The Ducati 916 – Tamburini’s Design Masterpiece from Bologna

If the 911 can be considered an outstanding Porsche icon and the flagship of the German mobility identity, then the Ducati 916 is the Italian equivalent and an equally great masterpiece.

Until its presentation in November 1993, the number sequence 9-1-6 was just a random combination of numbers to the motorcycle world. Overnight however, it became the synonym for mechanical perfection and sex appeal on two wheels. From the start of sales in spring 1994, nothing should be the same anymore.

The red prima donna from Bologna provided a real sensory overload. Her plastic dress was bold and modern. The attractive cover was removed in two minutes thanks to quick-release fasteners – absolute pornography for every racing mechanic. Underneath was a modern V2 with electronic injection and typical desmodromics with 109 HP at 9000 rpm. That wasn’t exactly the zenith of superbikes at the time, but the Ducati 916 had other advantages: its slim figure, an insectoid double headlight, the provocative rear with underseat exhaust, variable geometry, a single swing arm, ram air, a steering damper … Her attractiveness consisted of so many facets that just one of them would have been enough to make her immortal. The design icon with unshakable stability also drove like a goddess.

THE WAY TO the DUCATI 916

But the 916 didn’t have an easy legacy. The Ducati 851 and 888, as beguiling racing machines with a beefy sound, had pulverized many records in the Superbike World Championship. Visually however, they weren’t exactly the latest craze. The designs were based too closely to the conventions of the late 80s, which were primarily prescribed by Japan. The legend Massimo Tamburini enjoyed a lot of freedom in the Centro Ricerche Cagiva (CRC) at the time. With the incredibly beautiful 916 he created a legitimate motorcycle of the century. A completely independent design which clearly detached itself from the status quo. Conventional was yesterday!

The 916 is still a highly innovative and extremely sensual motorcycle and with its countless offshoots and ancestors dominated an entire decade. As an archetype of the sporty superbike for the new millennium, it was extremely successful as a street motorcycle – and a force to reckon with on the racetrack. Between 1994 and 2002, all constructors’ titles in the Superbike World Championship went to the lightning-fast Duc. Troy Corser and Carl Fogarty celebrated their greatest victories on a vibrant red.

THE DUCATI 916 AS A FUTURE CLASSIC

All of this makes the Ducati 916 the emblem of the unity between technology and design as celebrated by Leonardo da Vinci centuries before. Despite its lack of comfort, it is therefore an increasingly sought-after milestone in motorcycle history that has already passed the price bottom with full throttle. If you are looking for a real superbike with plenty of character, you should strike as soon as possible. The time of the 916 as Future Classic has already come.

Text & Photos Sven Wedemeyer

Author: Classic Trader

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