Update 4.26.2014: Posted the first time almost a year ago, this SPS is back with an opening reserve not met bid of $10k. Mike noted that it wore a $17k buy-it-now the first time, so bid accordingly. Also note the comments below as there is discussion about how SPS bikes were sold originally. Links updated. -dc
When it comes to sport bikes, few are as iconic as the Ducati 916/996/998 series. Designed by Tamburini (who later went on to design the gorgeous MV Agusta F4 series) and sporting a 90 degree, liquid cooled, fuel injected, four valve per cylinder (with desmo actuation) twin, this series of bikes was for more than just show.
The SPS – or Sports Production Special- edition of the 996 was an evolution of the 916 SPS (the 916 SPS was already at 996cc capacity and offered 12+ HP over the standard engine). The powerplant remained largely unchanged from the previous generation bike, but with lighter weight components (such as the new Marchesini 5-spoke wheels) and more performance oriented suspension now completely sourced from Ohlins, the SPS was a higher-spec bike all around when compared to the standard 996.
From the seller:
I am the original owner of this Ducati, purchased in July, 2001 from Gold Coast Motorcycles. The dealer added all items to make it street legal including mirrors, signals, lights, side stand, etc. The total cost including tax was $25,245. The bike is in perfect condition and has been serviced by our mechanic regularly regardless of the limited usage. It runs perfectly and has stunning performance. With titanium conrods, larger frame tube diameter with thinner walls, wider frame/larger carbon airbox, P8 “big brain” ecu, higher compression heads, hotter in/out cams, lightened engine internals, full Termignoni with carbon cans, full and Ohlins/steering damper, the SPS was the top of the Ducati line in its day. This is a rare and beautiful specimen.
I’m not too sure about the seller’s comments about the dealer-added items required to make it street legal. By all accounts, all SPS model 916s and 996s were street legal from the factory. These were definitely a play to get the 996 motor homologated for Superbike racing, but with some nearly 1,800 SPS units produced over 4 years, I do not recall any that came out as track only bikes. I’m also not sure what to make of the Montana plates on this bike located in NY, but there may be an easy and reasonable explanation there. As always, RSBFS recommends you do your homework.
This very clean, one owner example is available right now on the East Coast. With only 1,025 miles, there has not been a ton of use or abuse possible. The price tag attached to this machine is commensurate with the condition: the opening ask is $10,000 with reserve in place, and the BIN is a very high $17,000. Click on the link to jump over to the auction and check out all of the pictures and details. If you have been waiting for another shot at Tamburini’s masterpiece, this just might be the perfect example. Good Luck!
MI
I don’t know what to make of the story, which is why I didn’t submit this bike when I saw it last week. It’s a legit SPS, but the VIN is Euro format. Original US market versions begin ZDM3SB5…
Also, the last US SPS’ s were ’00 models. In ’01 we got the 996R. Unlike the SPS, those R’s came without lights. Wiring was still in place, so that was an easy fix. Although technically not for street use, both of these have standard 17 digit VIN’s and are fairly easy to slip through the registration process. This import with the different VIN coding may or may not make it kore difficult to title.
The SPS was never road legal in the US, even during the years it was “officially” sold there. It was sold as an off-road-use-only machine with a not-EPA-certified MSO. Owners had to sign a waiver when they bought the bike stating they would not register the bike for road use, even though you totally could because it has a standard VIN and most DMVs known diddly squat about odd Ducati homologation specials…
I bought one of these in 2000,I have just over 10k on it,many many track days,I added Ohlins road and track forks,rear as well,full race exaust….it is a AWSOME machine,…no comparison to a standard,916,996,998R-honestly I have owned them all,will never sell mine,would buy this one if I had $$,worth every cent,no issues whatsoever,ALLWAYS begs for more.
The Montana plates are a tax evasion technique usually used by wealthy owners of expensive vehicles. If you are ever at an event full of Ferraris or Lamborghinis you will see an odd number of Montna plates.
Great comment, Jay. Thanks for the license plate education!
Sorry, but the SPS was sold as a road or streetable bike from the factory for Europe and the USA especially the 1999, 2000 & 2001, which was the last year of production for the Desmoquattro motor
1780 in total 996 SPS world wide.
The 996S posessed the same modifications including TI Conrods but used injectors in the throttle bodys. Production numbers of of the 2000 996S were considerably less at 356 world wide and 200 of them going to the USA.
