Vyrus is a boutique Italian manufacturer that was founded in 2003 by Ascanio Rodorigo — the same visionary who helped spearhead the development of the Bimota Tesi. Based in Rimini, the shop is located just a few miles down the road from Rodorigo’s former employer. The Vyrus team works almost exclusively with Ducati motors, cradling each one in a hub-steered frame and wrapping them in a plethora of top-notch parts.
Their newest creation is the Alyen 998, which takes a Ducati 1299 Superquadro motor producing 202 horsepower and encases it in a magnesium Omega frame. Ducati specifically built 20 motors for the Alyen production run, and the factory electronics help ensure that this engine meets Euro 5 regulations.
The design started from a sketch by Adrian Morton, who used to be the Lead Designer at MV Agusta. It was then refined by Ascanio and a Japanese desinger named Yutaka Igarashi – Vyrus notes that they created 57 different versions over 9 years. The front end typically captures everyone’s attention as it features a cantilevered “head” that’s independent from the body and what Vyrus calls the HWSS: Hydraulic Wired Steering System. This mechanism utilizes two steel cables tied to the ends of the handlebar and the sides of the wheel, sealed in a special sheath with a “special fluid based on nano particles inside which, like a hydraulic piston, push the movement of the wheel while maintaining a comfortable and safe driving feeling, included a steering damper simulation of sensibility.”
Magnesium was used all over this bike: the “Omega” frame’s, front and rear swingarms, foot pegs, shift lever, anti-dive suspension, and anchoring beams are all made out of the lightweight material – Vyrus says that “In the past, magnesium was vulnerable to external agents such as UV rays or humidity. Today there are technologies that allow to guarantee their integrity “for life” and Vyrus has been able to research and find the appropriate technical solutions.”
Vyrus also uses a tremendous amount of carbon fiber: “the body of the machine is a carbon fiber casing which encloses the tanks in the two side bellies and the radiator in the upper central part. The body is a load-bearing structure made by layering various layers in resin- impregnated fabric which is cooked in an autoclave at 120 degrees C. The final layer of the composite is in unidirectional fabric (UD), that is an infinite series of centesimal thickness filaments all arranged in one direction. Arranging these layers in various directions allows a control of the resistance of the piece, calculated according to the needs. Furthermore, the final UD surface has an absolutely unique visual aspect, very elegant, it looks like a refined wood grain.”
Vyrus partnered with ROTOBOX for a “special series of composite wheels of exceptional workmanship and technical characteristics.” Complementing the lightweight wheels are Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 tires and Brembo calipers with the option of carbon ceramic rotors.
This example is VIN: 4B9CG2053NR106001.
[PLACEHOLDER: PHOTO OF VIN]
The odometer shows delivery mileage.
Modifications:
This bike is stock.
The sale includes one key.
Currently located in Nevada, this Vyrus is offered on the original MSO. Have any Alyen 988 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
