How about a thread specific to this matter!

We probably all agree the 100 SPS models with commemorative plaque 001 100 produced for 1992 are the ultimate road going 888 (MR R's bikes excepted!!).

But what of the SP3S, claims of their existence seem to surface every now and again but does anyone know for sure they exist or been lucky enough to see one?

Ian Falloon the author of Ducati Desmoquattro Superbikes wrote A small number of 851 Sport Production Specials (16) were produced for 1991, and these had even higher performance engine (Corsa specification) and more carbon-fiber.

Ask yourself this, have you ever seen any product collateral produced by Ducati refer to the SP3S? Plenty on the SP3 and SP4S but not the elusive one!

Fast bikes featured a couple of interesting road tests back in the early nineties relating to 888's.

September 1991 road test of SP3 production number 001, bike had some modifications to the standard SP specification including carbon tank, carbon mufflers, corsa footrests, floating rear brake, steering damper, yokes, GP callipers and radial master cylinders. No mention was made of engine mods or reference to SP3S.

June 1992 road test of 888 Strada, SP3S & SPS. The bike in question was supplied by Moto Cinelli to Simon Le-Bon, it features carbon tank, carbon mufflers and Corsa footrests. During the test no reference to any increased performance is made despite praise of the SPS power increase.

My view is that perhaps some SP3's left the factory with a few nice to have bolt-on parts to be enjoyed by those with influential friends but these were probably selected at random rather than some SP3S production run.

Does anybody know for sure or have a diffent view?

Incidentally, Le-Bon bike reg J888 SPS is still UK assigned to 1991 Ducati wonder what model is on the V5