The 996 had larger 98 mm (3.9 in) pistons, larger valves, a stronger crankshaft and crankcases ported from the 916 SPS.
But since the 916 camshaft gave a softer, less peaky power delivery and less top-end power (83.5 kW (112.0 hp) as against the SPS’s 92.4 kW (123.9 hp)) the 996 was built with a new air intake system with two fuel injectors per cylinder. A new airbox and a distinctive underseat exhaust system were also built into the new design. The chassis was also modified. Lighter wheels were introduced along with improved calipers, discs and pads stronger compared to the 916. The suspension system was still the same Showa design but both the front and back were fully adjustable for damping and preload.
Updates in 2000 saw the wheels change and get updated to all new Marchesini wheels. The front forks were also titanium nitrided to reduce stiction. The spokes also changed from the three-spoke rim style of the 916 to a new five-spoke scheme. In 2001 another overhaul saw the 996 rear shock absorber change from a Showa to an Öhlins.
In 2002, the 996 was superseded by the Ducati 998.
The 996SPS suffix stood for ‘Sport Production Special’. The engine was the same as the one used in the 916SPS but the weight was cut down considerably. The 996SPS produced around 92.4 kW (124 bhp), more than the standard 996. The 996’s special SPS engine was much stronger than anything that Ducati or any other manufacturer at the time had produced for the track. To ensure a distance was held between the standard 996 and the 996SPS Ducati designed a much higher specification chassis for the SPS. The wheels were a five spoke design but were lighter than the standard three spoke design of the 916 and the early 996. In 1999 the rear shocks were made by high quality Swedish suspensions manufacturer, Öhlins with Showa front forks. In 2000 Öhlins forks were added. The adjustable steering head also allowed geometry changes to the steel tube trellis frame making it suitable for different riding styles or race tracks.