Ducati 999

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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
Similar	Aprilia RSV Mille Honda CBR1000RR Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R MV Agusta F4 1000 S Suzuki GSX-R1000 Yamaha YZF-R1

2006 Ducati 999R Xerox

The Ducati 999 is the latest of the high performance Ducati 916, Ducati 996 and the Ducati 998 range. This motorcycle enjoyed great success in the World Superbike Championship.

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(0-100km/h) in under three seconds and a top speed of over 170 mph.

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."

[edit] Racing

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

[edit] 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: 111.1 kg-m @ 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 Śkg
Fuel Capacity (res): 15.5 Litres (3L)
Consumption average: 18 km/lit
Standing Quarter Mile: 10.29 sec
Top Speed: 275 km/h