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

In 2002, the Italian motorcycle maker launched the Ducati 998, a sports motorcycle manufactured for only three years, from 2002 to 2004, when it was succeeded by the Ducati 999 model.

In addition to the 2002 standard 998 model, the maker released the Ducati 998S Bayliss Replica, inspired by Troy Bayliss's official motorcycle used in the World Superbike Championship.

The 2002 Ducati 998S Bayliss Replica featured several tweaks to the engine, improved suspension and braking systems, and some carbon fiber parts, such as the side fairings, belly pan, mudguards, airbox, chainguard, under-seat heat shield, and exhaust heat guards.

In the aesthetic department, the bike delivered the same standard fittings as the base model, including a full fairing with a small windscreen and dual headlights, a single seat, an under-seat-mounted exhaust system, a single-sided swingarm, and five-spoke alloy wheels.

The tubular steel Trellis frame was fitted with a 43 mm fully adjustable USD TiN-coated Ohlins fork on the front and a fully adjustable Ohlins shock absorber with progressive linkage on the rear.

As for the power figures, the 2002 Ducati 998S Bayliss Replica had its soul brought to life by a 998cc four-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine fed by a fuel injection system, boasting 130 hp with maximum strength at 10,000 rpm and 104 Nm (77 lb-ft) torque at 8,000 rpm.

The bike's power was handled by a six-speed manual transmission with a hydraulic dry multi-plate clutch and a final chain drive that spun the rear wheel to a top speed of 270 kph (168 mph).