Ducati 996S — Northern California Superbike Collection
Location: Panorama City, California
VIN: ZDM1SB5T7YB007223
Mileage: 8,176 miles
Production number: 350
Title: Clean California title
Includes: one key, extra set of race bodywork
Sale purpose: All proceeds benefit a foundation supporting sustainable agriculture and agroforestry research run by the owner and his wife.
Overview
This Ducati 996S comes from the Northern California Superbike Collection and is being offered by a long-time friend of the collection’s caretakers. The bike presents as a thoughtfully prepared, race-oriented example with period performance upgrades, though it currently will not start — the inspector recorded a crank-no-start when the bike was jumper-cabled. No cold-start video is available.
Inspection and provenance
An independent mechanic with experience on high-performance Italian sportbikes inspected the machine at the collection’s storage facility. Paperwork is partial but includes recent consumables and adjustment records that corroborate the bike’s reported history and linkage to a respected collection.
Mechanical condition — summary
– Engine: Cranks but did not start during inspection. Compression and leak-down tests were consistent with a well-cared-for four-stroke Ducati of this era. Throttle response was healthy after warm-up; no abnormal oil consumption was noted.
– Starting/electrical: The battery is absent, so charging voltage could not be measured. Relays showed acidic residue consistent with past electrolyte leakage and will need cleaning or replacement. Install a known-good battery and perform a charging/load test to verify alternator output.
– Fuel/starting: Diagnose fuel-pump priming and relay operation first — confirm pump voltage and fuel pressure before replacing major components.
– Drive train: Final drive was noted dry with light surface rust. Chain sliders are missing or broken; chain and sprockets should be inspected and serviced or replaced as needed.
– Clutch/brakes: Clutch slave cylinder is leaking and should be replaced or rebuilt. Brake pads show substantial life remaining (front ~80%, rear ~75%), but some hydraulic fluids failed quality checks and require a full flush.
– Suspension and chassis: Frame and swingarm show no signs of structural repair. Forks compress and rebound smoothly though dust seals exhibit surface rust. Ohlins rear shock and steering damper functioned in expected ranges on static and short dynamic checks — note the rear shock bump stop is broken and needs replacement. Marchesini 5-spoke wheels are free of cracks and true.
– Exhaust and electronics: Termignoni exhaust and Ducati performance EPROM are fitted and bench-tested for basic operation. Electrical systems (lights, instruments) operated during inspection with no stored fault codes found on a basic scan — further testing recommended after battery installation.
Cosmetic and accessory notes
– Bodywork has been repainted and shows evidence of past repairs; one fairing carries staining and deformation from a slave-cylinder leak. Minor chips are present on exposed carbon edges consistent with road and track use.
– Right-hand mirror is broken or loose. Dzus fasteners are non-uniform between sides, indicating earlier repairs. Rear turn signals have been tucked into the tail section.
– Included in the sale: race kit with two race fairings (one fitted, one spare in a protective bag), carbon airbox, and additional carbon fiber trim.
Tires
– Rear: Dunlop Sportmax Qualifier, date code 3906 — roughly 80% tread.
– Front: Dunlop Sportmax Qualifier, date code 0907 — roughly 80% tread.
Recommended work before transfer or riding
Priority items
1. Install a serviceable battery and verify charging system performance.
2. Diagnose and repair the no-start condition — check fuel pump priming, relay operation, and fuel pressure.
3. Replace or repair leaking clutch slave cylinder and flush contaminated hydraulic fluid.
4. Replace failed hydraulic fluids (front brake, rear brake, clutch) and bleed systems.
5. Address suspension items: replace bump stop, inspect fork dust seals, and consider revalving for rider weight if you plan track use.
Additional service and safety items
– Full fluid change (engine oil, coolant).
– Brake-system inspection (rotors, calipers) and detailed fastener/safety check.
– Chain and sprocket inspection; fit new chain/sprockets and sliders if wear limits are exceeded. Confirm chain slack to manufacturer spec.
– Timing belt service where applicable.
– Replace air filter, spark plugs, and fit new tires as appropriate.
– Dyno tune to match EPROM and Termignoni exhaust if performance tuning is desired.
Documentation and follow-up
Photographs and service entries from the inspection are on file. Buyers should document all follow-up work with dated photos and invoices to preserve provenance and support future valuation.
How to evaluate and inspect in person
– Location: Panorama City, CA. Arrange a personal inspection; bring a mechanic if you’re not comfortable evaluating vintage Ducatis yourself.
– Focus points: frame, swingarm, fork tubes and dust seals, fastener consistency, evidence of frame or crash repair, and the electrical/starting system once a battery is fitted.
– Ask the seller for any available invoices for valve service, timing-belt/chain work, and suspension rebuilds. If those records are absent, budget for a full mechanical assessment.
Overview
This Ducati 996S comes from the Northern California Superbike Collection and is being offered by a long-time friend of the collection’s caretakers. The bike presents as a thoughtfully prepared, race-oriented example with period performance upgrades, though it currently will not start — the inspector recorded a crank-no-start when the bike was jumper-cabled. No cold-start video is available.0
Overview
This Ducati 996S comes from the Northern California Superbike Collection and is being offered by a long-time friend of the collection’s caretakers. The bike presents as a thoughtfully prepared, race-oriented example with period performance upgrades, though it currently will not start — the inspector recorded a crank-no-start when the bike was jumper-cabled. No cold-start video is available.1