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The 1988 Ducati 851 and 1993 Ducati Monster 900 represent two chapters in Ducati's storied history.
The 1988 Ducati 851 from Italy was powered by a 851cc DOHC L-twin 4-valve Desmo producing 102hp at 9000rpm. Weighing 186.0kg (410 lbs) and with a seat height of 790mm, it was aimed at sportbike riders.
The 1993 Ducati Monster 900 by contrast offered 904cc of SOHC L-twin Desmo air power, delivering 73hp at 7000rpm. Tipping the scales at 185.0kg (408 lbs) with a top speed of 200km/h (124 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1980s motorcycles are the rising stars of the collector market. Early sportbikes and final-generation air-cooled models are gaining strong interest.
The 1988 Ducati 851 from Italy was powered by a 851cc DOHC L-twin 4-valve Desmo producing 102hp at 9000rpm. Weighing 186.0kg (410 lbs) and with a seat height of 790mm, it was aimed at sportbike riders.
The 1993 Ducati Monster 900 by contrast offered 904cc of SOHC L-twin Desmo air power, delivering 73hp at 7000rpm. Tipping the scales at 185.0kg (408 lbs) with a top speed of 200km/h (124 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1980s motorcycles are the rising stars of the collector market. Early sportbikes and final-generation air-cooled models are gaining strong interest.
Specifications Comparison
| 1988 Ducati 851 | 1993 Ducati Monster 900 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 851 cc | 904 cc |
| Power | 102 hp | 73 hp |
| Torque | 82.0 Nm | 70.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/h | 200 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 186.0 kg | 185.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 202.0 kg | 200.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.0 L | 16.0 L |
| Gears | 6 -speed | 6 -speed |
The Verdict
Comparing these two Ducati machines reveals the brand's evolution. The 1988 Ducati 851 laid the groundwork with 102hp, while the later 1993 Ducati Monster 900 pushed output to 73hp. From a collector's perspective, the 1988 Ducati 851 holds the edge with a 9/10 rating. Either way, both are worthy additions to any Ducati collection. Parts availability is moderate for the 1988 Ducati 851 and good for the 1993 Ducati Monster 900 — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1988 Ducati 851
The 1988 1988 Ducati 851 packs a 851cc DOHC L-twin 4-valve Desmo engine with 102hp into a sport bike package from Ducati.
Full 1988 Ducati 851 Profile →About the 1993 Ducati Monster 900
A naked bike from 1993, the 1993 Ducati Monster 900 delivers 73hp from its 904cc SOHC L-twin Desmo air engine.
Full 1993 Ducati Monster 900 Profile →