2001 Ducati 998cc 996R

The history of Ducati's 8-valve, water-cooled, v-twin engine is one of constant development spurred on by a single goal: to enable the factory team to maintain its supremacy in the World Superbike Championship. One of the most important landmarks in this ongoing process was the introduction in September 2000 of the testastretta engine. Designed by ex-Ferrari Formula 1 engineer, Angiolino Marchetti, this new motor was based on the existing Desmoquattro but featured a revised cylinder head with the pairs of valves set at a much reduced included angle to achieve a more efficient combustion space, hence the name testastretta, meaning 'narrow head'. As well as the new heads, the testastretta featured a shorter stroke/larger bore permitting higher revs; higher-lift camshafts; sand-cast crankcases; a deeper sump; and a new Marelli engine management system. The 998cc testastretta engine made its debut in a mildly upgraded version of the existing 996SPS chassis as the limited edition 996R, which in a novel marketing strategy was offered for sale over the Internet. Almost all were sold soon after the model's release on 12th September 2000. It is estimated that, in total, Ducati built 700 units, with some 375 sold over the Internet and the remaining 325 being allocated to dealers.

This Ducati was registered for the first time in September 2006 and our private vendor is the only listed keeper, he purchased it from a close friend of his and he reputedly bought it from a former Ducati UK engineer who was given it in lieu of a bonus. Departures from standard specification include a Dynojet Power Commander; a pair of later Öhlins fork bottoms; and a pair of Brembo four-pot radial brake callipers. The Dynojet dynamometer printout is on file (140bhp) together with a substantial quantity of invoices testifying to regular servicing and maintenance (perusal highly recommended). At the time of its last MoT in November 2025 the Ducati had covered a genuine 6,007 miles from new (certificate on file). Additional documentation includes the stamped service booklet; a current V5C Registration Certificate; and a Ducati Certificate of Conformity (in Italian). Unfortunately, the vendor's back can no longer tolerate the riding position and so the machine has hardly been ridden of late, hence the reluctant sale. A quantity of valuable spares accompanies the machine to include a pair of Termignoni silencers; the original Öhlins fork bottoms; a new speedometer; various gearbox components; a rear sprocket.; and a set of non-OEM bodywork.
Offered with key