About two years ago when I purchased my used 999 I had a new set of sprockets and chain installed. Kept the stock 15T front, went to a 38T rear, up 2 teeth from stock. Fortunately the dealer left the new chain too long when installed which gave me the opportunity to experiment w/ different rear sprocket sizes.
So, from 36 tooth rear (stock), I went to a 38, 39, 40, 41 and now 42 tooth. IMO the best combo is w/ out a doubt a 15/42 gearing. Even going that one extra tooth on the rear really improved clutch release and 1st gear lugging. Secondly, the bike handles so much better....I believe it is decreasing the wheelbase of the 999. My axle is nearly all the way forward, axle adjuster 1st mark barely aligns w/ the swing arm mark. Wow..what a confidence inspiring set up I have now! Thirdly, the bike just accerates viscously! Of course it won't do 170-maybe not 150....but the brutal pull that is associated w/ the 999 now is incredible. It's no Busa' or ZX..but there's a definate improvement..w/o feeling you're riding in 1st gear everytime you shift.
So, if you're due for a chain replacement, do yourself a favor and try the 15/42 for you 999 or at least experiment, even if you own a different Ducati. You can always reduce the length of the chain if it's not for you. Buy a few sprockets and have at it! I will guarantee you'll never look back after going to a larger rear sprocket...especially you 999 owners!
So, from 36 tooth rear (stock), I went to a 38, 39, 40, 41 and now 42 tooth. IMO the best combo is w/ out a doubt a 15/42 gearing. Even going that one extra tooth on the rear really improved clutch release and 1st gear lugging. Secondly, the bike handles so much better....I believe it is decreasing the wheelbase of the 999. My axle is nearly all the way forward, axle adjuster 1st mark barely aligns w/ the swing arm mark. Wow..what a confidence inspiring set up I have now! Thirdly, the bike just accerates viscously! Of course it won't do 170-maybe not 150....but the brutal pull that is associated w/ the 999 now is incredible. It's no Busa' or ZX..but there's a definate improvement..w/o feeling you're riding in 1st gear everytime you shift.
So, if you're due for a chain replacement, do yourself a favor and try the 15/42 for you 999 or at least experiment, even if you own a different Ducati. You can always reduce the length of the chain if it's not for you. Buy a few sprockets and have at it! I will guarantee you'll never look back after going to a larger rear sprocket...especially you 999 owners!