Description
The Ducati 998S Final Edition is a significant model in the history of Ducati motorcycles, known for its style, performance, and as a tribute to an iconic era. Released in 2004, the 998S Final Edition marked the end of the legendary 916/ 996/ 998 series, a lineup that had defined Ducati's superbike success throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. The 998 series, designed by Massimo Tamburini, is often celebrated for its groundbreaking design, advanced engineering, and competitive racing success.
This stunning example has had a full restoration at JH Performance in Coventry.
Key Features of the Ducati 998S Final Edition:
1. Engine and Performance:
- The Ducati 998S Final Edition is powered by a 998cc, Testastretta L-twin engine, which is renowned for its power delivery, torque, and unique sound. The Testastretta engine, which translates to "narrow head" in Italian, was a major evolution over the previous Desmoquattro engines, offering improved performance and reliability. The engine produces around 136 horsepower, making it a potent machine even by today’s standards.
2. Chassis and Handling:
- The 998S features a trellis frame made from tubular steel, a Ducati hallmark, that provides excellent rigidity and handling characteristics. The suspension system is comprised of high-end Ohlins components, including a fully adjustable Ohlins rear shock and an Ohlins fork up front. This combination gives the bike superior stability, precise handling, and an overall feeling of confidence in corners.
3. Design and Aesthetics:
- Staying true to the iconic design language introduced by the Ducati 916, the 998S Final Edition features sharp, angular lines and a streamlined body that exudes an aggressive stance. The design includes a signature single-sided swingarm, dual under-seat exhausts, and a distinctive front fairing with dual headlights. The bike's classic red Ducati livery, accented with white number plates, emphasizes its racing heritage and Italian flair.
4. Final Edition Exclusivity:
- The “Final Edition” of the 998S is a celebration of the end of an era. It was produced in a limited run, making it highly collectible among enthusiasts and collectors. The Final Edition badge signifies not only its limited production status but also the culmination of years of Ducati’s evolution in superbike engineering. Only 981 bikes were built and only 60 for the UK market.
5. Racing Heritage:
- The 998 series was heavily influenced by Ducati’s racing successes, especially in the World Superbike Championship (WSBK). The Ducati 998 evolved from the highly successful 916 and 996 models that had dominated the WSBK scene, and the 998S Final Edition pays homage to this lineage. Ducati's focus on race-bred technology, combined with premium components, makes this model an outstanding performer both on the road and on the track.
6. Legacy and Impact:
- The Ducati 998S Final Edition is revered for its role in bridging the gap between Ducati’s earlier superbike era and the new generation of Ducati models that followed, such as the 999 series. It represents the pinnacle of the 916/ 996/ 998 platform, blending classic superbike styling with the highest level of technological refinement available at the time. This bike remains a favorite among Ducati purists, admired for its authentic feel, mechanical rawness, and emotional connection to Ducati's golden racing era.
Conclusion:
The Ducati 998S Final Edition stands as a fitting tribute to one of the most iconic superbike lines in history. With its potent Testastretta engine, top-tier components, and legendary styling, it encapsulates everything that made Ducati a household name among sportbike enthusiasts. The 998S Final Edition is more than just a motorcycle—it's a celebration of Ducati's heritage, innovation, and commitment to performance excellence.
