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Ducati 999 (2003-2006)

View all Ducati 999s for sale (10)

Detail	Value
Parker's used price range	£2,680-8,645
	Full used prices
Engine size	998cc
Power	124bhp
Top speed	165mph
Insurance group	17

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

Although arguably a better bike, the Ducati 999 has never really stepped out of the shadows of the preceding, iconic Ducati 916 series of motorcycles. It lacks the grunty, fluid finesse of its V-twin rival motorcycles, the comfort of Japanese superbikes and has typical Ducati failings; of poor riding position, useless mirrors and quirky electrics. On the right racetrack, the Ducati 999 feels sublime, but stuck in traffic on a wet M5, it can be a different story.

Watch the Ducati 999 take on Ducati's 1098S

MCN rating
Owners' rating

There's an addictive lunge about the Ducati 999 motor, which sounds awesome with Termignoni pipes. In many ways the booming 90 degree V-twin defines the motorcycle brand, but it’s no match for a Suzuki GSX-R1000 or Yamaha R1 on track, especially coming out of tighter corners, where the sheer grunt of the Ducati 999 can make it harder to get on the gas whilst keeping traction.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

If you spend time and money setting up the Ducati 999 to suit your weight, riding style, the track etc. it can make you feel like you've just qualified on the front row for Misano World Superbikes. But on ordinary, ill maintained UK roads the Ducati 999 can sometimes feel harsh, a bit raw and unforgiving. Occasionally, all that power can simply overhwhelm the old school trellis chassis.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The dashboard has a race motorcycle-like simplicity, but has been known to light up like a Vegas slot machine if water gets into its electronic brains. There's a lap timer, oil/temp warnings, air temp monitor and a fuel consumption display. An immobiliser is standard on the Ducati 999 range too. Seat comfort is minimal and the pillion pad on the Ducati 999 Biposto is basically for a short trip back to pitlane.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The 2005 onwards Ducati 999 is not only faster, but likely to be more reliable, with a tweak to aid cam belt cooling on the engine, plus the deep sump motor standard across the range. Servicing is crucial on the Ducati 999 - every two years it requires a 14 hour workshop check and replacement of cambelts, fork oil, fluids etc. Neglected Ducati 999 models will break down - sooner rather than later. The overall build quality on the post 2005 motorcycles is a tad higher somehow, as if Ducati were really trying to make people fall in love with the Ducati 999 model.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

At £20K on the road, the Ducati 999R isn't good value. You could build your own Ducati 916 special for half that and make people openly drool in the street. Best value in the range has to be the Ducati 999S from 2005 onwards, with plenty of poke, good chassis kit and Termis as standard. The Ducati 999 Biposto tends to go for the least money secondhand, so an early 2002 motorcycle is the cheapest entry ticket to the world of Ducati 999 motorcycles. Find a Ducati 999 motorcycle for sale.

Insurance group: 17

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2003: Ducati 999 Biposto launched, alongside Ducati 999S and Ducati 999R variants.
2004: Limited edition Monstermob Ducati 999 BSB replica available, basically Ducati 999S with race paint/graphics.
2007: 999 replaced by new 1098.

Ducati 999S: Has another claimed 10bhp, Ohlins suspension and steering damper.
Ducati 999R: Claimed 150bhp from 2005 onwards, classy Ohlins kit, radial brakes, Termis etc. About as close as a pukka World Superbike race motorcycle as you can get.

Specifications

Top speed	165mph
1/4-mile acceleration	11 secs
Power	124bhp
Torque	66ftlb
Weight	199kg
Seat height	780mm
Fuel capacity	15.5 litres
Average fuel consumption	40mpg
Tank range	130 miles
Insurance group	17

Engine size	998cc
Engine specification	8v V-twin, 6 gears
Frame	Steel trellis
Front suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound, compression
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound, compression
Front brakes	Twin 320mm disc
Rear brake	240mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17 in
Rear tyre size	190/50 x 17 in

Examples for sale nowSee all current ads for this bike

Ducati
999

8600 miles

£6,370

Ducati
999

4080 miles

£11,990

Ducati
999

3850 miles

£5,995

Ducati
999

10000 miles

£5,995

Ducati
999

9915 miles

£6,495

Owners' Overall Rating (4 reviews)

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ducati 999 biposto

midnight999

Average rating

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Ride and Handling
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Engine

I just traded my hayabusa for a 999 bip, I do a lot of 2 up riding with my wife, we both find the bike more comfortable than the busa, the habdling is fantastic, as is the engine the sound etc etc, could go on forever,needless to say I love the duke,it attracts alot of attention and is amazing to ride, a true classic in its own rite

21 March 2008
Ducati 999s

Doug45

Average rating

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Ride and Handling
Equipment
Quality and Reliabilty
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Engine

I had an "s" model when they came out, part-exing my ST4s. To ride, these are simply superb (drop the gearing by one tooth at the front though) with good handling, and fast for a twin. Although I didn't suffer any break-downs, the finish was terrible! Thin paint, rotten fasteners, seizing brakes... all rubbish on a £13,500 bike. Would I have another one? No, not at that price.

11 March 2008
Yellow peril

notsospeedy

Average rating

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Bought new in 2004, worried about reliability and proved right. Just out of warranty & electrics give up the ghost. But what a bike and can forgive the grief, superb handling and brakes. Just love the way it fires out of corners. Only way is up so I've bought a new 999R. Strengths: Looks, handling, brakes and engine. Weaknesses:
Electrics and cost of servicing.

26 September 2006
Love it!

gilmil

Average rating

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Overall
Ride and Handling
Equipment
Quality and Reliabilty
Value
Engine

Bought new, in Jan 05 it was sent in for its first service, where it was found that the oil pump had failed, which Ducati knew about, apparently there was a bad batch. After waiting an age for new parts (new barrels rings pistons etc.), it was fixed under warranty. Since then I have put on 3000 miles and it has been very reliable, an awsome ride even at standard. Everyone drools over it from women and kids to OAP's and hardened bikers! Strengths: Superb fuelling and handling, beautiful yes! BEAUTIFUL looks. Weaknesses: Just done a five hour ride my wrists are sore.

12 May 2006