More Ducati 955SP (916SPa)... Any of them yours?

**955SP** · 03 Dec 07, 10:31 AM

Thought I would open a page to see if I could find any other 955SP owners out there!!

I know that Rob down at PRO TWINS has one and that I have been told that PRO TWINS look after about 10 in the UK for servicing etc.

Looking around the web I have found the following but without seeing the engine numbers its hard to tell if they are genuine 955SP or a 916 with a 955 conversion.

1. Found at the SUPERSHOW Collection of Historic Motorcycles in Canada

" rare variation of the legendary 916, only 50 of these SPA's were hand-built by the racing department to comply with AMA homologation rules in order to compete in the AMA Superbike series."

Text and Images taken from (The SUPERSHOW Motorcycle Collection - Motorcycles of Italy)

2. Found in reviews for Carbon Fibre Wheels and Paint Protection film at Web Bike World

"My motorcycle is a 1996 Ducati 916SPA. This model was a limited production run of homologation bikes built by the factory specifically to race in the AMA Superbike Series for Fast By Ferracci when Freddie Spencer was their hired gun.

Despite a host of engine and running gear upgrades added to make these same alterations legal for the race bikes, the rims were the same cast aluminum hoops used on the standard Strada. I was interested in upgrading the capabilities of the bike, but my intent was to keep this track day bike street legal."

Carbon Wheel Images and text taken from:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-wheels/carbon-fiber-motorcycle-wheels/
Paint Protection Bike Image taken from:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/motorcycle-paint-protection/

3. A Cole Howell's Picture Gallery of his '96 916SPa Track Bike at madducti

(Images taken from Cole Howell - Picture Gallery)

4. Gaz's 955SP from Road Racers

"I traded my GSXR750WV for a Ducati 955SP on a balmy summer's day 1998. "Why?" I hear you cry, well about six of you anyway. It all started with me making the fatal mistake of riding John's SPS, out at the Nurburgenringen. Now I thought my GSXR was good but the SPS is another level, and that was it, I was hooked. Of course, there's one slight problem with wanting an SPS legally and that's the cash, so I kept a look out in the classifieds for an interesting option, and lo and behold there is a God - 'Ducati 955 SP, work carried out by Steve Wynn.'

I rang up the dealer, he was prepared to take the GSXR in part ex. Spoke to Steve Wynn, he remembered the bike and confirmed it was pukka, so off I went to sunny Cheshire and purchased the Duke."

(Images and text taken from Roadracers)

**jay m** · 11 Jan 08, 03:18 AM

Yea, I have one. Engine # ZDM955W4*000002*

jay

**DesmoEddy** · 11 Jan 08, 01:27 PM

Gaz's 955 pictured above was really "only" a 916 with mods including 96mm barrels and pistons (I think carried out by Sports M/C). We were at the 'Ring one time and his bike started sounding like a tractor - turned out it had cracked the cases since they were the earlier, pre-97 type. I can't remember who rebuilt it for him.

DesmoEddy

**955SP** · 11 Jan 08, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DesmoEddy

Gaz's 955 pictured above was really "only" a 916 with mods including 96mm barrels and pistons (I think carried out by Sports M/C). We were at the 'Ring one time and his bike started sounding like a tractor - turned out it had cracked the cases since they were the earlier, pre-97 type. I can't remember who rebuilt it for him.

DesmoEddy

Thanks very much for the info. I cant edit my first post otherwise I would remove it.
Hugh

**ripper996** · 14 Jan 08, 02:25 AM

Right lads, here's a couple of photos of the engine number and the bike. Body work was driven over to the paint shop late Friday night. I have all the parts ready to go on the bike, such as forks. calipers, rotors, etc., so as soon as the bike gets back from being painted, it shouldn't take that long to put together, 3 to 4 weeks I'm thinking. I'll do a weekly photo post journal of the bike.

**955SP** · 14 Jan 08, 10:11 AM

Excellent pictures. Cant wait to see the prgress and the finished bike.
Hugh

**ripper996** · 20 Jan 08, 07:04 AM

Sorry guys, couldn't make it to Desmoto in time on Friday. I'll stop by and post mid-week before the bike and frame are sent out and checked just to be sure of anything. All the body work has gone to the painters. As soon as everything is back then the real fun begins, (assembly). Can't wait.

**ripper996** · 25 Jan 08, 07:18 AM

I managed to swing by Desmoto Sport before the bike goes to see if the frame is OK. It should be back within the week, together with the bodywork. Then the real re-building starts, and hopefully the weather changes as it had sucked in Northern California.

**ripper996** · 01 Feb 08, 07:06 AM

Stopped by Desmoto Sport to check on the 955. It is on it's way back from the jig guy having passed with flying colors. No damage whatsoever to the frame. Not sure when the bodywork will show up? Obviously, no photos this week.

...955SP, did you collect your bike yet?

**955SP** · 02 Feb 08, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ripper996

Stopped by Desmoto Sport to check on the 955. It is on it's way back from the jig guy having passed with flying colors. No damage whatsoever to the frame. Not sure when the bodywork will show up? Obviously, no photos this week.

...955SP, did you collect your bike yet?

Nope, its a bit of a slow process waiting for the paint! Dropped off a bit of magnesium and a bit more carbon to bolt on. Cant wait!

**ripper996** · 02 Feb 08, 06:56 AM

It's official...I got am email from Eraldo Ferracci himself and also spoke to his operations manager, Hoak. They both told me that ALL 955's manufactured by Ducati NEVER had a plaque mounted on the triple clamp by either Ducati or Ferracci. I have read a lot of opinions on the net and in various Ducati publications. Most said that there was a plaque made for the bike by Ferracci when it was imported into the US. I guess it was not the case.

**ripper996** · 10 Feb 08, 06:12 AM

Once again, stopped by Desmoto Sport. The repainted body panels should be back within the next 10 days, maybe sooner. I didn't bother with the camera, but will keep it with me next week. Hopefully, I'll get a phone call saying it's on the ramp being worked on. Cheers...

**ripper996** · 23 Mar 08, 04:06 AM

Allegedly, and i'm using this word sparingly in this text, but my 955SPA will be ready in two weeks (ish). Slight problem with the painters....Hoorah...pics will be submitted upon arrival in my garage.

**955SP** · 23 Mar 08, 07:31 AM

Allegedly.... so will mine? Can't wait! Been looking at other tasty mods. But it gets very very expensive when you leave the 'bit of carbon here and there' and move to the 'genuine wsb magnesium this' and 'superbike ohlins' etc. But only the best for my baby!

**ripper996** · 23 Mar 08, 05:13 PM

Nothing wrong with that. Funny enough, but I was talking to someone who was adamant that I leave the bike totally stock, I understand his point, but it's too hard NOT to modify and upgrade OEM stuff on Ducs. SInce it's been at the shop I changed out the Showa forks, both master cylinders, rear-sets, wheels and calipers. I've kept all the stock parts. However, Ducati's just look so much better with all the 'other' OEM kit.