Continuing our recent trend featuring flawed homologation specials comes this Ducati 916 SPS that is, quite tragically, missing its original engine. A truly original example would be pretty pricey, so that missing engine means it might be possible to pick this one up for a relative song. And that’s no bad thing because there’s more to an SPS than just the engine. There’s that numbered plaque, for instance…
The problem is that the SPS engine was pretty trick, and responsible for the bike’s fire-breathing character. That was the whole point of the SPS, after all. Simply bolting in another engine from the later 996 won’t really do much except get you the correct displacement, and building something close to the original specifications will also be an expensive proposition, and won’t restore the lost value.
As is typical for Ducati, it’s a guessing-game as to whether or not the bike’s numeric designation accurately reflects the engine’s displacement. In this case, it most definitely doesn’t: the 916 SPS was the first bike to use the 996’s reinforced engine cases. The older 916 engine effectively maxed out at the 955cc often seen in early bikes with big-bore kits by Ferracci and others. But the new engine was significantly revised to take the bike closer to the 1000cc limit for World Superbike v-twins and included new heads, barrels, pistons, crank, injectors. The new engine was mated to a close-ratio gearbox shared with the company’s 748.
The FG43 Öhlins FG43 fork on this bike is a significant upgrade over the original Showa unit, and the included radial Brembos should improve the already excellent stopping power. The SPS had an Öhlins shock as standard, so I’m not sure if this is the original part or an aftermarket upgrade. The rest of the changes are typical for a 916 and are of good quality, although it’s not clear if the bike has a vented engine case, as indicated by the seller, or just the rather generic vented clutch cover seen in the pictures.
From the original eBay listing: 1997 Ducati 916 SPS for Sale
1997 Ducati 916 SPS #99. 1 of 50 imported to the US, 1 of 4oo worldwide. VIN & frame verified by Ducati HQ as authentic. Engine is not an original SPS, it is a stock 916 motor. I do not know why it was removed or where it is now. Otherwise it would be $15k-$20k bike. This bike has the European headlight on/off switch, another feature unique to the SPS.
VIN # – ZDMH100AAVB000117
Bunch of nice goodies on this bike. Clean and clear title. This bike is worth over $10k in parts alone.
- 14k miles
- FG43 Forks and Radial Brembo Calipers
- Ohlins Rear Shock
- Marchesini magnesium wheels with brand new Michelin Power RS tires
- Vented Engine case (clutch side) (WSBK style)
- Samco Hoses
- Yoyodyne Slave
- Fast by Ferracci Clip Ons
- Forza Exhaust
- Aftermarket water pump cover
- STM pressure plate
- Harris Billet rear sets
- Bigger gauge stator/rectifier wiring
- New Chain
- New Battery
Bruce Meyer’s from BCM supposedly went through the stock motor to verify everything was good to go.
Fairings are all OEM Cagiva Ducati. But the side fairings could use some love (just paint) and the front fairing had some touch up paint sprayed on but a slightly different tint. But again, all original Cagiva fairings are on the bike.
Honestly, maybe the next owner can track down an original SPS engine someone has lying around, or build a 996 motor to SPS specifications and beyond. I’d guess the non-numbers-matching status will murder the value, although the seller doesn’t indicate their reserve, so perhaps they’re being realistic. Bidding is very active, but is only at $3,000 at the moment, so maybe someone will be able to pick up what amounts to a nicely upgraded, non-original 916 with that very tasty numbered plate on the top triple.
-tad
The side fairings look like they may not be original. The right side fairing decal has 916 at the rear and the left is toward the front as its supposed the be. Remanufactured panels use only one style decal instead of right and left decals. I know because there on my 748.
He is asking 8000 on Craigslist. I was excited at first, then I realized there wasn’t much special about it without the engine. Bummer. I’m gonna guess it is worth about 6k
One of the hardest 916’s to find would be a 97 SPS. It is easier to find a real Corsa bike or even SPA. These bikes are worth way more than you think, even this one missing the original engine. There was a Mecum SPS that sold for a very low price of 13K in 2011 and the last one that sold at auction in the UK with 1992KM for $29,441; both without original wheel set which are worth 1K for the Cagiva ‘Ducati Racing’ on them in mint condition. They are 30K+ bikes all day along with SPA’s and Corsa’s.
I think it would make mores sense to buy a # matiching for 15k then this for 8k. It will be intersting what the market decides
Does anyone know if the wheels or suspension are original.
eBay shows sold for $6,200
dc
That’s about the right money for this example. The nice forks and a couple other parts will help pay for some of the extensive rehab to come. In addition to tracking down a genuine SPS motor and probably the matching throttle bodies, ignition amplifiers, maybe harness and tach, the fairings, while stock, are a write-off too. The missing 50mm Termignoni full system is going to be an expensive search, and then there’s sooooo many other little things. I hope the frame is pristine, because that bronze-gold color and texture is notoriously difficult to replicate.