Ducati 998 servicing
2002 to 2004 · 998cc Testastretta V-twin · Greenwich, London
Ray Petty Meccanica looks after the Ducati 998, 998 S, 998 R, Matrix and Final Edition (2002 to 2004) at its independent Ducati workshop in Greenwich, London, from routine servicing to repairs. As the last and most developed of the Tamburini 916 line, it keeps the family's belt-driven camshafts and hydraulically operated clutch, and RPM looks after both along with the suspension and brakes.
About the 998
The 998 was the final version of Tamburini's 916, built from 2002 to 2004 before the 999 replaced it. It kept the trellis frame, single-sided swingarm and under-seat exhausts, but every model used the Testastretta ('narrow head') engine introduced on the 996 R. The standard engine is a liquid-cooled 998cc unit (100 x 63.5mm) with four desmodromic valves per cylinder, the included valve angle cut from 40° to 25°, larger valves and new cams. The 998 S had revised cams and more power, and the 998 R used a 999cc, 104 x 58.8mm version with a deep sump. The 2004 run included the dark green Matrix, named after the 996 used in The Matrix Reloaded, and the Final Edition, sold to order.
Servicing your 998
The Testastretta still drives its camshafts with toothed belts, so a 998 needs new belts on age as well as mileage, together with the Desmo valve clearance service on Ducati's schedule for the model. Visordown's used guide to the 916, 996 and 998 rates the clutch as one of the weaker parts: hydraulic slave cylinders can fail, and a snatchy action often improves with cleaning. It also warns that a rear shock moved away from its standard settings leaves the back end feeling loose, and that Brembo calipers which have lost their bite usually recover with a strip and clean. If you're buying a 998, Matrix or Final Edition, RPM will look at it before you commit and tell you what it is likely to need.
Book your 998 in
Tell us the mileage and what's due, and we'll arrange a date.
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Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Sunday and Monday: closed