Since the 916 series, Ducati superbike ownership has been about tiers. There’s generally a “base” model for the hoi polloi, although those still feature adjustable suspension front and rear and a fire-breathing four-valve v-twin. Above that is generally the “S” version, with some bolt-on carbon that saves a few ounces on a 400lb-plus machine, a…
Delivered with a level of performance and finish that left owners and aftermarket folks scratching their heads, Ducati 999R’s often return to the market with just a few miles and not many mods. 999’s were made 2003-06, and there were R-models in each year except 2004 for SuperBike racing homologation. Though there are more sensible,…
Ducati was ready for a fresh approach to styling after the 916/996/998 successes, and while they got their wish in Pierre Terblanche’s 999, the new look was always controversial. Though the WSBK team had a great many wins and three championships, after four years the factory returned to a more reminiscent design for the 1098. …
Enough ink has been spilled complaining about the design of the Ducati 999, but two things are clear: it is a far more practical, useable motorcycle than the classic 916, with ergonomics that at least took actual human physiology into account and the controversial looks of the bike are aging well. To be honest, as…
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…
It doesn’t matter if you are a coach, CEO or motorcycle designer, following a highly successful predecessor is tough, especially if you are tasked with going in a new direction. When the Ducati 999 was introduced most Ducati fans had one response; WTF? Where the predecessor 998 had kept the classic design of the…
The Ducati Triple 9 series launch was a bifurcating event. Designed by Terblanche as a radical departure from the iconic 916/996/998 series of bikes, the 999 was instantly vilified as ugly and lacking design focus. The intervening years have been kinder to the design approach, however, and the 999 now stands out as a unique…
The Automania OW01 is back on eBay. This one has been relisted twice since we first posted it and failed to sell with a high bid of $26,500 on the last auction. This time it wears a $28k buy-it-now, which is $2k less than the listing price on their website. This RZ350 is one of…
