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: ZDM1SB5VX2B014997. The seller acquired it from the second owner two years ago. The second owner acquired it in 2003.
During his ownership, the seller has covered 300 miles. The odometer shows 12,623 miles.
Maintenance:
By Iconic Motorbikes, March 2026:
– repair oil leak
– repair melting stator wires
– replace clutch shaft o-rings
– coolant swapped for water wetter
– trim fairing to clear exhaust
By Iconic Motorbikes, September 2025:
– fork seals, fork oil
By Iconic Motorbikes, April 2025:
– full desmo service
– tank relined
– fuel pump, fuel level sensor, fuel filter
– upgrade ground cable
– install BMC air filters
By the seller:
– New steering head bearings, pulled everything apart and re-greased
– New front pads
By Dan Kyle:
– Ohlins shock rebuild
The seller states that there are no known mechanical issues.
Modifications:
Ducati 998R Termignoni exhaust and ECU.
Brembo RCS brake master.
Brembo RCS clutch master.
Woodcraft clip-ons, Ohlins steering damper, tinted windscreen.
EVR 48 tooth clutch, carbon fiber clutch cover, upgraded starter lines, lithium battery, Rick’s RR for lithium battery.
Aluminum coolant reservoir.
Carbon fiber swingarm cover, 520 chain, and quick change sprocket. Bonamici adjustable rearsets.
Aftermarket tank protector, Vortex keyless gas cap.
Aftermarket clear brake light.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires with date codes of 4123 and 2724.
The sale includes 2 ignition keys and several original parts: steering damper, rearsets, clip-ons, master cylinder, exhaust, front sprocket cover, hell guard, windscreen, clutch cover, ECU, and license plate mount.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Santa Monica, California, this Ducati is offered on a clean California title with registration current through December 2026. Have any 998 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
