996 996 Sps Fr2

https://www.ducati.ms/threads/ducati-996-sps-fr2-whats-an-fr2.735963/

The yoke plate number (#1759) on the listing you posted seems odd, doesn’t it?

This one shows plate #1281. Which doesn’t make any sense to me…
https://www.bonhams.com/auction/239...e-no-zdmh100aaxb003351-engine-no-not-visible/

 

I don't believe for one minute that the Ducati factory made that amount in that series.

 

It could be that they used a different numbering method. I checked the frame number last 4 (shown on the second listing) but it doesn’t match… May be the engine number last 4?

 

I've no idea as the Italians work and think in very different ways compared to the rest of the world.

 

I find that Spanish, Portuguese and a good half of France have a lot more in common with the Italian way of thinking than the Anglo-saxon, Germanic, Batav or Scandinavian ones…

 

In total yes but not that high number on the top yoke, but hey i'd be wrong.

 

All 996 SPS models were numbered so there’s nothing wrong with high top yoke plaque numbers

That VIN is incorrect in 2 places.

Correct VIN is ZDM3H99S71B003678

The check digit is created using a mathematical process that can be repeated in order to see if a VIN is valid. This site does that calculation for you: https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/CheckDigit/Index/

A 5 in that position just isn’t right for an SPS which is why I checked it.

It’s a US VIN so the bike is an import. The SPS was never sold as road legal in the US but they ended up on the road anyway.

VIN breakdown as follows.

Z Italy
DM Ducati Motor Holdings
3 Off-highway racing version
H Homologation model
9 Race model variation
9 This is a code signifying Engine Displacement 9 is only seen on Homologation specials such as the 996R, 998R.
S This is supposed to signify Net Brake Horsepower and an S here is very odd.
7 Check Digit
1 Model Year 2001
B Manufacturing Plant = Bologna
003678 Production Number

This has more in common with a 996R VIN than it does a 996 SPS VIN. There aren’t supposed to be any 996 SPS 2001 models. Officially they don’t exist. I’m not talking about bikes manufactured in 2000 and registered in 2001 - plenty of those exist - but they would have a model year code of Y.

This is the VIN from a 2000 SPS ZDM3SB5V9YB003233. https://iconicmotorbikeauctions.com/auction/2000-ducati-996-sps-1214



This example was assembled in 99 but given the Y model year designation as it’s the updated 2000 model. Note it’s still designated as off highway use but not as a Homologation model.

3 Off-highway racing version
S Hypersport/Superbike
B Liquid-cooled twin
5 Normal engine displacement code for 996, 998, 999, ST4S
V Engine power*, examples =1998 916SPS, 2000 996SPS, 1999 998/998S, 2003 999S
9 Check Digit
Y Model Year 2000

*V denotes a power output from 123-136 hp
W is for anything above 137.

The above VIN is the format that I would have expected for the SPS. The S on the wizard bike is very odd and doesn’t conform to any of the conventions I am aware of - in theory it should be a V like the above VIN,

This is a VIN for a 996R ZDM3H99R71B012359. Note how similar it is to the wizard bike. The R in this VIN also doesn’t follow the standard convention- it should also be a V as it makes 135 bhp. So I wonder if they noticed that a VIN for a 2001 SPS would look just the same as a VIN for a 2001 R and changed the code to differentiate?

It wouldn’t have been a problem if they hadn’t marked the SPS as a homologation model - which there has to be a reason for….

There are other examples of the format used on the Wizard bike though.

ZDM3H99S21B003734) is #1647 https://iconicmotorbikeauctions.com/auction/2001-ducati-996-sps-1647-with-440-miles/
And this one - you might have to scroll down to find it. https://raresportbikesforsale.com/?s=996+sps&submit=Search


The different models of 996 SPS during it’s 2 year production run are a confusing mystery.

There are 4 different parts lists.
1999 996 SPS
1999 996 SPS II
2000 996 SPS
2000 996 SPS III

The 1999 came with bronze frame, dark anthracite rims, Showa Forks.
A second model was released that year to homologate new cylinder heads for SBK and a third in parallel, a series of 150 996 SPS/F (Factory Replica) still with the Showa fork. With gunmetal grey rims and frame, red front mudguard and central white stripe and tricolor stripes on the saddle and screen with numbered plate on the crown (SPS/F).

The parts list named SPS II reflects the different cylinder head part number. There is no parts list called SPS/F or Factory Replica.

This is the original 1999 SPS - note the Showa forks, bronze frame and anthracite wheels


The parts list, production numbers and this single advert are the only references I can find to the SPS II.

https://anthonygodin.co.uk/car/ducati-996-sps-2/

“Ducati SPA. have confirmed to us that this example is a SPS2 version of the bike built almost exclusively for the German market. In an attempt to increase sales they were built with a full power SPS motor, Öhlins rear suspension and Showa front forks with Marchesini wheels but had fewer carbon-fibre components, such as the front mudguard. It is understood that only 150 were built.”

