Built for the fledgling World SuperBike series, the Ducati 851 was the first in a long series of desmoquattros, and successful on the track and in the showroom. At one time a commuter ( ! ) this 851 is lightly updated but is way ahead of the curve maintenance-wise.
1990 Ducati 851 for sale on eBay
Cagiva’s investment in Ducati allowed them to continue development of the 4-valve desmo engine, resulting in 105hp from the Weber-injected twin. The white trellis-framed bike is quite true to concept with Marzocchi suspension front and rear, as well as big Brembo brakes and 17-inch Marvic wheels. Stylists blacked out part of the fairing lowers, completing a very successful swoop of the seat fairing, which matches the mufflers and is capped by a removal pillion cover.
Cleaning up real nice for its 42K miles, this 851 has been repainted, but in the factory RED and looks great. Updates include Conti reverse-cone mufflers, Pro Italia +5 chip and 40-tooth rear sprocket. Good maintenance history with recent clutch, master and slave cylinders, Samco hoses, and Öhlins monoshock in addition to belts and fluids. The owner sums up in the eBay auction:
In the early ’90s, a previous owner commuted from Sacramento to San Francisco (175 miles of highway) on this 851 and that’s where about 30k miles came from. This bike is in its prime and ready for years of continued use. It’s reliable, well sorted and making excellent power.Some highlights:– Valve clearances were checked and all were in spec (shows stability) at 37,304 miles.– Belts were again renewed during a major service at 40,111 miles.– ProItalia +5 chip.– 40 tooth rear sprocket (original is 39) helps a bit with acceleration and makes 6th gear usable at legal speeds (original gearing is very tall for noise regulations).– Signed by Doug Polen (1991, 1992 World Superbike Champion – Ducati 851) at The Quail in 2014.– “Flying D” vented clutch cover, period correct upgrade to keep clutch cool and let dust escape.– BMW 12 V accessory outlet (near Ohlins reservoir) for charging your cell phone, powering your heated vest, etc. or charging the bike’s battery when being stored).– No fork leaks and has neoprene protective wraps.
Ducati won three WSBK crowns in a row 1990-1992, with Frenchman Raymond Roche aboard the 1990 851 and tailcone signatory Doug Polen riding an 851 bored out to 888cc. The effect on the factory’s health was exactly what the organizers had hoped, and crowds awaited the Monster in 1993. Surprisingly nice for the odometer reading, the 851 presented here has been well-loved, especially recently as the maintenance history shows. While it’s not a more desirable SP or 888, this could be a great chance for a bargain hunter to get on a Ducati treasured for its sporting purity…
-donn
