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Introduced in 2003 to replace the aging 916/996/998 series of bikes, the Pierre Terblanche-designed Ducati 999 was intended to address some of the Tamburini superbike’s shortcomings and to update the long-in-the-tooth styling. It unequivocally succeeded in accomplishing the former, but was not nearly so successful in the latter… In short: the looks were a love-it-or-hate-it affair and, as a result, values on the used market have remained low for years, making the Terblanche-era superbikes something of a bargain. Of course, top of the heap in terms of performance would be this Ducati 999R, Bologna’s homologation superbike, naturally stuffed full of competition-spec goodness.
As with so many Ducatis, the engine is the centerpiece of the R, and the focal point for many of the most significant modifications made to the bike. The bore and stroke are more oversquare, 104 x 58.8mm versus 100 x 63.5mm, giving a true 999cc compared to the standard engine’s 998cc. There’s a slightly higher compression ratio, larger titanium valves, sand-cast cases, more aggressive cams, a new ECU, new injectors, titanium connecting rods, a knife-edged crank, along with modifications to virtually every other major component in an effort to squeeze out more power and performance from the updated Testastretta engine. The result was a claimed 150hp for the 2005 model year machines.
The rest of the bike featured revised aerodynamics, Öhlins suspension front and rear, an adjustable steering head angle, forged aluminum wheels, and magnesium mounts for the headlight and mirrors. The result was 452lbs with a full tank of fuel. Period reviews were extremely complimentary, praising its agile handling, light weight, and linear power while naturally bemoaning its relative lack of practicality, awful turning circle, and anticipated running costs. Just 300 2005 model year machines were built, making this particular 999 as collectible as it is satisfying to ride.
2005 Ducati 999R
VIN: ZDM1UB5W25B013432
Mileage: 4900 Miles
monoposto (solo seat) to a biposto (2-up) setup—aka a 2-up rider conversion
Service in 2021 included: Timing Belt, spark plugs, fuel pressure regulator, fuel pump, fuel filter, battery, and tires.
Located in St. Charles, MO
While I do understand the reverence Ducatisti have for the much-lauded 916, there’s really no question that the 999 that followed is an improved motorcycle. Better ergonomics, more performance, improved reliability. I know: the dual-sided swingarm isn’t as cool, but it’s lighter and stiffer. And while the styling lacks the raw sex appeal of Tamburini’s design, the 999 is striking and aging very well: nearly 20 years old now, it still looks modern. Interestingly, this particular Ducati 999R features an unusual modification: the addition of passenger accommodations. Such as they are, anyway. I’d assume this would also include a steel instead of an aluminum subframe. This would add a bit of weight, as would the seat and pegs/hangers. An unusual choice, but if your significant other also enjoys terror rides in the canyons or backroads where you live and you own sets of matching leathers, this could be the perfect Ducati for you!
-tad
