Ducati 999

Ducati 999
Manufacturer	Ducati
Parent Company	Ducati Motor Holdings, SpA
Production	2003-2006
Predecessor	Ducati 998
Successor	Ducati 1098
Class	Sport bike
Engine	Liquid cooled, four stroke, 90° "L" twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic four valves per cylinder
Transmission	6-speed
Related	Ducati 749 Ducati 1098 Ducati 999R Xerox

2006 Ducati 999R Xerox

The Ducati 999 superseded the Ducati 916, Ducati 996 and the Ducati 998 range of superbikes in 2003, and was produced through 2006. This motorcycle enjoyed great success in the Superbike World Championship, and continues to be raced in the series despite no longer being produced, pending rules changes by the series' governing body, FIM, to allow competition of the new Ducati 1098.

The 999 was designed by Pierre Terblanche, amid much controversy over its divisive styling; it was heavily criticized by some, whilst being hailed by many. It is known as an extremely high performance, race orientated motorcycle. With its traditional Ducati L Twin Desmodromic Valve actuated engine layout, it has a linear power delivery, with high power figures available even at low RPM figures, and, of course, extremely high torque levels. Additionally, with its high spec suspension componentry, rigid yet communicative trellis chassis and weight distribution suited to communicative, sharp and accurate steering, it is one of the finest handling motorcycles for its time.

Subsequently, more powerful 999S and 999R (equipped with 102dB Termignoni race-spec exhaust) versions were introduced, both capable of 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in under three seconds; and a top speed of over 170 mph (+273,5 km/h).

The 2005 Ducati 999S won the Maxisport category for the prestigious international Masterbike 2005 comparison and finished 2nd overall. It has received critical acclaim from many corners, such as MCN of the U.K. which called it "simply the best V-Twin on the planet", and Motorbikestoday.com, which described it "the most desirable, most exciting roadbike on the planet" in 2004. MotorcycleUSA.com described it as "stupendous" and "the epitome of V-Twin power."

Racing

From the start, the 999 was very successful in the Superbike World Championship, winning world championships in:

• 2003 Neil Hodgson
• 2004 James Toseland
• 2006 Template:Country data AUS Troy Bayliss

Specifications (2005)

• Engine: Liquid cooled, four stroke, 90°“L”twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valve per cylinder.
• Capacity: 998
• Bore x Stroke:100 x 63.5 mm
• Compression Ratio: 11.4:1
• Induction: Marelli electronic fuel injection, 54 mm throttle body
• Ignition / Starting: Marelli electronic / electric
• Max power: 140 hp 103 kW @ 9750 rpm
• Max Torque: 109 Nm - 11.1 kgm @ 8000 rpm / 80.4 lb-ft @ 8000 rpm
• Transmission / Drive: 6 Speed / chain
• Frame: Tubular steel trellis
• Front Suspension: Showa 43 mm upside-down fully adjustable fork with TiN surface treatment, 125 mm wheel travel.
• Rear Suspension: Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Showa monoshock, 125 mm wheel travel.
• Front Brakes: 2x 320 mm discs 4 piston calipers
• Rear Brakes: Single 240 mm disc 2 piston caliper
• Front Tyre: 120/70 ZR17
• Rear Tyre: 190/50 ZR17
• Dry-Weight: 186 kg / 410 lbs.
• Fuel Capacity (res): 15.5 Litres (3 L of the tank is reserve)/ 4.1 gal ( 0.8 gal reserve)
• Consumption average: 5.6L/100km / 42 mpg
• Standing Quarter Mile: 10.29 sec
• Top Speed: 275 km/h / 170 mph
• Seat height: 78 cm / 30.7 in