It has the frame and wheel colour of the 2000 model - but the Showa forks of the 1999 - like the SPS/F.



Then we have the SPS/F

This is described both as Factory Replica and Foggy Replica all over the web - with much debate.
It came with a bunch of value added bit’s like a nice cover and a numbered plaque and key. But essentially it was the same as a stock SPS.
Even though it was a 1999 model it came with the same 2000 spec grey wheels and frame as the above bike.
The bike had a few cosmetic differences - note the green stripes on the front fairing, sides and also painted front mudguard with white stripe that continues on the tail fairing. It also shipped with a sticker kit to mimic the 1999 factory race bikes of 1999. These sticker kits weren’t applied at the factory - some were applied by dealers - some by the customer - some customers didn’t apply them at all. The same sticker kits were also available in the Ducati Performance Catalogue so appear on any 996 - not just SPS bikes so careful inspection is required to ensure you are looking at a real one.
This has resulted in a massive variance in the way these bikes look.

SPS/F without sticker kit:

SPS/F with sticker kit:

SPS/F Numbered top yoke:

Bundled Accessories: Tin box contains a numbered folding key.

Sticker kit:

The sticker kit came with numbers to mimic Bayliss no 11 factory bike as well. But have only seen them with the no 1. This bike isn’t named as a Fogarty replica like the previous 916 Foggy rep was - but it enduringly get’s called 996 foggy rep by many sources.
I thought the ‘Fogarty thing’ was just another internet generated myth until I tracked down the part numbers for those green stripe stickers:


So there’s evidence that Ducati did refer to the bike as Fog-Replica - at least in some markets.

1999 Ducati Wsbk Livery


We also have references to Factory Replica 2 - which Falloon says was also called the Pista - another limited run edition.

The Pista has the same green stripes and optional sticker kit but is based on the 2000 model so has Ohlins forks. It has the carbon front mudguard. It also has a numbered top yoke stating Pista and a decal on the tail fairing stating the model.

This is the 2000 model SPS: Note the grey frame, grey wheels, Ohlins forks.


This is a Pista:




And with Sticker kit - note the 2000 Wsbk livery is slightly different.



And now we come to the crux of the issue.

There are adverts and forum posts stating that Ducati have told them that their bike is an FR2 - even though it just looks like an normal 2000 SPS.
Falloon has stated that the Pista, The FR2 and the SPS III are the same bike. But if there are FR2’s out there that aren’t Pistas - then what happened?

The 1999 SPS and the 2000 SPS have the same cylinder head part number - this is also the head that was used on the 2001 996S (EU) when it got the SPS engine.

The 1999 SPS II and the 2000 SPS III use the same cylinder head part number - which is different from the one used in the above bikes. So we can assume this is the Homologation part.

I have a theory but it’s based on pretty tenuous evidence.

What if the Pista didn’t sell as well as they hoped? They still had a bunch of bikes with the 2000 spec and the Homologation cylinder heads. So perhaps they just sold them as normal 2000 SPS models without the Pista plaque and livery - and I assume - the extra price tag.

On Falloon’s facebook page there is a post about the Pista and these are a few of the comments.


And this post is similar to what the Wizard ad and others I have seen are claiming.


Falloon says the following:

“As a low volume manufacturer Ducati was only required to produce homologation models in small numbers, releasing limited edition 851 Sport Production homologation racers from 1989. They followed this with the 888 SP and SPS in 1992 and the 916 SP in 1994. In 1997 they produced the 916 SPS to homologate new 996cc crankcases. By 2000 the Testastretta was about to supersede the Desmoquattro but as Ducati was still racing the Desmoquattro in World Superbike a series of homologation specials was produced between 1998 and 2000. While the 916 SPS evolved into the 996 SPS, for specific homologation of certain components Ducati offered very small numbers what they called the 916 SPS Fogarty Replica in 1998 and 996 SPS Factory Replica in 1999. It got very confusing because the factory never released official brochures for these limited edition homologation models and they were never widely available.

What separated the 996 SPS from the standard 996 Strada was the engine and ignition system. The SPS retained the earlier Weber Marelli EFI with P8 processor and twin injectors per cyclinders. With 11.5:1 98mm pistons, wider stud cylinder heads with larger valves (36mm inlet and 30mm exhaust) and titanium con-rods the engine produced 123 horsepower at 9,500rpm.

