The 851 was a quantum leap for Ducati, with a new trellis frame, 4-valve heads, liquid cooling, fuel injection, and a dry clutch – it formed the blueprint for decades of Ducati Superbikes. 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.”
Throughout the run of 851/888s, Ducati released seven “Special Production” runs designed for homologation purposes. The second model (SP2) was introduced in 1990, and it came with a bored out 851 motor (from 92mm to 94mm) to create the legendary 888 engine. That year, Ducati won the WSBK Championship with Raymond Roche (and they’d win the next two years as well with Doug Polen). The larger motor featured bigger valves and it was paired with the close-ratio transmission and upgraded camshafts from the 851 Superbike Kit.
The chassis was heavily upgraded with full floater Brembo cast iron rotors as well as Ohlins suspension front and rear.
Rounding out the upgrades is an aluminum subframe and solo rear seat.
Estimates vary on how many SP2s were built — noted Ducati expert Ian Falloon says 380, for example — but sources typically cite between 350 and 500, making this more rare than the SP3/4/5. The SP2 came with a unique set of hand welded Ducati aluminum mufflers. All later models were replaced with Termi carbon exhaust cans and it was common to see SP2’s modified with SP3 or SP4 exhaust. A full set of SP3 carbon Termignonis are included but painstaking effort was performed to source the correct original 1990 SP2 aluminum mufflers.
Manufactured in November of 1989, this example is VIN: ZDM888S000303. The seller acquired it in January 2025 via an Iconic auction, our partners in the UK sourced and exported imported the bike here. Unlike the rest of the 851/888 “Special Production” runs, the SP2 was not intended for the North American market. As such, any SP2 (Or 89′-SP) in the US was privately imported. This bike, as a UK import, has the interesting combination of a MPH speedometer but a Celsius temp gauge.
During his ownership, the seller has covered roughly 500 miles. The odometer shows 32,459 miles.
This is production number #303.
“I purchased it, registered it in California, and completed a mechanical restoration in preparation to submit the bike at the Quail Motorcycle Gathering. Comes with many spare parts.” He is selling it to work on his new project, a 1966 Ducati Cadet 100.
Maintenance:
In March of 2025, the seller had a full service done by LG Moto who specializes in this era of Ducati Superbike located in Richmond, California.
Work performed:
-Valves adjusted
-New timing belt pulley
-New timing belts
-New rear rotor installed, shimmed
-New grommets installed for radiator
-New grommets for rear shock reservoir
-Minor crack at subframe re-welded and repainted
-Tightened fuel injector in mount
-Missing clip installed at airbox sensor
-New radiator cap
-Cooling system checked, operates normally
-Charging system inspected, operates normally
-Confirmed: Larger radiator installed
-Low-fuel indicator light is stuck-on, should be replaced with unit from later 851
Compression Reading:
O: 155 PSI PASS
V: 155 PSI PASS
Leak Down %
O: 7%-R PASS
V: 7%-R PASS
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection and a detail. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: Ok, 3% moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail, >3% moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail, >3% moisture
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): N/A
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 70%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 70%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 24/16
Tire Date Code Rear: 20/16
Tire % Remaining Front: 70%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 80%
Tire Press. Front: 20 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 23 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.2V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.3V
Running Condition: Ok, runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: None taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Paint on engine is rough
-Light rust on swingarm bracket and frame
-Front brake and clutch fluid tests at high moisture
-Brembo Competition front brake, no brake light provision
-Low fuel light stuck on
REPAIRS RECOMMENDED:
-Hydro 3
Mechanical Issues:
Per the seller, “fuel level light stuck on. Common 851 issue.”
Modifications:
Per the seller, this bike is stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Pilot Power tires with date codes of 2016 and 2416.
The sale includes two keys, a spare rear wheel, Termignoni exhaust cans, and an variety of spare parts and some awards.
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 January 2026.
Have any 851 SP2 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
