Despite its great racing record, the 999 was never a fan favorite – as the Pierre Terblanche design was a bit ahead of its time. But a super-fast R-model with ridiculous horsepower makes its own introductions. This well-ridden and maintained 999R appears ready to ride and has an unused set of carbon fairings available.
2005 Ducati 999R for sale on eBay
Ducati planned a return to AMA Superbike in 2005, and homologation rules didn’t allow much powertrain work, so the 999R is very close to a racer’s machine. The narrow head engine has “titanium inside” and claims 150 hp to push a just-over-400 lb. machine. The specs read like many late Ducatis but suspension, wheels, and brake components are the finest, and every parameter adjustable, including steering head angle and seat position.
Though high-end superbikes are often seen with just break-in miles, this one of 200 has almost 10,000 miles and was treated to a top end rebuild in 2012. Stock overall condition looks excellent with just a scrape on the lowers and maybe a nice detail required before a show. The owner promises an unused set of bodywork with a buy-it-now which seems like the makings of a bargain. From the eBay auction:
This bike was the first 2005 sold by Motocorsa Portland. This model was the last Ducati to come with full carbon fiber body work(except plastic tail piece). Of all the bikes I’ve owned this by far gets more attention than any. 2005 was the first year of the deep sump 999r 150 rwhp motor and the big swingarm. The following year came in that hideous xerox paint scheme and the previous year came with the weaker motor and wimpy swingarm.
In 2012 at 6721 miles, I had the top end freshened with new pistons, rings and cylinders re-nikasiled. Runs great and handles as good as anything out there. Dunlop Q3’s are fresh.
The 999 had RE-vo looks to match the E-vo engine, and base models languished in the showrooms. That and the high list price made it hard for aftermarket suppliers to get involved. Performance was off the charts but was harder to enjoy on the road. The high windscreen provides exceptional protection for the rider at speed. Somehow this owner has kept the average mph up enough to lighten the handgrips and keep riding. Nice work if you can get it…
-donn
New pistons and top end on a modern-day 4-stroke at less than 6700 miles? Remind me never to buy Ducati!
Some would argue that statement (all day long) myself included… Just because one owner of a (very) high performance machine decides to have some work done, does not mean the brand itself has reliability problems. I’ve owned five different Duc’s thus far – New and Used; and yes, I RIDE them all the time – have never (not once) had any “major” mechanical failures or maintenance required beyond what the factory recommends in order to keep the bikes in top form.
Those pistons are a red flag to me too–not as an indictment of Ducati, but of the owner. Unless this bike was raced or abused there is no reason for it. On top of that, having to replate the cylinders??? There is no benefit unless they are trashed. I call BS.