Please Note: the VINData Report calls this a 2020 model as that shares the same 10th digit model year check (“L”) as 1990 models.
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.”
Manufactured in June 1989, this example is VIN: ZDM1HB6R5LB001270.
The odometer shows 6,956 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, install a new battery, change the engine oil/filter, flush the coolant, flush the hydraulic fluids, replace the belts, adjust the valves, install new spark plugs, install a new air filter, rebuild the fuel pump, replace the fuel lines, clean the fuel injectors, send the tank out to get professionally cleaned/lined, diagnose non functioning left hand turn signals, rebuild the clutch slave cylinder, replace a leaking coolant sensor, and perform a detail.
During our inspection it was noted that the swingarm was exhibiting a common issue with this model of cracking near the pinch bolt (they are frequently over-tightened). We replaced it with a swingarm from a later model year.
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: New
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Pass – New, <1.5% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Pass - New, <1.5% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Pass - New, <1.5% Moisture
Final Drive Condition: Ok, cleaned/lubed.
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: 85%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 85%
Forks: Ok, fork seals cracking
Shock/s: Ok, bump stop broken
Tire Date Code Front: 20/14
Tire Date Code Rear: 25/10
Tire % Remaining Front: 75%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 0%
Tire Press. Front: 36 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 38 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.65V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.6V
Running Condition: Runs good
Test Ride Completed: OK
Test Ride Distance: 1.5 miles
Modifications:
Gia.Co.Moto exhaust.
Fox shock with remote reservoir.
Steering damper.
The wheels have been painted/powdercoated black.
Bar end mirrors.
Team Leoni stickers.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires with date codes of 2224 and 1125.
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 Tennessee title. Have any 851 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
