Please Note: This bike is a part of the Imbimbo Collection.
For 2002, Ducati gifted the 998 the Testastretta motor that had just won the WSBK championship in 996R guise. The new heart was good for 123 hp and 71 lb-ft at the crank, up from 112 and 67, respectively.
What reviewers found most impressive was how quickly the new engine spun up and how compact the complete package was. Motorcyclist said, “Overall, this 998 feels more like a 748 that swallowed a really big gulp of nitrous than it does a 996.”
And here’s the thing — with the improvements to the engine, so too came refinements to the overall package. As Motorcycle magazine continued, “This isn’t a get-to-work ride, although some owners will no doubt commute on theirs, possibly because they just have to ride it again and again! But the 998 is also far from being a banzai, balls-out motorcycle – it’s actually very refined. This all-around user friendly feel is relatively new on a Ducati, leading one of the testers to comment on how it was getting to behave more and more like a Honda VFR800, a comment that didn’t actually go down too well with the Ducati factory guys present! It’s true though, this is the smoothest and most civilized version of the 916 ever released. But don’t worry, they haven’t washed the soul out of the machine – no way. This is still every bit a Ducati eight valve Desmo twin. It can still make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck in time-honored Ducati style.”
This example is VIN: ZDM1SB5V22B017389. The seller states: “The bike was owned by a long time GP Motorcycles mechanic. He kept it in immaculate condition the entire time he owned the bike and he reluctantly sold it to me four or five years ago.”
The odometer shows 56,060 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, drain old gas, change the oil/filter, clean/lube/adjust the drive chain, and flush the hydraulic fluid. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Pass
Engine Oil Level: Good
Engine Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: Low
Coolant Quality: Fail
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Good
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Good
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: Good
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New
Final Drive Condition: Cleaned, Lubed, And Adjusted
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: Fail
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 80%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 75%
Forks: Front Forks are Leaking
Shock/s: Ok Bump stops are cracked
Tire Date Code Front: 2621
Tire Date Code Rear: 2821
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 15PSI inflated to 36PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 16PSI inflated to 38PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 13.1V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.35V
Running Condition: Running Well
Test Ride Completed: No
Test Ride Distance: Incomplete
Notes:
-Aftermarket Windscreen
-Bike has 2 different keys; 1 ignition, 1 gas cap + seat
-Gas cap is sticky
-Mirror bases are cracked
-Steering stop has been re-welded
-STM Clutch pressure plate
-Open clutch assembly with a slightly damaged corner
-STM frame plugs
-Fender Eliminator
-LH engine cover paint shows signs of peeling/corrosion
-Aftermarket auxiliary oil fill on breather
-Slow crank
-Has a melted dash
Recommended Repairs:
-Timing Belts
-Fork Rebuild
-Valves
-Air filters
-Spark Plugs
Modifications:
Marchesini Magnesium wheels.
Termignoni exhaust.
SpeedyMoto open clutch cover, STM clutch.
STM frame plugs.
PSR C-N-R brake lever.
Aftermarket windscreen.
Tank protector, battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires with date codes of 2621 and 2821.
The sale includes two ignition keys, two tank keys, and the original wheels. Also included are the original biposto tail section, and a box of spare parts including two pairs of new Ducati brake pads, the OEM passenger pegs, new footpegs front and rear, used chain and sprocket set, new grips, stock foot control levers, and many more. Included but not pictured is a rear stand.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. 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 current through November 2025. Registration renewal in California is $152.
Have any 998 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
