In the late 1990’s Pierre Terblanche and Massimo Tamburini parted ways, the younger Terblanche following Ducati, and Tamburini staying with Cagiva. The sea-change styling of Terblanche’s 999 was too controversial to survive, though it did help win the Superbike World Championship in 2003, ’04 and ’06. The 999S has upgraded suspension from an -R and a bit more oomph than a base model, and this 999S has a full carbon fairings, Ferracci exhaust, and very low miles.
2003 Ducati 999S for sale on eBay
The second Ducati road machine to use the testastretta engine, the 999S boasted 136 hp and 78 ft.-lbs. torque. Marelli fuel injection gave smooth power delivery, and premium Öhlins suspension allowed the 6-speed drivetrain and Brembo brakes to live in harmony. The love-it-or-hate-it fairing protected the rider better at higher speeds, and the canister muffler has been superceded by a Fast by Ferracci exhuast which likely deleted the catalyst.
Offered by a California collector, this 999S has carbon bodywork, fuel tank, and BST wheels. A singular statement in grey and white. Registration is non-opped and miles are under 1,000. The owner has this to say in the eBay auction:
Beautiful 2003 Ducati 999S with a Full Carbon Fiber Body, Tank, & Wheels. Custom Stainless Exhaust done by FBF. Its has an addictive sound, you can feel. It is a rocket, lots of torque and revs to 10,500. Original mileage is 990 (now). Never wet. Never ever down. Kept in my house. Rode 4-5 times. ( Have others, Hypermotard, 900SS, old BMW R75/7, not so low mileage ). Had service & belts done a few years back. Will take to Ducati dealer for PPI/service if sold. Clean California title in hand. On PNO now.
The 999S reviewed as a great rider, the fairing makes it feel like you’re “in” and not “on”, no chore to rack up the miles. Weight is under control for a superbike and neutral handling makes the 999S less tiring to ride quickly. Not sure if all that carbon is Ducati Performance, a rare special order if so. If not, still a fabulous custom and in perfect shape, awaiting a spirited ride before loading up for the show…
-donn
Wow. These get better looking each passing year. And this may be the best.
The goofy side cowling wing delete definitely helps this one in the looks department. I like the trick (and visibile) carbon bodywork. But I will never get over the stacked headlight look. Not appealing to me.
One thing I do like on these over my 1098 SF (and all subsequent digital dash models) is the analog tach. For ease of at a glance usability they cannot be beat. And when the Testastretta engine on my bike gets close to redline at full boil believe me – you only want to have to glance at the tach. Plenty of other things going on that demand your focus and attention at that point! I’m sure it sounds wonderful with that FBF exhaust.
Low miles and looking to go for a relative bargain at this point. A lot of performance for the $$$. Hopefully it will get ridden by the future owner.
I find the 999 generation a little bit of a black swan, the older they get the more desirable they look and what once used to be ugly becomes good looking, not pretty but very unique and apart. GLWS