Ducati 916 variant

[SFSig]

This where my next moto allocated $10k is going. I probably won't pull the trigger for sometime but I'd like some help in the meantime id'ing which variants I should be looking for.

Ever since growing up in the 90's I've wanted a Ducati 916... Problem is I never thought I'd actually get the chance to own one. Now the way things have line up I'll definitely have one in my garage within the year. Problem is I don't know shit about ducatis.

If it were your money which model whether it was the original 916 or the latest 998R or some SPS thang would you buy and why?

Thanks for dreaming with me!

 

[LongGoneJohn]

I'd buy whichever one didn't have the rocker flaking problems.

 

[KrustyKruser]

I would get the 998s. Last year of the 916 body but has the testastretta motor, no flaking rockers. Plus it will be easier to service yourself if you do your own maintenance.

 

[vato_loco]

I'd buy whichever one didn't have the rocker flaking problems.

The 998 didn't seem to have this problem.

I, too, have been keeping my eyes open for a clean 916, 996, 998, or even a 748, but that's easier said than done. Many are too modded out, with mismatched parts, and questionable service histories. I'm not really concerned about high-mileage, ridden bikes, as long as the scheduled maintenance was taken care of.

Good luck with your search.

 

[FourT2Infinity]

I'd buy whichever one didn't have the rocker flaking problems.

'96-up 916/96/98/748 may encounter the flaking rocker arm issue. My 748R did... to which I replaced all with the Megacycle rockers as a solution.

So, early '95 916 (rocker arms were still manufactured in-house vs. outsourced/chromed) and the 998 testastretta-motored bikes are what I'd personally look for.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Goose916]

Had a 1995 916, 68,000 miles no rebuild and no rocker issue. Lots of electrical issues. I loved that bike.

If I were to get another one, 998 for sure. Beautiful style, easier to work on and it's a rider's bike. If you want one as a collectible, then an early 916 sps. Sadly, they all have low miles, cost a lot and you won't ride it. Consequently, I again recommend the 998.

 

[Unbalanced]

I've always loved the 916's looks but wasn't overjoyed about the reputation when it comes to repairs. Consequently I just finished the installation of a 1098R engine into a 916 frame. Spent 2 full days at Thunderhill last weekend and the bike ran PERFECT, not one single problem and had tons more horsepower than the 916 ever dreamed of having (without huge mods).

So, for me, the question is, do you intend to ride it? If so, stay away from the Desmoquattro and get the Testastretta. And if you really want to have fun, stuff a 1098/1198 motor into it. Truly the best of both worlds! IMO...

 

[Carlo_Guzzi]

Like the OP I've had it in the back of my head for a few years that I should buy a 916.

The 916 was a landmark bike for Ducati. The 888 was a winner with racers but didn't sell much and Ducati was still a bit under the general population's radar. The 916 took the 888, wrapped it in bodywork that was way sexier and different than anything else and Ducati knocked it out of the park. As a collector I'd get the first of the 916s.

Even today the 916 looks fairly current and definately does not look 20 years old. Compare that to the Japanese bikes of the time and they look old and dated. The 916 was a game changer not only for Ducati for for the whole sportbike indusrty.

 

[Goose916]

I've always loved the 916's looks but wasn't overjoyed about the reputation when it comes to repairs. Consequently I just finished the installation of a 1098R engine into a 916 frame. Spent 2 full days at Thunderhill last weekend and the bike ran PERFECT, not one single problem and had tons more horsepower than the 916 ever dreamed of having (without huge mods).

So, for me, the question is, do you intend to ride it? If so, stay away from the Desmoquattro and get the Testastretta. And if you really want to have fun, stuff a 1098/1198 motor into it. Truly the best of both worlds! IMO...

I like this! Resale value only matters if you ever want to sell it, and yes, putting another motor, even if it is better, will likely affect resale. However, with the setup set forth above, I'd just ride the ever-loving wheels off it. I don't think 916 fairings will fit it (side cut out vents would hit the motor - I'm guessing), but 998 fairings are almost as nice. You should post a pic!

 

[ScottRNelson]

If you seriously want a 916/996/998, you might consider talking to the guys at Nichols Sportbike Service and to Jim Davis at Advanced Cycle Service. They should know people willing to sell and would likely know the history of the particular bikes so that you could get one that's in good shape. If the rocker arms have been updated with hardened ones, it's no longer an issue for that bike.

The 998 never looked quite right to me because of the lack of vent openings in the side that had been there for all 851/888/916/996 models as well as the ST2/ST4.

Good luck in your search.

 

[kingmoochr]

If you're looking for a collector, I'd go 9xx R or SPS. I know me, and if I plan on keeping something for a long time and don't get the best possible, I regret it and end up spending more money to get what I want in the end. If you're riding it weekly, expect to work on electricals. I had a 996S and never had any problems with it, but had it in pieces for a month and a half putting goodies on it. You will do that with these. They're like man legos and there is so much cool shit.

