For all the classic Ducatis->ke622 that were scheduled to be auctioned off at the 2012 RM Auctions in Monaco, it's nice to know that there were also modern examples waiting to be had. One of them was the 2002 Ducati 998R->ke1919, a bike that was developed from the 2001 996R and comes in pretty limited availability.
Only 700 models of the 998R were built, and this particular model, CN: ZDMH200AA2B021283, was one of the bikes that was homologated to race specifications, allowing it to compete in the World Superbike Championship in 2001.
The 998R is powered by a 999 cc DOHC liquid-cooled Desmo V-twin engine that has been mated to a six-speed transmission. It carries a different crankcase from the standard 998 and came with a deep oil sump. It also had a more radical cam and an even more oversquare configuration with 104x58.8 mm bore and stroke.
The particular model auctioned in Monaco was number 635 of the 700 limited edition models. It only had 144 miles on its meter, and is considered being 'as-new' condition. Bid price for this 2002 998R was expected to fetch about €6,000 - €8,000, which is around $7,700 - $10,400 based on current exchange rates. Actual selling price was a whopping $21,212. Someone wanted this bike bad!
2002 Ducati 998R
- Make: Array
- Model: 2002 Ducati 998R
- Engine/Motor: DOHC liquid-cooled Desmo V-twin
- Transmission: 6-Speeds Transmission
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
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