I love this engine, the desmoquatto, for me the last true "ignorant" engine, created by a few Italian geniuses against the Japanese giants. I am fortunate to have been able to buy these two bikes over the years, the 851 sp2 from 1990,only 300 specimens produced, almost all destined for the race and few finished for the road...the first to mount the 888cc engine and the first to win a world-class superbike, mounted practically still by hand, grumpy but racing like never! then the latter to mount the desmoquattro, then her, a Tamburini, the ducati 996s single-seater with the Sps engine, beautiful. Both have won many world titles, they are a pleasure to drive. I live on Lake Garda and every time many bikers stop me and ask for them. thanks Ducati for creating these wonders ..
They both look like they are about to fall apart - I can do you a favour if you really want to keep a Desmoquattro engine bike, I will offer my 2002 ST4 as a straight swap for your 2 bikes (generous I know). Be quick, I may change my mind..... Seriously - lovely bikes
As a recent convert to the 851 ways... oh my goodness. What a bike. I agree wholeheartedly. A testastretta is a fine thing but the desmoquattro is so nice. The experience is something more subtle and you can use every horseshoe and snort of every pony. You have the Gucci versions. Kudos.
851 is sublime. Very accessible. 888 has the evolved styling, can’t imagine they spoiled the recipe...
Ha yes indeed, I had an almost identical stable but with the SP3.. the 996s was my first ducati and I loved it to bits. I agree, they lost some of the rawness with the testastretta and the 998 is a very different experience, not bad, just different. @Fire3500 the 851 and the 888 both had the revised styling in 92 which I personally don't like but I do love the SP2 & 3 being badged 851 but being 888s just like the old 916SPS being a 996 my friend has a unicorn of an 888, its a proper 888SPS with a foggy spec JHP motor in it...its bleddy witchcraft I tell you!!
Sums it up nicely. I have an 851 SP3 and an 1198S. The SP3 is much nicer to ride (if a bit cramped), as said you can use more of the power more of the time. The 1198S is just brutal!
Hello Lakeman I am staying in Dro near Arco for a few days. I’ve a 916 SP3 back home. Are you venturing out on the bike in the next few days?
