when ducatis 916 superbike came out it was the bike to beat in its division. However, OTHER COMPANIES SCRAMBLED TO MAKE FASTER BIKES. The 996 is a 916 with added on upgrades really. it is not the fastest bike out there. Remeber that top speed means nothing for a race/superbike. Its horsepower-torque-handling-speed that wins races. not just i can go 180 m.p.h. big deal can you beat me through turns going 180? i dont think so!