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: 2DM3SB5V5WB001198. The seller acquired it from a private party in Ohio in 2017.
It is production number 909.
During his ownership, the seller has covered 9,313 miles. The odometer shows 13,163 miles.
Maintenance:
“All regular scheduled has been done throughout the years.
Recent work performed to get ready for sale:
New air filter
New plugs
Oil and filter change
Brake flush
Coolant flush
New tach and temp gauges (old ones were cracked)
New quick disconnects in gas tank
Gas cap hinge pins replaced
Surface rust on rotors cleaned”
Modifications:
Termignoni full exhaust.
MWR air filter.
Techspec tank pads.
Not pictured: “suspension rebuilt (previous owner had internals done and set up)”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Power Pure tires with date codes of 1610 and 2010.
The sale includes 1 ignition key and the owner’s manual.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Ashland, Virginia, this Ducati is offered on a clean Virginia title with registration current through January 2027.
Have any 916 SPS stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
