Hmmm…the seller lists this one as a 2003 Ducati 999R FILA edition but a few things seem odd, including the year listed and the graphics. Perhaps someone with more direct experience can advise in the comments section…?
2003 Ducati 999R FILA edition on ebay
First a bit of history; back in the early 2000’s it seemed like every new Ducati sportbike had a minimum of 3 different versions plus a commemorative edition. There would be a basic/strada street version, a mid-level bike S bike with some upgrades still intended for street riders and finally a top level R bike that, while still street legal, included lots of track oriented tech. Any commemorative editions would typically be based on either the S or R level bikes, although occasionally they were even done at the standard/strada level (I’m-looking-at-you-Nieman-marcus-edition-Ducati-749).
The Ducati FILA editions were based on the top level 999″R” and were introduced in 2004 to celebrate Ducati’s 200th win in the World Superbike Championship (note: there was also a James Toseland FILA edition in 2005). The FILA editions came with carbon-fibre bodywork, lighter engine internals, upgraded injectors, a lighter front and rear sub-frame and Ohlins front and rear suspension. The changes added added up to about another 40HP from the basic/strada 999.
The FILA edition also had another advantage over the strada and S versions; it looked much better. When the 999 was launched many people found the design to be a step back from the predecessor 998 (which was an evolution of the Tamburini penned 916). To many people the initial versions of the 999 looked unbalanced, with full fairings on the front but an exposed trellis frame and odd small rear fairing. Fortunately versions such as the S based Parts Unlimited and R version FILA and XEROX editions met with much more approval.
This particular bike is listed as a 2003 Ducati FILA edition and at it looks clean with no indication of having been abused ordown. The only non-stock items I noticed were the chain and wheel stripes (which might be decals) and possibly the license plate hanger/tail unit.
However a closer review did raise a few questions, including why is bike listed as a 2003 FILA edition? From what I remembered and what I found on the web, the FILA edition was offered from 2004-2006 but not in 2003. Also the decals on the front fairing/windscreen area and gas tank do not seem to match to the standard FILA edition decal layout and what have seen on previous 999R FILA editions here on RSBFS. Its possible they were removed by a previous owner but since there was also a general 999R in 2003 so its also possible this bike has undergone a bodywork and/or wheel change by a previous/current owner who didn’t like the look of the standard bike.
Some general service info about the bike is included in the auction listing as are lots of good pictures. Here is what the seller has to say:
- 11,745 miles
- Never been dropped but very small nicks in paint on lower fairing.
- Less than normal wear and tear for bike this age and mileage
- New battery, Pirelli tires in good condition
- Always serviced by Ducati dealers only and stored in climate controlled area
- Completely stock with no upgrades
- Comes with spare key and owners manual
So what is the 2003 Ducati 999R FILA-badged beauty worth? Well it certainly looks to be in very good condition and the current bid price is about $5,400 USD with 3 days to run (reserve is not met at this time). Prices for a Ducati 999R FILA editions seem to be hovering between 12k-15k USD (which is about 1/2 of their original asking price) and for this one I would expect reserve to be right in the middle of that range given the mileage and condition, provided it can be confirmed to be an actual FILA edition.
Overall this appears to a good Rare Sportbike but I am not sure it will appreciate over time. Also any serious collector would need to contact the seller regarding whats going on with the fairing decals and perhaps perform a VIN check?
-Marty/Dallaslavowner
I am pretty sure there was a 2003 Fila version if memory serves.
Another link seems to indicate there was one that year
http://www.bevelheaven.com/press/999r-fila/999r-fila.htm
Note Xaus and Hodgson raced for Ducati in 2003, but were both in MotoGP in 2004, so it would be odd to have them promoting the bike in the 2004 model year.
Can’t comment about the tank decals and the VIN does seem a bit wonky without the place of manufacture indicated. If it isn’t a real Fila it almost certainly is an R model (easily checked in person by the cases).
Marty – not specifically related to this bike, but are you still in Dallas? I’d like to get in touch if so, could you send me an email. My email is joma9019 -at- gmail dot com.
The swingarm does not belong to the R model. It is likely a S model.
The swingarm is correct for a 2003 999r imo
I could be mistaken but I think Its the frame and subframe that look like they belong to subsequent model years. Any r models from 03 I’ve ever seen over here have the grey frame and aluminium monoposto subframe?
Also cylinder head cover usually in magnesium with a gold colour applied like the front fairing stay?
I assume this bike will be listed again on Ebay as it has been on there more than once.
If you look at the pictures in the link above, the 2003 promotional pictures show a red frame, black (steel?) subframe, white decal on the lower part of the tank (this bike still has a warning sticker where a tank pad would go), and the rear valve cover is aluminum rather than gold magnesium.