I bought a non plaqued one. Given the earlier discussion, I have asked Ducati, no reply as yet.
I was told that the first 500 had plaques and then a further 150 were made later because of demand. The one I purchased was first registered in September 01.
Those sold on the net went in March.
The engine number on mine finishes in 507, so perhaps some truth in it. To be honest quite happy there is no plaque and it is definitely and without doubt an R.
Looking at the manual on Duc's website, number 1-150 have a different manual that 151 and above. So perhaps the 150 for racing is correct and those that were not sold to race were sold later in 2001