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The 1988 Ducati 851 and 1994 Ducati 916 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 1994 Ducati 916 by contrast offered 916cc of DOHC L-twin Desmo power, delivering 114hp at 9000rpm. Tipping the scales at 195.0kg (430 lbs) with a top speed of 260km/h (162 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 1994 Ducati 916 by contrast offered 916cc of DOHC L-twin Desmo power, delivering 114hp at 9000rpm. Tipping the scales at 195.0kg (430 lbs) with a top speed of 260km/h (162 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 | 1994 Ducati 916 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 851 cc | 916 cc |
| Power | 102 hp | 114 hp |
| Torque | 82.0 Nm | 90.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/h | 260 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 186.0 kg | 195.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 202.0 kg | 212.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1430 mm | 1410 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 1994 Ducati 916 pushed output to 114hp. From a collector's perspective, the 1994 Ducati 916 holds the edge with a 10/10 rating. Either way, both are worthy additions to any Ducati collection. Parts availability is moderate for the 1988 Ducati 851 and good for the 1994 Ducati 916 — 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 1994 Ducati 916
Introduced in 1994, the 1994 Ducati 916 features a 916cc DOHC L-twin Desmo engine producing 114hp, establishing itself as a notable sport bike.
Full 1994 Ducati 916 Profile →