Tasty Meatball – 2001 Ducati 996S USA Edition Tricolore

Tricolore
The Ducati 996S USA Edition was released in 2001 to commemorate Ducati’s success in the Superbike World Championship. Troy Bayliss, riding a Ducati 996, won the championship in 2001, adding to the bike’s historical value.

The term “Tricolore” refers to the Italian flag’s colors (green, white, and red), and this edition was supposedly a limited production of 500.

Seller:
This 2001 Ducati 996S USA is 1 of 500 that is factory-finished in red with tricolore accents and powered by a 996cc Desmoquattro L-twin paired with a six-speed transmission. The bike is factory equipped with a monoposto tail section, a single-sided swingarm, adjustable Öhlins suspension front and rear, triple Brembo disc brakes and Marchesini forged 17″ wheels. 

RSBFS:
Do your homework. While surfing the inter-webs I found multiple sales of this year and model for much higher prices. Granted, those bikes had lower miles, but the prices that these have sold for made my eyes bulge. I’m really looking forward to the comments on this one.

As previously reported on RSBFS in 2015 Marty said “The Ducati 996 is a bit of a middle child bike; based on the legendary 016, the 996 was produced from 1999 to 2002 and was replaced by the 998 which had a new ending. While the 998 testastretta motor is considered by some to be a better design, the 2001 996 desmoquattro motor is no slouch. Also, the 996 was often considered to be a better bike for street use due to the narrower engine and cooling; the 996 vented heat through the side vents but the 998 had venting for the radiator that came out in front of a riders legs. “ There was some banter in the comments worth reviewing if you are a serious buyer.

When Donn wrote about this exact bike on RSBFS in November 2022, Vincent commented, “Now that’s a tasty meatball.” I agree, this is nice.

Note the “Ducati 996S USA” stamped plate on the upper triple clamp (hard to see in the low-res photo) identifies the motorcycle as a US-spec 996S, which received revised components not fitted to 996S models bound for other markets.

I’m curious to hear from the Ducati enthusiasts. 

2001 Ducati 996S – 15,765 miles – $13,900

– Red