The Ducati 851 was the evolution of the Pantah-based “rubber band” motor series that paid out most handsomely for Ducati. Simultaneously adding liquid cooling, a 4-valve desmo head and fuel injection, the 851 significantly raised the performance game for the Italian brand and launched a new all-out attack into Superbike racing. This evolutionary series laid the core foundational roots for the bikes to follow: 916/996/998/999/1098/1198. Only the Panigale (with its all new “superquadro” powerplant) breaks with the formula started by this iconic machine, the 851.
1991 Ducati 851 with 3,526 miles for sale on eBay
From the seller:
only 3,526 miles. virtually spotless original bike. looks factory/showroom brand new. never raced, dropped or ridden in the rain. new tires, tune up, belts, and all fluids changed.Ferracci slip-on pipes
Ferracci Chip
Ferracci Airbox Mod
Zero Gravity Windshield
Corbin Seatincluded are the original pipes, seat and windshield, plus a new rear side panel, shop manuals, box of oil and filters
wicked fast, adult owned. needs a home where it can be appreciated.
none nicer, this is a near perfect bike.
Ducati 851 models are booming L-twins with a rev range much higher than the air-cooled desmo-due mills that came before. Torque is plentiful, but real power is pushed higher up the power band. Yet for all the performance, these are still very tractable and reliable machines. Taller riders might want to try the cramped cockpit on for size – all others would likely find this to be a comfortable ride. The Strada model is the base, and offers two-up capability under the faux single seater tail cover. While the least collectible of the models, there is plenty of performance and good looks to go around (not to mention the Strada examples are far less expensive than homologation examples). This 851 has but some 3,500 miles on the odometer – barely broken in by Ducati standards – and has enjoyed a recent service including belts. The seller is asking a pretty high $11,500 BIN, but appears open to reasonable offers. Check it out here. Good Luck!
MI
I had a 91 851 for a few years and logged 20k odd miles on it including track days and long trips (300 – 600 miles) – they are way more comfortable than a 916. I had upgraded it with too many aftermarket parts which I wish I hadnt. I picked up mine for under 6k from a gentleman in LA but it had 10k+ miles on it (in good condition.)
This bike looks excellent. If this was an 888 instead, the price would be compelling. The 92 model was the last year and had some noticeable improvements over the 91.
They were fast bikes during their time with a 150 MPH top speed and excellent handling (fully adj showa front and Ohlins rear) – they were good for around 90HP and a few more with the chip/pipes (I recall I had installed an FIM chip with Carbon Tech pipes)
The Regulator Rectifier unit is an easy 150$ fix (from Electrex)
The rear brake caliper had dropped a pad – and I replaced the caliper
Good luck with the sale.
k
Krishna if an 888. Probably 2 to 3 grand more money.