Ducati 851

The Ducati 851 is the motorcycle that created the modern Ducati Superbike. It was the company's first bike to feature a liquid-cooled, 4-valve per cylinder, fuel-injected V-twin engine. This new 'Desmoquattro' powerplant was a direct response to the creation of the World Superbike Championship in 1988, a series Ducati would go on to dominate.

The 851's success on the track, including Raymond Roche's 1990 world title, cements its place in history. Collectors seek out the 851 because it's the genesis of the lineage that includes the legendary 916. Limited production SP (Sport Production) models used for homologation are the most valuable, featuring higher-spec components like Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes.

With an average sale price around $14,000, the standard 851 Strada remains a relatively affordable entry into collectible superbikes. The market is stable for good examples, but rare SP variants or pristine original bikes can command significant premiums. The bike's historical importance ensures it won't be overlooked by collectors for long.

Based on 14 recent sales, prices range from $6,700 for project bikes to $40,888 for exceptional, low-mileage examples.