1998 Ducati 996cc 916 SPS

• Limited edition number 693
• Used sparingly
• Regularly serviced

"Is the 916 sexy? Like no inanimate object has any right to be. It's cliché-ridden, but it's Italian, red, sculpted from sheer speed and Da Vinci nudes, demanding, expensive, sometimes cantankerous and it wears the soporific aphrodisiac of success effortlessly." – Bike magazine.

Introduced for 1994, the Massimo Tamburini-styled 916 superbike and its subsequent evolutions captured the motorcycling public's imagination and established Ducati as one of the world's foremost brand names. Universally recognised as icons of automotive art, Ducati motorcycles have been exhibited in some of the world's foremost museums, including the Guggenheim in New York and the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco.

Within a short time the original 916 Strada had been superseded by the Biposto (two-seat) version and the higher-specification SP. The latter's engine remained at 916cc but added twin fuel injectors and bigger valves to the package for increased power and torque. The SP reverted to a single seat unit (with white number boards) while gaining superior Öhlins rear suspension. Next came the ultra-exclusive 916 SPS ('Sport Production Special') derivative of which only 1,462 examples were made (plus 202 of the UK-only 'Fogarty Replica' version). Despite the name, the 916 SPS enjoyed the advantages of an over-bored engine displacing 996cc and delivering a mighty 132bhp at the rear wheel. The cost new was an equally staggering £18,400. Of all the members of the 916 family, the SPS and closely related 'Fogarty Replica' are considered the most collectible.

Number '693' of the limited edition, the 916 SPS offered here currently displays a total of only 16,925 kilometres (approximately 10,500 miles) on the odometer. Although the machine has been used sparingly, it has been regularly serviced (including the all important belt change) and MoT'd. Kept dry stored in the garage on trickle charge, the Ducati was last started in March 2023 (video of the machine running available on request). Lack of use is the reason for sale. There is a Datatool System 3 and alarm installed (receipt on file) and the machine comes with the original silencers (and programme chip); chain guard; clutch cover/guard; paddock stand; and trickle charger.

Documents include a V5C; service record/notes; bills and invoices: MoT record; MoT certificates (most recent expired 13.04.2023); and a Ducati 916 SPS Owners Manual. It should be noted that the V5C records the frame number as 'ZDM4100AAWB001084' (a typographical error). Keys present.