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Ducati 996SPS

When Ducati fitted its 996cc engine to the base 996 model, it cancelled out most of the 916SPS's performance advantage. So when the 996SPS appeared towards the end of 1998, it was less impressive compared to the base bike than previously. Although the 92kW (123bhp) SPS engine still produced more power than the 84kW (113bhp) 996, Ducati had to make further chassis improvements to keep the SPS in its exalted position - and justify the high price. These mods included an Öhlins rear shock and lightweight five-spoke Marchesini wheels. And although the 1999 996SPS wore Showa forks, the 2000 model was uprated with exotic Öhlins fully adjustable forks, complete with titanium nitride coated stanchions.

969 SPS Review

The SPS was the culmination of the development of the original 916 as a roadbike. Producing a lot more power than the billy-basic model and endowed with extra grunt over the SP, the S really is the one to get if you want the full-on Ducati experience. Bearing in mind you can pick up good secondhand ones now for under £8,000 it's not really worth buying a lower spec.

All 916s are a bit extreme with their riding position, but the wrist-heavy crouch does give you great feel for the front end. Steering is sedate rather than razor sharp, but once into a turn the bike is ultra stable, so you can just keep leaning over until you fall off.

The motor delivers huge amounts of grunt, and with the thumping drive of the V-twin giving the rear tyre a chance to grip, the throttle can be wound on early exiting bends, so the SPS is a difficult bugger to pass on a twisty road or track.

Marchesini magnesium wheels are worth fitting as they improve the steering greatly, helping the bike to turn in faster than the slightly leisurely standard machine.

The suspension is pretty harsh, but it's the stiff setup that gives the 916 such tremendous feel and corner speed. Soften things up and the handling suffers, which kinda misses the point of the thing.

It's also worth running the bike with the steeper head angle set, although the bar clearance to the fairing is a bit tight. But steering response is much improved and allows you to turn with those pesky 750s. Gets a bit flappy over the bumpy stuff but, hey, what are steering dampers for?

If you can live with the rattly dry clutch, unforgiving suspension and extreme riding position, the SPS will give you a pretty unique riding experience. Loadsa grunt, loadsa lean, loadsa style.

Source roadracers.co.uk