Been away from Ducatis for a while, used to own a yellow 748SPS Am seriously looking at either an SP3 or SP4 perhaps. Obviously not many around but does anyone know this one ? https://www.gumtree.com/p/ducati-motorbikes/ducati-851-sp3-/1448022323 I think it's overpriced tbh but I imagine it's a known bike /dealer? Any other links appreciated to any nice tidy genuine bikes. Thanks
Hi Chris You have good taste in bikes! I think this has been for sale for a while now. I think there are some non-standard bits - carbon exhausts, carbon instrument panel, steering damper, not sure about the white on the front fairing. How much this matters depends on how you view originality. If you go to view the bike, have a good look under the (shiny) exterior. I have an SP3 which I thought was in really good condition (especially considering it's over 30 years old) but it's just had a thorough service and check over by a highly respected indie and underneath it's looking a bit "tired" - surface corrosion, engine paint flaking, "furry" fittings etc. Nothing terminal - yet - but it needs attention. Good luck with your search, they're great bikes.
For this price you would expect it to be in pristine and original condition. Besides the termis (which I personally don't mind) the rear sets, rear brake caliper, carbon (look?) dash cover and ofcourse the front fairing are not original though. I like the SP3 better than the SP4, but that's my taste. There's a nice looking SP4 for sale in the Netherlands for 19.500 euro (didn't see the bike in the flesh though). https://www.marktplaats.nl/v/motore...-ducati-888-sp4-origineel-nederlands-kenteken
Yea I'll go in with an open mind, it's a lot of cash and 30yrs old so it needs to be the right one. Who is a good indy these days for them? I used to go to Cornerspeed in Mansfield area if I recall. I've messaged a couple of dealers, about 2 bikes. A few non std carbon bits isn't an issue, but ideally I want one that's been given a thorough going over and is fit to use and ride, it's not going to a museum
And if you want something really rare and nice. There is a SP4S for sale as well at the moment in the netherlands. Henk!!!
As already said, it seems to have a few non standard bits, but easily fixed. You need to see it with the fairings off as I am assuming it is honest and unrestored and the engine casings and other parts would have seen better days. Depends if you want to have it as a rolling project, or do a job or 2 on tidying it up? There are some other places to go look and compare, such as Car and Classic. Here is the current 851 search https://www.carandclassic.com/classic_cars.php?category=15&keyword=851&make=645&page=2&sort_1=latest Here is the current 888 search https://www.carandclassic.com/classic_cars.php?category=15&keyword=888&make=645&page=1&sort_1=latest
Cheers, have set alerts up on a few sites now and also fired off a couple of emails. I had a sit on the gorgeous SP4 at the bike specialists last night, bit out of budget but what a bike
It is on a facebook page:ducati 851-888. There two on it now that one in the netherlands and one in the UK. henk!!!
Thread closed, bike purchased, ended up with a regular but beautifully restored 851 strada. Looked at a few SP3 and SP4, decided that the cost was too high for something I actually want to ride as much as possible!
Here she is! Looking for a pair of carbon cans and a carbon front hugger at some point perhaps. Engine has recently been fully overhauled with all new gaskets/seals etc. 11k miles on it overall, 800m since rebuild. Pair of new tyres to go on as its been stood on those for 10yrs prior to overhaul and they are 11yrs old.
Looks fantastic, personally i don't like black screens but i understand why people have them with poor instruments lights.
