Previewing in Bedford Hills, New York by appointment. Please contact
[email protected] for scheduling.
The Massimo Bordi designed 4-valve desmodromic, belt drive double overhead cam, liquid cooled, fuel injected 90-degree L- or V-twin was a masterstroke, installed in a similarly intelligent steel tube frame and all enclosing bodywork. Launched at the Milan Show in late 1987, first deliveries of the 851 were not until June the following year. After one Pierre Terblanche-restyle, production ceased in 1994 with the launch of the Massimo Tamburini 916. Ducati importation in the US was not as sophisticated then as it is now; the bikes were relatively hard to find and thus rare today. Only 255 851 Stradas were imported for 1991, 65 to California-only-spec. With an engine capacity of 851cc from a 92mm bore and 64mm stroke, the 1991 model has a 10.5:1 compression ratio and pumps out 91 horsepower at 9000rpm. With a dry weight of 438lb it was quoted as having a top speed of very nearly 150mph. For 1991, the inverted front fork was by Showa (41mm GD011), the rear shock an Ohlins DU 0060. The wheels were both 17in. Thankfully.
This Ducati appears to have been a nice, lower mileage example prior to a shop fire left it looking less like a sport bike and more like a Monster. Showing 5,891 miles, the enveloping bodywork has been melted away—quite literally in this case—but the rest of the bike has been kept remarkably intact. Having been on long term static display prior to becoming a naturalist, it is the perfect basis for a restoration or custom creation. While refurbishing or creating new bodywork, don't forget to take care of the mechanicals as some recommissioning is recommended prior to active use.