Early Desmoquattro Strada. Quite the machine. So a Craigslist find? Thoughts on handling, torque? Possibly compulsory to take her to the track to confirm full potential...
Here's the story, my dad's buddy bought it new back in 92 for 12,500USD and put 32,0000 miles on it, this was his baby. Back in april of this year he passed away sadly from a stroke. Mind you this guy and his wife would babysit me when I was still in diapers. Back in July his wife called me out of the blue asking if I was interested In buying "a motorcycle", said she was having a garage sale and I should come check it out. As I'm pulling up to the house I see this pretty red "motorcycle" sitting in the driveway and my jaw dropped! she said Mike would have wanted it to go to someone who can appreciate it and if I had 5,000USD I could have it. Needless to say I drove home picked up a trailer, stopped by the bank and this baby was in the garage before sundown, also got a truckload of spare parts: fairings, 3 sets of exhaust, brakes, lines, new clutches, you name it! The ducati gods have been in my favor and I will be eternally grateful. the bike itself is emaculate, handing:insane, torque: enough to pull the wheel up thru 3rd. Track day:coming soon!
I've been scouring over pics of Ducati's and dont see these wheels anywhere, checked out the comstars and I believe your right.
They are not comstars, comstars have riveted pressed spokes, yours are neither riveted or pressed - they look similar to some aftermarket Harley custom wheels... so could have been made as specials to fit the Ducati.
We all want opportunties like the above set of events and many don't ever come across these deals in a lifetime of searching so enjoy & keep it in one piece.
Just finished restoring my 888. These may not be as striking as a 916, but they raw, analogue beauties that are a major part of the history in turning the Ducati fortunes around, so have always been my favourite. Well done and welcome. Keep her well fettled for the next custodian.
Congratulations on your purchase - seems like a bargain too! When I first saw and heard the 851, I was gobsmacked after years of shell-suit styled japanese inline 4s. I had to have one, bought and bought an 851 Strada. The white framed bikes are special - as others have already said, they are highly significant in Ducati's journey to sports bike eminence.
Thank you, she's definitely a head Turner. I still cant get over the looks and performance of this bike.
Welcome! and what a lovely bike and story. There are a few fellow tractor owners on this forum and all are very helpful but the fellas on www.ducati851and888.com have saved my wallet and frustration many a time! enjoy the bike... especially the torque and induction noise ;-)
