DUCATI 916 Senna III (1999) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1998, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Ducati 916 Senna III, a special edition machine commemorating the Formula One driver Ayrton Senna. As in its previous embodiment, the third and final variation of the special edition motorcycle brought forth a lighter gray paint scheme and a brighter red for its wheels.

The bike was first presented at the 1994 Bologna Motor Show and released several months after Ayrton Senna died. Ducati owner Claudio Castiglioni was a personal friend of Senna's and made three special edition machines. The profits from the three versions were redirected to Instituto Ayrton Senna charity.

Visually, the bike was fitted with standard features, such as a full fairing with a dual headlight system, a small windscreen, a single seat, a carbon fiber exhaust system mounted under the seat, and red-finished three-spoke lightweight wheels.

Underneath its clothes, the 1998 Ducati 916 Senna III packed a 916cc four-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine with a fuel injection system in charge, delivering an output power of 109 hp at 9,000 rpm and 89 Nm (66 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.

The bike's suspension was handled by a 43 mm adjustable USD Showa fork on the front with 127 mm wheel travel and an adjustable Ohlins shock absorber with a progressive linkage and 130 mm wheel travel on the rear.