From Ducati press materials:
998S BAYLISS
To celebrate the victory of the Riders’ World Superbike Championship 2001, Ducati is dedicating a 998S replica to Troy Bayliss. The bike will be sold only through the Internet. 300 units are forecast. In case of a higher number of orders, Ducati is available to increase production up to a maximum of 500 units.
Bologna, Motorshow ‘01: The WSB Championship 2001 was yet another extraordinary season for Ducati. The new Testastretta engine of the 996R led Ducati to conquering both the constructors’ championship and the riders’ championship, with Troy Bayliss.
The Australian rider has captivated the hearts of all racing enthusiasts thanks to his riding ability and personality.
In order to celebrate the fantastic performance of the new world champion, Ducati prepared a limited edition series of the 998S Testastretta – a replica of the bike Bayliss rode in the past season.
What makes this special version really unique is Troy Bayliss’ signature, which the world champion has affixed by his own hand to each individual fuel tank.
The 998S Bayliss will be sold only through the Internet. The sales forecast is around 300 units. However, in case of surplus orders, Ducati will be available to increase production up to a maximum of 500 units.
All bikes come with a numbered plate and a Certificate of Authenticity. Orders may be entered at www.ducati.com starting from 17 December 2001.
Key in hand price will be 23,000 Euro.
The 998S Bayliss will have the following features:
998cc Testastretta engine, 136 HP at 10,000 rpm, 10.31 kgm at 8,000 rpm, sand-cast low-sump crankcase (same as the 996R engine, derived from the world champion bike);
Carbon fibre belly-pan;
Braking system with P4-34 brake calipers (four 34-mm diameter pistons) with four brake pads;
New 4.5-mm thick brake discs;
15-mm diameter brake master cylinder;
Fully adjustable TIN-coated Öhlins fork (vs. the 998S’s Showa fork);
Fully adjustable Öhlins rear shock absorber with preload, compression and rebound adjustment;
Öhlins steering damper;
Throttle body with one single injector placed above the throttle;
Each individual fuel tank is signed by Troy Bayliss
The 998S Bayliss for the North-American market will have some differences in terms of:
Engine – It will have the new 998cc Testastretta engine, 123 HP at 9750 rpm, 9.89 kgm at 8000 rpm, die-cast high-sump crankcase (same as the standard 998 model);
Fairing – Side fairings, belly-pan, front shield, airbox, heat guard under the seat, mud guard, all in carbon fibre.
The difference in terms of engine was necessary for the respect of the different homologation regulations in North America. In fact, the 136-HP Testastretta is not street-legal according to North-American regulations and Ducati decided to offer the carbon fairing parts (same as on the 996R) on the American version to compensate for the somewhat lesser power.
998S BOSTROM
155 units for North America already sold out. 155 for Europe and 155 for the rest of the world, bound to a big success.
Bologna, Motorshow ‘01: During the WSB Championship 2001, Ben Bostrom’s spectacular riding style rewarded him with excellent results, among which five consecutive wins which enabled him to equal the record set by Carl Fogarty.
The Californian rider has scores of fans, especially in the USA.
For this reason, Ducati decided to produce 3 limited series of 155 units each (his racing number) for the markets of North America, Europe and rest of the world, based on the 998S Testastretta.
The limited series for the American market was officially presented on 26 October 2001, at the Ducati Revs America gathering, in Las Vegas.
All the 155 units of this series, which were immediately sold out, have some differences Vs the ones for Europe and rest of the World in terms of:
Engine – It is the new 998cc Testastretta engine, 123 HP at 9,750 rpm, 9.89 kgm at 8,000 rpm, die-cast high-sump crankcase (same as the 998 standard);
Fairing – Side fairings, belly pan, front shield, airbox, heat guard under the seat, mud guard all in carbon fibre.
The difference in terms of engine was necessary for the respect of the different homologation regulations in North America. In fact, the 136-HP Testastretta is not street-legal according to North-American regulations and Ducati decided to offer the carbon fairing parts (same as on the 996R) on the American version to compensate for the somewhat lesser power.