Below are the actual production numbers Comprehensively Compiled from Ian Falloon Info and for US Importation
2004:
998S Final Edition__MP__Red____112
998 Matrix Edition__BP__Green____???
2002:
998R__MP__Red____050
998S Bayliss__MP__Red/Graphics____???
998S Bostrom __MP__Red/Graphics____155
998S__MP__Red____???
998__MP__Red____100
998__MP__Yellow____075
998__BP__Red____233
998__BP__Yellow____017
748R__MP__Yellow____015
748S__MP__Gray Opaque____200
748S__MP/BP__Red/Yellow____N/A
748E__MP__Red____050
748E__MP__Yellow____050
748E__BP__Red____166
748E__BP__Yellow____170
2001:
996R__MP__Red____060
996SPS__MP__Red___Carry-over
996S__MP__Red____180
996__MP__Red____270
996__MP__Yellow____175
996__BP__Red____296
996__BP__Yellow____301
748R__MP__Yellow____100
748S__MP__Red____144
748S__MP__Yellow____272
748S__BP__Red____001
748S__BP__Yellow___N/A
748E__MP__Red____175
748E__MP__Yellow____185
748E__BP__Red____282
748E__BP__Yellow____335
2000:
996SPS__MP__Red____080
996S__MP__Red____200
996__MP__Red____214
996__MP__Yellow____175
996__BP__Red____405
996__BP__Yellow___358
748R__MP__Yellow____070
748S__MP__Red/Yellow____N/A
748S__BP__Red____200
748S__BP__Yellow____100
748E__MP__Red____125
748E__MP__Yellow____200
748E__BP__Red____250
748E__BP__Yellow____352
1999:
996SPS__MP__Red____056
996S__MP__Red____201
996__MP__Red____125
996__MP__Yellow____075
996__BP__Red____468
996__BP__Yellow____200
748__MP__Red____100
748__MP__Yellow____190
748__BP__Red____100
748__BP__Yellow____310
1998:
916SPS__MP__Red____100
916__MP__Red____300
916__MP__Yellow____100
916__BP__Red___100
916__BP__Yellow____100
748__MP__Red____100
748__MP__Yellow____320
748__BP__Red____140
748__BP__Yellow____210
748__BP__Silver___102
1997:
916__MP__Red____300
916__BP__Red____250
748__MP__Red____006
748__MP__Yellow____190
748__BP__Red____240
1996:
916SPA__MP__Red____054
916__MP__Red____280
1995:
916__MP__Red____412
1994:
916__MP__Red____641
Totals for World Wide Production for the SPS:
(MP = Monoposto; BP = Biposto)
996 S.P.S. 1999 Europe -325
996 S.P.S. 2 1999 Europe -150
996 S.P.S. 1999 USA -56
996 S.P.S. 1999 Australia -51
996 S.P.S. 1999 Japan -151
996 S.P.S. 1999 UK -40
996 S.P.S. 1999 France -35
996 S.P.S. 2000 Europe -575
996 S.P.S. 2000 USA -80
996 S.P.S. 2000 Australia -39
996 S.P.S. 2000 Japan -148
996 S.P.S. 2000 UK -80
996 S.P.S. 2000 France -50
2001’s were carry over from 2000. There was no actual production of the SPS in 2001.
TOTAL -1780
Jesse – I can only agree ! From the moment you start an SPS, it engaged you & evokes your passion. The induction noise is simply awesome !
Does anyone know who the Seller is?
George Villar
I can only comment on the 2000 SPS, and I agree with JEC. The bike was not road legal in the US. A waiver was required, all the documentation states not for road use, but it was easy to get through the DMV. Even today (I moved the one I have to a different state and back) it still shows up as a race bike and needs a visit to the local police for verification. Great bikes, grab one if you get the chance.
I think the owner is Glenn gallon the original licensee of boost juice in California. I could be wrong though
Low mileage yes, but whoever buys this bike will want to plan on taking the top end off. It may seem early, but the rockers will need to be looked at.
I have #1590 and replaced 9 rockers at 13000kms.
I would be very skeptical of the 1000 miles since the speedo cable is easily disconnected. I would look at the tire dates . I have #899, which is the euro version, with the headlight switch. The SPS model is by far one of the best sounding ducatis built. I totally agree with having the rockers replaced and valve retaining clips upgraded.
Ciao,
Jon
Sold for $13,433. Congratulations to buyer and seller,
dc