Ducati 999

The Ducati 999 superseded the Massimo Tamburini designed Ducati 916, Ducati 996 and Ducati 998 range of superbikes in 2003, and was produced through 2006. 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.

Ducati 999
ManufacturerDucati
Also called"Nine-nine-nine" and "Triple nine"
Parent companyDucati Motor Holdings, SpA
Production2003-2006
PredecessorDucati 998
SuccessorDucati 1098
ClassSport bike
Engine998—999 cc, liquid cooled, four stroke, 90° V-twin DOHC, 4 desmodromic valves per cylinder
Transmission6-speed constant-mesh sequential manual
RelatedDucati 749
2006 Ducati 999R Xerox

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.

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."

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
999R Xerox (2006) 999R (2006) 999S (2006) 999 (2006)
Engine V-twin cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder Testastretta Desmodromic; liquid cooled
Displacement 999 cc 998 cc
Bore x Stroke 104.0 mm × 58.8 mm (4.1 in × 2.3 in) 100.0 mm × 63.5 mm (3.9 in × 2.5 in)
Compression Ratio 12.5:1 11.4;1
Power 108 kW (145 hp) @ 9,750 pm 105.2 kW (141.1 hp) @ 9,750 rpm 103 kW (138 hp) @ 9,750 rpm
Torque 11.9 kg⋅m (116.7 N⋅m; 86.1 lb⋅ft) @ 8,000 rpm 11.4 kg⋅m (111.8 N⋅m; 82.5 lb⋅ft) @ 8,000 rpm 11.1 kg⋅m (108.9 N⋅m; 80.3 lb⋅ft) @ 8,000 rpm
Fuel injection Marelli electronic fuel injection, 54 mm throttle body
Exhaust Single steel exhaust with catalytic converter
Emissions Euro2
Gearbox 6-speed constant-mesh sequential manual
Ratios 1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 28/20, 4th 26/22, 5th 24/23, 6th 23/24
Primary drive Straight cut gears; ratio 1.84
Final drive Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 36
Clutch Dry multiplate with hydraulic control
Frame Tubular steel trellis
Wheelbase 1420 mm / 55.9 in
Rake 23.5° - 24.5°
Front suspension Öhlins 43 mm upside-down fully adjustable fork, with TiN surface treatment, for radial calipers Showa 43 mm upside-down fully adjustable fork with TiN surface treatment
Front wheel travel 120 mm / 4.7 in 125 mm / 4.9 in
Front brake 2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, 4-piston 4-pad radial caliper 2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, 4-piston 4-pad caliper
Front wheel Y-shaped 5-spoke light alloy forged 3.50 x 17 Y-shaped 5-spoke light alloy 3.50 x 17
Front tyre 120/70 ZR 17
Rear suspension Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Öhlins monoshock
Rear wheel travel 128 mm / 5 in
Rear brake 240 mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Rear wheel Y-shaped 5-spoke light alloy forged 5.50 x 17 Y-shaped 5-spoke light alloy 5.50 x 17
Rear tyre 190/50 ZR 17
Fuel tank capacity 15.5 L (3.4 imp gal; 4.1 US gal) (includes 3 L reserve)
Weight[1] 181 kg / 399 lbs 186 kg / 410 lbs
Seat height 780 mm / 30.7 in
Versions Single seat Single seat
Dual seat[2]		 Dual seat

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