DUCATI 916SPA (1996-1997) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1994, Ducati launched the 916 model, a fully faired sports machine that continued production until 1998. The bike was designed by Massimo Tamburini and Sergio Robbino at the Cagiva Research Center in San Marino.

Compared to its Ducati 888 predecessor, the Ducati 916 was smaller, packed a chrome-moly Trellis frame shared with the Ducati 748, and combined with a new bodywork featuring aggressive lines.

In 1996, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer released the Ducati 916SPA, the most exclusive and rarest machine in Ducati's range at the time. The bike was made in only 50 units available for the public.

The bike was intended for Ducati's racing team in the AMA Superbike Championship and packed an engine with a two mm larger bore than the other 916 models, resulting in a 955cc displacement with more power and torque.

Most of its components were race-derived and made for the race track, while in the visual department, it featured a unique paint scheme that set it apart from other Ducati 916 models.

At its core, the 1996 Ducati 916SPA packed a 955cc four-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine managed by an Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system, delivering an output power of 122 hp with a peak at 10,200 rpm and 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) torque at 8,000 rpm.