1991 Ducati 851 SP3 (888)

 I have decided to sell my Ducati 851 SP3, as featured in Desmo Magazine Issue 279 3rd April 2025. The increasing numbers of aching bones, has convinced me to move it on and focus on riding my new Monster 1200S.

In summary, this by any measure is a high mileage Ducati but especially an 888SP! However, you will know if you read the article, that the last few years has seen pretty much a full restoration of the bike, back to its original glory.  One of only 500 or so sold for homologation purposes in 1990/91, this is the basis of the bike that took Doug Polen to his first world title and gave Foggy his first World Superbike win at Donnington Park – were you there?

Probably one of the highest mileage SP’s in existence. this bike was used to the full by my oldest mate for 27 years between 1993 and 2020. The bike was routinely and carefully maintained with almost every action recorded resulting in a comprehensive service history.

I have known the bike since 1993 and got the opportunity to buy the bike in 2020 when my mate was seriously ill with the intention of getting the bike back to its former glory, whilst aiming to maintain a little of the patina of a well loved and used, quite rare motorcycle.

The 888 was stripped back to virtually all component parts, largely by me and either polished, refurbished, resprayed or replaced as necessary. The engine was fully stripped and rebuilt by Baines Racing in 2023, with all new bearings, piston rings, seals and belts. Front and rear Őhlins suspension were stripped and refurbished with new springs by B G Racing, Silverstone. The frame and all engine parts were shotblasted and powder coated by Redditch Shotblasting. The following new items were sourced and fitted; head bearings, hydraulic hoses, oil lines, alloy clutch basket & pressure plate, clutch slave cylinder, chain, sprockets, front disc carriers, high performance battery & cables, Samco coolant hoses & clips, high pressure fuel hoses & clips. I spent over 12 months working on this labour of love and because of the time and money spent, I love the bike more than when I first bought it.

Since full reconstruction & completion in May 2024 the engine has been running-in and sounds sweet. She comes with the original locks and 2 original keys, original manuals (1 signed by Giancarlo Falappa), workshop manuals and all the notes, paperwork and receipts as well as a photo album record of the recent refurbishment.

This bike is ready to ride and could be yours for an offer close to £18,950. This bike shouldn’t be a museum piece, it’s a bike meant to be ridden and hopefully soon will skip past the magic 160k km mark. Viva Ducati.