Ducati 996R Corsa

2001 Ducati 996R Corsa.
For the 2001 season. the factory's racing department. Ducati Corsa. made available a small number of 996Rs for selected race teams around the world. They cost €26.000 new (approximately £23.000 at today's exchange rate and considerably more then) and were to the same specification as the Internet-only customer version. albeit 'blueprinted' by the factory to racing standards.
It should be noted that all of the models supplied for race use came without the engraved numbered plaque normally fitted on the fork top yoke and thus were classed as 'Outside the numbers'.
The history of Ducati's 8-valve. water-cooled. v-twin engine is one of constant development spurred on by a single goal: to enable the factory team to maintain its supremacy in the World Superbike Championship. One of the most important landmarks in this ongoing process was the introduction in September 2000 of the testastretta engine. Designed by ex-Ferrari Formula 1 engineer. Angiolino Marchetti. this new motor was based on the existing Desmoquattro but featured a revised cylinder head with the pairs of valves set at a much reduced included angle to achieve a more efficient combustion space. hence the name testastretta. meaning 'narrow head'. As well as the new heads. the testastretta featured a shorter stroke/larger bore permitting higher revs. higher-lift camshafts. sand-cast crankcases. a deeper sump and a new Marelli engine management system.
The 998cc testastretta engine made its debut in a mildly upgraded version of the existing 996SPS chassis as the limited edition 996R. which in a novel marketing strategy was offered for sale over the Internet. Almost all were sold soon after the model's release on 12th September 2000.
This UK bike was supplied new by On Your Bike – Ducati Aylesbury to a local Italian restaurant owner to sit in his garage alongside his Ferrari. He owned the bike for 4 years then sold it to Mr. Jones from Mansfield. He owned the bike for 5 years before the current owner purchased it from him in 2011. a total of 3 owners from new.
Being sold with a heavy heart. but a lack of space and time mean this wonderful bike has been very rarely ridden.
This machine must be one of the few left of these hand-built Ducati Corsa models never to have been raced. It has covered only 6483 miles from new. All recent servicing has been carried out by local Ducati specialist Jeff at Baines Racing. Silverstone. The bike has just been checked and serviced. including new belts and battery ready for its new owner.
Comes complete with a comprehensive history file. and the original parts and accessories. including standard exhausts. ECU. clutch rings. bike cover. rear Stand. workshop manual. both keys and alarm fobs. Presented in beautiful condition. this unique 996R represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire the ultimate road legal Ducati.
Offered for sale on behalf of its professional owner (very good friend & long time customer). who doesn't have the time to deal with the sale.
Part exchanges will be considered.