OVERVIEW

Ask any performance motorcycle enthusiast to describe their ultimate sport bike and the reply will surely be “Ducati”. Having built some of the most amazing performance motorcycles in the world with a wide range of capability, Ducati has continued to provide the finest in artistry, engineering, and premier quality. And while there are many models over the years that set a high-water mark for racing and unmatched performance, the SP4 was so special that even today, 30 years later, it is still revered as one of the most capable high-performance motorcycles of the century.

Steeped in Italian manufacturing history, the Ducati family evolved their manufacturing to include high tech machining and race-proven engineering to deliver not just fast motorcycles, but beautifully balanced and artfully designed performance machines capable of winning in a wide range of venues including first place in the 1991 and 1992 World Superbike Championships riding the Ducati SP2.  

Shortly after the initial development of the Ducati 851 Strada, improvements steadily continued until the 851 became the fastest machine Ducati had ever designed. Impressive as that was, in 1990, the homologated Ducati SP2 would benefit from a bored out 851cc engine to 888 cc which they produced in limited numbers. In 1991, expert racer Doug Polen earned the Superbike Championship aboard an 888cc equipped Corsa, the Ducati 851 SP3. In 1992 the SP4 became available with the 888cc engine, delivering the winning combination of the 851 frame and 888cc engine. First introduced in 1987, the Desmoquattro four-valve head engine was the beginning of a long successful run, with belt-driven cams, fuel injection, and water cooling.  The 888cc engine, remarkable for its power and compact package, delivered 116hp at 10,200 rpm. Rarely seen in North America and almost always sequestered to private European motorcycle collections, the SP4 is considered a premier bike for any motorcycle enthusiast and the ultimate in performance machinery.

This beautifully maintained Ducati 888 SP4 is believed to have had three owners since delivered new. The former owner had purchased it from the original owner in 1997, retaining it for his personal use and amassing approximately 10,000 miles before selling it in 2015 to the current owner, a motorcycle collector and enthusiast. Among its many features, this Ducati is equipped with full-floating cast iron disk brakes measuring 320mm in front and 245mm rear. Factory upgrades enhanced from the standard Sport/Strada include 45/55mm exhaust, twin injectors per-cylinder, hotter cams, full Ohlins suspension, adjustable rear ride height rocker, close ratio transmission, factory carbon-fiber fenders and rear shock heat guard, and a solo tail with aluminum sub-frame. Over the past seven years under current ownership, accumulated miles have been minimal, just enough to keep the systems running smoothly. Recent services include a new battery (May 2022), cam belts, fluids and filters, all performed in 2021.  

Visually, the overall condition of this Ducati beguiles the 30 years since original construction. Currently indicating 16,881 Kilometers (approx. 10,500 miles) Essentially every detail of this machine from the lightweight bodywork, machined details, and refined mechanical features are beautifully preserved and properly maintained to factory specifications. The paint work is beautifully applied on all body panels and the carbon fiber fenders a very fitting touch to the lightweight themes throughout this bike. The tail section has been signed by Doug Polen indicating his world championship. All systems are in excellent working order with just a hint of welcoming patina echoing 30 years of performance brilliance.

Everything about the design from the aggressive aerodynamically engineered body fairings to the impressive 116hp engine presents in beautiful harmony not only as a performance machine but as a mechanical work of art. The massive gold Brembo cast iron brakes, detailed suspension, and competition derived exhaust convey power and performance, while the compact single seat and full front fairing fulfill Ducati’s legacy and Italian artistry. The details and features throughout are breathtaking, culminating in number 361 engraved on a plaque commemorating the 1991 Superbike World Championship mounted just under the instrument cluster.

The engine fires off brilliantly with crisp throttle response, fantastic exhaust note, and blistering acceleration even on mild throttle. The cams are simply breathtaking. Configured just a bit hotter and certainly notable when coming on song well into the astonishing 10k revs this bike achieves. The ride is exhilarating, captivating, and every bit as worthy of the praise these great bikes have earned over the increasing years since their dominance in the 1990s.   

This Ducati is accompanied by a spare tail section requiring some repair and paint, which can be refinished and installed on the bike to better preserve the tail section signed by Doug Polen.

For anyone seeking a historically important and amazing road bike, built to honor the finest in racing history, configured and maintained to the highest enthusiast’s standards, this Ducati 888 SP4 is ready to deliver all the vigor, intensity, and performance excellence just as originally configured as a worthy celebration of Doug Polen’s Superbike World Championship victory.

Please contact Jason Harris at +1-206-355-7727 for more information on this 1992 Ducati 888 SP4.

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