VOL. 54 ISSUE 28 JULY 18, 2017 P81
The late 1980s to
early 1990s was
a crucial time
period for Ducati.
The 851 (right) not
only modernized
the Ducati V-twin
with liquid cooling,
four-valve heads
and electronic
fuel injection,
it lifted them to
world superbike
success and put
the company back
in the spotlight.
Meanwhile, the
air-cooled Pantah
engines were still an
essential part of the
equation, and while
power wasn't great,
the platform lent
itself to handling
enhancements.
The innovative
Superlight (left)
was, according
to Ducati, 20
years ahead of
its time in using
carbon-fiber parts,
magnesium rims
and other weight-
saving devices.
Both, however, are
overshadowed in
history, as well as
the room, by the
incredible 916.
