Highlights

Pivotal 851 which transformed Ducati’s fortunes
Revered 93bhp 851cc Desmo V-Twin
Enthusiast owned bike in very good order
Current keeper since 2014 and used 2,750 miles since purchase
Bridgestone Battlax tyres 1,300 miles ago
Cambelts and service 300 miles ago
New brake pads and caliper and master cylinder overhaul
Clutch master and slave cylinders overhauled
Replacement battery and fork seals
Current MOT to late October 2026

The Appeal

The 851 is pivotal to Ducati’s modern success. In the mid-80s, the superbike market was dominated by the big four - Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki - with their inline fours. Nobody expected charismatic but hopelessly outdated Ducati to mount a serious challenge. The 851 changed all that, and its incredible Desmoquattro V-twin did it. The 851 went on to claim the World Superbike Championship from under the noses of those established makes in 1990.

Four valve per cylinder, liquid cooling, computer-controlled electronic fuel injection and a slim profile all gave the V-Twin Desmo torque and power that outclassed those fours. That it looked fabulous, as this 1991 example proves, certainly helped. Finished in red with correct decals, plus those stand-out white Brembo wheels, this is one of the best-looking bikes of the last 40 years.

The vendor tells us that he had always wanted an 851, fulfilling the dream in 2014 when he bought this one. He’s added just 2,750 miles in the intervening 12 years, which explains the low displayed mileage. Despite the limited use it has been regularly improved and maintained with a long list of work. That includes comprehensive hydraulic overhauls to the braking and clutch systems, fresh fork seals, and a recent service with new cambelts, an air filter, and oil and filter just 300 miles ago. Nearly new Bridgestone Battlax tyres complete the picture of a bike that is ready to ride. The vendor describes the power and handling as thoroughly rewarding, and the machine now seeks a new custodian.

Key Information

Mileage: 34,259 miles indicated
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT to 26th October 2026 with single advisory
Technical specs: 93bhp 851cc Desmodromic V-twin petrol, six-speed manual
Paperwork: V5C, invoices

Maintenance advised by seller since purchase:

1,300 miles on new Bridgestone Battlax tyres
Brake pads
Rear caliper
Brake master cylinder overhaul
Clutch master and slave cylinder overhauls
Fork seals
New battery
Cambelts and air filter, oil and filter changed 300 miles ago

The Detail

Very well presented red Strada with equally well kept decals as shown
Some light signs of age to fittings as shown in photos
Brembo white wheels with Bridgestone tyres with 1,300 miles wear
Long list of maintenance as detailed above
Recent service with replacement cambelts
Fitted with SV carbon cans
Showa front forks and Brembo brakes
Single MOT advisory for loud exhaust

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