Ducati 999S - 2005

The level of equipment on the 999S guarantees professional handling on the track without renouncing the comfort and manoeuvrability necessary for effortless use on the road. The overall design of the 999S reflects that of Ducati's other Superbikes, with the stylish new over-and-under, twin headlight fairing designed for enhanced aerodynamics. The single seat version, with its genuine competition seat is more race inspired still in its looks. The clearest differences between the 999S and the basic 999 in terms of handling come from the brakes and the new Öhlins suspension.

Chassis

The 999S shares the same basic equipment as all Ducati Superbikes but boasts suspension that is rarely found on a production bike. The new Öhlins fork monoshock belong to a range normally reserved for competition motorcycles and provide a large number of adjustments. Both the rear monoshock and the upside down fork can be adjusted for spring preload, compression and rebound to achieve the perfect setup for all riding conditions.

A new non-return valve has been incorporated in the rebound damping system to stop rebound adjustments interfering with the suspension's other settings. Like all 999 models, the 999S features an upside down fork with TiN (titanium nitride) coated stanchions. The fork's internal components have also been improved for better performance and comfort. Ducati's determination to use only the best available components is demonstrated by an adjustable Öhlins steering damper fitted with a special eccentric end fitting, that allows it to adapt to both steering head rake angle settings. The use of radially mounted callipers is an essential aspect of the braking system.

Engine

Some of the technical solutions developed for the Ducati racing team were implemented on the production Testastretta some time ago, and a large number of components were improved to achieve higher performance. In 2004 for example, oil lines were made straighter and their angle increased and valve diameter and lift was also increased to improve breathing. This has effectively reduced the power difference between S and the basic 999. Nevertheless, the S still maintains the advantage of improved titanium con rods and a lighter crankshaft. The S therefore still maintains a power differential over the basic model. Special internal engine parts also make a big difference to efficiency in a way that can be best appreciated under competitive riding conditions.

When you buy a 999S you also receive a special track race kit at no extra cost. This is the first time for such a kit to be included in the price of a middle of the range model. The special exhaust silencer and the other race components in the kit reduce the bike's weight by over a kilogram and takes engine power to 143 HP at 9,750 rpm and torque to 11.4 kgm at 8,000 rpm.

Specification