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.”
Even the base model was equipped with high-spec components such as titanium nitride-coated Showa forks, Ohlins shock, and Brembo brakes.
This example is VIN: ZDM1SB5V52B018651. The seller purchased it from Pro Italia in Glendale, California fifteen years ago.
During his ownership, the seller has covered roughly 1,500 miles. The odometer shows 3,571 miles.
“I acquired this 2002 Ducati 998 because, to me, it represents the absolute pinnacle of what makes Ducati a superior manufacturer. It is the perfect bridge between raw, analog racing heritage and modern engineering—offering that iconic Tamburini silhouette paired with the brilliant, first-generation Testastretta engine. During my time with it, this bike has been treated as both a prized collector’s piece and a phenomenal machine to experience. It has spent its life garage-kept, hooked up to a battery tender, and meticulously maintained to preserve its pristine condition. When it wasn’t being preserved, it was used exactly as intended: for occasional, spirited weekend rides on the twisties, where the legendary chassis and unmistakable dry-clutch rumble remind you why this era of superbikes remains unmatched. It is a reluctant sale, but it’s time to pass the torch. This is an incredible opportunity for a fellow enthusiast or collector to own a beautiful, turn-key example of one of Bologna’s finest eras. It looks, sounds, and rides exactly as a classic Italian superbike should.”
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection and the following work:
-Fuel tank professionally cleaned and lined
-Fuel pressure lines secured
Pressure test: OK
-New battery
-New timing belts
-Engine oil + filter
-Hydro 3 (front and rear brake, clutch fluid)
-Coolant flushed and filled
-Chain serviced
-New chain sliders, upper and lower
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok (Professionally Lined)
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: New
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New
Final Drive Condition: Cleaned, Lubed, Adjusted
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Fail
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: N/A
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 90%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok (Bumpstop Broken)
Tire Date Code Front: 20/11
Tire Date Code Rear: 22/11
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 30 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 35 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: New 12.8V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.4V
Running Condition: Runs Well on Bench, Runs Well on Test Ride
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 5 Miles, unit operates as designed
Notes:
– Fuel tank was cleaned and lined professionally
– Missing 1 DZUS fastener in belly pan
– Dymag wheels
– Missing rear turn signals, front signals are delayed and then blink rapidly
– Turn signal switch should be cleaned and regreased
– Kickstand must be up for bike to run – Ducati Feature
REPAIRS RECOMMENDED:
-Front and Rear Tires (Aged)
-Turn Signal Diagnostic
-Air filter inspection/replacement
Modifications:
Termignoni full exhaust.
Dymag wheels with carbon fiber rims. Carbon fiber heel guards, and carbon fiber fenders.
Rizoma Lux grips, Pazzo Racing levers.
Supersprox rear sprocket. Carbon fiber chain guard.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Pilot Power tires with date codes of 2011 and 2211.
The sale includes one key.
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, and is currently on Planned Non-Op Registration registration status.
Have any 998 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
