Making its production debut in 1994, Ducati’s 916 was an instant world-wide success. A combination of gorgeous styling and advanced engineering, the 916 pretty much scooped up every single bike magazine’s Bike of the Year award for 1994.

Setting new standards in both performance and style the Ducati was in high demand from the very start, indeed every single 916 destined for the USA was sold before the first bike had even arrived in the country!

Designed by motorcycle genius Massimo Tamburini, the 916 featured a stunning 916 cc fuel-injected 4 valve V-twin cylinder motor fitted inside a perfectly balanced steel trellis frame chassis. With twin under-seat exhausts and a single side swing arm completing the look, the 916 was a very handsome machine indeed.

Presented here for auction is a very special example of the breed, a 916 SP, or Sport Production model. Featuring a twin fuel-injected version of Ducati’s Desmoquattro engine with racing internals, the 916 SP enjoyed a significant power bump over its more pedestrian siblings producing an impressive 126 BHP.

With 1994 only seeing a total production of 310 examples, the 916 SP is a rare beast indeed and the example offered here in excellent condition is sure to make a fabulous addition to any enthusiast’s garage!

The 916 set a new standard for bike design when it was released in 1994 and it has continued to influence motorcycle development ever since.

A beautiful synthesis of form and function the 916 just looks so right from any angle. From its shapely arrowhead front with twin narrow projection beam lights and along its sculptured flanks to its twin carbon fibre Termignoni exhausts, the 916 is a classic example of coherent bike design.

Presented here in glorious red with carbon fibre highlights, this particular 916 SP is quite a thing of beauty.

Looking closely at this particular example as it dazzles in the afternoon sun, it’s hard to find fault - this is clearly a bike that has enjoyed a cherished life of nearly 30 years under only 3 owners.

Looking at the invoicing for servicing work we can see that the bike underwent a significant service and spend in 2018. On speaking to the owner it’s clear that whilst under his ownership the priority was to ensure the bike was presented in the best possible condition. Since undertaking this work it has resided as part of an excellent collection and seen only the most sparing of use.

Capable of reaching a frankly terrifying 167 mph, the 916 SP featured a raft of upgrades over the lesser models and succeeded in bringing a fully-fledged superbike to the public roads.

Featuring a twin injected version of Ducati’s Desmoquattro engine with race derived internals the 916 SP could generate an impressive 126 BHP, representing a significant hike in power over the standard bike’s  114 BHP.

SP modifications didn’t end with the engine however and the model was also graced with upgraded Ohlin’s suspension and various carbon fibre additions as so handsomely featured on the example we offer here for auction.

Out on the road the 916 SP is a fabulously analogue experience. With its unmistakable roar and perfect balance the Ducati can turn any trip, however mundane into a life-enriching experience.  Free of modern encumbrances such as traction control, out on the road it’s very much down to the rider, bike and road.

A combination of breath-taking good looks and superb engineering, the Ducati 916 was always destined to be the stuff of legend from the very start. 

Offered here in rare and highly desirable SP specification, this particularly well presented low ownership example is now ready and willing to enhance its next owner’s garage or collection.

BEFORE YOU BUY 

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