Ducati 916

A comprehensive look at the history and development of the 916 Ducati and its 748, 996 and 998 derivatives. Includes the development of the World Superbike racers and the final Testastretta. This updated edition takes the story of the 916 through until its replacement by the 999.

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The 916 spearheaded the Ducati revival of the 1990s. Introduced at the end of 1993, this product of Massimo Tamburini and the Cagiva Research Centre took the water-cooled four-valve engine of the 851, placing it in an evolutionary chassis with revolutionary styling. The 916 immediately set new standards of performance for twin-cylinder machines, epitomised by its unequalled success in the World Superbike Championship. This book will trace the conception and development of the four-valve Ducati from its first appearance at the Bol d'Or in 1986. By 1990 Raymond Roche gave Ducati their first World Superbike Championship, this being followed by Texan Doug Polen. Star British rider Carl Fogarty then took over the reins, and along with Troy Corser and Troy Bayliss dominated the World Superbike Championship from 1994 until 2001. Along with the factory racers, all the related four-valve models will be covered in depth, from the initial 851 and 888, to the 748, ST4 and 996. All the variants, including the Sport Production series, will be detailed, along with the rare and beautiful Supermono. This book is the definitive guide to these legendary Ducati models.