Hi there, I am looking to buy my first Duke and need a bit of help with the models. I am currently looking at a 1989 851. The problem is it is quite a distance from me and before i drive all the way to look i want to find out more about that model and any inherent problems it had. Any help would be much appreciated. The details I have: 1989 model, chassis number 000414. 23k kms recent service etc etc. Any info on this and other 851/888 models much appreciated.
a lot depends on how much you have to spend. You can pickup some real bargains if you look hard enough. does this bike have upside down forks and 17" wheels. SP's upto 3 are really good, prices can vary widly with the SP3, probably the most sought after , second to the 888sps 4/5 are nice but not as good. (imho) Strada's and DS's are a good trade off if you don't want all the higher spec SP bits.
look for a bike with as low miles as poss, and as upto date service as posible also.
I prefer the original 851 style bikes over the later 888 style bikes. althought the sp's have the 888cc engine anyway. last of the 851 strada's also run the 888 lump, with the newer 888 sytling etc.
these bikes are making a real comeback now, and prices are starting to rise again. If you are really set on one, check out all the versions and specs, there are several excellent books with enough info for anyone. ( ducati 851/888 performance portfolio 1987-1994 is excellent)
great bikes mate,they have there probs, but so do other dukes, it goes with the territory.
I have a 89/90 Strada that has the Marchiozzi forks and rear shock.
Things to look for are as follows
Grating sprag clutch on start up , or no record of rregular every 4000m oil changes cost £200 about to fix If it has been left standing rust in the petrol tank if not an ali one like mine Fuel lines braek up to if it is un used Belts old one every 4000m new kevlar ones every 12000 cost about £200 Shims every 4000 check and replace if worn. Cost 200 - 500 dependant on engine out or not.
On the bike look for the following.
Chassis and engine numbers match V5 chain and sprokets wear, Old alarms are a nightmare You want lots of history orginal reciepts for the sale brochures, servicing and repair reciepts. They should be ideally from dealers or specialists.
There was a 851 strada like mine on ebay last earlier this year and it didnt make its £1500 reserve so bargins to be had . Beware as an only bike they cost alot to run.
Skipper - Have to agree with Frank, the 888 is the way to go. Better than the early bike in all areas (reliability/performance/finish/practicality etc. and the Strada even has fold-out grabrails for the pillion). Original/unmodified ones are near impossible to find though (as indicated by their rising values) - and 'minters' (like mine - yay!!) are in fact MORE scarce than hen's teeth. Be prepared to search long and hard if you want a real good one!
Red SPS - Whilst the last of the 851's looked like the later bike, to my knowledge they were never fitted with the 888 lump (SP's excepted).
SP3 vs SP4: Quoted from Fastbikes, May 92, (test rider Sean Emmett) "...the SP4 is the true elevation of the model to Ferrari F40 status, aesthetically and in terms of engineering and performance. This year's model felt better at every turn and in every turn.." I guess you pays yer money and takes yer choice!
you are quite correct weeveetwin with regard to the last of the 851's being 851cc, my brain was still asleep. still 851cc until the 888 update. I'll let you off this time mate
SP5's what i've got and what a lovely piece of work she is.Lapped Cadwell at the CSS faster than i ever have on the 748/853.Whichever you go for,you won't be dissapointed.
The 888 is definately superior but was not the first of the line. I love my 851 she was cheap and people cant belive they cost so little. Fantastic performance and great looks. Yes you get the odd gremlin so dont have it as an only bike.
10-Aug-2004, 15:50 
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