Post Listing Update: This SP3 did not get any action at the BIN of $18,000 on eBay.
The 851 was a quantum leap for Ducati, with a new trellis frame, 4-valve heads, liquid cooling, fuel injection, and a dry clutch – it formed the blueprint for decades of Ducati Superbikes. As Steve Rose put it in his 851 Buyer’s Guide for Bennetts, “Ducati’s 851 might not have shifted many units but it still managed to change motorcycling, save Ducati and make Superbike racing ten times more interesting.”
Throughout the run of 851/888s, Ducati released seven “Special Production” runs designed for homologation purposes. 534 of them were under the 851 SP3 moniker. The SP3 retained several key parts from the SP2 – the 888cc motor, close-ratio transmission, Ohlins suspension, and Brembo brakes…but it got additional upgrades such as a carbon fiber front fender, remote master cylinders, and stronger clutch/crankcases. Whether or not you think the black wheels are an upgrade – well, that’s subjective. What’s not subjective was the power bump to 111 hp thanks to a 11:1 compression ratio.
This example has 8,390 miles and it’s #368 of the production run. The seller states that it is “in near mint condition” and that he’s the second owner.
Find this SP3 for sale in Salinas, California with a BIN of $18,000 or best offer here on eBay.