In 2002 the new highly acclaimed Testastretta engine replaces the highly successful 996.

• New features common to the whole 998 range
  - New smooth fairings (in techno-polymer on all the versions except for the 998R, featuring a carbon fairing)
  - New fairing decal, featuring the version of each model
  - New tail piece graphics, differentiated depending on the version
  - New tail piece decals, with the wording 'Ducati Superbike'
  - New tank decal, featuring the Italian flag and no. 1 encircled in a laurel wreath
  - New 123 HP 'Testa Stretta' engine, with high-sump die cast crankcase
  - New 4.5 mm brake discs
  - New lay-out for mechanical, electric and electronic components, with a new Marelli 5.9 CPU
  - New airbox with increased volume compared to the 996
  - Throttle body with single injector positioned above the throttle ('shower type', same technology used in Formula 1)
  - 45 mm exhaust pipes
  - Aluminum exhaust heat guard

• The 998S has the following extra features
  - 136 HP 'Testa Stretta' engine, with low-sump sand cast crankcase
  - Carbon fiber belly-pan
  - Ohlins steering damper
  - Braking system featuring 4-pad brake caliper
  - 4.5 mm brake discs
  - New 15 mm brake master cylinder
  - Throttle body with single injector positioned above the throttle ('shower type')
  - New lay-out for mechanical, electric and electronic components, with a new Marelli 5.9 CPU
  - New airbox with increased volume compared to the 996S
  - Rearview mirrors which match the color of the fairing

• The 998R has the following extra features
  - New 139 HP 'Testa Stretta' engine, 104mm bore, with low-sump sand cast crankcase
  - Carbon fiber tail piece without air intakes
  - Lighter wheel rims compared to the other two 998 versions
  - 4.5 mm brake discs in 'offset position
  - Rearview mirrors which match the color of the fairing
  - 'Ducati Corse' shield on the tail piece

In 2002 the entire 998 range scores a frame sourced from the previous range-topping 996R model.  

Showa forks are used on the 998 and 998S models while the 998R scores Ohlins items.  TiN treatment is common to all of the 998 models.  The rear suspension features a fully adjustable Ohlins rear shock.

Furthermore, the 998R, is equipped with new Marchesini wheel rims, lighter than the ones of the other two versions and also of the 996R (-400 g the front, -800 g the rear), thus improving bike's handling and, in general, its performance. 

All models in the 998 range feature new 4.5 mm thick brake discs (last year they were present only on the R version), which, thanks to the consequent lightening of the vehicle and to the reduction of the unsprung weights.

The 998S is equipped with the same brake master cylinder as the 998R and the 748R (introduced in the last MY), with a diameter reduced from 16 to 15 mm.  This change constitutes a remarkable advantage, as it requires less effort when using the lever, braking power being equal.  A new 4-pad caliper braking system (new for the 998S with respect to 2000), derived directly from racing experience.

For 2002 the entire Superbike family features many new things in terms of appearance, like the new fairing decals, which not only indicate the model, but also the version, and the new tail piece decals, with the wording 'Ducati Superbike'.  Even the tail piece graphics are new and uniform depending on the version (the design of the 748 base model is similar to that of the 998 basic model and so forth). Also new is the sticker applied to the tank, featuring the number 1 encircled in a laurel wreath and an Italian flag, to highlight the Italian origin and the history of victories of our Superbikes.

Finally, the 998R features the 'Ducati Corse' shield on the tail guard, to underline the 'racing' spirit of the family's main models.

Colours
998 - Yellow or Red Fairings -  Metallic Dark Grey frame and Metallic Dark Grey wheels
998S - Yellow or Red Fairings -  Metallic Dark Grey frame and Metallic Dark Grey wheels
998R - Red Fairings only -  Metallic Dark Grey frame and Metallic Dark Grey wheels