The 999 model is a Ducati that folks either love or hate. Being somewhat bi-polar I love it AND hate it. I love it that it is instantly recognizable as a 999. Truthfully, the 748/916/996/998 series can all run together, and the occasionally MV Agusta may even slip in there without notice at times. This is as much a testament to Massimo Tamburini’s enduring design eye as it is his re-use of design elements. Pierre Terblanche had big shoes to fill when he took over Ducati design, and he was merciless in stripping out Tamburini from the canvas. To be fair, Terblance was not a design noob in the motorcycle arena. Anyone who has drooled over a Supermono has witnessed his genius. In the end, Terblance was successful in eradicating the ghost of Tamburini, and in doing so has often been vilified for his design.
2005 Ducati 999R in California on eBay
Design elements aside, the 999 was a huge step forward in terms of performance and – wait for it – comfort! No longer the torture rack of the earlier geometry bike, the 999 pushed the rider more upright while still providing advancements in power, suspension and weight. As with previous models, the “R” spec contains the most potent equipment available from the likes of Brembo and Ohlins. And as expected, carbon fiber body panels, mudguard, front tire hugger, heel guards, heat shields and ancillary bits are all part of the package. This particular model also includes and aftermarket NCR titanium clutch cover.
From the seller:
I am the 2nd owner of this adult owned and excellent condition Ducati. The only blemish is on the carbon heel guard next to the ceramic coated exhaust, which gets a little warm. This bike has minor cosmetic touches such as titanium covers on the brake/clutch reservoirs, an NCR open clutch cover, and carbon bits throughout. The Pirelli Diablos have approx 75% tread life left. I recently installed a new battery and had the front fork seals replaced as it appeared that they were seeping a little bit. I also have both black keys, the red key, code card, and the owners manual. This bike runs excellent, always turns heads, and will not disappoint.
The 999R is a value offering in R spec Ducati models. Perhaps because it is perceived as a bit of an ugly duckling among the Ducati faithful, prices are not as dear as the previous generation machines. Make no mistake; the 999 series is very potent on the street or on the track. And up close, the detail on these models is quite striking when simply parked outside of your favorite hangout. Check it out here and share your thoughts – love it or hate it? Good Luck!!
MI
In my opinion a lot of people dont like these bikes because of the way they look. While the 916/996/998 looked ballanced/proportional, this bike has the full size large front fairings but a tiny rear fairing and it looks weird.
Editions such as the FILA edition and the Xerox labelled bikes look better and seem to be more popular.
Ducati did the same thing with the Desmosedici. The all red/rosa version looks kind of weird but the red and white/corsa version looks great
It has Cycle Cat Rearsets on it – have not seen these in a while..
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It’s a love/hate relationship with this design. Personally I love it which is why I had a749r, 749s, and this 999r. Thanks for the post and I truly enjoy this site. Cheers!
I own an ’03 earlier as well as an 888 SPO, 916, 1199 and a bunch of other sportbikes. As much as I love the 916, the problem is everything after the 916 apes the 916, except this series. When I look at my Ducati’s the one that stands out is the 999R. For the uninitiated the same is true. Non-bike fanatics who visit my garage, always ask about the 999R.
20 years from now, my guess is the 999R is going to be a bike many gravitate towards as the passage of time makes the stylistic differences between the 9X6, 998, 1X98 and 1X99 series bikes and all the competitor bikes that ape Ducati design look derivative and the 999 look singular.
Well said Ray. For me, the 749/999 (especially the ’04 749R) series also invokes images of the truly great racers from the 1950s with their dustbin fairings. When I see the large fairing. large tank and small rear of these bikes I see homage to the wild, wild Guzzi V8 or Gilera 4s of the mid 50s. As you say, the 999 series is singular and so, as the other commentators say, not for everyone.
I have a 999r and a 749r. I think they are utterly beautiful. The more you look at them the better they get. The 916 based bikes in my collection are classic but the 999R design is futuristic. Looks it will be a 2020 model. My only regret is that the 999R handles like terrible compared to the 749R. Both are set up the same but the 999R refuses to finish a corner with the precision the 749R does. Probably just a few suspension tweaks away from nirvana but it’s been quite elusive.
I really don’t like any of Terblanche’s designs. Not just the 999R.