“The 996’s simplicity is a cleansing antidote to complication, modernity and distraction. If it’s running… you’re in the right drive mode.” —Richard Newland, Motorcycle News

After six seasons of competing in the new World Superbike Championship series with only limited success, Ducati decided that a new model was needed to replace their existing 851 and 888 models. Designed by Massimo Tamburini, the resulting 916 debuted in 1994. The model’s name was derived from its engine displacement and quickly became the blueprint for the modern superbike. Not only would the 916 go on to four Superbike World Championships by 1998, but was a handsome, versatile machine equally suited as a road or race bike. The 996 debuted in 1999 with minor alterations, namely an exhaust mounted below the seat for improved aerodynamics and a single-sided swing arm mounted rear wheel for faster changes during racing.

After losing the Super Bike World Championship to Honda in 2000, Ducati debuted the 996R in 2001. Its R suffix naturally standing for “racing,” the 996R featured carbon fiber bodywork, a revised fairing, and Öhlins suspension both front and rear. Its most impressive addition, however, was its newly redesigned engine, the Testastretta (narrow-head). Designed by former Ferrari Formula One engineer Angiolino Marchetti, the mill earned its name from its uniquely narrow valve arrangement for improved combustion while also featuring more aggressive camshafts, titanium conrods, and a shorter stroke with wider bore, which allowed it to rev more safely at high RPMs.

In September 2001, Ducati Corse, the factory’s racing department, released a limited run of 996Rs to private customers. Just 500 units were built, all replete with the model’s full racing equipment and, most importantly, its Testastretta engine. Acquired by the Dare to Dream Collection in 2015, this example, number 325, displays just 335 miles at time of cataloguing. Offered in essentially unridden condition, this piece of Italian racing heritage, designed by minds borrowed from Ferrari Formula One racing, offers a wonderful pairing to any collection of fine Italian machines.