In 1986, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Ducati 400 F3, a middle-class sports bike sold in the Japanese market as the F3 from 1986 to 1988. Japan was the biggest market for Ducati but was limited to 400cc for sports bikes.
In 1986, the 400cc was introduced alongside the 350cc version and was intended for the Japanese and Italian markets. Both models shared the 750 F1's frame, which was deliberately cut along its upper part to show off its stylish steel trellis frame.
In the visual department, the bike had standard features, such as a full fairing with a rectangular headlight up front and a small windscreen, a single seat, a side stand, a single exhaust system with a silencer mounted on the left side, and three-spoke aluminum wheels.
The bike was built around a red-finished steel trellis frame, with a 35 mm Marzocchi telescopic fork on the front and an adjustable Boge shock absorber on the rear, providing optimum suspension performance and handling.
As for the stopping power, the 18-inch front wheel was fitted with two 260 mm brake discs, and the rear 18-inch wheel featured a 260 mm brake disc, offering optimum braking performance.
In the performance department, the 1986 Ducati 400 F3 had installed a 398cc four-stroke air-cooled V-twin engine managed by two Dell'Orto carburetors. As for the power figures, the engine delivered 47 hp with a peak force at 9,500 rpm and 27 Nm (20 lb-ft) torque at 7,500 rpm.