DUCATI 998S (2002-2003) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Ducati 998 was a sports bike manufactured by Ducati from 2002 to 2004 and was released as the successor to the Ducati 996. The bike was powered by a completely new Testastretta engine that shared many similarities with the previously used Desmoquatro unit.

In 2002, alongside the standard 998 model, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Ducati 998S. This sports machine used different crankcases with a deep oil sump and revised cam profiles, delivering more power than the standard 998.

In the visual department, the 998S was similar to the 998 base model, packing the same standard features, including a full fairing, a small windscreen, dual headlights, a single seat, an under-seat-mounted exhaust system, a single-sided swingarm, and five-spoke lightweight wheels.

The 2002 Ducati 998S took its nerves from a 998cc four-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine fed by an Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system, delivering an output power of 130 hp with a peak force at 10,000 rpm and 104 Nm (77 lb-ft) torque at 8,000 rpm.

The engine was coupled to a six-speed manual transmission with a hydraulically-controlled dry multi-plate clutch and a final chain drive, pushing the bike to 270 kph (168 mph).

In the braking department, the bike packed the same braking system as the standard model, including two 320 mm discs with four-piston calipers on the front wheel, a 220 mm disc, and a dual-piston caliper on the rear wheel.