Evolution of a legend

1993:

The 916 Strada is introduced with the look and style we’ve come to know and love. Its 916cc motor makes a claimed 109bhp and it’s only available with a single seat.

1994:

The 916 Biposto takes over from the Strada, with a twin seat. There’s now also a 916SP with an Ohlins rear shock, twin injectors, carbon fairing, racy single-seat unit and reinforced frame.

1996:

The 916SP is discontinued, but the 916SPS is introduced with similar spec chassis to the SP but a bigger 996cc engine. Plus, a limited-edition 916 Senna goes on sale.

1997:

Detail changes to the 916 Senna now in its final year. 916 Biposto gets minor detail changes. 916SPS gets new brake calipers, a carbon airbox, Ohlins steering damper and detail changes.

1998:

The 916 Biposto gets 996cc engine plus detail changes and becomes the 996. The 996 SP gets a new Ohlins shock and replaces the 916SPS.

1999:

996 Biposto loses the flip-up sidestand, gets new five-spoe wheels and is offered with a single or dual seat. The 996SPS gets new Ohlins front forks and wheels.

2000:

996 continues with detail changes. The 996SPS is discontinued. The 996S is introduced with same spec chassis as the Biposto, but with cams and gearbox from the SPS. The new testastretta-engined 996R is introduced as the race homologation special, built in limited numbers for the road.

2001:

The long-serving Desmoquattro engine is replaced by the Testastretta engine in the new 998 range, which includes the 123bhp 998, the 136bhp 998S and the 139bhp 998R.