Up for auction is a superb press photograph of the famous Ducati 998 S from the Model Year 2002.

The Ducati 998 was the successor of the famous Ducati 851, 888, 916 and 996 desmoquattro models. On the image the 2002 Ducati 998 S model is shown, it was the debut of the Ducati 998 S!

Compared to the ‘standard’ 998, the Ducati 998 S received the engine used in the 2001 limited edition Ducati 996R. It made 136bhp at 10,000rpm, some 13bhp up on the MY 2001 996S. Other features on the Ducati 998S over standard include an Ohlins steering damper, colour-matched mirrors, new brake calipers and the carbon-fibre belly pan.

The Ducati 998, a successor to the Ducati 996 and the final variation on the Ducati 916, was produced in various models from 2001 to 2004. The new Testastretta engine shared many similarities with the previous Desmoquattro engine in the 996, although it was completely new from the crankshaft up. Testastretta means narrow head and refers to a complete redesign of the cylinder heads. The desmodromic valve actuation method was retained.

The 996 had a bore and stroke of 98.0 mm × 66.0 mm (3.86 in × 2.60 in). The bore and stoke of the 998 was more oversquare at 100.0 mm × 63.5 mm (3.94 in × 2.50 in). The included valve angle was reduced from 40 degrees on the 996 to 25 degrees on the 998. Valve sizes were increased, and the camshafts had slightly increased lift, but with shorter duration. Horsepower increased from 112 to 123.

The 998R and non US 998S models had different crankcases with a deep oil sump. The standard 998 had crankcases which were very similar to the previous Desmoquattro. The non US 998S as well as the 998R had revised cam profiles which provided more power than the standard 998. The 998R model used a 104.0 mm × 58.8 mm (4.09 in × 2.31 in) mm bore and stroke which actually displaced 999 cc, and was very similar to the engine used in the subsequent 999R model.

In 2001, Ducati introduced the 996R (see Ducati 996) with the 998 cc Testastretta engine. This bike was the true introduction of the Testastretta engine and the 998 model. The engine was similar to the 2002 non US 998S. Only 500 were sold which was all that were needed to homologate the bike to race in the World Superbike Championship. This bike won the World Superbike Championship in 2001 with rider Troy Bayliss. Michael Rutter won the Macau Grand Prix in 2002 and 2003.

A 2001 Ducati 996, in dark green, was featured in the 2003 movie The Matrix Reloaded. Ducati subsequently announced a limited edition of similar bikes for model year 2004 in a very dark green color, but as production of the 996 had since ceased, these were actually 998-series bikes.

The 998 officially ended production in 2004 with the release of the 998s FE ("Final Edition"). This bike was only available by special order, it was not available as a regular production model. They were available in Biposto and Monoposto(one or two seat) versions. It was largely similar to the US model 2002 998S (using the standard 998 engine but with uprated Ohlins suspension components and Brembo four-piston calipers).

This is a very nice and very rare non period photo that reflects a wonderful era of Ducati’s motorcycle history in a wonderful way. This is your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 12" (ca. 20 x 30 cm). It makes it perfectly suitable for framing!

Shipping costs will only be $ 10.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!

All our photos are modern photos that are traditionally made from what we believe are the original negatives and are copyright protected.

 (Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)

No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.

All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files and board backed envelopes.

They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!

First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.