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Ducati 996 SPS

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Make Model

Ducati 996 SPS

Year

1999

Engine

Four stroke, 90°“L”twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valve per cylinder.

Capacity

996 cc / 60.8 cu in
Bore x Stroke 98 x 66 mm
Cooling System Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio 11.5:1
Lubrication Wet sump
Engine Oil Synthetic, 15W-50

Induction

MB1 fuel injection

Spark Plugs 

Champion A55V

Ignition 

Digital CDI
Battery 12V, 16AH
Starting Electric

Max Power

90.5 kW / 123 hp @ 9500 rpm

Max Torque

99 Nm / 10.1 kgf-m / 73 ft-lb @ 8000 rpm
Clutch Hydraulically activated dry clutch

Transmission 

6 Speed 
Primary Drive Ratio 1.84:1 (32/59)
Gear Ratios 1st 2.466 / 2nd 1.765 / 3rd 1.350 / 4th 1.091 / 5th 0.958 / 6th 0.857:1
Final Drive Ratio 2.4:1 (15/36)
Final Drive Chain
Frame Tubular trestle frame with upper section made of high-strength steel

Front Suspension

43 mm Showa shock, adjustable for compression and rebound damping

Front Wheel Travel 127 mm / 4.9 in

Rear Suspension

Showa mono shock, rising rate, adjustable for compression and rebound damping
Rear Wheel Travel 130 mm / 5.1 in

Front Brakes

2x 320 mm Discs, 4 piston calipers

Rear Brakes

Single 220 disc, 2 piston caliper
Front Wheel Alloy, 3.50 X 17 in.
Rear Wheel Alloy, 5.50 X 17 in.

Front Tyre

120/70 ZR17

Rear Tyre

190/50 ZR17

Rake

23.5o - 24.5o

Dimensions

Length 2095 mm / 79.1 in
Width 690 mm / 27.2 in
Height 1090 mm / 42.9 in
Wheelbase 1410 mm / 55.5 in
Seat Height 790 mm / 31.1 in

Dry Weight

190 kg / 419 lbs

Fuel Capacity 

17 Litres / 4.5 US gal / 3.7 Imp gal

Consumption Average

6.1 L/100 km / 16.4 km/l / 38.6 US mpg / 46.3 Imp mpg

Standing ¼ Mile  

10.5 sec

Top Speed

270 km/h / 168 mph

Road Test

Superbike Group Test

Superbike Group Test 1998

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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