market rises to the point that it makes sense to import used Pasos which itself costs money, then maybe that would only validate my assessment. While it may dampen the market somewhat, it would likely be temporary. If you look at the Harley clones for a parallel, it's possible they could only make the genuine article more valuable.

Perhaps one of you could show me or tell me where to find production/US import figures, I've had no luck. I would have to say that "it's lack of commercial success" is actually to my benifit, and certainly one reason why I chose it. It's reputation and curb appeal always far exceeded it sales.

A true collector's item is what it is, true collector will know fakes from real and will pay accordingly. I'm not suggesting that I've made some brilliant master stroke here, but while you enjoy your Pasos, I'll tool around on mine on occaision, then go beat the piss out of a UJM. When your Pasos are all high mileage, second, third rebuilds, what would you pay for a fresh mint one in say 10 years? How about the semi rich guy that never had one but always wanted it?

Certainly you don't ride them now for their performance or performance for the Dollar. The do have a following even now at the low ebb of the market. It's that alone a promising sign? Is this the single best overall investment strategy there is? Is the Paso the single best choice? Hell no, but I can't ride my 401K now can I?

By the way the only other Italian on my list is a Benelli SEI. They will make a nice pair don't you think?

(Yes PA, one in the same, not as nice as he said, will need 25 hours on cosmetics to be pristine, God know what else mechanical/electrical, but it ran fine. I am referring to returning it to immaculate, but very doable)

My sense/feeling is in the 5-7 year range the values will start to rise significantly. Weather or not it's the best choice to me is unknown but also somewhat irrelevant. I will also have a half dozen or more "friends" sitting next to it in my garage, all of which I've restored myself. Maybe I'll never get the maximum value out of them or it, but I'll do just fine.

Passion? Me thinks so. It comes in many forms, correct? Riding it, sure. Restoring it? absolutely. Keeping it? that too.

Selling it? In time. That and its brothers will be a nice little nest egg.
Mark my works.

By the way there's a 1970 Honda Z50 (you know the 50cc trail bike) on ebay for $2300 right now. A 69 CB750 for $18,000.

If you pick up a string off the floor at one end, all point rise along with it.

[jcslocum]

Interesting discussion!

The Paso is now 20 years old and becasue of all of us still going strong. I do not think it was the watershed bike for Ducati tho. I think uyou need to move up the food chain a little bit to the 851/888 as the modern seminal Ducs. They were the seeds (4V engine) of greatness that begat the 916 and Ducati's rise.

The Paso is more like the Darmah of the late 70's as compared to roundcase GT's. As the GT's and Sports go up in price they drag the Darmah (and other square cases) along with it price wise.

I bought my 750 with 3300 miles for 3K 6 years ago. It's not even close to stock and gets ridden regularly. She runs great and I have no fear of setting off for a 2000 mile week touring on her.

We all buy our Ducati's for a multitiude of reasons. Enjoy yours for whatever reason you bought it.

Just my .002

[bf-fly]

I don't think it was a watershed either, certainly I agree on the 4V. That was when the performance tables leveled. But where was Ducati in 1984? Lost in the wilderness if I recall. What was the first bike of it's rebirth? The Cagiva Elephant???

I'm not suggesting I'm 100% right, I've admitted from the outset that Ducati's were not my specialty. The value today as always is in it's style. I am wondering if it would or could also be percieved in time as the first Ducati of the then future defined "modern" era. I believe it is so. There was nothing like it before.

I want to be right, but I'll accept being wrong. Though I believe I'd only be wrong in a matter of degrees. It will not be forgotten and will always be fondly remembered, that I am sure. I will never lose a dime, I am sure of that also.

[jcslocum]

I agree you won't lose money. I remember seeing the Paso for the first time. It was love at first site but it took 15 years to get one.

[Marinus]

My understanding is that an investment is something that returns an income or something you can add value to. Something that may go up in value is called speculation. It's a dam nice thing to speculate on and I'm sure you will enjoy it. Like art you can enjoy how it looks as I think we all do. But most of all for me the Paso is a bike to be ridden. Most of us have had or do have many bikes. For me the Paso is a mix of beauty and passion. It invokes more passion for me then other bikes from it's time. Most of that comes from sitting in the seat feeling, hearing and being part of it. My Paso had averaged about a 1000km per year until I bought it. I have done nearly 5000km in the last year of pure pleasure riding. No commuting or touring just one or two hour blasts in the twistys around home. I love it.
Enjoy it for all it has to offer now and its a given it'll be worth more 10 or 20 years from now.

Welcome to the Club.

[persempre907]

I continue thinking the Pasos will not increase too much their worth.
Ducati is always been a racing brand, so the 900 sd is very less worth than a 900 ss (same period). And I'm not talking about a MHR.
This is the motorbike market!
If you think to the Moto Guzzi, you can see all the "real" sport bikes (Falcone, Airone....) are much more appreciated and worth then the same "turismo" types.
So, a 851 or 888 or 750 F1, always will be worth more than the Pasos.
I think so, and continue enjoing my 907 without thinking too much to his future worth.
When I've tried to gamble on the Stock Exchange, I have always lost...
:funny: :funny: :funny: :funny: :funny: :funny: :funny:
Ciao