Ducati 999

Last updated
Ducati 999
Ducati 999 2005.jpg
Manufacturer Ducati
Also called"Nine-nine-nine" and "Triple nine"
Parent company Ducati Motor Holdings, SpA
Production2003–2006
Predecessor Ducati 998
Successor Ducati 1098
Class Sport bike
Engine 998—999 cc, liquid cooled, four stroke, 90° L-twin DOHC, 4 desmodromic valves per cylinder
Bore / stroke 998 cc: 100 mm x 63.5 mm
999 cc: 104 mm x 58.8 mm (999R)
Transmission 6-speed constant-mesh sequential manual
Related Ducati 749
2006 Ducati 999R Xerox 2006Ducati999R-001.jpg
2006 Ducati 999R Xerox

The Ducati 999 is a sport bike made by Ducati from 2003 to 2006. It superseded the Massimo Tamburini designed Ducati 916, Ducati 996 and Ducati 998 range of superbikes. This motorcycle enjoyed great success in World Superbike, and was raced in the series through the 2007 season, despite no longer being produced, pending rules changes by the series' governing body, FIM, to allow competition of the new Ducati 1098.

Contents

The 999 was designed by Pierre Terblanche, amid much controversy over its styling. It is known as a high performance, race oriented motorcycle. With its traditional Ducati L Twin Desmodromic Valve actuated engine layout, it has a linear power delivery, with high power and torque figures available even at low RPM. Additionally, with its high spec suspension and trellis chassis, it is one of the finest handling motorcycles for its time. The most beloved are the later model Monoposto with SBK rear trailing arm.

Subsequently, more powerful 999S and 999R 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 (270 km/h).

The 2005 Ducati 999S won the Maxisport category for the prestigious international Masterbike 2005 comparison and finished second 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 as "the most desirable, most exciting roadbike on the planet" in 2004. MotorcycleUSA.com described it as "stupendous" and "the epitome of V-Twin power." Also known as “the F1 of the motorcycles” in 2005.

Racing

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

Gregorio Lavilla also won the 2005 BSB Title on a 999 F04.

Specifications

999 (2003)999 (2006)999S (2006)999R (2006)999R Xerox (2006)
Engine L-twin cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder Testastretta Desmodromic; liquid cooled
Displacement997.46 cc999 cc
Bore x Stroke100.0 mm × 63.5 mm (3.9 in × 2.5 in)
498.73 cc
104.0 mm × 58.8 mm (4.1 in × 2.3 in)
499.5 cc
Compression Ratio11.4:112.5;1
Power91 kW (124 PS; 122 hp) @ 9,750 pm103 kW (140 PS; 138 hp) @ 9,750 pm105.2 kW (143 PS; 141 hp) @ 9,750 rpm110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp) @ 9,750 rpm
Torque10.4 kg⋅m (102.0 N⋅m; 75.2 lb⋅ft) @ 8,000 rpm11.1 kg⋅m (108.9 N⋅m; 80.3 lb⋅ft) @ 8,000 rpm11.4 kg⋅m (111.8 N⋅m; 82.5 lb⋅ft) @ 8,000 rpm11.9 kg⋅m (116.7 N⋅m; 86.1 lb⋅ft) @ 8,000 rpm
Fuel injectionMarelli electronic fuel injection, 54 mm throttle body
ExhaustSingle steel exhaust with catalytic converter
EmissionsEuro2
Gearbox6-speed constant-mesh sequential manual
Ratios1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 28/20, 4th 26/22, 5th 24/23, 6th 23/24
Primary driveStraight cut gears; ratio 1.84
Final driveChain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 36
ClutchDry multiplate with hydraulic control
FrameTubular steel trellis
Wheelbase1420 mm / 55.9 in
Rake23.5° - 24.5°
Front suspensionShowa 43 mm upside-down fully adjustable fork with TiN surface treatmentÖhlins 43 mm upside-down fully adjustable fork, with TiN surface treatment, for radial calipers
Front wheel travel125 mm / 4.9 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Front brake2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, 4-piston 4-pad caliper2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, 4-piston 4-pad radial caliper
Front wheelY-shaped 5-spoke light alloy 3.50 x 17Y-shaped 5-spoke light alloy forged 3.50 x 17
Front tyre120/70 ZR 17
Rear suspensionProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Öhlins monoshock
Rear wheel travel128 mm / 5 in
Rear brake240 mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Rear wheelY-shaped 5-spoke light alloy 5.50 x 17Y-shaped 5-spoke light alloy forged 5.50 x 17
Rear tyre190/50 ZR 17
Fuel tank capacity15.5 L (3.4 imp gal; 4.1 US gal) (includes 3 L reserve)
Weight [1] 199 kg / 439 lbs186 kg / 410 lbs181 kg / 399 lbs
Seat height780 mm / 30.7 in
VersionsDual seatSingle seat
Dual seat [2]
Single seat

References

  1. The weight excludes battery, lubricants and, where applicable, cooling liquid.
  2. dual seat not available in North America.