Ducati 996 Motorcycles

The Ducati model 996 motorcycle has been in production since 1999. Ducati has produced three different models since then, the base 996, the 996SPS, and the 996R. The base class 996 had the same basic motor as its predecessor, the 916 with some improvements. The new design of the L-twin engine has a larger piston bore, at 98mm(3.8in) and 66mm of stroke gave it a 61 cubic inches displacement, or 998cc. Improvements made to the crankshaft and crankcase made them more durable. To improve breath-ability, all four valves per cylinder where made larger, and a new air box design was incorporated. In the end, the fuel injected liquid cooled engine had a 11.5:1 compression ratio. With 93Nm of torque at 8000rpm and 120 Hp at 8500rpm driving a 6-speed transmission, the Ducati 996 could reach speeds of 161mph.

The Ducati 996SPS saw minimal changes done to the chassis, and most changes in the beginning was to the suspension, lighter wheels and improved brake pads and rotor discs. The design of the Showa suspension remained basically the same with the exception of having the ability to make adjustments front and back for pre-load and damping. In 2001 saw improvements to the rear mono shock from Showa to an Ohlins shock, increasing handling capabilities. Improvements to titanium nitride forks had already been made in 2000 to reduce stiction, the new forks on the Ducati 996SPS also had an adjustable steering head, that gave you the advantage of making adjustments to the tube trellis frame. Now adjustments could be made for different track or riding conditions.

The Ducati 996R was a limited production model, and only 500 where made. The “R”(racing) model has the Ohlin front and rear suspension. A more aerodynamic carbon fiber fairing. Braking performance was improved with the new Brembo braking system. The new system has thinner discs and 4-pot, 4-pad calipers with 34mm pistons. The biggest improvement to the “R” model was the engine. The Testastetta or “narrow head” engine originally developed for the Ferrari F1, gets it name for the narrow 25 degree angle between the intake and exhaust valves. The engine has a wider bore with a shorter stroke, titanium conrods and a more aggressive camshaft. This allows the engine to continually rev at a higher rpm safely. The final outcome is 135 bhp at 10,200rpm with 105Nm of torque at 8,000rpm. Ducati has continually makes updates, and is on of the most competitive sport bike manufactures in the world.