Picking the prettiest used Ducati, and why it’s not the 916

1992 Ducati 851

National Motorcycle Museum boss James Hewing has the keys to nearly 1000 classic Brits from track legends such as Hizzy’s 1992 White Charger Norton NRS588 to road bikes including Brough Superiors, Vincents, Triumphs, Velocettes, BSAs, you name it. So how would the man with this huge motorcycling chocolate box at his disposal spend his own cash? “This is an absolute nobrainer, and it may surprise a few people considering my job, but I’d buy a Ducati 851. In fact, I did just that last year. “Back in the early 1990s I owned an 851 and bitterly regret selling it. During winter I would park it in an archway between the dining room and the living room, much to my then-wife’s annoyance. In fact, the reason I had to get rid of the bike was because we divorced and I have a feeling the Ducati parking situation was a major factor. “For me the 851 is prettier than the 916. I like the beefy and masculine look of the 851 compared to the 916’s more elegant silhouette and in the 1990s I remember lusting after an 851 as I rode around on my 900SS Darmah, which was nowhere near as cool. And then when the second generation with its far prettier rear end than original’s slabby tail arrived, I was hooked.

“A few years ago I saw an 851 advertised locally so I was straight over. It was low mileage, lovely and original with all its documentation and was even a second generation K-plate like my old bike - I couldn’t resist. I took it over to John Hackett at Ducati Coventry as it had been standing for a while and the paint was flaking off the engine cases, which is pretty standard on all older Ducatis, and in a few months it will be back to me with a freshly stripped and painted motor, all ready for summer. I can’t wait.”