Ducati 851 & 888 Performance Portfolio 1987-1994

The street bikes are a spin-off of the racing machines. For homologation 200 850s were built for sale with 16-inch rims, full electrics but with a de-tuned engine to produce about 100hp. Alongside the ordinary production bikes were the 888 SP Series of which the Roche-replica is the most powerful, recording 122bhp. Over the years the series became gradually more refined and forgiving, going down to 108bhp. In 1992 the 851 had the same specification as the SP4 apart from styling and in 1993 the Strada was given the 888 engine. This is a book of contemporary road and comparison tests, specification and technical data, long-term reports, new model introductions, racing. Models covered include:- 850, 851 Superbike, 888, 851DS, 888SPS, 888SP3, 851 Sport, 851 Strada, 888 Strada, 888 SPO, Cagiva 916, 888 SP5.’