Description
It is 1991 when Doug Polen wins the Superbike World Championship. With some margin over his rival, the previous years champ Raymond Roche, also on Ducati. A successful year for the Italian brand. 1992 sees a repeat and Ducati is literally flying high.
During this period Ducati brings homologous models out under the banner of SP. The first, the 888, so-called because of increased capacity from 851cc to 888cc. A small update sees the entrance of the 888 SP2, even though there was never an official SP1. The SP2 is followed by the SP3 and on to the bike you see here the SP4. An Öhlins front and rear suspension, floating Brembo cast-iron brake discs and an aluminium subframe a just a few special features of the SP series. The SP4 is additionally fitted with carbon exhaust mufflers and carbon-fibre front mudguard and rear “hugger’. The tank and cowl is fractionally slimmer than its predecessors. Power has been increased to an impressive 111 hp to the rear wheels of this only 188 kg weighing machine.
You can easily see why, with the Ducati Superbike championship successes in mind, these early Bologna SP’s have become collectors items after years of languishing in the shadow of it successor, the legendary 916.
This model, #251, was brought back some time ago by its Dutch owner from Italy, somewhere near Lago di Como. Once in Holland he took the bike to a renowned name in the Ducati world for maintenance. The engine block was dismantled whereby the expert noted the inlet manifold had been flowed, explaining why this 888 was more lively than other 888’s. Part of recent service included ultrasound cleaning of the injection system and a new battery. Most of the miles were clocked up in Italy, the Dutch Ducati owner only used it on the rare occasion.
The state of the bike qualifies to be described as excellent. The white frame is particularly neat with largely original Ducati cable ties. The engine block also looks fresh and is up to date with its maintenance. Wheels, tyres and suspension are neat and tidy including the glorious ‘rattling’ floating brake discs. The cowl is well tended to, the tank dent free and undamaged. A few after-market modifications have been added, such as the Domino handgrips and adjustable footrests.
Were you stuck to the tube in the 90’s? A time before Fogarty and Corser dominated the class on their 916’s? This 888 SP4 is just the mad machine to ride, own and cherish. We can guarantee you will be sold as soon as you hear the typically stamping two-cylinder thud of the Ducati.
