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.
This example (VIN: ZDM888S000390, Engine #: ZDM888W4 000325) was sold new in Japan and was imported to the US roughly six years ago. It was previously owned by our friends at Red Sun Moto, who sold it to the current owner in the middle of 2022.
During his ownership, the seller has covered roughly 150 miles. The odometer shows 6,530 kilometers (4,057 miles).
It is production #390.
Maintenance:
The seller documented his work in this thread on Ducati.ms. Highlights include new front rubber fuel tank mounts, Belmetric yellow chromate screws for the engine case/covers, NOS coolant hoses, NOS ECU vibration dampers, NOS clutch slave cylinder, new fuel filter/prefilter/internal hoses, CPC fuel quick disconnects, and more.
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection and the following service work:
-Critical fastener check
-Hydro 3 flush
-Chain service
-Coolant flush
-New battery
-Thermal switch gasket replaced
-Fuel lines re-secured
-Clutch bleeder cleaned, resecured
-Screws replaced on clutch reservoir
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: New, < 150 mV
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% 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): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 80%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 90%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 03/21
Tire Date Code Rear: 05/21
Tire % Remaining Front: 95%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 95%
Tire Press. Front: 32 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 36 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.6V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.7V
Running Condition: Ok, runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 1.86 Miles, unit operates as designed
Notes:
-Paint on frame has light cracking
Modifications:
Dual Termignoni carbon fiber slipons.
Custom vented clutch cover to look like the OEM unit.
Battery tender lead.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Pilot Power tires with date codes of 0321 and 0521.
The sale includes two keys.
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Ducati is offered on a clean California title. Per the California DMV, it would cost $309 to make the registration current through June 2027.
Have any 851 SP2 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
