Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > 996sps,996r or 998s???

[pberrey]

I've currently got a TL1000R (no comments thanks) and I've always admired the more exotic Dukes. I think the time might be right to take the jump. Currently there are two 996r and a 996sps on ebay but I'm not sure what I should be looking for when inspecting a potential purchase.

Any suggestions?

Also, isn't a 996r and 998s the same engine and chassis?

Thanks.
Paul.

[TP]

Welcome Paul.

The 996R isn't quite the same engine as the 998s - there's a bit more exotica inside it so it will spin up quicker and make a bit more power (I think).

Chassis wise I don't think there's too much difference. Obviously you get the carbon panels, airbox etc ... with the R.

Of the bikes you've listed I'd have the 996R all day! But ... have you considered a 998R? I have one of these and it is the second generation testastretta engine and is very very tasty indeed

Seeing as you're new in town you'll need to find your way to the virtual bar and while you're there I'll be having a strong latte - cheers.

[Redsps]

I'd go for the 996sps ,having had a 996sps and 998R, I still prefered the 996sps.
Just personal preference that is.
R's are excellent bikes from any view point.

cheers
robin

[JPM]

Doesn't the 998S make more power? I'm sure it does... something like 1hp more I think is quoted by Ducati.

But if you want something exotic then the 996R would be the one I guess, the 998R is possibly a slightly better bike again, but seems everyone hankers after the first of the testastretta engined bikes, and will probably hold it's value a bit more in the long run.

Did I hear the bars open? Pint of paint stripper today, anything to make this day pass quicker!

[Ray]

Paul,

996r gets you Titanium con rods, some carbon Bodywork and Ohlins forks over a 998s.

The power quoted by Ducati is the same.

A bit of a halfway house is a Baylis or Bostrum rep, basically a 998s with a paint job and ohlins forks. There does seem a few Bostrums for sale and what I would call a good price, i.e no more cash than a 998s.

A 998r gets even more carbon and three more BHP over a 996r but I'm sure the 996r owners will be along soon to say its the best one to have 'cos it was the last of the line to win the World superbike title.

When looking for a bike or sort you mention, a good service history is Vital. If the bike is due a service budget at least £400 to get it done.

I would have a look at a few other sources other than e-bay, e.g on this board and the bike section of the online autotrader.

www.ducati.com will allow you compare the spec of non current models.

Ray

[Edited on 3-8-2005 by Ray]

[BDG]

I've owned a 996SPS and currently own a 996R.

They are both great bikes, closer in performance than you might expect except for the 9,000+ rpm range where the R wins,whereas SPS is a bit stronger in the midrange, according to my dyno readings.

The newer 'stretta engine in the R maybe a little more durable in terms of rocker wear, better oil feed to the top end.

If all things are equal i would go for the 996R, but would in noway be disappointed to have another SPS.

The deciding factor would be which bike is in the best condition with the most comprehensive service history from a reputable/knowledgable specialist.

I would be a bit wary about buying off ebay myself without the benefit of a thorough inspection of the bike. Worth seeing if you can view them first before bidding.

Good luck.

surely what he wants is a Sigma Performance tuned 996 bip ???? isnt there one for sale somewhere ???

[Rattler]

I've had both the 996R (x2) and a 996SPS - there is definitely more character in the SPS as it has the earlier (seemingly more torquey engine), but lacks the refinement (relatively!) of the 996R's testastretta engine.

The SPS will need a bit more attention in terms of ensuring battery charge etc, but each bike is a great choice IMO. The R is definitely quicker than the SPS and is a lot smoother with it. The R is a later generation bike.

If you're used to a Jap jobby the R would be closer to this, with the SPS being potentially more "colourful" in its behavoir.

Good luck
Tim

[pberrey]

Thanks for the feedback gents (I'm assuming you're all male..).

Are there any reliability differencies between the 'older' 996 motor and the testastretta? It is my prime concern. I don't mind budgetting for proper service work but I don't really want an expesnive piece of kit that falls apart even after spending hundreds/thousands on servicing.

My TLR has never seen a spanner in 22,000kms. It gets oil every 3,000 and has a set of plugs and an air filter once. It's never missed a beat and started first time even after a two year lay up - with the old fuel!

I don't want to start a Duke/Jap argument but I'm sure you'll all agree that no one wants to spend hard earnt money on dull things like repairs when we could be spending it on european trips and titanium fasteners!!

Cheers.

Paul.

[JPM]

The Testastretta engine is by rights more "maintenance free" as a lot of the reliability issues were addressed with the newer engine (Oil feed/rocker wear).

It's not written in stone but you're more than likely have to replace a rocker or two on an SPS whereas I've never heard of any going on the Testastretta, electrics are better too.