RocketJohn's
2002 Ducati 998 Biposto
"Razzo"
Razzo (translated Italian for rocket)
This is the motorcycle that finally PUSHED me over the edge and thrust me into
the world of motorcycling.
The first sport bike that spawned my lust over bikes was Trey's
1985 Suzuki GSXR750 back in college at UT in Austin. His tales of performance
and lust captivated me as a fan of all things fast and shiny.
Ever since then,
I've been intrigued by motos and knew I'd have one one day.
In 1998, and on my way to Colorado from Houston, Texas, I was already
planning on how to get into motorcycling and planning on how to get a
Ducati. It took me 8 years and over 60,000 miles of riding other bikes to finally
pull the trigger on my dream bike: The Final Tamborini designed Ducati Superbike.
In 1994 the Ducati 916 was introduced into the world by Massimo Tamburini.
In it's 3rd generation, the 998 share most of the original design but with
a newly designed 998cc engine, code named Testastretta, which is also now
used in the Ducati 999, the current (2003-Present) generation superbike.
05/05/06: I purchased this flawless biposto (dual seat) example from its original owner
with 4,466 miles and put 600 miles on Razzo in the first week. What an
incredible machine. I have never experienced such mechanical-organic
perfection in my 35 years on Earth.
06/01/06: Bridgestone 120/180 BT014 tires installed at 5k miles - thumbs up so far!
06/30/06: I'm at 7,000 miles and
I couldn't be happier with my ownership
experience or the bike's performance levels. Supertune Motorsports is currently
completing the 10k Km maintenance including installing the hardened valve collets,
upgraded hardened shimkit, new belts (current ones 4 years old), 14/38 sprockets,
and the rest of the 10k KM maintenance items (clean air filters, oil / oil filter, new coolant, etc)
Modifications from Stock:
1) Evoluzione Radiator Fan Relay (prior owner)
2) Evoluzione Kickstand Bypass (prior owner)
3) Evoluzione Rear License Plate relocator (prior owner)
4) Evoluzione Tail light integrator (prior owner) - I have since disconnected and removed.
5) Corring of Stock Exhaust cans (prior owner)
6) Custom Dynamics integrated LED tail light/brake light/turn signal integrator - Impressively bright unit.
7) Xenon HID low/high beam upgrade from HID Online - installation here
8) Ducati Corse Carbon Tank Protector (prior owner)
9) Paulimoto Pressure Plate and Spring Retainer
10) Barnett Clutch Plates
11) MPL Tuning Billet Aluminum Clutch Cover
12) MBP 4-Valve Collets and Shim kit
13) AFAM front 14T sprocket (original was 15T)
14) AFAM rear 38T sprocket and carrier (original was 36T)
15) Fast by Ferracci Clip ons - These beautiful clip-ons make riding more comfortable by raising the handlebar angle 8°.
Razzo's flawless gauges.
Razzo at home.
Specifications
Engine | |
|---|---|
Type:
Displacement: Bore x stroke: | 90 degree vertical twin with four valves per cylinder 998 cm³ 100mm x 63.5mm (3.9 x 2.5 inches) |
Power:
Torque: Red line: Compression: Cooling: Engine management: | 123 bhp (89.8 kW) DIN at 9,750 rpm 71.5 lb.ft (97 Nm) at 8,000 rpm 10,300 rpm 101.4:1 Liquid EFI |
Transmission | |
6 Speed Gearbox:
| First 2.467 |
Clutch:
Drive: Final drive: Primary drive ratio: | Dry Chain Stock 15/36 1.84:1 |
Electrics | |
Battery:
Alternator: Headlamp: | 12V xW H1/H3 Projector setup |
Dimensions | |
Capacity:
Capacity warning light illuminates: Fuel: | 4.49 US gallons (17 liters) 1.06 US gallons (4 liters) Premium 91 Octane Minimum |
Length:
Overall Width: Wheelbase: Height: Seat Height: |
79.9 inches (2,030mm) x inches (ymm) 55.5 inches (1,410mm) 42.5 inches (1,080mm) 31.1 inches (790mm) |
Unladen weight (dry):
| 436lb (198kg) |
Suspension | |
Front:
| Showa Front Forks - Upside Down Design - 5" of Travel |
Rear:
| Ohlins Rear Shock - 5" of Travel |
Brakes | |
Front brakes:
| Dual 320mm discs Twin four-piston Brembo calipers |
Rear brakes:
| Single 220mm disc Single two-piston Bremo floating caliper |
Tires and wheels | |
Front Wheel:
Front Tire: Rear Wheel: Rear Tire: | 3 x 17 inch 5 spoke cast aluminum 120/70-17 (tubeless) 5.5 x 17 inch 5 spoke cast aluminume 180/55-17 or 190/50-17 (tubeless) |