Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
The Ducati 888 SPO was a limited edition of the 888 that was only sold in the US in 1993 and 1994.
Ian Falloon called it an “amalgam of the limited production high-performance SP5 and the European-specification 888 Strada” – the SP5 didn’t pass US regulations for import so the SPO was created for AMA Superbike homologation purposes. Upgrades over the Strada included the monoposto tail, upswept exhaust, and Ohlins shock.
Most sources state that only 100 examples were sold in the US in 1994, and they were differentiated in name (officially they were called the 888 SPO Limited or LTD) as well as in content (carbon fiber front fender, bronze wheels, larger front axle, and a numbered plaque on the top triple clamp).
This example is VIN: ZDM1LC4N5P8004387. The seller acquired the bike from a close friend in October of 2013. “In Cycle World’s 1994 July Issue, there’s a write-up comparing a few period sportbikes, one being the 888. The example I have is the bike they used in the comparison, #39. Cycle World obtained the bike from Wildcat Motorsports in Colorado Springs. After the test ride, the bike fell on hard times for some years before friends of mine bought the bike from Wildcat Motorsports.”
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 250 miles. The odometer shows 4,445 miles.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “When I bought the bike in 2013, it was together and running but no restoration was done. I took the bike down to bare frame and started the restoration leaving no detail out. Brian Sharp from Boulder Motorsports took the motor and went through and only replaced bearings — everything else was good. The restoration took about a year. Other stuff that was done is the front forks and rear shock were both refurbished by BMS. Since the restore the bike has less then 50 miles on it due to breaking-in before the dyno run. Every nut, bolt, and miscellaneous hardware was re-Yellow Zinc Plated to original specs, quite an undertaking. All the hoses including radiator hoses were replace with original replacements.”
He adds that “the frame and wheels have been powder-coated” and that “the belts were last replaced in 2018.”
Modifications:
Termignoni carbon fiber exhaust with SilMoto Spaghetti header.
Powder-coated frame and wheels.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Pilot tires from 2012.
The sale includes two keys and a sealed copy of the Cycle World issue in which the bike was featured.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, this Ducati is offered on a clean Colorado title. Have any 888 SPO LTD stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
