Ducati 851 SP3 Recognizing

Federico

Good morning everybody.

First of all, sorry for my poor english speaking.
I'm writing from Italy.
I've found this forum while looking for information for the motorbike in the title.

In the next days I should probably have to give a close look to a Ducati 851 SP3.

I've previously saw that one some days ago (just for a couple of minutes) and I've seen a small plate near the instruments. The only thing I remember is the "1990" (my year of birth, that's why I could easily remember it) on the top of that.
This is the reason why I think it's an SP3.

I've read many thread on the forum but I'm not sure I've undertand.

If it's a real one of the 534 SP3 the frame number should be ZDM888S*xxxxxx* and the engine number ZDM888W4*xxxxxx. Correct?

Is there something else I have to verify?

Thanks for your help.

Kind regards.

dudlington

Look for these extra brackets on the frame. If it does not have them then it is not an SP3........ If it does then it a very very good chance it is a real one. It is hardly likely that someone would do this to a non SP3 frame.

Federico

dudlington wroteLook for these extra brackets on the frame. If it does not have them then it is not an SP3........ If it does then it a very very good chance it is a real one. It is hardly likely that someone would do this to a non SP3 frame.

Thank you dudlington... 😱

What I wrote about the numbers is correct?

jakepeewee

dudlington wroteLook for these extra brackets on the frame. If it does not have them then it is not an SP3........ If it does then it a very very good chance it is a real one. It is hardly likely that someone would do this to a non SP3 frame.

Geez, I didn't know about that!
My SP3 is currently at a friends house, I will check this out next visit.

Jacco

JImmySL

look for the helmet lock or just the bracket on the frame too, some people removed them but from the factory they came with helmet lock fitted

AndrewS

Sp3...

Federico wroteGood morning everybody. First of all, sorry for my poor english speaking. I'm writing from Italy. I've found this forum while looking for information for the motorbike in the title. In the next days I should probably have to give a close look to a Ducati 851 SP3. I've previously saw that one some days ago (just for a couple of minutes) and I've seen a small plate near the instruments. The only thing I remember is the "1990" (my year of birth, that's why I could easily remember it) on the top of that. This is the reason why I think it's an SP3. I've read many thread on the forum but I'm not sure I've undertand. If it's a real one of the 534 SP3 the frame number should be ZDM888S*xxxxxx* and the engine number ZDM888W4*xxxxxx. Correct? Is there something else I have to verify? Thanks for your help. Kind regards.

Hi Federico

That's the way the engine and frame are numbered on my SP3, which I've had verified as genuine by the factory. If you can get the numbers from the one you are looking at, get in touch with the folks at the factory, they can confirm if it's a real one. I used this e-mail address: contact_us@ducati.com

Good luck.

Andrew

AndrewS

Sp3...

jakepeewee wroteGeez, I didn't know about that! My SP3 is currently at a friends house, I will check this out next visit. Jacco

Me neither, I'll have a look!

AJV

Had my SP3 since 1993, still my favourite bike but other interest get in the way these days. From memory a genuine bike should have:
Frame/engine numbers as above
Ohlins fork
Ohlins rear shock
50mm exhaust system
Carbon rear fender
Carbon front fender
Carbon exhaust shield
Twin injectors (red in colour)
Frame additional bracing as above
Alloy subframe
Adjustable rear suspension bracket & corresponding hoop
Single seat
White stripe on fairing between red & black
Bespoke plaque on top yoke
Open clutch cover
Hand written 888/SP ID on ECU cover & associated chip
Michelin stickers on swingarm

Seen plenty of strada/SP3 lookalikes over the years but easy to spot unlike an SP4 dressed as SP4S. Price & rarity of Ohlins forks in particular limit the chancers but you still need to be careful - good luck with your purchase

AndrewS

Sp3...

AndrewS wroteMe neither, I'll have a look!

Extra brackets present - relief!