Market Segment:
High-performance sportbike, homologation special.
Competitors:
Honda RC30/RC45, Kawasaki ZXR750, Yamaha OW01/YZF750, Suzuki GSX-R750.
Engine Architecture:
Desmodromic valve actuation, liquid-cooled V-twin.
Chassis Design:
Steel trellis frame, advanced suspension components.
Braking System:
Powerful Brembo braking system, often featuring dual front discs.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, component diagnosis, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication system, cooling system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly and assembly, clutch operation and adjustment, drive chain maintenance
Chassis:
Frame inspection and repair, suspension (front and rear) overhaul and adjustment, steering system
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, battery, charging system, starter motor, ignition and fuel injection electronics
Brakes:
Hydraulic system maintenance, caliper and master cylinder service, disc and pad replacement
Bodywork:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, tank, and other body panel service
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, chain adjustment
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, electrical fault finding, engine performance problems
Repair:
Component disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly
Installation:
Step-by-step installation procedures for various components and accessories
Adjustments:
Valve clearance, idle speed, carburetor synchronization (if applicable), suspension settings
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and gearbox rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures.
Illustrations:
Detailed pictorial diagrams, exploded views, drawings, and photographs.
Special Tools:
Reference to required special service tools with accompanying illustrations.
Torque Values:
Precise tightening torques for all critical fasteners.
Wear Limits:
Specified wear limits for critical engine and chassis components.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 90-degree V-twin, Desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder.
Bore X Stroke:
94 mm x 64 mm (approximate, varies slightly by model year)
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1 (approximate)
Horsepower:
Approx. 94-105 hp @ 8,500 rpm (depending on market and specific version)
Torque:
Approx. 8.2 kgm (80 Nm) @ 6,500 rpm (depending on market and specific version)
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (Weber Marelli or similar).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline
Length:
Approx. 2,110 mm (varies slightly by year)
Width:
Approx. 740 mm (varies slightly by year)
Height:
Approx. 1,160 mm (varies slightly by year)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 187 kg (varies slightly by year)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 205 kg (fully fueled, approximate)
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle safety standards vary by region and era)
Active Safety:
Powerful Brembo brakes, responsive chassis, adjustable suspension.
Passive Safety:
Robust frame construction, aerodynamic fairing.
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual (typically 5,000-7,500 km or annually)
Desmo Valve Adjustment:
Refer to manual (critical service, often every 10,000-12,000 km)
Belt Replacement:
Refer to manual (critical component, typically every 2-3 years or specified mileage)
Engine Oil Type:
Fully synthetic motorcycle oil, SAE 10W-50 or 20W-50 (Ducati recommended specifications, consult manual).
Coolant Type:
Mixture of distilled water and ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 hydraulic brake fluid.
Clutch Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 hydraulic clutch fluid.
Known Issues Summary:
Desmodromic valve adjustment criticality, potential electrical gremlins, aging fuel injection components, carburetor issues (on some early models), belt tensioner issues. Proper and regular maintenance is paramount.
Heritage Summary:
Ducati has a rich racing heritage, particularly in World Superbike (WSBK), with V-twin engines forming the core of their performance image.
Evolution Summary:
The 888 was an evolution of the successful 851, featuring a larger displacement engine to homologate for WSBK regulations. It represented Ducati's pinnacle of road-going performance in its era.
Production Period:
1991-1994
Manufacturing Location:
Bologna, Italy
