For 2007, Ducati asked superbike riders Ben Bostrom and Neil Hodgeson to sign 150 copies of their 999S in Parts Unlimited race livery, with all the -S niceties. This example comes out of Georgia flying U.S. and Italian flags, with under 8,000 miles and in outstanding shape.
2007 Ducati 999S Team USA Edition for sale on eBay
Despite the polarizing looks of the Pierre Terblanche design, the 999 was a superlative for the time, its 998 cc’s good for 143 hp. Torque was the back story with 83 ft.-lbs. helping out through tricky sections. The -S came with Öhlins all around, the latest 320mm Brembo offerings, and forged Marchesini alloys. Always in red ( at least the S ), the taller fairing gave riders an “in” feeling rather than being perched “on”.
Besides saying maintenance is caught up, the owner can’t offer much history with this 999S. Miles are low, but higher than most limited edition superbikes. Hard to quibble about the condition, at least until seeing it in person. Comments from the eBay auction :
This 996S has 7,796 miles and is in excellent shape with only a few small rock chips that have been only been touched up (bike not repainted). It’s up to date on services, has never been tracked, and it’s ready for someone to enjoy it by riding it, or simply continuing its preservation. there are no known issues. I believe that I am the second owner, but I bought the bike from a divorcee, who won it in a settlement. As such, full documentation is not available. I have an extra ecu that will go with the bike. This Ducati 999S Team USA race replica for sale locally, so I reserve the right to end the auction, if it sells. This is why I’ve included a buy it now option.
Bostrom and Hodgeson have been Ducati loyalists and were rewarded for consistent top top-tens and an occasional podium, though Suzuki was untouchable in 2006. Ironically, Ducati turned AMA back over to privateers the next year, making this commemorative a single year. Reviewed as very rideable for a superbike, this example seems like a good compromise between fun, condition, and collectability.
-donn
The 999 series looks so much betteer as the parts unlimited or xerox versions.