Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
The story of the Ducati 888 actually begins with the release of the 851 in 1987. The race-replica market was in full-force, with the likes of Honda and Yamaha developing iconic rides such as the RC30 and the OW01 for the World Superbike Championship. It was an era in which many manufacturers were building bikes for one reason and one reason only: to win races.
During the first seven years of WSB, the rules allowed 1,000cc twins (weighing 140kg) to compete against 750cc four-cylinder bikes weighing as much as 165kg. Ducati capitalized on the potential for more displacement and increased the 851’s capacity by some 37cc. As such, the 888 technically hit the track for two years (in 1989 and 1990) before it arrived in showrooms as a road bike in 1991.
During this time, Honda’s Fred Merkel took the first two WSB titles in 1988 and 1989, but ex-GP rider Raymond Roche finally secured the 1990 title. In the coming years, Doug Polen dominated the field aboard his Fast by Ferracci Ducati, and Carl Fogarty would’ve clinched a fourth straight championship were it not for Scott Russell and his Muzzy ZXR750.
Over the course of its production life, the 851/888 brought a number of innovations to the Ducati lineup. Along with liquid cooling and electronic fuel injection, the bike introduced the long-overdue (and far more efficient) four-valve head.
This example is VIN: ZDM1HB7R7PB000738. The seller purchased the bike one year ago from Ducati Winchester.
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 25-30 miles. The odometer shows 14,828 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller recently joined Iconic at the Chuckwalla track day.
In preparation, he had the shop flush and fill the coolant and brake fluid. Additionally, we installed Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires with date codes of 2022 and 2222.
Modifications:
The seller reports that when he bought the bike, it “came with a 926cc ti-rod engine built by BCM.”
Race bodywork and paint.
999 Öhlins front end.
Marchesini wheels.
FBF Full Spaghetti exhaust with carbon mufflers.
STM clutch basket.
Yoyodyne clutch slave cylinder.
Brembo clutch and brake master cylinders, spider grips.
STM crankcase breather.
Samco radiator hoses.
SSR foot pegs.
Superlite sprocket.
The seller provided a spend sheet detailing the build.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Small dent on the front right of the tank.”
Inside of the tank:
The sale includes one key.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Ducati is offered on a clean Maryland title. Have any 888 SPO stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
