Sportbikes

1996Ducati 916 Senna

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The 1996 Ducati 916 Senna is a lightweight superbike designed for experienced sport riders seeking raw performance and handling agility. Powered by a 916cc V-twin producing 114 horsepower, it's best known for its distinctive styling, responsive chassis, and genuine racing capability. The 195kg dry weight and aggressive geometry make it ideal for track-focused enthusiasts who prioritize cornering precision over comfort.

Capacity: 916.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 195.0 kg
Seat height: 790 mm
Power: 114.0 HP (83.8 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (3)

Other years 1996 1997 1998

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering95%

City riding30%

Daily riding25%

Touring20%

Two-up15%

Track92%

Best for: Built primarily for spirited canyon carving and track-day performance rather than practical transportation.
Built for: A raw, visceral Italian V-twin superbike prized for its razor-sharp handling, iconic styling, and analog, mechanical feel.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for new riders, commuters, tall or long-distance touring riders, or anyone seeking upright comfort and passenger-friendly practicality.

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

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 790mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1996 Ducati 916 Senna, 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: 916.0 ccm
Power: 114.0 HP (83.8 kW)
Engine type: V-Twin
Power/weight ratio: 0.5846 HP/kg (dry)
Cooling system: Liquid
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 4
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain

Dimensions & weight

Seat height: 790 mm
Dry weight: 195.0 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	1996	1997	1998
Capacity	916 cc	916 cc	916 cc
Dry weight	195 kg	201 kg	198 kg
Seat height	790 mm	790 mm	790 mm

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

Safety Recalls

⚠ 3 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.

WHEELS:HUBCAP/COVERDec 1999 · 99V360000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH A REAR WHEEL HUB SPINDLE. INTERNAL CRACKS MAY BE PRESENT ON THE REAR WHEEL SPINDLE.

Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE SPINDLE TO FAIL AFFECTING THE CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR WHEEL SPINDLE AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLDec 1997 · 97V221000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE THROTTLE CONTROL LINKAGE PIN WAS NOT LUBRICATED PROPERLY.

Risk: THE ENGINE MAY NOT RETURN TO PROPER IDLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL LUBRICATE THE THROTTLE CONTROL LINKAGE PIN USING GREASE CONTAINING MOLYBDENUM DISULPHIDE.

These recalls cover some 1996 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 →