The 998S Bostrom for Europe and rest of the World will have the following features:
998cc Testastretta engine, 136 HP at 10,000 rpm, 10.31 kgm at 8,000 rpm, sand-cast low-sump crankcase (same as the 996R engine, derived from the world champion bike);
Carbon fibre belly pan;
Braking system with P4-34 brake calipers (four 34-mm diameter pistons) with four brake pads;
New 4.5-mm thick brake discs;
15-mm diameter brake master cylinder;
Fully adjustable TIN-coated Ohlins fork (vs. the Showa fork of the 998S);
Fully adjustable Ohlins rear shock absorber with preload, compression and rebound adjustment;
Ohlins steering damper;
Throttle body with one single injector placed above the throttle
All bikes come with a numbered plate and a Certificate of Authenticity. Orders for the units destined to Europe and to the rest of the World may be placed at the nearest Ducati Store or Ducati Dealer starting from 5 December 2001.
Key in hand price will be 23,000 Euro.
DUCATIMONSTER 620 DARK i.e.
After the presentation of the 02 range, introducing new technical developments on all models, Ducati presents the new Monster 620 Dark i.e..
Completely renewed, just like the other members of the family, the new Monster 620 Dark i.e., has nothing in common with the old 600 Dark, except for the color.
THE PRODUCT
The new arrival was completely re-designed, on the basis of the experience gained from the S4.
The most important changes have been made to the chassis and the engine, which now boasts electronic fuel injection on all models.
The price remains competitive, offered to the public at 7200 euro.
What’s new in brief
– Immobilizer
– New multi-purpose electronic instrument panel
– New airbox (derived from the S4)
– New exhaust pipes
– New mufflers
– New frame derived from the S4
– Electronic injection
– New 5.9 ECU
– New rear suspension layout derived from the SBK
– New Sachs adjustable rear shock absorber
– New front fork
– New technological polymer tank
PERFORMANCE
Power delivery on the newly injected 620 i.e., has changed radically, and allows a smoother power output and more comfortable ride for city use. At the same time it provides excellent response on more demanding country roads.
ENGINE AND TECHNICAL FEATURES
The newest feature is undoubtedly the new electronic fuel injection engine featured on the Monster 620 i.e. which, with 9 H.P. more than the previous version, resulting in a broader rpm range and an increased top speed, besides providing increased torque for greater flexibility in all situations.
Of course, for those who just got their license, there is also the 25 kW 620 i.e. restricted power version.
Even the valves have been increased in diameter on the 620 i.e. which, together with the new greater volume airbox, improve the engine’s breathing, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Of course, the 620 i.e. Dark also complies with the Euro 2 emission standard, featuring a catalytic converter.
CHASSIS
It is impossible to think of a new engine without pairing it up with a suitable frame.
In fact, this year Ducati, based on the success of the S4, has chosen to use a frame deriving from it on the entire range, which guarantees increased torsion stiffness by more than 30%; the new 620 i.e. Dark also benefits from this move.
This means safety and stability when faced with the most demanding road conditions.
The 620 i.e. Dark has a new frame, but with a reduced seat height that is suitable even for the growing number of enthusiasts among women.
Starting this year, however, it is possible to request a higher seat.
The new front fork was redesigned with an appropriate setting, ensuring greater stability on curves and safer, more precise handling.
The rear suspension, which features a new Sachs rear shock with adjustable rebound damping and spring pre-load, now follows the set up of the award winning Superbike range.
SAFETY
Ducati has always been aware of the need for exceptional dynamic safety.
The Monster 620 i.e. Dark come, in the Italy version only, with a new braking system with two 320 mm front discs which, thanks to the redesigned front forks, help to keep the bike stable in all braking conditions. The steering shaft has been enlarged from 25 to 40 mm resulting in increased stiffness and safety of the front end through turns.
Even the entry-level version of the 620 is standard-equipped with immobilizer.
ERGONOMICS
The already excellent ergonomics of the Monster have been further improved in order to use the new models to their fullest on long trips but also to make them agile and usable in the city.
The new riding position, taken from the S4, is now integrated with new, more ergonomic and functional switch units, which enhance the entire range (except for the 600 Dark).
INSTRUMENTS
To highlight Ducati’s attention to detail, the Dark features a newly designed multi-functional electronic instrument panel.
Even while riding, on the digital display it is possible to view the oil temperature or the clock thanks to a special button.
Furthermore, it is possible to change the brightness of the instrument panel light, should it be too intense at night and, on the display, service is recalled at the scheduled time.
The trip meter and the odometer feature liquid crystals and the immobilizer, which is standard, is built into the instrument panel with an automatic initial setting.
