851 SP3 or 916 SP3
 

I've always wanted a 916 SP3.

Forza Italia at Silverstone have a nice one at reasonable money.

The only way I can buy it is to sell or p/ex my 851 SP3.

So : 851 or 916?

You need a bigger garage :)

Well it depends whether you want two 851/888 type bikes or two 916 series bikes. If the 851 SP3 lives in the SP4's shadow then it might be worth it, but then will the 916SP3 live in the 996SPS's shadow.

Nice 'problem' to have though :D

Uhmmmm...you want an unbiased opinion!

I'm sure its nice, but I've seen better! ;-)

Wash you mouth out young man!

Neither, just give the money to me, the warm inner glow that such generosity will generate will be far more satisfying, trust me.:lol:

You flash tart BC..!!

Like you - Ive got both shapes - but I know where my money would go (or stay as the case may be ;>)

Nat

Bit harsh Nat? Still, I've called you worse....

It's a tough decision - obviously I'd just like to add another bike but I think it's getting a bit out of hand...(more to the point, someone else thinks it's getting a bit out of hand)

BC

Im going to be lynched for this, but I'll say it anyway...!

Picture it..you rock up at a meet on the 916, and its, well, just another 916 isnt it ? - it could be a bip with a single seat and a few trinkets.

Unless you really know your onions...its not going to really create a stir because theres just too many of the shape about.

Now young man, whats going to happen if you pull up on that luvverly 851 ? :>). I'm convinced the 851 is much more of an investment too (even more so than your SP4).

And it makes a sound like a lancaster bomber. And we'll all expel you from the 851/888 forum. And I can still sell you all those hard to get bits - lol !!!

I went through this myself..I felt really special on my 916 when I bought it new in '96 as it drew so many comments. My 888 gets 10 times the attention now, and isnt getting that warm glow part of the whole ducati ownership thing ??

Just ask Johnny Hackett what his favourite is :>)

Have I convinced you ??!!

Nat

Just my 2p worth... I don't think the 916 SP3 is as "special" compared to the basic 916, as the 851 SP3 is compared to a Strada (if you see what I mean!). I agree with all the points Nat makes, the 916 could be any of a lot of models, there's only one 851 SP3 (it's even obviously different from an SP4). So, the obvious answer is one of each, but if that's not an option it has to be the 851 version. Not that I'm biased...

Andrew

Good posts guys...

So we've got Nat and Yellow for the 851, Harve for the 916, Jools on the fence and BDG as much use as a chocolate fireguard...no change there then!

Thanks!

BC

I dont know what else youve got bc - but are you trying to decide based on the engine, the handling or the styling ?
I've ended up with so many bikes cos they are all different - and I really can never say I have a favorite for more than a week :)

851 SP3 Definately!!You KNOW it makes sense.Or just wait for mine?;)

'Nother vote for the 851...

Darren

Somehow, Jasp, I really hope you don't have to sell yours...

Beany old chap

916 ?

Common as muck :lol:

851 ?

A Classic ;)

Sophia Loren or the Spice Girls ?

get a GSXR, save yourself the grief ;)

Didn't realise Sophia Loren could sing?Oh...Neither could the spice girls!!

Dibble...if we can put up with your Grief,851/888's are easy!!;)

Do you have access to any small children that you could sell off. If not keep the 851, and wait. The motorbike Gods will get you a 916 if you have been a good little vegimite.
Griff

I'd rather give up riding than ride a gsxr

or any jap bike tbh

except maybe a Honda V4

maybe

On the fence? Keep the SP3.

There's a nice Tricolore up for auction soon, then you can get an SP2, then an SP5...as long as I can remain an official test rider.

auction?

Yep, saw it in one of the mags...can't remember what auction house....reckoned it'd go for about £15K

ouch!

Agree with your views Nat. You have to love the original to appreciate the latter. A bit like putting 916 stickers on a 748. God forbid LOL

Yep agree with most of you too. 851 all day long. 9xx shape bikes are pretty common, by that I mean you'll always get some at a meet. 8xx you just don't see them, and ESPECIALLY not the SP's. Even my strada draws massive interest, ok it's an SP - a - like, but sometimes people even ask, and I mean 'bikey' people, what cc it is!

Ok, ok - I'll keep the 851!

Tbh I haven't really "bonded" (?) with it yet, despite having had it nearly a year - in fact Jools has done more miles on it than I have. But I did give the SP4 a few good runs this year.

Thanks for the posts everyone, I do feel a renewed enthusiasm for the 851/888 series.

BC

Good man.
If you'd sold it you'd never get another one for anywhere near the same money when you realised you didnt really want to sell it.

Well done BC - common sense prevails !

851/888 any day of the week for my money

Matthew

Yup, agree too.
Keeping the 8xx is the best policy.
Reason you haven't bonded with the 8xx? Muscle it. Jap and 9xx's you don't have to. Zzzzzzzzzzz.

Ains.

get up there - another win for the auld 851, deserves it as well...

Perhaps because I posted this in the 851/888 forum, which maybe the 916 fans don't read...

I do!

But then I'm a fan of both.