851/888 performance figures...
 

Thought this may be of interest to 851/888 enthusiasts. The figures are those which were actually obtained by Italian bike magazine "In Moto"

Standing Quarter Mile acceleration times (& Dyno BHP measured @ the back wheel)


1993 - 888 Strada = 10.96sec @ 126.10mph (96.77 bhp @ 8,900 rpm)

1990 - 851 SP2 = 10.85sec @ 126.83mph (103.07 bhp @ 10,200 rpm)
1991 - 851 SP3 = 10.78sec @ 128.75mph (108.45 bhp @ 10,200 rpm)
1992 - 888 SP4 = 10.71sec @ 129.62mph (110.57 bhp @ 10,150 rpm)
1993 - 888 SP5 = 10.57sec @ 130.34mph (115.93 bhp @ 10,700 rpm)
1992 - 888 SPS = 10.39sec @ 131.44mph (120.33 bhp @ 10,600 rpm)

1994 Ducati 916 = 10.68sec @ 128.59mph (99.93 bhp @ 8,900 rpm)

I hope this finally puts to bed the myth that the 888SP2 was actually quicker/more powerful than those which followed!

I include their 916 figures too for comparison. Notice how it posted a relatively quick quarter mile time, despite it being 10/20bhp down on the SPs. This is indicative of the 888SP's higher bottom gear, and therefore its sloth away from the line. However, the SP's higher terminal speed means it was accelerating harder than the 916 by the time it crossed the line.

Steve

A full list of bikes is here -> http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/3906/ducati.html

The more interesting fact is that the 888 Strada is about the same as a 916 Biposto...

That's an interesting post Steve

Were there any figures for 916/996SPS ? (or did the article pre-date these models ?)

Beancounter..

The figures are there for the 916SPS, but no others. Here they are.

916SPS - 10.40sec @ 136.27mph. (119.06 bhp @ 8,600 rpm)

Clink on the link given by Shmoki for a full list. You'll have to convert to MPH and BHP though.

Thanks Steve

I'm impressed by the 888 SPS numbers! Almost the same as a 98 model 916SPS!

Why not - power and weight are similar

I see your '996' has been dropped TP ?

It's the new slimline me ;)

:P

Very sleek !

Could anyone technical explain to me why the 888SPS power of 120bhp is virtually identical to the 916SPS's 119bhp BUT is made 2000 rpm higher (10,600 vs 8,600) ?

In simple(ish) terms..

The 888 has a shorter stroke motor - meaning the pistons have less distance to travel from the top to the bottom of the cylinder. This means that the piston reaches a lesser peak speed on each downward stroke, and thus can change direction (go back up the cylinder) more easily. The designers, therefore, can use a higher rev limit on the smaller engine without overstressing the crank/bearings etc. This allows them to use more radical cams/timing etc. to create the power. This way, they use revs to create power, rather than torque.

(Torque can be thought of as the turning force at the crankshaft. Since the 916 has a longer connecting rod, it gives the piston more leverage at the crank - a bit like how you'd use a longer spanner to loosen a tight nut!)