If you aren't that type of person and just want a Tambourini design that you want to ride, wait for a 998. Testastretta is less of a PITA and you still get the looks. But you'll get the true Ducati feeling and respect from Ducatisti if you wait for a R or SPS.

 

[CurveSurfer]

Great advice here!

Buying a 916 variant is like buying a Porsche: get the newest one you can afford. The 998s with Testastretta engine is the way to go, and getting Nichols or Jim Davis to help you find one is a great idea.

A 916 body with a 1098 motor sounds like a riot.

 

[kiltwearinfool]

Buying a 916 variant is like buying a Porsche: get the newest one you can afford. getting Nichols or Jim Davis to help you find one is a great idea.

This has always worked for me. Study the bike you like. Learn about things to avoid. Figure out the style you like, buy the most recent, cleanest, lowest mileage bike you can afford. Don't buy on emotion: if it doesn't look or feel right, walk. They made more than one, there will be another one out there. I've waited years for the right bike to come along and was happy I walked away from some of the ones that I looked at before then.

I have worked with shops / mechanics before. Stop in, poke around, tell them what I am looking for. If you are patient (and bring a case of beer), they will remember you when Mr. OCD consigns his Bayliss Edition for $10K.

 

[Unbalanced]

I like this! Resale value only matters if you ever want to sell it, and yes, putting another motor, even if it is better, will likely affect resale. However, with the setup set forth above, I'd just ride the ever-loving wheels off it. I don't think 916 fairings will fit it (side cut out vents would hit the motor - I'm guessing), but 998 fairings are almost as nice. You should post a pic!

The 916 fairings will fit no problem at all, may require slight, very slight, repositioning of the battery. My bike uses 998 bodywork only because that's what I had. The motor install is a breeze, no modification required to the frame or engine. The exhaust and airbox however require some fab work. The stock 916-998 ECU can be used or you can go with the 1098 harness and ECU like I did. I even used the 1098 dash so I have full instumentation, even the Data Analyzer works! My bike is strictly a track machine (for the moment) but I may register this thing eventually.

 

[CurveSurfer]

Don't buy on emotion: if it doesn't look or feel right, walk. They made more than one, there will be another one out there. I've waited years for the right bike to come along and was happy I walked away from some of the ones that I looked at before then.

This is great advice. Take your time. My first 900SS-SP was a bit of a rescue. After I sold it I kept my eye out for years for another one. A pristine example of the same model eventually came up for sale locally, with all the best improvements by an OCD owner. It's sublime. I paid his full asking price and was glad I waited.

 

[PGATour]

Surprised no one has mentioned it yet, but THE BEST 9xx variant is the 996R, hands down. Essentially the Testastretta motor everyone else has already mentioned, but with all the 'R' goodies (ohlins, carbon fiber fairings, etc.) and the iconic 916 body. The 996R is actually the bike that won the WSBK, and then it was released to the public in 2002 as a '998'. Of course, 996R will probably be the hardest to find of all mentioned (only 500 produced), not to mention the most expensive. But if you can't find/get a 996R, then 998 is the way to go.

Get one... any one... you'll love it.

 

[slydrite]

I've always loved the 916's looks but wasn't overjoyed about the reputation when it comes to repairs. Consequently I just finished the installation of a 1098R engine into a 916 frame. Spent 2 full days at Thunderhill last weekend and the bike ran PERFECT, not one single problem and had tons more horsepower than the 916 ever dreamed of having (without huge mods).

So, for me, the question is, do you intend to ride it? If so, stay away from the Desmoquattro and get the Testastretta. And if you really want to have fun, stuff a 1098/1198 motor into it. Truly the best of both worlds! IMO...

Serious question - what is the point of that? Just for styling?

 

[ScottRNelson]

Serious question - what is the point of that? Just for styling?

You're asking what is the point of stuffing a 1098 or 1198 engine in a 916?

More power!

 

[Unbalanced]

Serious question - what is the point of that? Just for styling?

The point? Well, I already had a 916 with a full-race Ferracci engine (Desmoquattro) and a bone stock 1098S. The 916 was much more fun to ride but suffered from multiple breakdowns (that motor needed a full crew to tend to it). The 1098S has over 36,000 trouble free miles but isn't as enjoyable to ride (particularly on the track). So when the 916 cases broke in half I decided an upgrade was in order, the 1098 motor slots right in and makes MORE horsepower, bone stock. Plus, it doesn't bother me that there aren't that many around. Also, it was my first attempt at building a bike. Buying a used 1098R motor turned out to be really inexpensive and over the course of approx. a year I assembled everything and so far it has exceeded all my expectations.

For me the point is, IT'S BADASS!!

 

[CurveSurfer]

Surprised no one has mentioned it yet, but THE BEST 9xx variant is the 996R, hands down. Essentially the Testastretta motor everyone else has already mentioned, but with all the 'R' goodies (ohlins, carbon fiber fairings, etc.) and the iconic 916 body.

Doesn't one of the guys at Nichols have one of these? I was drooling over it a few weeks ago.