f you had to narrow down a shortlist of the most significant motorbikes of the last century to just ten models, there is no doubt that the Ducati 916 would be on there, and on merit.
The model debuted in the 1990s, fruit of the golden talent of Massimo Tamburini. From its presentation at the Milan Motor Show in 1993, it was clear that this was an instant classic, the stuff of dreams for innumerable enthusiasts.
The engine had been seen before, mounted by Ducati on the 851/888 series, but compared to these already fabulous superbikes, the new 916 took a ten-year leap forward with an entirely new design. The frame was completely revised, clothed in tight bodywork, the headlight was narrow and split, the exhausts were located under the tail, a single-sided swingarm was adopted: everything conspired to set sporting hearts beating.
A bike of this beauty could be forgiven any fault, yet this one was is born perfect. As if that were not enough, it proved to be extraordinarily successful on the track, harvesting a remarkable series of victories in the Superbike World Championship.
