This motorbike was presented at the Milan Motor Show in October 1993 with great success, winning motorbike of the year. The 916 was designed to optimise and improve the competitive potential of the 851 in order to continue the brand's run of Superbike victories. The position of the saddle was optimised for driving between kerbs, the single swingarm made wheel replacement easier and the reduced weight gave a significant boost to performance. Stylistically, the 916 combined typical Ducati elements, such as the tubular trellis frame, with an original, modern design.