Introduced in 1987, the 851 made Ducati relevant in motorcycle racing again, earning a WSBK championship in 1990 and launching a series of V-Twin superbikes that would last for more than three decades.
It was a quantum leap for the Bologna-based manufacturer. Sporting a new trellis frame, the 851cc L-Twin featured fuel injection, liquid cooling, a dry clutch, and desmo 4V heads, producing 104 horsepower and 52.5 pound feet of torque. Top speed was 155 miles per hour.
As Steve Rose put it in his 851 Buyer’s Guide for Bennetts, “Ducati’s 851 might not have shifted many units but it still managed to change motorcycling, save Ducati and make Superbike racing ten times more interesting.”
This example is VIN: ZDM1HB6PXNB003341. The seller purchased the bike from the original owner a little over a year ago.
The odometer shows 25,229 miles.
Maintenance:
This summer, the seller had Iconic perform a Desmo service (belts, valve inspection/adjustment, spark plugs, air filters, oil/filter, coolant flush, hydraulic flush, clean/lube/adjust chain), replace the fuel injectors and pressure regulator, install new Dunlop Sportmax tires, replace the front and rear brake light switches, replace the fuel level sensor, and rebuild the fuel pump. The invoice was $4,781 and we finished the work in September.
In addition to this service work, in preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, we changed the oil and filter and performed a hydro flush/fill. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Good
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: Ok, <150 mV
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Good, < THAN 1.5% H2O
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, < THAN 1.5% H2O
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, < THAN 1.5% H2O
Final Drive Condition: OK
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 98%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 98%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 43/23
Tire Date Code Rear: 43/24
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 30 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 30 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 11.5V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 12.7V
Running Condition: Runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 2 miles, unit operates as designed
Modifications:
Staintune mufflers.
Steel braided brake lines front and rear.
Napoleon folding mirrors, aftermarket grips.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax Q5 tires with date codes of 4323 and 4324.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Ducati is offered on a clean California title with registration current through April 2026.
Have any 851 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
