1990 Ducati 851 SP2

Description

Additional photos of this 1990 Ducati 851 SP2 are available here for your perusal.

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. Today we’ve got #390.

This example (VIN: ZDM888S000390 DGM528390M, Engine #: ZDM888W4 000325) was sold new in Japan. The seller acquired it a year ago.

During his ownership, the seller has covered roughly 150 miles. The odometer shows 6,517 kilometers (4,049 miles).

Modifications:
Dual Termignoni carbon fiber slipons.

Cosmetic Blemishes:
“The body work is perfect with absolutely no flaws. The white frame has some very minor chips and small cracking, the engine paint is in very good shape with only very few chips here and there.”

The seller states that there are no mechanical issues. “The bike just had an extensive full service tune-up, this includes an oil/filter change, front and rear brake fluid flush, front and rear fork inspection and fluid change, new tires, new chain, clutch inspection, front and rear wheel axles lubed and inspected, and new brake pads. Basically, the bike is ready to ride reliably and runs perfect now and all electrical components work as they should.”

It is riding on new Michelin Pilot Power tires.

Currently located in Seattle, Washington, this Ducati is offered on a clean Washington title.

Have any SP2 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!