The Ducati 916 SPS (Sport Production Special) was born in 1997 to standardize the 996 cc engine in the Superbike World Cup. With reinforcements in the block, first level suspensions and a reduced weight, it was considered by many as the definitive “career”. Only 1462 units were manufactured, the majority for competition teams, which makes it a holy grail for collectors.
The unit that Benson received had lived his days of glory in the New Hampshire championship (LRRS), but after his withdrawal he ended up stored to satin, with the damaged and without fairing engine. The challenge was clear: to return a machine made to win titles.
The rescue of a myth
“When I received it, there were hardly the rear subchassis, the ECU and the lower part of the engine”, Recalls Dan, who competed years ago with Ducati 748 and 996. His career experience taught him to squeeze every detail by weight, power and dynamic behavior.
Far from restoring purist, he opted for a restomod approach: maintain the essence of the SPS, but updating key components to give him a more wild life.
Technical metamorphosis
The list of modifications impresses. The chassis is now from a 996 Ducati of 2001, accompanied by a Monster S4R tubular tubular and Öhlins Sopification Superbike suspensions. The engine retains the original SPS housings, but was rebuilt with lightened crankshaft, titanium connecting rods, cylinder heads and cylinders of 996, SPS cams, antirrebote clutch and closed transmission. The estimated power is around 130 hp, transmitted through an artisanal escape combined with Ducati 1098 silent.
The result, according to Dan, is as brutal as exciting: “The power is atroz..
The aesthetic firm: the Britten tribute
Although the most striking at first glance is not his figures, but his painting. Dan chose a chromatic scheme inspired by the Britten V1000, with electric blue, fluorescent roses and yellow that break with the traditional Ducati red. “John Britten was a visionary and a risky. This tribute I love because it causes reactions: purists do not like, but that is part of the magic”.
Do not miss the interview that bikebound boys do to the creator of this jewel, Dan Benson.
Specifications and outstanding improvements of the Ducati 916 SPS ‘Britduc’
- CHASSIS AND PART CYCLE: Ducati 996 (2001), SPS SUBCHASIS 1998, tubular tubular monster S4R
- Suspension: Öhlins FG43 Superbike in front with mechanized driots, Öhlins Ducati 999 rear shock, Öhlins 996 direction shock absorber 996
- Brakes: Radial Brembo, Monoloque 1098 tweezers, Floating discs 749/999
- Engine: Cranks 916 SPS, titanium connecting rods, lightened crankshaft, codats and cylinders 996, SPS cams, antirrebote clutch, closed transmission
- Wheels: Marchesini forged by Ducati Hypermotard
- Exhaust: Personalized Collectors + Silent Ducati Arrow 1098
- Bodywork: Original fibers 916/996, Deposit 998, Colín Cargoza 916
- Paint: scheme inspired by the Britten V1000 with special prismatic powders finishes
