[Guest]

 851 ??
4:34 PM 2/22/2005


I also posted this in the superbike section, not knowing which would section would be more approprate. So I have an 05 749 but would really like to find another bike. I have been looking at the older (mid 90's) 900cr/ss. The reason for that bike is that i love the older models and I would like to have another ducati that is more up right seating position then my 749. So on to my question, in my searching i have found a really good condition 851. I was hoping someone with experince with the 851 could tell he how they are in comfort as well as in general ownership. Is there anything to look for as far as problems? Would there be a big difference in erganmics from the 900cr/ss? Any help would greatly appreciated!

 

[Guest]

The 851 is a very comfortable bike. I'm 6'3" and, shall we say, "over" 200 lbs. and I love the riding position. You feel like you are settled IN the bike instead of perched ON it. There's alot of differences between the various years so do some research before you buy. Suggest you join http://www.yahoogroups.com (search yahoogroups for Ducati 851) group for the best chat about this bike.

 

[Guest]

Re: (bcmducati)

Thanks BCM any other sugestions on web pages with info about the 851/888? I have read all I can from the moto one web page. but my gogle searchs have come up with much info!

 

[Guest]

Ok I am a little baised on this subjet. I have a 1994 900ss cr in great shape and cannot find anyone interested in buying it. I have not tried really hard to sell it because I really could care less if it sits in my garage or not but this brings me to my point. I have not seen as many 851/888's for sale and certainly not as cheap as the 900ss in the mid 90's are going for right now(check out what I want for my bike http://speedzilla.zeroforum.co...38351).
If you got an 851/888 parts have got to be an issue if you are really going to ride it when you compare all the stuff out there for 900ss's right now.

With that said if money is no problem then the 851/888's are the way to go.

Good Luck

 

[Guest]

Re: (road rash 2)

Having owned an 851, 888, 748 and a SS, I think the 851 is comfortable enough but it sure isn't a commuter. It's waaaay more comfy than a 748/9*6. Compared to a SS it is a little more aggressive and the heat coming off the engine is a little bothersome. Reliability isn't a big issue, all the normal Ducati stuff applies. Biggest thing would be electrics, make sure all the connectors are clean and it should be ok. I loved mine, and still think they look better than the 916. I would stick with 1991+, the 1990 had really crappy suspension.l

 

[Guest]

Re: (jhord)

That was what i was looking to find out. Such as what years had better or worse parts, etc...
I am getting older and would love to find something more comfortable then the 749 for normal street riding. the price is not the biggest concern, well with in reason of corse! But i have always really loved the 851/888 series!

 

[Guest]

Re: (Rlbol)

I would love to add a 851/888 to the collection, I just can't find one! I currently have a 2004 749 & 2000 748, I just picked up a 1997 900ss, but if I could find a 851 would be great. How much are they asking for the bike?

 

[Guest]

Re: (viper1)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by viper1 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I would love to add a 851/888 to the collection,</TD></TR></TABLE>

I saw an 851 here in town yesterday. I stuck my card on the bike but the guy never did call. It was a cool looking bike. I'm on a hunt to find out who owns it.

I think it had about 13,000 mile on it, FBF carbon fiber cans and a few other add-ons.

I would like to have it.

 

[Guest]

Re: (Mental998)

I love mine and wouldnt sell it.

 

[Guest]

Re: (Rlbol)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Rlbol »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">That was what i was looking to find out. Such as what years had better or worse parts, etc...
</TD></TR></TABLE>

They are all fairly similar, sorta depends what look you like, the 92+ with the slimmer tail and more angular tank, or the pre-92 with the deeper tail section and roundish tank. Engine-wise there are no major differences. (other than the displacement of the '93-94 888, of course) The chassis are a little different, but again, nothing major. The 89-90 Stradas had what I prefer to call Marsucky suspension, 91+ had Showa. I had a '90 and a '93. The '93 was a better bike all-around but you will pay a premium for one of those. If I had it to do over again I would get a '92! Probably the best bang for the buck of the whole series.

 

[Guest]

Re: (jhord)

if you've read all my stuff then there's not much else i can add. the 851/888 are about as comfortable as the carb 900ss for me, just with less torque, but more power. and less maintainence.

the suspension on 89, 90 and 91 is crap except for the ohlins rear on '91. i've had mine played with and it's still fairly poor when a road gets rough. that said even the ohlins i put in the back needs pulling out and fiddling.

the 92 is an 888 with 92mm bore and p7 ecu really. it has the 33/29 valves and heavy closing springs and that round shape. my 888 was a heap nicer to ride than the 851 is at low speed. the light closing springs, 108/108 cam timing and light flywheel really lump it up. the 888 had the same set up except for flywheel and it was night and day difference.

the early round tank parts your legs like a early blade, zxr sort of thing. the '92 and 888 are much slimmer, but i like the square look of the early ones.

as far as parts go. most are now being cleared out by ducati. and they have some unique stuff on '88 compared to '89 compared to '90 etc. but you get that on a bike that's 15 years old.

 

[Guest]

Re: 851 ?? (Rlbol)

Try <FONT COLOR="blue">here</FONT>. Ducati Sporting Club message board. UK based and a mine of useful info and full of very friendly members, quite a few from the US as well as from the rest of the planet. The all knowing Shazaam! is also a frequent contributer.

The 851/888 forum is pretty lively, loads of knowledgeable peeps.

Cheers, Neil