Ducati 999

The Ducati 999 is a model of the Superbike series 999/749 of the Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati.

Designed by Pierre Terblanche series came in 2003 on the market. However, the futuristic design was controversial, especially since it replaced the existing 916- series as a design icon. Also in the following years could not appeal to all friends of the brand for the design of the 999 itself.

The 999 was replaced four years after its release by the 1098 series, which again showed many design features of the 916 series, such as adjacent headlights, dual exhaust under the seat and swingarm now.

Models

There are several variations to choose from. All are powered by a liquid-cooled 90 ° Testastretta L -Twin Desmodromic controlled with four valves per cylinder and electronic fuel injection. The power is transmitted via a hydraulically operated multi-plate dry clutch and a 6 -speed transmission on an O -ring chain. The engines differ in terms of stroke, bore, compression, channel processing, the models continue with the equipment and the suspension components.

• 749: 748 cc, 79.5 kW (108 hp), 80.4 Nm, Showa / Sachs suspension
• 749S: 748 cc, 85.4 kW ( 116 hp ), 82.4 Nm, Showa suspension
• 749R: 749 cc, 89.1 kW (121 hp), 82.4 Nm, Öhlins suspension
• 999: 998 cc, 91 kW ( 124 hp ), 108.9 Nm, Showa suspension (built 2003 /2004)
• 999: 998 cc, 100 kW ( 136 hp ), 111.8 Nm, Showa suspension ( built in 2005 /2006)
• 999S: 998 cc, 100 kW ( 136 hp ), 111.8 Nm, Öhlins suspension (built 2003 /2006)
• 999R: 999 cc, 102 kW ( 139 hp), 108 Nm, Öhlins suspension (built 2003 /2004)
• 999R: 999 cc, 110 kW ( 150 hp), 116.7 Nm, Öhlins suspension ( built in 2005 /2006)

The 999 had a maximum output of 110 kW/150 hp, the most powerful twin-cylinder production motorcycle in the 1,000 cc class. In particular, the stable and precise handling was highlighted in tests. The disadvantage is in direct comparison to competitors, the slightly higher weight and poorer handling, among other things, because of the wide 190 rear tire " does not harmonize well - rim, usually 6 to be here " with the narrow rims 5.5 installed. Improvement is provided for reports of changing to tires of the dimension 180/55-17.

Racing

The 999 was very successful in the FIM Superbike World Championship with three world titles and numerous race victories, with the rules of the two-cylinder engines zugutekam initially. Meanwhile, the regulations were changed and between two- and four-cylinder motorcycles is a greater equality of opportunity, which now has a slight advantage for the four-cylinder. Ducati targeted for this reason for the Superbike World Championship 2008 a rule change with respect to a displacement increase to 1,200 cc for two-cylinder motorcycles, which was decided by the FIM.

Gallery

Ducati 999 (2006)

Ducati 999 (2005)

Ducati 999s (2004)

Ducati 749

Durbahn Ducati 999 V2: 159 kg fully fueled