1997 Ducati Monoposto 916

• Iconic Massimo Tamburini design

• Won every “motorcycle of the year” award when introduced in 1994

• Timeless superbike design, lighter and quicker than previous models

The late 1980s and early 1990s saw Ducati winning races and championships with the Ducati 851 and 888 motorcycles. Ducati won four Superbike World Championships with the 916, in 1994–1996, and in 1998, with riders Carl Fogarty and Troy Corser. Ducati won the Manufacturer's Championship in all those years.

This 1997 Ducati 916 has been ridden a little over 3,000 miles and was acquired by the Audrain in 2021 from the original owner in like new condition.

Although victorious on the racetrack, Ducati struggled financially with the threat of bankruptcy and was bought by Cagiva in 1985. After the reign of victories in World Superbike, Ducati needed a new superbike. Massimo Tamburini, one of the original founders of Bimota, had been working for Ducati and tasked with designing the 916. Upon release, it was one of the most beautiful superbikes created with its sleek and aerodynamic design, exhausts underneath the seat, and single sided swingarm. It won several “motorcycle of the year” awards from many prestigious motorcycle magazines.

Ducati made a statement and needed to compete with its more powerful Japanese opponents. Designer Massimo Tamburini personally rode every test prototype. The production bike achieved a perfect 50:50 weight distribution. The L-Twin motor allowed the 916 to have a more linear torque curve over the Japanese bikes.

The 916 was the brand’s most important motorcycle as it set the standard forward for Ducati superbikes to follow.

Specifications:

Engine: liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 90-degree V-Twin, DOHC, desmodromic 4-valves per cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed manual, hydraulic dry clutch
Power: 109 hp @ 9000 rpm
Torque: 90 Nm
Wheelbase: 55.5 in
Top Speed: 161 mph
Weight: 437 lbs / 198 kg