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Sportbikes

1998Ducati 916 SPS

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The 1998 Ducati 916 SPS is a track-focused sportbike designed for experienced riders seeking raw performance and Italian engineering excellence. Its 996cc L-twin engine delivers 123 horsepower with aggressive handling characteristics that reward precision riding. Best known for its striking design and dominance in World Superbike racing, the SPS remains a collector's favorite among purists.

Capacity
996.0 ccm
Engine
V-Twin
Gearbox
6-speed
Dry weight
190.0 kg
Seat height
790 mm
Power
123.0 HP (90.5 kW)
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (2)

What’s new for the 1998 Ducati 916 SPS

vs the 1997
Spec19971998
Engine capacity 916.0 ccm (55.90 cubic inches) 996.0 ccm (60.78 cubic inches)
Power 135.0 HP (99.3 kW) 123.0 HP (90.5 kW)
Torque — 101.0 Nm (10.3 kgf-m or 74.5 ft.lbs)
Top speed 270.0 km/h (167.8 mph) 250.0 km/h (155.3 mph)
Dry weight 185.0 kg (407.9 pounds) 190.0 kg (418.9 pounds)
Other years 1997 1998

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 90Agility 92Comfort 30Off-road 5Touring 25Road manners 88
Off-road & trail5%
Cornering95%
City riding25%
Daily riding20%
Touring25%
Two-up20%
Track93%
Best for
Built as a homologation-special superbike, it exists primarily to carve corners on smooth roads and dominate track days.
Built for
Raw, visceral, and mechanically intimate, it rewards precise inputs with a level of feedback and engagement few modern bikes replicate.
Not ideal for
This is not the right choice for new riders, commuters seeking comfort, or anyone planning long-distance touring or two-up riding.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 790mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1998 Ducati 916 SPS, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
996.0 ccm
Power
123.0 HP (90.5 kW)
Torque
101.0 Nm (10.3 kgf-m)
Engine type
V-Twin
Power/weight ratio
0.6474 HP/kg (dry)
Cooling system
Liquid
Starting
Electric
Valves per cylinder
4
Transmission
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Performance
Top speed
250.0 km/h (155.3 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Seat height
790 mm
Dry weight
190.0 kg
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Dual disc
Rear brakes
Single disc

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted
Specification 19971998
Capacity 916 cc 996 cc
Dry weight 185 kg 190 kg
Seat height 790 mm 790 mm

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 2 recalls may apply
EQUIPMENTApr 2014 · 14E012000

Ohlins Racing AB (Ohlins) is recalling certain steering dampers kits manufactured with an incorrectly machined bracket. These dampers were sold for use as aftermarket equipment on Yamaha R1, R6, and FZ6, Suzuki TL1000 R and GSX1300R, Honda CB600RR, and Ducati Monster 1000, 748, 848, 916, 996, and 998 motorcycles. Also included are universal steering damper kits with part numbers SD 000 through SD 005. The affected brackets may crack.

Risk: If there is a crack in the steering bracket, at low speeds it may cause the steering to lock, leading to personal injury or a crash.

Remedy: Ohlins will notify the distributors and provide their customers with a new bracket. The recall began in November 2013. Owners may contact Ohlins USA at 1-828-692-4525. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13E-034.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSMar 1999 · 99V048000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE FUEL LINES INSIDE THE FUEL TANK CAN LEAK.

Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THIS FUEL LINE.

These recalls cover some 1998 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.

Source: NHTSA. View all Ducati recalls →

Rider Reviews

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Ducati 916 SPS?

The 1998 Ducati 916 SPS has a Capacity of 996.0 ccm (60.78 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Ducati 916 SPS have?

The 1998 Ducati 916 SPS has a Power of 123.0 HP (90.5 kW).

How many gears does the Ducati 916 SPS have?

The 1998 Ducati 916 SPS has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

What is the torque of the Ducati 916 SPS?

The 1998 Ducati 916 SPS has a Torque of 101.0 Nm (10.3 kgf-m or 74.5 ft.lbs).

How much does the Ducati 916 SPS weigh?

The 1998 Ducati 916 SPS has a Dry weight of 190.0 kg (418.9 pounds).

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