Ducati 916 Model History

[cooleronthecoast]

Further to Dan's request and being a lazy git myself I have put in a link to wilkipedia here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ducati_916

Perhaps it will spur those more knowledgable souls to enlighten us further with more fascinating facts about this iconic motorcycle.

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The Ducati 916 manufactured from 1993 to 1999 was replaced by the 996 model in 1999.

First released in 1994 (very limited number released in 1993), the Ducati 916 was admired because of its epochally new design and outstanding technical features. Designed by Massimo Tamburini and his team at the Cagiva Research Centre in San Marino, it was a water-cooled version of the 888 that allowed for higher output levels, combined with a striking new bodywork that featured aggressive lines. It was later replaced by the 996 and 998 with similar design but revised engines and even more power.

Design of the Ducati 916 was a balance between function and form:

The single-sided swingarm was beautiful, but designed to make wheel changes faster during races
The underseat exhausts improve aerodynamic performance, and resultantly gave very clean lines. This feature was initially intorduced on Honda NR, however, Ducati popularized it and it is mistakenly considered to be one of the original trademarks of 916 line.
Massimo Tamburini went on to design the MV Agusta F4, the bike which is seen as his replacement for the 916 range, and it shares many similarities with the 916 especially in the tail section.

[Dan]

Thanks for getting the ball rolling Cooler!

[Strada916]

Originally Posted by cooleronthecoast

Further to Dan's request and being a lazy git myself I have put in a link to wilkipedia here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ducati_916

From that page I found this link :

http://www.monsta.at/monsta_web/site_article_370.html

The below diagram comes from that page.

However I would question the dates for the 916 Strada.
Mine was registered in Oct 96. The fairing and engine have date marks around Nov 95, so I think the '94 only is wrong ?

[Mr.R]

Sorry cooleronthecoast,
The 888 was watercooled!
The 916 has a 2mm longer stroke and the crankcases differ only where the swinging arm mounts to it.
Apart from that the motors are pretty much the same and most parts can be swapped between the two.
It was the sealed airbox and air runners that allowed the 916 to make more power,along with the 28cc increase in capacity. The longer stroke gave the motor more torque with a softer feeling delivery.
I think the 916 exhaust system was more of a styling exercise. As the pipes are really a bit to long for getting the best power from the motor.

Steve

[cooleronthecoast]

So was the 851 I believe (watercooled that is), I didn't write that stuff BTW. :wink:

[Mr.R]

Yeah i noticed you'd lifted it after i'd replied
Your right the 851 was also wartercooled..
Their all the same family, with the added bonus that the 851/888's were lighter than the 916 family.
That single sided swinger looks great but it weighs a ton!

Steve