Ducati 999

Ducati | November 13, 2010

Ducati Motor Holding is a motorcycle company world renowned for their bikes. Based in Bologna, Italy, Ducati Motor Holding have been churning out bikes which have been appreciated in the design field as well as performance. It was founded in 1926 by the Ducati brothers and since has changed hands many times. Italian to US and then back to Italy. It is a little known fact that Ducati Motor Holding was once owned by Cagiva, yes, the Italian bike manufacturer. Ducati are more known for their sports bikes rather than their cruisers. Little is known about the fact that Ducati was once billed as the manufacturer with the fastest production 250 cc cruiser.

When Ducati introduced the concept of the 999 street bike, not many agreed to this however Ducati Motor Holding went ahead and introduced this bike in 2003 and has never looked back since. Those who said that this would spell the company’s doom had to eat the dust. The Ducati 999 is one of the best selling street bikes from Ducati Motor Holding. The general thinking about the bike buying public was how to make the already best 998 into something better. Ducati Motor Holding answered our prayers by offering the Ducati 999.


The standard Ducati 999 had the same 998 cc engine. It was much shorter than the previous 998. The looks of the Ducati 999 left people wanting for more though it can be safely said that it was an evolution of the 998’s iconic design. The dials for the bike were changed and now, there was a revolutionary tachometer in the center surrounded on its peripheries by the tell tale lights. It also includes a maintenance reminder chime, side stand down indicator as well as low fuel warning. The digital odometer sat a bit lower and had a cool blue backlight. The aluminium triple clamp is hollow and part of many conversations in one’s bike circles. It is adjustable and more like a do it yourself kit {DIY}. It also has corrosion resistant body which is backed by Ducati’s warranty.

Throws are a bit long with the 6 speed dry clutch multiplate unit. However the gear shifts are extremely precise and there is no question of false neutrals. There is enough feedback from the dutifully damped steering wheel and the 190 section rear tyres. Everything about the Ducati 999 feels more aerodynamic than the 998. The center of gravity is also kept lower than the old bike. Power delivery is smooth with no dead spots during the entire rev range and the tall geared bike also doesn’t disappoint at red lines. The motor makes its peak power at a lesser rpm than what the competition makes and hence this makes the motor more tractable. It’s less than impressive fuel tank of 4.5 gallons and the low fuel economy may leave you wanting for more but in return, you get the best of Italian design, exclusivity and performance to boot for.

Technical Specifications of Ducati 999

Engine and transmission

Displacement : 998.00 cc (60.90 cubic inches)

Engine type : V twin, four-stroke EU4

Power : 143 bhp @ 750 RPM

Torque : 1124.00 Nm (@ 8000 RPM

Compression ratio : 11.5:1

Bore x stroke : 100.0 x 64.5 mm (3.8 x 2.6 inches)

Valves per cylinder : 4

Fuelling system : Marelli electronic fuel injection{EFI}, 55 mm of throttle body

Fuel control system : Ducati’s Desmodromic valve control

Cooling system : Liquid

Gearbox : 6-speed

Transmission final drive : Chain

Clutch : Dry multiplate

Chassis, suspension, brakes and wheels

Frame type : Tubular Ducati steel trellis

Rake (fork angle) : 24.5°

Front suspension travel : (6.1 inches)

Front suspension : for radial calipers 130mm, Öhlins 43 mm upside-down fully adjustable fork with gold surface treatment,

Rear suspension : Progressive linkage with fully adjustable monoshock Öhlins.

Rear suspension travel : 149 mm (5.7 inches)

Front tyre dimensions : 120/70-ZR18

Rear tyre dimensions : 190/50-ZR18

Front brakes : Double rotor disc

Front brakes diameter : 320 mm (12.7 inches)

Rear brakes : Single disc

Rear brakes diameter : 240 mm (9.6 inches)

Physical measures and capacities

Dry weight : 199.0 kg (422.7 pounds)

Power/weight ratio : 0.79688 HP/kg

Seat height : 760 mm (28.7 inches)

Wheelbase : 1,440 mm (57.9 inches)

Fuel capacity : 15.80 litres (4.40 gallons)

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