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Very few of the world's many motorcycle manufacturers have risen above the common herd and attained iconic status, a reputation far in excess of their position in the sales leagues. There are a few others, and enthusiasts will always be able to argue over their relative merits, but there can be no argument that one of the proudest marques of all, with a fine pedigree and history of racing success on both street and track, is Ducati, Italy's other scarlet hero. When Cagiva acquired Ducati, back in 1985, it was immediately clear to them that the engines powering these most sporting of motorcycles badly needed up-dating. There were two basic engines, both V-twins; one with bevel drive to the overhead cams and the other a more modern design with belt-driven cams. The bevel-driver, although beloved of Ducati fans everywhere, was expensive to both manufacture and maintain, and while the belt-drive Pantah engine had been modern enough at its introduction, back in 1979, the design needed a lot of development if it was to remain competitive on the road, and more importantly on the track. The V-twin Pantah design was for an air-cooled engine with two valves per cylinder, which was fine so far as it went, but more was needed. The Castiglioni brothers, effectively the new owners of Ducati, were keen to see future generations of Ducatis powered by a 4-valve engine, and commissioned Ing. Massimo Bordi to develop it. He in turn approached the British Cosworth concern and the result of their collaboration was a thoroughly up-to-date engine boasting 4-valve heads, liquid cooling and electronic fuel injection (adapted from the Weber system originally designed for that other scarlet Italian marque). Bordi added Ducati's trademark desmodromic operation to the valvegear - and a two-wheeled legend was born. The 851 engine (so called because of its 851cc - 92 x 64mm - cylinder capacity) tasted early track success by winning the 1987 Daytona Battle of the Twins, amply demonstrating the ability of the engine and chassis package, and paving the way for a generation of delighted road and track riders. And, as is the way of things, development continued, with the engine's capacity growing to 888cc when it gained 94mm pistons. The 851/888 twins are undisputed classics, representing the modernisation of Ducati, and proving very successful, right through until their place was taken by the stunning 916. But that is another story. This is a book of contemporary road & comparison tests, new model intros, rider's reports, track reports & special models. Models covered: 851, Strada, Sport, SP, 888, SPS & SPO. 136 pages, 250 b/w & 25 colour illus. SB.
