2002 Ducati 998 with 513 Miles

Description

Please note: This 998 has not been ridden for the last 15 years, so the seller will not be providing a running video. It will require a new battery, new fluids, etc. in order to make it rider ready.

Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 2002 Ducati 998. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.

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 bike felt. Motorcyclist said that, “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 said in their review, “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.”

Manufactured in February of 2002, this example is VIN: ZDM1SB5V02B017858. In 2001, Pauline Hailwood (widow of the great Mike Hailwood) sued Ducati over the use of her late husband’s name during the MH900e launch. The current owner represented the estate during the proceedings and received this 998 directly from Ducati.

The odometer shows 513 miles.

Maintenance:
The seller states, “the bike has not been ridden in the last 15 years. It was in perfect working condition when last ridden but it will need all fluids changed, battery changed, etc.”

Modifications:
According to the seller, the bike is stock.

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on its original Michelin Pilot Sport Radial tires.

The sale includes the factory tool kit and original owner’s manuals.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:

Currently located in Paramus, New Jersey this Ducati is offered on a clean New Jersey title. Have any 998 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!