I read that the stunt woman who actually rides the 996 in the movie got offered a brand new red 996 by Ducati after the movie came out. The real question is: where is the green 996 from the movie? There may have been several, actually, as they usually schedule a couple when stunts are involved.
Hello! Here are a couple updates from this green 998. First, I took advantage of having removed the tank to upgrade to metal quick couplings. Very happy with this fairly basic mod. Found really good quality couplings (and customer service) at this German based shop: https://www.benzinkupplung.de/ Then, I was able to source an ECU with the right map for the full race Arrow cans. I simply got in touch with NR Bikes, who are considered a leading shop when it comes to ECUs, maps, tuning and all. They are located near Pau, close from the Arnos track (https://nrbike.fr/). I simply described the configuration I have on that bike, and they sent me the correct map on a NOS (996R labeled) ECU. Riding the bike with this map and exhaust configuration is an absolute blast. 916s are considered beasty by many, 996s feel like 916+. 998s are a totally different league, as far as I am concerned. In fact, I find it a little risky, to be honest, as I ride 20-30 km/h faster with this 998 than with the 916... Finally, as the engine/exhaust note are now perfect, I started to find the clutch rattle way too loud. Got the whole thing out and there’s a good millimeter of play between the friction discs tabs and the basket. Too much. Surprising as this clutch has only 7000 miles on it... I ordered a new ergal basket and a new set of discs with the “silent” combo from Ducadisc, in the north of France, considered as the Ducati dry clutch guru, over here (http://ducadisc.com/fr/). Hoping to get it in the post this morning or tomorrow. He says the bike will sound and feel totally different, with a much less noisy clutch and a very soft clutch action. We’ll see.
Got this in the post today! Couldn’t be happier with the quality. Looking forward to put it on and test it.
Let us know how you get on, will be interesting if much softer when pulling the clutch in. Looks a nice kit, a shame we only see the pressure plate when fitted.
Indeed! Once mounted, it’s all hidden... Kit is mounted on bike and there’s already a significant difference at idle. No more gaps, no more rattle. Just the mat sound of a perfectly set dry clutch, if that makes any sense. I need to test it on the road now. Being locked down, again, it’ll have to wait till May...
Well my understanding is that the 10 km rule works for outdoor physical activities, sports, hike, etc. Not sure the gendarmes would count a bike ride as valid. Anyway, with schools closed, and Mom at work, I am stuck at home with the kiddo, supervising homework. Weather looks to be nice this weekend so that’s when I could risk a road test. I may not resist.
I have been fiddling for some time with the idea that gold and dark green could be a nice match … So I decided to put the Dymags on the Matrix for a try. I personally think it looks even better than on the red 916. And handling wise, well, it feels like an 848 now… I feel no longer limited by my ability to swing the bike quickly enough from one side to the other in twisties. The new limit is rubber grip.
Nice to see another Matrix owner albeit in another country, currently having my Panigale V4s painted in the same colours so the 998 has a big sister to share the garage with.
Would love to offer a customising service like that. It's that much easier on a new bike with a blank canvas.
