Highlights

Immaculate condition
Just 210 kilometres on rebuilt engine
As owned by Ayrton Senna and ridden to great success by Raymond Roche and Marco Luchinelli
Innovative 'Desmodromic', liquid-cooled, four-valve V-twin
Strong and capable trellis frame construction

THE APPEAL

Following some tumultuous years under state ownership, Ducati was acquired by Cagiva in 1984 and this heralded a new golden era that would save the great manufacturer. Cagiva gave Ducati the funds needed to invest in their four-valve, desmodromic cylinder heads, allowing them to build a high-performance 851 cc V-twin that would power them to victory in the 1990 World Super Bike Championship.

Here we have the road-going version of the bike that Raymond Roche won on - a 1989 Ducati 851 SP. Notable owners of this highly capable Italian machine included Formula One Legend Ayrton Senna, and in all, just 751 units were made.

This stunning example came into the UK some years ago and was first registered by the current owner who acquired it in 2017. By the end of the year, the bike had suffered an engine problem, which was likely caused by a blocked oilway. Ducati Alton entirely rebuilt the engine which cost £3,429.43. Since the rebuild, the bike has covered just 216 kilometres, barely enough to see the new engine run in.

If you're looking to add this rare, beautiful and rapid motorcycle to your collection, we can certainly recommend this immaculately presented and mechanically healthy example.

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

V5C present
Declared manufactured in 1989
Registered in the UK 1st July 2017 after it was acquired by the vendor
Imported to the UK some years earlier, forming part of the collection of a renowned Ducati racer
Fully rebuilt engine in 2018
Invoices for parts used by Ducati Alton during the rebuild
Email from Ducati Motor Holding Spa, Italy confirming it is a genuine 851 SP model

THE CONDITION

Superb condition throughout
Finished in Ducati Red with correct decals
The paintwork is stunning, with no noticeable chips or scratches
Headlights and indicators are free from any splits or cracks
The fairing screen is scratch free
Original switchgear has a minor amount of wear to the lettering but working as it should
The grips are in excellent condition
White-faced instruments are working correctly
The odometer has a reading of just 216 Kilometers
Foot pegs are in like new condition
The seat is excellent, with no apparent signs of wear
The rear light and indicators are also free from damage
17” white wheels, which are unmarked
Metzeler tyres are fitted with plenty of tread remaining

THE MECHANICS

851 cc water-cooled twin-cylinder engine
Produces 93bhp
Weber electronic fuel injection
The Ducati fires up as you would expect, with no untoward noises, and the engine sounds extremely smooth
There have been no issues reported with the running of the bike
Six-speed gearbox, which has a smooth change going up and down the gearbox
The trellis frame is finished in white to match the wheels and is spotlessly clean

The superb handling comes from using the following:

The tubular steel frame
41mm Ohlins FG9050 forks with adjustable damping
Ohlins single rear damping with adjustable rebound compression damping
Braking is taken care of via 2 x 230 mm discs and four-piston callipers at the front and a single 245mm disc with a two-piston calliper at the rear

SUMMARY

The 851 was an immensely important motorcycle in the history of Ducati and motorcycle manufacture as a whole. It showcased the potential of Ducati's innovative desmodromic valve equipment proving the company could still be competative on the world stage and made a name for itself at the WSBK.

This is a fantastic opportunity to own a groundbreaking bike from the '90s and one which had a limited run of just 751 units. With such low numbers produced, the 851 SP isn’t a bike you see every day, especially one in such amazing condition as this, which is why you shouldn’t let this iconic Ducati slip away.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.

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