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.
We’ve heard (but cannot confirm) that 200-290 SPOs were built for the 1993 model year. This example is VIN: ZDM1HB7R0PB000676. The seller acquired it from the previous owner in Pennsylvania and had it shipped to Oregon.
The odometer shows 8,871 miles. “In the time I’ve owned it, I’ve ridden it about a dozen times and put no more than 1,000 miles on it. I mostly rode it to bike gatherings. It always gets a lot of attention, since only 290 were produced in 1993.”
Maintenance:
“The motorcycle was serviced at MotoCorsa this winter in preparation for auction. I’ve included the work order in the pictures. The following service was performed.
Replace cam belts.
Flush & replace coolant.
Replace fuel pump, filter, & lines.
In addition to the service at the dealer, I also completed the following maintenance items myself.
Fresh engine oil & filter.
Fresh brake & clutch fluid.
Fresh gas.
New battery.
New tires (Pirelli Diablo Rosso III) receipt included in the photos.”
Mechanical Issues:
“I don’t know of any mechanical issues, and the dealer did not identify any during their service.”
Modifications:
Not pictured: Fast by Ferracci high performance ECU chip, Samco silicone coolant hoses, ventilated clutch cover.
Fast by Ferracci carbon fiber mufflers.
Trimmed tail tidy, after market carbon tank protector
Aftermarket steering damper.
Corbin seat, carbon fiber rear fender.
Fren Tubo steel braided brake and clutch lines.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tires with date codes of 2125 and 3425.
The sale includes 1 ignition key, the owner’s manual and the EPROM. The rear stand pictured in the photos is not included.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Portland, Oregon, this Ducati is offered on a clean Oregon title. Have any 888 SPO stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
