For Sale: 1992 Ducati 851 Strada with only 715 miles!
In the early 1990s, the sport bike world was changing fast. All of the Japanese manufacturers had re-energized their fleet through liquid cooling, fuel injection and four valve per cylinder technology. Ducati had none of these in the line up, instead continuing to rely on the ubiquitous air cooled, two valve L-twin. In one fell swoop, however, the 851 changed all of that.
Simultaneously adding liquid cooling, a four valve per cylinder head (with desmo activation, natch), AND fuel injection, Ducati propelled itself back to the top tier of the world’s stage – and created an iconic machine that became the foundation for all Ducati superbikes to follow. With a racing pedigree, sharp looks and limited numbers, the 851 continues to be one of the high water mark machines created by the Bologna firm.
From the seller:
A USED 1992 DUCATI 851 BiPOSTO SUPERBIKE in ORIGINAL OEM CONDITION*. THIS IS THE LAST YEAR FOR THE WHITE FRAME AND THE FIRST YEAR FOR THE NEW BODY STYLE.IF YOU ARE A DUCATI COLLECTOR YOU KNOW HOW RARE THIS BIKE IS IN THIS CONDITION.
This 1992 Ducati 851 BiPosto is in very good – excellent condition. This bike has been in a collection for the last 20 years and has always been stored in a climate controlled garage. LOOK at the bolts on the bike, these are original Ducati bolts, and if you know Ducati’s, you know the bolts are the first items to oxidize.
This bike has never been crashed or damaged in any way. It has always been garage kept and is extremely clean. The only faults I can see: Please check pictures, are a few stone chips, a small scratch on the tank from a belt (hard to photograph, but you can barely see it), some scuffs on the rear cover (can probably buff out), and a mark on the left mirror. I would also give the bike a good buff / wax. Also, please check the decals. The tank decal blemish is under the clear (probably came from Ducati this way). The Agip decal is not cleared and still can be replaced.
The Strada model is the most lowly of all 851 variants. Designed as a bi-posto two seater, the rear seat is covered by a color coded piece that mimics the bodywork. Once removed, a passenger pillion is revealed. To add to the two-up usefulness, grab handles can be rotated out of the storage area, and then retracted when not in use (see picture below). There is even a fair bit of room under the passenger seat for toolkit storage and sundry items. In all, it is a very useable superbike.
The four valve motor revs quickly and willingly to a redline of 10k. Where the two valve mills run out of breath, the 851 is really just getting started. Add in the booming exhaust, Brembo brakes and great handling, and you have a potent package on your weekend rides – even if the bike is nearing 20 years old.
These bikes are also fairly bulletproof, provided that they have the standard services done at regular intervals (oil changes, belts and valve adjustment). With only 715 reported miles, this bike is really brand new from a mechanical standpoint. You simply do not see many in this condition, and it would be a fantastic addition to any collection.
If you have been lusting after an 851 but just haven’t found the right one – this could be it! This auction is going on right now, and the opening ask is $11k. That may sound a bit steep when you compare this to some of the more ratty, tired 851s that come up for auction, but at the end of the day it is actually well within reason for such a well-preserved bike. For more information, pictures and details, click the link and jump over to the auction. Don’t forget to tell ’em that you found it on RSBFS!
MI