Ducati 998R

Key facts

Year

2002
Country

Italy
Capacity

999cc
Cylinders

L- twin
Valves

8
Output

139bhp at 10,200rpm
Maximum speed

174mph/280kph
Price new

£11,000
Manufacturer

Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.

Ducati’s new Testastretta (narrow head) engine first appeared on the 996R road bike in 2001. The 998R was introduced in 2002, a slightly more powerful and lighter machine than its predecessor. These were road legal versions of the factory race bikes ridden with great success by Troy Bayliss and Ben Bostrom in the World Superbike Championship.

Limited edition versions of the 998 included Bayliss and Bostrom models together with the 2004 FE (Final Edition) and Matrix, following the appearance of a Ducati in the film Matrix Reloaded.