Motorcycle specifications Ducati851 1990 Red alert

it's impossible not to compare it to a Ferrari. Like its 4-wheeled cousins from Maranello, the new 851 can evoke emotion, magic, passion... that little "je ne sais quoi" aroused by noble, thoroughbred machines. It's hard not to fall in love with this flamboyant red, almost submissive Italian sports car.

When the first 851 arrived in '88, its technical and mechanical solutions, its design and its elitist pricing quickly set it apart from the rest of the production range. This evolution was a further step from the diva to the general public.
Above all, the new color scheme is sublime, and frankly more pleasing than theold green-white-red scheme. Secondly, the 90 model has improved in many respects. The rear-view mirrors are no longer integrated, replaced by classic models fixed to the top of the fork head. Removable 16" wheels become standard 17", painted white to match the white frame. What a contrast with the bike's bodywork!
The pots are stainless steel elements lined with aluminum, which won't make you miss the old ones at all. The brake discs have grown in size to 320 mm in diameter.
As for the heart of the bike, it's less visible and more technical. The desmoquattro twin is now equipped with just one injector per cylinder. The dry clutch gains a transmission damper, while the master cylinder shifts from right to left. Thanks in part to a higher compression ratio (10.4 -> 11 to 1), the engine produces 105 hp, 3 more than before. The chassis also evolves, with a differently structured swingarm, new rear suspension, a smaller brake disc, and a battery that moves forward to charge it a little more.
One of the most important steps was a major overhaul of the manufacturing process. By cutting neither quality nor performance (in fact, the opposite is true), the Ducati loses almost 2 plates on its purchase price. Not bad for a machine that has improved in every way. Today, it can be had for less than 10 grand.

Those who knew the first 851 will find their marks. Identical riding position, both sporty and pleasant, supported by an excellent set of controls. The excitement begins as soon as the mill is up and running. The twin's pulsations are vocal, less deep but more virulent than those of a 900 SS. This growling motorcycle immediately attracts the attention of those around you. Sympathy is guaranteed from curious onlookers and girls; less enthusiasm from neighbors.
In action, the superbike hasn't changed. It's as light and precise as ever, but requires a lot of authority on the handlebars. This feature allows you to accelerate hard on the corner to get out of corners. Going in standing on the brakes will be slightly hotter, although the 17" wheel does improve the front end. We've also taken the opportunity to sample the excellent Brembo brakes. Both power and feel are very good; the rear is more timid.
Sufficiently torquey for winding, the twin-cylinder engine waits until it exceeds 6,500 rpm before spitting out its big watts. With the handlebars fully screwed in, the bike exceeds 230 rpm. The Italian boiler is on fire! Beautiful straights, sweeping curves, the 851 doesn't move an eyelash - stability guides the bike. This mileage allows us to judge the protection: decent, and a little more on the hands.
On the track, the Ducati reveals its weak points. The battery transplant had no real impact on steering. Heavy acceleration unburdens the front end too much. Its feel is then more blurred, but not enough to give it back.
Traction is excellent, all the more so as the machine is fitted with the very efficient Michelin TX 11 and 23 tires. Between vibrators and whatever the technical difficulties, the 851's stability and precision work wonders. All this comes at a price, and it's the rider who pays the price. The bike is tiring to ride, and although it's a lot of fun to ride, it feels physical to ride. Try to limit improvisation - the bike only performs at its best when ridden with confidence.
Its rigorous, sporty handling, firmness and sure-footedness don't shy away from average roads. It's not the bike but the suspension that will make you slow down or change course. The suspension lacks the suppleness of a tourer, and your body will count every bump that passes under the wheels. Another thing that hasn't disappeared is the fault of the previous generation, i.e. a predisposition to stand up when braking unexpectedly at an angle, even if the 17" size has improved matters.

the Italian school of design has always produced superb creations, and the 851 is no exception. Beautiful, with rigorous handling, a lively, high-performance engine, a fascinating voice and almost indecent pleasure, the Ducati "Road Superbike" is a fascinating motorcycle. What more could you want?

M.B
(inspired by Moto-journal - internet photos)