Please note: This bike is a part of the Northern California Superbike Collection. The anonymous owner is well-known and a long-term friend of both Iconic and Bike-urious. All proceeds will go towards a foundation he and his wife run to further research for sustainable agricultural and agroforestry systems worldwide.
A limited edition of one of the prettiest motorcycles ever made, the Ducati 916SPS (Sport Production Special) was an uprated version that featured a modified engine and chassis. Nearly all the specifications were improved like Ohlins rear shocks and Showa front forks, as it was designed to be the ultimate 916.
Released to homologate the new 996cc engine for Superbike competition, the 916SPS introduced reinforced crankcases, new barrels and heads, and a 11.5:1 compression ratio. The SPS struggled to go slow – media all over the country said their test bikes stalled at idle. The transmission became a close-ratio unit, and plenty of other extras added up to a bike that was expensive (an MSRP of $24,000 back when it was new), though well-worth it, according to reviewers.
The carbon fiber Termi exhaust (included separately with the SPS for “off-road use only”) sounded like nothing else people had heard at the time, and reviewers were terrified of the power delivery. Here’s the key: this was the best Ducati you could buy in 1997 – and only 404 were sold that year. The best part of the whole story? The SPS was only road legal in Europe. Ducati didn’t conform to EPA regulations, so they sold it as a ‘track-only’ bike and made buyers sign a waiver saying that you wouldn’t register it for road use. As you might imagine, pretty much everyone ignored the waiver, as the bike came with a VIN, lights, a title, and everything needed to register the bike. Want to learn more? Check out this excellent two-part article from Odd Bike about the special editions (particularly the SPS) of the world-changing 916.
This example is VIN: ZDM3SB5V0WB001187. Although we don’t have the production number for this bike, our service department has verified this information using Ducati.ms and has found this bike is the SPS model using VIN verification. They note “A (US) 916 SPS VIN will begin ZDM3SB5V. Then the ECU (Requires lifting the seat), but the P8 was also used on the -94 916. The 916SPS also has some specials that was fitted at the factory. Numbered SPS plaque on top triple tree (not present due to aftermarket triple tree). Carbon fiber front mudguard, airbox, underseat heatshield, license plate holder. Brembo fully floating brakediscs in the front. Aluminum rear subframe. Öhlins rear shock and 50mm Termignoni open pipes with 073 ECU chip. Rear pitstand.”
The odometer shows 3,545 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, we performed the belt service, chain maintenance, replaced the battery, cleaned and repaired the switch gear, cleaned and repaired the starter and fuel pump relays, replaced the left and right air filters, repaired and replaced the plate light and electrical assebly, and detailed the bike. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Good
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: Good
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Ok, <1.5% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Ok, <1.5% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Ok, <1.5% Moisture
Final Drive Condition: Good
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: +90%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: +90%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 24/04
Tire Date Code Rear: 27/02
Tire % Remaining Front: 90% Tread Cracking
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90% Tread Cracking
Tire Press. Front: 36 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 38 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.65V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.89V
Running Condition: Runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: None taken, tires aged
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Tires Installed:
-Front: 120/70-17 Dragon Supercorsa
-Rear: 190/55-17 Dragon Supercorsa
Notes:
**VERY CLEAN EXAMPLE**
-Polished exhaust
-STM Clutch + Ti Cover
-Aftermarket top triple
-Brake tech rear rotor
-STM rear sprocket + Carrier
-Coolant and engine oil look new, but age cannot be verified
-Tires are over 20 years old
RECOMMENDED REPAIRS:
-Tires
Modifications:
Polished OEM Termignoni exhaust pipes.
STM Clutch with titanium cover.
Aftermarket CNC triple tree.
Brake Tech rear rotor.
STM rear sprocket and carrier with 520 Chain conversion.
STM crankcase breather.
Steel braided brake lines.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Dragon Supercorsa tires with date codes of 2702 and 2404.
The sale includes one key and single side rear stand.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. All of the blemishes in the bodywork are very minor and thus also very hard to capture on the camera. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Ducati is offered on a clean California title with registration that will cost $954 to bring current through November 2026.
Have any 916 SPS stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
