1991 Ducati 851 Strada Frame no. ZDM1HB6R3MB002290 Engine no. HB6M002369

1991 Ducati 851 StradaFrame no. ZDM1HB6R3MB002290Engine no. HB6M002369
The Massimo Bordi designed 4-valve desmodromic, belt drive double overhead cam, liquid cooled, fuel injected 90-degree L- or V-twin was a masterstroke, installed in a similarly intelligent steel tube frame and all enclosing bodywork. Launched at the Milan Show in late 1987, first deliveries of the 851 were not until June the following year. After one Pierre Terblanche-restyle, production ceased in 1994 with the launch of the Massimo Tamburini 916. Ducati importation in the US was not as sophisticated then as it is now; the bikes were relatively hard to find and thus rare today. Only 255 851 Stradas were imported for 1991, 65 to California-only-spec. With an engine capacity of 851cc from a 92mm bore and 64mm stroke, the 1991 model has a 10.5:1 compression ratio and pumps out 91 horsepower at 9000rpm. With a dry weight of 438lb it was quoted as having a top speed of very nearly 150mph. For 1991, the inverted front fork was by Showa (41mm GD011), the rear shock an Ohlins DU 0060. The wheels were both 17in. Thankfully.This example was sold new at Moto Sports in Des Moines, Iowa. Over three different owners it has been back to Baxter Cycle, Marne twice. It went back again to Moto Sports for a comprehensive service – including new belts, valve adjustment, all fluids and new Michelin Pilot Power tires – just before this sale. This pretty-much-all-original 1991 model 851 Strada (street) still features the Showa upsidedown fork and Ohlins rear shock.

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.