Today’s Ducati 851 Strada represents the humble beginnings of the modern Ducati superbike. Prior to the 851, Ducatis were air-cooled, two-valve bikes famed for their handling, if not their outright power. The two-valve “Pantah” engine was introduced in 1979 and served alongside the later four-valve engine introduced in the 851 well into the 2000s, an impressively long life.
Pantah-engined machines were competitive in various forms of racing at first but, by the mid-1980s they had been eclipsed by liquid-cooled four cylinders from Japan. When Ducati wanted to dip its toe into the upcoming World Superbike series and compete against the best Japan had to offer, they knew they’d need something more modern, and so they added four-valve heads, liquid cooling, and fuel injection to the basic Pantah architecture and the Desmoquattro was born.
The resulting 851cc engine was slotted into Ducati’s signature trellis frame and to create their new Superbike. Sporting a more modern design but just two cylinders, the Ducati and all twins were given a displacement advantage in World Superbike racing, compared to the four cylinder bikes from the other manufacturers that were limited to just 750cc. This gave the Ducatis improved performance in terms of torque, even if they were down on outright power, along with a distinctive twin-cyliner exhaust note.
From the original eBay listing: 1990 Ducati 851 Strada for Sale
About this vehicle
This 1990 Ducati 851 Strada is a stunning example of Italian motorcycle engineering. With a clean title and only 6400 miles on the odometer, this bike has been well-maintained and cared for. The bike runs great and has been kept in top condition, making it the perfect addition to any collection or for regular riding. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to own this rare and original piece of Ducati history.
Seller’s Notes
* There’s a bulge on the top of the tank ahead of the filler cap where a race filler opening would be mounted. A circular welded seam is clearly visible. I always thought it was a race or endurance tank, but no one seems to offer an opinion. * Abrasion on top of right rear turn signal, sanded and unnoticeable unless looking for it. * Will need tires. (Orig Michelins still mounted) I can arrange for the purchase/installation if needed.
Vehicle Details
1990 851 Strada. Only 6k orig miles. One of the finest examples to be found.
New belts and oil (Motul 15-50 fully synthetic) and air filter.
Coventry Ducati chip.
Front fairing and side panels resprayed maintaining orig decals.
Vitalloni side mirrors paint matched. (I don’t have the orig)
New windscreen.
Orig exhaust canisters sanded maintaining brushed finish.
No rust.
No paint chips on frame.
Orig toolkit.
Corbin seat available.
Pit bull rear stand.
Located in northern Los Angeles.
$12,000
Values have gone up for the 851 in recent years, including examples of the less exotic Strada version seen here, but the $12,000 asking price seems very fair for such a clean, low-mile example. The 851 lacks the visual drama and raw sex appeal of the later 916 but, like all of Ducati’s v-twin superbikes, is great to ride and represents a good investment opportunity.
-tad
I would much rather buy this than the BiMoTa listed below and spend the other $28K riding this Duc in all sorts of exotic trips around the world.
https://iconicmotorbikeauctions.com/auction/1990-ducati-851-strada/
Hey Jess, JPU just saved you another $2400 ))
Is the bike still for sale???