1998 Ducati 916

A game changer. Universally regarded. Styled by Massimo Tamburini, the 916 was released to a stunned public in 1994. Cycle World magazine called the Duc, “The most sensational bike to appear so far this decade,” then added, “It balances stunning looks with performance and handling that is nothing less than breathtaking.”

Motorcyclist magazine, looking back on the decade, wrote succinctly: “1994 – Ducati 916 debuts. Did anything else happen that year?”

The engine was nothing particularly new: the liquid-cooled, eight-valve Desmoquattro 888 V-twin had been around for six years at that point and was a proven winner of four World Superbike championships. But street bike competition was fierce from the Japanese. The engine was enlarged and housed in the trademark steel-trellis fame with alloy single-sided swingarm. Performance was better. Handling was better. The feel of the bike was a forgiving ride, enabling an average rider to be fast. And that riding ease translated to the track, with another four World Superbike titles awarded to the 916.

But it is without doubt that the striking looks with low front area, kicked up rear section with exhausts neatly tucked up under the seat that ensured the bikes immediate modern classic and collectable status.Motorcyclist magazine: “There have been more innovative motorcycles, and motorcycles that accelerated faster or sold better, but few will argue there’s ever been a more beautiful motorcycle than Ducati’s 916. Massimo Tamburini’s masterpiece brilliantly mixes purposeful mechanical details and purely sensuous design. The cat’s-eye headlights and underseat exhaust defined sportbike styling trends for almost two decades, and the 916 virtually dominated World Superbike racing as well. This was unquestionably the most influential sportbike of the 1990s.”

The motorbike offered

This 1998 Ducati 916 has been part of a Southern California collection of discerning taste in two and four-wheeled classic and modern machines. Moving to Europe, it is now time for the 916 to find a new home.

Purchased in 2010, the bike has been meticulously maintained and stored in a climate-controlled garage. A couple of receipts that accompany the sale confirm a service and new clutch at Ducati Beverly Hills in Sept. 2022. Also included is an owner’s manual.

The bike is offered in equally good mechanical condition. It starts easily and idles smoothly. There is immense 916 power and the bike shifts perfectly smoothly through all gears. Brakes are excellent and the Öhlins suspension is a delight to ride on. All electrical systems work perfectly.

Now with a little over 10,000 miles from new, the bike is ready for a new collector.