Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1993 Ducati 888. Please note: VINData incorrectly lists the year as a 2023.
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.
This example is VIN: ZDM1HB7R4PB000650. The seller, Scott Billings, sent us all seven of his track bikes as he’s moving out of the country for a number of years to start his retirement. Why did he have seven track bikes you ask? He wanted to participate in a range of classes throughout AHRMA’s various groups (we sold his race trailer as well here).
True mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
The seller states, “This bike was specifically built within rules for the AHRMA series Next Gen Superbike classes and has a 996 motor in it. This bike won the national championship 2 times”.
In preparation for this listing, the seller had us change the battery and detail the bike.
Our service department notes the following in their inspection report:
Gas Tank Internal: OK
Tire Year Front: 1521 / Rear: 1921
Tire Life Front: 50% / Rear: 50%
Tire Press Front: 20PSI / Rear: 20PSI
Brake Life Front: 80% / Rear: 90%
Hydraulic Fluid Brakes: Front: OK / Rear: OK
Clutch: OK
Oil Quality: OK
Level: OK
Coolant: OK
Coolant Quality: OK
Low Beam: N/A
High Beam: N/A
Turn: N/A
Tail Light: N/A
Brake Light: N/A
Plate Light: N/A
Kill: OK
Horn: N/A
Drive Chain: OK
Battery: Standing N/A Charging N/A
Notes:
*Has 996 Engine
Modifications:
Full race body kit.
Marvic magnesium wheels. Upgraded Öhlins forks. Brembo calipers and rotors.
Woodcraft rearsets, aftermarket linkage.
Öhlins steering damper.
Aftermarket speedometer.
Aftermarket fuel tank.
Carbon fiber under tray.
Carbon fiber battery box. Ducati Performance clutch plates. Carbon fiber clutch cover. Overflow can.
Aftermarket sprocket.
Aftermarket fuel cap.
Aftermarket seat.
Renthal grips.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo Superbike slicks with date codes of 1521 and 1921.
There is no key; the bike uses an ignition connector.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Bristol, Rhode Island, this Ducati is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any 888 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
