Page 5
By Dan Coe
Images By Tom Riles

Steering remains both stable and precise. While the canted bars and committed riding position are best suited for the racetrack, quick changes in direction still require effort. It sounds funny to describe the Ducati's steering as "quick and heavy" but so be it. The steering quickness and stability of the 998 is largely dictated by ride-height and adjustable geometry, while the amount of steering effort required in changing directions (although influenced by geometry) is also influenced by machine's weight and tire profiles. Never did the 998 feel anything but secure in handling, but due to all the bikes using non-spec tires, the 998-rear ride height felt slightly low. Even without measuring I would suspect that the OEM Pirelli tires would have the Ducati pointing more on its nose.

There was no waiting around for acceleration with the new combination of cam timing and increased capacity CPU mapping. Instant response awaited, to the extent the injection could have been softer or more forgiving. The expression "barks off corners" comes to mind. The test 998s would easily spin their rear tires when accelerating from slower to moderate speed corners. In most cases this is not recommended and would present a problem, however with the linear power delivery the 998 and some finesse, power induced slides were easily controlled. (Always wear leathers!)

While discussing the controls I would mention that my lack of activity with racetrack testing became most apparent about half way through the day. Sitting at my day-job desk has brought new meaning to the medical malady Carpel Tunnel. I soon found myself asking for wrist supports and longer levers. This is not like me and I do believe my discomfort at the wrists was due to my pre-conditioned condition. Normally I will adjust the lever positions to my liking, which minimizes the deflection in the angles of my wrists but during the test this was not an option.

All said, I would still consider the pull effort with both the clutch and brake levers higher than necessary.

Gauges and instrumentation on the racetrack usually are secondary, with the exception of the tachometer. Perhaps this was a good thing as all models I tested were European spec and speedometer readings were in kilometers. This posed no problem, as I tend never to look at the left gauge. Also linked to the controls, a curious starting backfire awaited all who inadvertently left the key in the "on" position with the engine off for extended periods. The ignition's computer automatically falls into a "sleeping" mode when the key is left on. The engine will not re-start until the ignition is cycled "off and on" again. An easy fix, just follow the procedure.

By now it should come as no surprise that our friends from Bologna offer the Testastratta in more than one version. What's unique is the fact that for the sporting investor, three additional versions are available. On top of this, update parts, which bring the basic 998 up to the next level, are also available. Name one other major manufacturer that offers such flexibility.

The next step up from the basic 998 is the 998S. One hundred fifty-five street legal models of the "S" version will be available with the Ben Bostrom "Stars & Stripes" paint theme. Each will arrive with Dunlop tires, a fully adjustable Ohlin fork, Ohlin steering damper, updated brakes, carbon body parts and the "R" version camshaft. Ducati intends for the Bostrom replica to replace their earlier high performance 996SPS model.

The coup de grace, Ducati's "R" version will definitely elevate the status of your garage. Depending on the country of import, this quasi-street legal version arrives with an even higher revving 104mm bore/58.8 stroke, increased compression 139 horsepower engine. Sand-cast cases, special camshafts and ignition mapping, deep oil sump, improved air inlets, full Ohlin suspension, carbon fairing and bits, carbon solo seat, special wheels, front calipers, offset rotors and more separate the "R" from the rest. Ducati Performance exhaust and extras remain an available option.

It is painfully obvious that Ducati's approach to motorcycles is a passionate one. The machines are robust with a unique flair and flavor and it's nice to see that their goals are focused on the needs of their customers, perhaps at the occasional expense of a fancy party or introduction. After all, it's all about the motorcycles.