Forum post about Ducati 998 R
The 2002 model year brought yet another exotic, beatiful and incredibly powerful Ducati homologation racebike for the road. The 998 R is powered by a road-going version of the second-generation Testastretta engine. This 999cc motor has a larger bore and shorter stroke (104×58.8mm/3.9×2.3in) than the 998S, which uses the previous Testastretta design.
The Testastretta (Italian for narrrow head) desgin first appeared on the limited edition 996R race-replica of 2001. It was the first major reddesign of the Desmoquattro engine since the 916 of 1994, with the aim of producing a new line of engines for future development. Ducati rearranged the desmodromic valve gear of bring the camshafts closer together and allow a narroer valve angle.
This narrower valve arrangement was essential to improve the combustion chamber shape for increased effiency. The Testastretta also used a revised, short-stroke architecture, allowing higher revs and larger valves, while new stronger crankcases were designed to cope with the stresses of World Superbike racing. The latest version of Ducati’s fuel-injection system uses a single “shower” - type injector and 54mm(2,1in) throttle bodies.
This immesnsely strong engine is fitted to an equally excellent stiffness without excessive weight. The single-sided rear swingarm is heavier than a conventional double-sided design, but has become iconic of the 916/996 range. Top-of-the-range Öhlins racing suspension front and rear is fully adjustable, and the forks are titanium nitride coated to reduce stiction. Racing four-pad Brembo brake calipers operate on floating discs bolted to graceful five-spoke Marchesini wheels. The beatiful fairing is slightly reshaped compared with the older 996, and is made of strong but light carbon-fibre.
Like the 996R of 2001, the 998R was a limited-edition production run, and many of these exotic thoroughbreds will end up on the racetrack.
About Ducati 998R:
Top speed: 280km/h (175mph)
Engine type: 999cc, I/c 90º V-twin, eight valve, DOHC
Maximum power: 104kW (139bhp) @ 10 000rpm
Frame type: steel-tube trellis
Tyre size: front 120/70 17, rear 190/50 17
Final drive: chain
Gearbox: 6 speed
Weight: 183kg (404lb)
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