1988 Ducati 851 Kit 'Tricolour' Solo Motorcycle

Description

The Ducati motorcycle brand really needs no introduction to 'bike enthusiasts, but in the early eighties things were looking grim for the European sports bike manufacturers. The Japanese were holding sway, with technical innovation, reliability and costs of production all proving to be superior to the European counterparts. By 1985, Ducati had decided to try and re-take its place as the builder of the most charismatic superbikes in the world. Work commenced on a four-valve head for their long-standing desmodromic-valved V-Twin, complete with water cooling to further aid power and reliability. After much work the concept appeared in race form in 1986, the engine debuted in road spec with 1987's 851cc Tricolore (Tricolour). Around 300 of this initial 851 series were built and today they retain a cult following. With the 851's combination of rarity, race heritage and charisma it is easy to see why- the fact that it (along with the subsequent 888) brought Ducati back to the forefront only furthers its status as a legendary superbike.