Mike Brearley
09-15-2009, 09:17 AM
The base 999 model now gets the previous 999S, state of engine tune and that means a claimed 140 horsies for the base 999 package. A classic hot rodding operation of bumping compression and hotter cams has been performed and Ducati didn't skimp on the deeper, S type oil sump. The crankshaft has been strengthened too and cam belt covers are now ventilated, something that should add a few thousand miles to their replacement intervals thanks to the reduced running temperature.
The 05' swingarm is no longer cast. It's now a mix of sheet aluminum welded to a central cast section, has 30% more torsional rigidity and weighs some 6 pounds less, while looking like a dead ringer for the swingarm installed on Toseland's racebike.
On the cycle side of things, the one notable change is to the swingarm. Not a fully cast member any more, the swingarm is now a mix of sheet aluminum welded to a central cast section. Ducati claims that 30% more torsional rigidity has been achieved with the new swingarm. The thing also weights some 6 pounds less, while looking like a dead ringer for the swingarm installed on Toseland's racebike. Talking about looks, you'd be hard pressed to notice what exactly has changed just a quick glance at the exterior, but the 999 looks so much better now.
5208
The color-matched frame, that beautiful swingarm and the retouched upper fairing all do wonders for the controversial styling of the original 999. Maybe it's just growing on us, maybe the removal of the devilish looking upper air intakes on the front fairing does the trick. Whatever the reason, the 999's shapes do seem to have come of age and finally morphed into a sexy object of lust. While redoing the upper fairing, almost an inch has been added to its width and it's a tad higher too for better wind protection. Some areas of the bike were never in discussion; the waspish form of the seat/tail piece is in my eyes as suggestive as that of the MV F4's sinful rear end.
The color-matched frame, that beautiful swingarm and the retouched upper fairing all do wonders for the controversial styling of the original 999.Geometry has not changed, but this 999 feels sharper than ever when tipping it into ultra fast bends. Maybe the Michelin Pilot Power tires are behind this razor like response. Suspension just keeps the things very well settled and even at full lean on a sweeping fly-over, the gaps between bridge segments get swallowed without any distress. When flying fast like this, going at 120-140Mph on clean autostrada stretches, the extra wind protection becomes evident. It's no sport tourer mind you, but on this 999 I can actually tuck-in properly. On the old model, all my hands-on Kamasutra experience couldn't help me while trying to hide behind the bubble. Widened screen and all, the mirrors are still useless as ever. After this long day of fast speed work, I land back home quite relaxed. The one piece rubber injection seat has not caused me too much trouble (or heat, thanks to the cool weather) and by fitting the pegs to their lower position, my knees are in a reasonable position.
The 05' swingarm is no longer cast. It's now a mix of sheet aluminum welded to a central cast section, has 30% more torsional rigidity and weighs some 6 pounds less, while looking like a dead ringer for the swingarm installed on Toseland's racebike.
On the cycle side of things, the one notable change is to the swingarm. Not a fully cast member any more, the swingarm is now a mix of sheet aluminum welded to a central cast section. Ducati claims that 30% more torsional rigidity has been achieved with the new swingarm. The thing also weights some 6 pounds less, while looking like a dead ringer for the swingarm installed on Toseland's racebike. Talking about looks, you'd be hard pressed to notice what exactly has changed just a quick glance at the exterior, but the 999 looks so much better now.
5208
The color-matched frame, that beautiful swingarm and the retouched upper fairing all do wonders for the controversial styling of the original 999. Maybe it's just growing on us, maybe the removal of the devilish looking upper air intakes on the front fairing does the trick. Whatever the reason, the 999's shapes do seem to have come of age and finally morphed into a sexy object of lust. While redoing the upper fairing, almost an inch has been added to its width and it's a tad higher too for better wind protection. Some areas of the bike were never in discussion; the waspish form of the seat/tail piece is in my eyes as suggestive as that of the MV F4's sinful rear end.
The color-matched frame, that beautiful swingarm and the retouched upper fairing all do wonders for the controversial styling of the original 999.Geometry has not changed, but this 999 feels sharper than ever when tipping it into ultra fast bends. Maybe the Michelin Pilot Power tires are behind this razor like response. Suspension just keeps the things very well settled and even at full lean on a sweeping fly-over, the gaps between bridge segments get swallowed without any distress. When flying fast like this, going at 120-140Mph on clean autostrada stretches, the extra wind protection becomes evident. It's no sport tourer mind you, but on this 999 I can actually tuck-in properly. On the old model, all my hands-on Kamasutra experience couldn't help me while trying to hide behind the bubble. Widened screen and all, the mirrors are still useless as ever. After this long day of fast speed work, I land back home quite relaxed. The one piece rubber injection seat has not caused me too much trouble (or heat, thanks to the cool weather) and by fitting the pegs to their lower position, my knees are in a reasonable position.