1991 Ducati 851
Registration no. D2 SMO
Frame no. ZDM851S3*003105*
Engine no. obscured (003362 to V5C)
•Present ownership since August 2000
•Three former keepers
•Used sparingly
•16,746 miles recorded

One of the most influential motorcycles of recent times, the Ducati 851 Superbike restored the fortunes of the Italian company and paved the way for a highly successful family of superbikes, the final (pre-Panigale) example being the 1098 of 2007.

In developing the original 851 Desmoquattro, engineer Massimo Bordi created one of the finest motorcycle power plants ever. By the mid-1980s, Ducati's existing air-cooled Desmodue twins were approaching the end of their development, so Bordi started with a clean sheet in creating their water-cooled, 8-valve, fuel-injected successor. Ducati's trademark desmodromic valve actuation system, which closes the valves mechanically rather than relying on springs, was retained, as was the 90-degree angle between the cylinders. Wrapped around this outstanding Desmoquattro engine was a frame, consisting of an intricate trellis of straight tubes, whose design would become a Ducati trademark. Only one paint scheme was available at first: silver-grey frame with bodywork in the Italian national colours of red/white/green, hence these models' Tricolore sobriquet.

Riding the factory prototype, Marco Lucchinelli had won the Battle of The Twins (BoTT) race at Daytona in March 1987, and Ducati then spent the rest of the season on development prior to the production version's launch at the Milan Show in November. Two models were available initially: the 851 Strada and 851 Superbike Kit, the latter being the first of many limited edition 'homologation specials' produced to satisfy World Superbike Championship requirements.

From the vendor: ''D2 SMO' was bought 15 years ago to replace my 175cc D7 Bantam so a vast difference in performance was noticeable! It was purchased in Northamptonshire and, being supplied by Baines Racing in Silverstone, had not travelled far. It was serviced by Ducati John and used for a few more years, taken on holiday around Europe several times and a few trips up to the Manx GP. It lived in my front room for several years until 'her indoors' moved in.....'

Apparently retaining its original factory paint, the Ducati has been used sparingly during the present ownership and currently displays a total of 16,746 miles on the odometer. A Micron exhaust is fitted (original included). The Ducati is only being sold to purchase a Morgan, and following a thorough service should be good for another 30 years. The machine is offered with a copy spare parts catalogue; owner's manual; some old MoTs (most recent expired 2011); an old-style V5C; Ducati John Service Report and invoice (2008); old purchase invoices; Baines Racing invoice; and various other bills. Two keys present.
Footnotes:
All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 21 April starting at 11am GMT.