The 996 SPS was updated significantly for the 2000 Model Year. While the 996cc Desmoquattro engine was unchanged, new suspension made it the finest example yet of its genre. The 43mm Öhlins front fork now featured gold-coloured TiN coated fork legs and included some developments from the World Superbike racing program. The 85mm steering lugs were from the Ducati Corse 996, and along with new, stiffer, triple clamps, the axle mounting height was reduced from 110 to 80mm. This allowed for an increase in the extension of the stanchions to provide more precise front-end control. The rear subframe was now constructed of aluminium tubing, using the same cross section as the Ducati Corse 996, and saving 0.5kg. The frame and wheels were “gun metal grey” this year and the total weight 3kg less than before, at 187kg dry. The result of these developments maintained the position of the 996 SPS as the world’s premier sports bike. It may not have been the fastest superbike, but the suspension improvements elevated the 996 SPS beyond that of even the newer generation Japanese and Italian machines. It was the purist evidence of racing improving the breed.

Following requests for more examples of the 996 SPS Factory Replica, another series was produced for 2000. Originally this was to be known as the 996 SPS 3, but it was officially known as the 996 Factory Replica 2, and was primarily for the homologation of new parts for the 996 Factory 2000 World Superbike racer. When released it was designated the “Pista”, Pista being Italian for circuit or track. Aesthetically the SPS Pista was similar to the 1999 996SPS/FR (Factory Replica). A Ducati Infostrada Superbike team decal kit was offered in addition to unique tri-colour striping on the headlight fairing and seat. Each example also came with a limited edition numbered plaque affixed to the triple clamp.

Today the 996 SPS Pista signifies the pinnacle of one of Ducati’s most significant lineages. Combining the highest specification production version of the Desmoquattro with timeless 916 styling resulted in an exceptional motorcycle. While the subsequent Testastretta was more powerful and refined, the Desmoquattro in SPS guise retained the brutishness and rawness that typified Ducatis of earlier eras. But as it was so rare the 996 SPS Pista has somehow slipped underneath the radar of collectable Ducatis and now represents a bargain for those in the know.”

This is the press release from Ducati to the Australian market. Found in this forum post https://www.ducati.ms/threads/996-sps-pista.255905/#post-2623505

“Ducati's continued success in Superbike racing around the world brings with it a desire to own and ride the leading examples of motorcycle technology available.

With this, Ducati have announced a `limited' number of specially prepared 996SPS models designated the `Pista'. Pista being Italian for circuit or track.

Australia will receive just 15 examples of the total 150 worldwide production of this new model which will be available to the Australian market in late October (2000) and will retail for $39,995.00 (Plus dealer and statutory charges).

The SPS Pista will follow very similar lines to the 996SPS / FR (Factory Replica) which was released last year. Tri-colour striping on the headlight fairing and seat will be further enhanced by the inclusion of a decal kit replicating that of the Ducati Infostrada Superbike team. To distinguish the origins of the motorcycle a plaque illustrating the limited edition number will be affixed to the triple clamp of the bike.

With the SPS model drawing to a close in Ducati's model series (due to the arrival of the new 996R in mid 2001), the limited series Pista will become a very sought after model by lovers of the famous desmoquattro family.

The SPS Pista will also include all of the features of Ducati's flagship model, the stunning 996SPS. The performance, styling and handling characteristics are undoubted in the motorcycle world. A string of Superbike World Championships (and the 1999 Australian Superbike Championship) lay testament to the abilities of the homologation model for Ducati's Superbike racing program around the world.”

In the same thread there’s this:

“There are only 8 bikes in Australia as the Pista was derived to sell the remaining SPS's before the 996R came out and most people who were in the market for the top end Ducati of the day waited for the 996R.”

So that’s it - all of the info I have been able to gather on the 996 SPS and it’s variants. Would love to hear other’s thoughts on this.

If we could check cylinder head part numbers on an FR2 bike and compare with the Pista that would at least confirm if they both use the ‘Homologation’ part number.

 

Bugger me, that’s seriously, serious information gathering. I doff my hat in the presence of a master Andy

 

I thought all SPS had matching wheel and frame paint, so the 1999 would have bronze both and not 5 spoke grey wheels.

But given that lot ^^^ I know nothing!

And ducati seem to make more models derivatives than Subura Imprezas!!

 

plus the 2000 model pictured got the wrong calipers on it.

 

It was a bonkers period for knocking out a slightly different model for racing homologation - but then they added it special editions and different models for different markets - I doubt anyone working there now really knows exactly what went on.

Definitely the darker wheels on the 99 model as standard though.

Some people had the stock wheels sprayed gold and there were gold magnesium and ally options in the Ducati Performance Catalogue so you could have seen some of those.

 

Good eyes!

What are they then? An upgrade from another model or a more recent Brembo?

It’s really hard to find a completely stock bike to reference as so many get modded over the years.

 

I’ll see if I can find my old ones details, can’t remember if mine was 98 and 99, thought 99, and it was gold all round. Had ducati on the side, not 996 too (was a 916 sps variant)

 

In fact at that age I thought only the foggy rep had silver 5 spokes as standard

 

The 1998 916 SPS did have 3 spoke gold wheels and gold frame - changed to 5 spoke as standard in 1999 on the 996 SPS

 

that one got the later 996 4 pad calipers fitted