Description
1/31 Update: Thank you to commenter “DucatiGary” who drew attention to the decals. Upon further inspection, we have found what appears to be evidence of a respray/touch-up paint. We are reaching out to the high bidders, but please contact sales@iconicmotorbikes.com if you have any questions.
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1993 Ducati 888 SPO. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
By 1992, when Pierre Terblanche gave the 851 a facelift, Ducati had firmly established a line of SP (Sport Production) homologation specials based on the line. The Italian firm debuted the SP5 for 1993, however they were not able to get it to pass US Department of Transportation regulations, so they created the SPO (Sport Production Omologato) for Americans that year.
The 888 produced 94 horsepower thanks to the iconic desmo valve V-Twin. Slight improvements contributed to a quarter mile time of 10.81 seconds on the way to a top speed of 157 miles per hour.
The SPO blended the Strada engine with several upgrades from the SP5, such as the single seat, upswept exhaust, and Ohlins shock with ride height adjustment.
In a 1993 comparison story, Cycle World summed up the 888 SPO as “a Superbike racer traveling incognito, with a headlight and turn signals included to keep the Department of Transportation happy. It is among the very best sportbikes in the world, regardless of engine type, regardless of country of origin…the 888 is one of those rare motorcycles whose limits are so high that you’d be foolish to try to get near them on the street.” Ducati backed that up on the track, winning the 1993 World Superbike Manufacturer’s Championship. Doug Polen would also win the AMA Superbike Championship that year on a Ducati as well.
Manufactured in November of 1992, this example is VIN: ZDM1HB7R5PB000558. The seller purchased the bike four years ago from a private seller in Seattle, Washington.
During his ownership, the seller has covered “a few hundred miles.” The odometer shows 4,999 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller reports that he has replaced the battery, changed the oil, installed a new brake light switch, and replaced the chain, the coolant, the brake fluid, and the tires.
He is providing a binder containing various service records going back to the initial date of purchase. Per the invoices, the belts were last changed in 2015.
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following in their condition report:
Tire Year Front/ Rear:3218/2118
Tire % Front/ Rear:80/85
Tire Press Front/ Rear:34/36
Brake % Front/ Rear :90/90
Hydraulic: Level OK: Quality: Fail >3% Moisture
Oil:OK 300V
Coolant:OK
Low Beam:OK
High Beam:OK
Turn:OK
Tail Light:OK
Brake Light:OK
Plate Light:OK
Kill:OK
Horn:OK
Fork:OK
Shock/s:OK
Final Drive:OK
Battery:12.9V / 13.4V CHG
Notes:
• RUNS WELL
RECOMMENDED:
• HYDRO X3
• BELTS
Modifications:
Fast By Ferracci slip-on mufflers.
Carbon fiber front and rear fenders.
Not pictured: Euro ECU.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo supercorsa tires with date codes of 2118 and 3218.
The sale includes two keys, the original owner’s manual, as well as a Euro-spec headlight, the original front and rear fender, as well as a lithium battery charger.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Ducati is offered on a clean California title with registration current through January 2025.
Have any 888 SPO stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
