916 SPS

1997 Ducati 916 SPS Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around Ducati's sport motorcycle platform, the 1997 Ducati 916 SPS relies on a 916 cc (55.9 cu in) liquid-cooled v2, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 135 HP (98.5 kW) at 10,000 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 147.4 HP per liter, the engine character is placing it firmly in high-revving supersport territory where top-end breathing dominates.

On the scales, the 916 SPS measures 185 kg (408 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.73 HP/kg (1.37 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 790 mm (31.1 in) seat height — offering a neutral standover height that accommodates most average-inseam riders without sacrificing cornering clearance.

Within MotoLibrary's Ducati archive, this model family spans 2 indexed model years from 1997 to 1998, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.