Rarely has a motorcycle combined style and speed to such
devastating effect as Ducati's 916. The Italian V-twin's blend of
breathtaking beauty, thunderous engine performance and sublime handling made
it an instant hit on the bike's launch in 1994. By the end of the decade.
916-based machines had won a string of World Superbike titles. Meanwhile the
roadster went from strength to strength, its engine enlarged but its look
proudly intact. The 916 was a development of the liquid-cooled,
eight-valve desmodromic V-twin line that stretched back to the 851 of 1988.
More than simply aerodynamic, designer Massimo Tamburini's creation was
inspired. The fairing's sharp nose held aggressive twin headlights. Elegant
scarlet shapes were everywhere in the fuel tank and fairing.
The rear end.
with its diminutive tailpiece, high-level silencers and single-sided
swingarm, was equally dramatic. Ducati's 916cc motor was a
bored-out version of the unit from the previous 888 model. Other changes
included a revised Weber fuel-injection system plus the addition of a
larger, curved radiator. Breathing was uprated with a large airbox fed by
intakes running back from the fairing nose. In combination with a new
exhaust system, this raised the eight-valve motor's peak output by a few
horsepower to 114bhp at 9000rpm.
Chassis design combined Ducati's
traditional steel ladder frame with a tubular aluminium rear subframe. The
916 differed from the 888 by using a second rear engine mount for extra
rigidity. There was nothing traditional about the aluminium swingarm that
curved round the huge 190-section rear tyre before swooping back to anchor
the three-spoke wheel. Tamburini admitted that this was not the purest
engineering solution, but considered the compromise worthwhile for the boost
ii brought to the bike's high-tech image.
Neat engineering
There was more neat engineering a( the steering head, which featured
adjustable geometry plus a horizontally mounted steering damper. More
conventionally, the swingarm worked a vertical. multi-adjustable Showa
shock. The Japanese firm also provided the 43mm upside-down forks, which
held a 17-inch from wheel. Braking was by Brembo. Ducati's eight-valve
engine had long been a torquey, charismatic powcrplanl. and the 916 unit was
the best yet. Its mid-range response was majestic, sending the bike
rocketing out of corners from as low as 5000rpm to the accompaniment of a
spine-tingling exhaust growl. High-rev acceleration was smooth and strong,
too. sending the 916 to a top speed of I60mph (257km/h). Handling was
superb, justifying Ducati's decision to slick with a steel frame, after
considering a switch to aluminium. At 4291b (195kg) the 916 was light, its
frame was rigid, and its suspension of high quality. Although the Ducati was
not the quickest-Steering of superbikes. it had a confidence-inspiring blend
of stability and neutral cornering feel.
This most purposeful of
Italian sportsters was not always an easy companion, especially in town,
where its racy riding position, firm suspension and snatchy power delivery
made life unpleasant. On the right road, though, the 916 was simply magical:
one of those rare machines that left all those who rode it stunned by its
unmatched combination of beauty, character and performance.
Ducati's Superbike Dominance
The roadgoing 916 was a hit in the showrooms, and Ducati's factory racebike
of the same name was even more successful in the World Superbike
championship. The red V-twins were the dominant force in the most
prestigious four-stroke racing series, notably with Carl Fogarty. The
British rider won in 1994 and again a year later. Australian ace Troy
Corser retained the crown for Ducati in 1996 before Fogarty, who had left
for Honda, returned to regain the title in 1998. His fourth championship, in
1999, made it five in six years for the Italian V-twin.
Source of review: Fast Bikes by Roland Brown
NOTE: Some of the photos on
Motorcycle Specs are owned by somebody. If you see any of your
photos, you can let me know so that I can acknowledge it, or if
you object to it, I can remove it altogether. If any copyright
holder objects to their articles being placed on Motorcycle
Specs, it will be removed upon request. Any correction or more
info on these bikes will kindly beappreciated
Contact MePrivacy
Policy
Website Stats
