1997 Ducati 916, 916cc. Registration number P691 DNT. Frame ...

Hammer

£5,850

1997 Ducati 916, 916cc. Registration number P691 DNT. Frame number ZDM916S 008670. Engine number 009420.
Ducati was established in 1926 by Antonnio Ducati and his sons, initially producing electrical components. By the 60s they had become associated with performance bikes selling a range of sporty 250 and 350 singles. In response to the demand for larger capacity bikes chief engineer Fabio Taglioni designed the classic V Twin bevel drive engine first used in the 1971 GT750. This proved to be an immediate success, helped considerably by Paul Smarts win in the 1972 Imola 200 race. This started a tradition of race-winning V twins that have gone on to dominate World Superbike racing over the years. The launch of the Massimo Tamburini designed iconic 916 in 1994 revolutionized motorcycle styling and overnight made all of its competitors seem dated, going on to give Carl Fogarty his first Superbike world championship.
Ducati's trademark desmodromic valve actuation system, which closes the valves mechanically rather than relying on springs, was retained, as was the 90-degree angle between the cylinders. Wrapped around this outstanding engine was a frame, consisting of an intricate trellis of straight tubes, whose design has since become standardised throughout the Ducati range. The integration of all these elements was the key to the 916's success; that and a brilliant on-road performance that eclipsed just about everything else around at the time. The Ducati 916 won the World Superbike Championship in its 1994 debut season and its evolutions three times after that.
DNT was owned by Mark Rendall of Boston on 2013 selling it to our vendor later that year. It has led a cherished life with the MOT history going back to 2006 at 15,553 miles, the last one was in 2018 at 24,657 since when it has been stored due to ill health. It has recently been lightly recommissioned but a full service is recommended.
Sold with the V5C, and old MOT's.