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: ZDM1SB5V62B017654. The seller acquired it seven years ago from a private party in Pennsylvania.
During his ownership he has covered 286 miles. The odometer shows 306 miles.
It is US and California emissions compliant.
“When the bike was first purchased in Pennsylvania by its original owner, it was used as a display inside his house. When I acquired it, it was always stored in a climate controlled-heated garage with a cover on it. It was preserved very well, completely bone stock, no modifications whatsoever. No paint correction of any kind was ever performed, so the clearcoat thickness is exactly the same when it left the factory. It’s as pristine as it gets.”
Maintenance:
In 2018, the seller had Northern Ohio Ducati in Akron, Ohio (now closed) change the belts, oil/filter, and install a new battery. He notes that there are no known mechanical issues.
Modifications:
The seller states that this bike is completely stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Rosso Corsa II tires from 2018.
The sale includes two keys, the tool kit, and the owner’s manual.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
The seller states that there are no cosmetic blemishes.
Currently located in Brunswick, Ohio, this Ducati is offered on a clean Ohio title.
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