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!)

WVT,

Don't forget the 888SPS has different cams to the 916SPS. As you say, more radical.

my sps comes out ok - 126bhp/77lbft tested, but make the bhp at 10,500 ish revs?? thought all sps made them at high numbers? Mine revs to 11k too, shorely the max bhp cant come in as soon as 8,600?

tp - didnt know you had sps?

I don't, I was just commenting on the fact that the 888SPS seems to make pretty good power - similar numbers to the 916SPS.

Beancounter just noticed that my username has changed. I'm trimming down you see.

Looking at 130@9000 for my sps, but anyone want to swop for an 888 sps???

so how come so low rpm? Still dont understand why this (any sps) engine makes less revs...mine doesnt.....

Not sure, its not really a peak, more of a bump, and gradually drops off towards the red line, dropping to maybe 125 at the rev limiter at 10800

I wonder why the 888SPS is that much quicker than the SP5,considering they had exactly the same engine,just that the SP5 had a cooling fan.Wouldn't have thought there was 5bhp in it and that 5bhp would only make 1mph difference!!

Jasp..thought the SPS had slightly different cams ?

Steve..interesting stuff mate..yep..the SP2 has got that 'urban legend' behind it that it was the quickest..I think its basically a misinterpretation of readers..every review ive read just said the power delivery was awesome..or to quote baines in the 851/888 performance portfolio "like being smacked in the face with a cricket bat" :o

Would be interested in seeing weight differences..

Nat

Nat,

Weights are shown in the geocities link posted by shmoki.

DOH..cheers bud !

So..my mere mortal strada should weigh about the same as you flash harry SP owners once ive got the magnesium wheels on ?! !

Cheers
Nat



:D

We just need one of them da gone ally subframes Nat;) but I think the carbon chain adjusters could tip the scales:lol:

Nat,no they have the same cams.Lumpy is the best way to describe them!!Ask Nelly how difficult they are to set up!!

I have a steel SP0 seat unit at the fabricators being priced to copy as of Wednesday this week.

Rgds, Rob

Bloody hell!A STEEL seat unit?Your supposed to be saving weight not adding the forth bridge!!