Over on the auction site, we’ve got an interesting Ducati 998S up for sale and it’s guaranteed to find a new home as we’re letting it go with no reserve. Why is it interesting? Because the non-US 998S’ got a much better engine, and this bike has a few fun upgrades.
2002 was the first year of the 998, which featured an all new Testastretta motor that produced 123 horsepower (up 11 from the 996). Ducati offered the 998 in three flavors – the base 998, the 998S, and the 998R. In the US, the “S” model got an Ohlins shock and steering damper, carbon fiber belly pan, revised brake calipers, and color-matched mirrors. But outside of the US, the “S” model also got an up-spec motor with “R” model camshafts and a deeper sump – it was good for a claimed 136 horsepower.
After speaking with Ducati USA, we were able to confirm that this example (VIN: ZDMH200AA2B018179, Engine #: ZDM998W4B*001459) was a 998S that was originally sold in Japan. It eventually made its way to South Africa and we recently imported it. It’s had an eventful (but unknown) history of sorts, as it appears to have been repainted in non-OEM spec (the tail just says Ducati instead of Ducati Superbike, the fairings say 998 instead of 998S, the wheels aren’t the correct color) but it’s also got a serious upgrade in the form of Ohlins forks. Purists (and California residents) need not apply, but I think this would be a great way to get an awesome 998 rider that’s a little bit different with the Japanese stickers and km/h dash.
Find this 998S for sale in Santa Monica, California with bidding up to $8,400 and the reserve not yet met here on Iconic Motorbike Auctions.
Disclosure: Bike-urious is a partner in Iconic Motorbike Auctions.