1998 Ducati 916 SPS
Miles: 4,827
Clean Title
Listed Price: $33,900
Listing Ends: April 9th, 2025
Ducati’s history has, out of necessity, been one of evolution: limited funds dictated by the company’s small size meant gradual change to existing models, rather than an outright redesign. Honda could get away with producing examples their RC45 roadbike specifically to homologate it for racing, while simultaneously producing their CBR900RR inline four superbike for a wider audience. Ducati, on the other hand, created the SPS by heavily updating their standard 916 to homologate it for various racing classes and, in the process, created what would naturally become the most desirable version of an already desirable bike. Most significantly, it featured an updated 996cc engine with revised cases to prevent it from cracking when bored out beyond 955cc and used in anger. If you’ve ever wondered why “big bore” kits for the 916 from companies like Fast by Ferracci seemed to be capped at 955cc, there’s your answer. The redesigned engine also included new heads, barrels, pistons, injectors, titanium rods, radical camshafts, and a lighter crankshaft. The approximately 10hp change might sound trivial today, but amounted to a jump from 114 to 124 claimed horsepower, an increase of nearly 9% overall. The bike’s character changed as well, adding a harder, more aggressive edge. Handling was improved to match, with a revised, lighter frame, a close ratio gearbox, and Öhlins suspension. The 996 SPS wasn’t technically road-legal in the US, as Ducati didn’t bother with emissions-certifying such a low-volume model, but the bike included the usual road-legal equipment necessary for other markets, so many owners here registered them for road use anyway.
A true masterpiece of Italian engineering, the 1997 Ducati 916 SPS is one of the most beautiful and iconic motorcycles ever built. With only 404 units produced worldwide, this ultra-rare #084 is an early model that embodies Ducati’s championship-winning legacy.
Powered by the legendary 996cc Desmodromic twin, this machine delivers an unmistakable roar and performance that made the 916 series a legend. With just under 5,000 original miles, this meticulously maintained two-owner bike has been part of a private collection since 2005 and remains in exceptional condition.
This particular eBay seller generally includes some very flattering and professional photography in their listings, which is nice, considering the rarity and value of the Ducati 916 SPS, but there are a few unanswered questions: as always with dealer listings, any mention of maintenance history is completely missing. I’m pretty sure these aren’t the original wheels, as the five-spoke design didn’t appear on Tamburini’s superbike until the 996, and even those had more of a matte, bronze finish, rather than this very nice, glossy shade of gold. I’ve seen these Marchesini hoops on plenty of 916s and I prefer them to the original three-spoke wheels, but again, I don’t believe they’re original to this 1997 machine. Those of us looky-loos who likely won’t be reaching out to the seller to request more information would also appreciate a pic of the dash confirming the indicated mileage. Otherwise, this 916 seems to be in excellent condition and is very complete, including the original turn signals and plate mounts which have, in many cases, gone missing on these bikes.
-tad
I spend summers at my home in Elkhart Lake and am very familiar with the seller. Their bike mechanic is one of my neighbors and is very competent. The owners of the throttlestop have a great collection of bikes including an NR750. I’ll be up in Elkhart after the Austin motogp so I’ll probably stop in and have a look at this bike if it’s still there.
That’s very cool to hear. They regularly list very nice, very well photographed machines.