The 996 was offered between 1999 and 2002, but the most special version was only offered in 2001. Ducati created 500 examples of the 996R – the R stood for Racing – to meet homologation requirements for the World Superbike Championship.
Of the 500 bikes, 350 were set aside for private customers, and all of them sold out on the internet within six hours for 26,000 Euros. When Ducati uses the R suffix, it designates something special. The 996R was no different, and it came with Ohlins suspension, Marchesini wheels, upgraded Brembo brakes, carbon fiber bodywork, and a 998cc Testastretta motor with titanium connecting rods and upgraded camshafts. MCN called it Ducati’s “finest sports bike yet.”
This example (VIN: ZDMH200AA1B012661) has just 225 miles and it’s #114 of the 500. The seller states that it’s a one-owner bike that was originally delivered to the US, and it comes with almost everything that the bike was originally delivered with and some aftermarket extras: “all owner’s handbooks, both keys, OEM compliant mufflers & ECU, Ducati Performance Carbon Fiber Parts, Termignoni Exhaust and Computer, Evoluzione Slipper Clutch and Titanium Guard, and all original parts.” It’d be nice to see the original cover and the stand considering the asking price – find this 996R for sale in Miami, Florida with a BIN of $50,000 or a best offer button that you should take advantage of