[weeveetwin]

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