If you’re looking for an affordable classic that will set you apart from all those 916’s people have been squirreling away, look no further than the Ducati 851. Far less pretty than the 916, it’s also much less obvious, with chunky, aggressive styling and a much more humane riding position to boot.
It’s also just as significant a model as the 916. While that model catapulted Ducati into supermodel stardom that found it on the bedroom walls of teenagers formerly unfamiliar with Ducati, it was the 851 that made that model possible in the first place.
Introduced in 1987, the 851 was the first model to feature Ducati’s new four-valve, liquid-cooled motor based on the proven two-valve, air/oil cooled L-twin. It was successful in racing and gave Ducati a machine that could compete in World Superbike racing on an even footing with screaming fours from Honda, Kawasaki, and Suzuki.
I’m actually passingly familiar with the shop selling this bike, a small enthusiast-run motorcycle service and consignment showroom in Santa Monica. It’s a cool joint, with one of my favorite motorcycle shop logos of recent memory. The staff is small, but have been friendly when I’ve popped in to browse, and last time I was in, they had a BMW HP2, a track-ready Aprilia RSV4, and several Ducati Sport Classics, along with this machine.
From the original eBay listing: 1992 Ducati 851 for Sale
Rare find. Not a scratch on this bike.
Recently serviced (belts, fluids, battery, tires, etc.)
1,281 Miles
Very straight forward.
Clear California title.
Thanks for looking. Good luck…
This bike looks very, very clean and with such low mileage, this would be ideal for someone looking to complete a collection of modern Ducatis. Bidding is up to $7,000 with several days left on the auction. This time-capsule bike seems destined to end up in a collection instead of being ridden: there should be plenty of cheaper, well-used machines out there if your tastes run to riding versus hoarding.
-tad
