So here’s a bold statement: if the Ducati 916 had never existed, the 999, along with its little brother the 749, would be considered a masterpiece.
It’s a superlative machine in almost every way, and was possessed the typical Ducati virtues: a thumping v-twin with a wide powerband, stable handling, and glorious noise. But it had the added benefit of almost humane ergonomics by Italian sportbike standards, a definite improvement over the 916. But it was the style, not function that caused problems and, although I do think that Pierre Terblanche’s design lacks some sex appeal: it’s maybe a bit too modern, to ruthlessly un- 916. But it is a very interesting design and striking, with lots of cool details to appreciate.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that this Ducati 749R is just another of the never-ending list of “special editions” that featured suspension bling, race-rep colors, festooned with carbon doodads.
But the 749R is not simply a lower-spec machine with some bling-y Öhlins suspension bits and a carbon-fiber mudguard thrown at it, and a couple extra horses freed up by a $3,000 Termignoni titanium exhaust. Designed to homologate the bike for racing, the R featured heavily revised engine internals: bore was increased, and stroke decreased to keep displacement legal and allow for a higher rev ceiling. Cases received the lightweight treatment as well: the cam covers are magnesium (clearly visible in the photos) of the bike and the belt covers are, of course, carbon-fiber. It all added up to a claimed 121hp.
A long-overdue slipper clutch kept the twin’s engine braking in line, a vital addition for a powerful twin designed to see track time and there were radial brakes up front to slow it all down. The fuel tank was specific to this model, and had an increased capacity.
The headstock is adjustable for rake and the ergonomics feature a surprising amount of adjustability as well, with seat moving fore and aft. Footpegs actually had less adjustability than lower-spec bikes: the mounts on the R were designed to allow additional clearance for bigger exhaust tubing.
From the original eBay listing: 2005 Ducati 749R for Sale
2005 Ducati 749R homologation special!
Super rare and hard to find in this condition. Acquired from a significant collection last year and fully serviced with new fluids and a battery this race-based motorcycle would make a superb addition to someone’s collection. It has been kept in a climate controlled private automobile gallery and is available for viewing by appointment.
Less than 200 miles!
While 749 Dark and “S” versions were made in large enough numbers that they will likely never be exceptionally collectable, the “R” models are rare, with serious performance upgrades that were more than skin deep, designed to make the bike more capable on-track. It’s just a shame this one is probably destined to never turn a wheel in anger. There’s plenty of time left on this auction if you’re looking to see how Black Friday deals shape up before throwing your hat into the ring, and with the Buy It Now set at $16,000 there are no takers as yet. That’s a pretty steep price, but with under 200 miles on the clock, the bike is basically brand-new, ready to be mothballed for the day these finally start to appreciate in value.
-tad
Pretty cool and everything. $16k? No thanks. Don’t need to pay the premium for having his bike in this ritzy as hell showroom. I’m sure you could go there and ponder it all over an espresso that they’ll serve you while spending about 3-4 grand more than you should.
Stacked headlights look like crap. What was Ducati thinking.
2005 model lost the carbon body work that adorned the 2004 model (which I used to own) – I sold mine in several years ago for 12k with around 3k miles. I had the 57 termi on it as well with a PC. I like the cars in the background – quite a collection.
k
Actually Tad, even compared with the common 916 series, the 999 series, especially the ’04 749R, are masterpieces. Those stacked headlights look just so good.
Was at a Ducati dealership during the week and they had an 999 on the floor among 916’s 1199’s etc, the 749 and 999 will always be a minger, what a disgusting looking bike. Even after all these years it hasn’t grown on me. A minger then, a minger now!
The 3k exhaust system (either termi or leo vince – the two popular ones for the R) was an add on (stock exhaust was heavy and sounded very weak) The upgrade was very tight in terms of tolerance – the bigger header pipes would fry the inside of the fairings. Even the steering offset was adjustable; It featured a flatter rear shock rocker. It was no doubt one of the best handling machine for the track at that time.
Krishna
Hated these when they debuted, but have come to appreciate them and Terblanche’s genius. This design still looks unique, modern and fresh in a sea of derivative designs, including the 1098 that followed it. The R models are particularly gorgeous.
sorry I have to agree. the stacked headlight look was just awful
Do you guys mean the stacked headlight on the 999/749 is ugly, or you don’t like stacked headlights in general? Because the first-generation MV Agusta F4 used a stacked headlight arrangement that seems to be pretty universally well-regarded… And Colin, I agree completely: the 1098 that followed was seriously derivative of the 916, although at least Ducati was ripping itself off. Maybe it was “better-looking” than the 999/749, but it was also much less original. And while I like the nose on the 1098 [reminds me of a shark], I hate the tailpiece and those huge cans, although DoubleDog Moto makes some parts to fix that… Also: that dash on the 1098 is damn hard to read at a glance! In any event: at least the low opinion most people have of the 999’s styling is keeping prices pretty low for those who like them, or those who don’t care so much about looks.
So a new 899 Panigale with 148hp lists at $14,995. At the right dealer you you could get one out the door with exhaust for about what this bike is asking. I know that’s often not the point, but no way the 749R is that collectable now regardless of miles. So dollar for dollar new is better in almost every measure IMHO.
Tad Diemer, I was actually going to make a comment about the MV lights, them I like, the 749/999 just looks horrible. Also when I was in the Ducati dealer, I had quite a bit of time to look around, I had a good look at the 999 they had, I actually think the tail section etc has dated, dated badly! I have never been a fan of the 749/999 and it has never grown on me, It’s just a shocking looking bike and I think it has dated badly, it’s even worse now than back when it was released. It’s a shame as I think his styling of the 851/888/Supermono is fantastic.