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What's it like to live with a 999?

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13K views 51 replies 29 participants last post by  RoughneckNJ  
#1 ·
So? Input?
Touring?
Maintenance?
Comfort or lack thereof?

I hear they're real roasters...(hot)
 
#2 ·
My experience is with a 749s, so take it FWIW relative to the 999.

A lot of what you're asking is going to be specific to which 999 (base, S, R) you're considering and what kind of shape you're in. If you're mechanically inclined, the maintenance on the lower models (base and S) is fairly straightforward and shouldn't break the bank even if you take it to a dealership for a valve adjustment. Models that use tapered valve collets (I *believe* just the 999R) can turn into service nightmares since the head has to be removed for valve adjustments. The S and Rs also use titanium con rods, which have a shorter service life than the base bike. Small note if you're already looking at bikes: check where the side stand is attached to the engine case and make sure there isn't any damage.

Comfort and touring: For what it is, I'd say the 749/999 series is very comfortable. The most time I've spent on mine in a day is about 11 hours, ~570 miles, and I was a little sore the next day but never had issues while I was riding. I always found that the more time I spent on the bike coming out of winter, the easier getting weight off my wrists got. I like the stock seat quite a bit- there isn't much padding, but it supports my sit bones perfectly. I suppose you could tour on it, but it defeats the purpose of the bike if isn't at least sport touring. I only found heat to be an issue in traffic, and it was pretty minor there. Most of where you'll feel the heat is your inner/back inner thighs...not so much anything above that. It takes a little while to dissipate once you get moving since there isn't much airflow there, but I wouldn't consider anywhere near a deal breaker and it certainly isn't much/any worse than other sport bikes...they all just radiate heat if they aren't moving. The other thing worth mentioning, which I'm sure you're familiar with, is the clutch. In traffic, the heavy and grabby clutch is a PITA.

Hopefully that's helpful :)
 
#10 ·
. Models that use tapered valve collets (I *believe* just the 999R) can turn into service nightmares since the head has to be removed for valve adjustments. QUOTE]


It's the 749 R that the head has to come off , and not the 999R

the 999 is the best SPORT TOURING bike I have ever rode/ridden. Being 6'4" I need the roominess the 999 has to offer , I have a set of flat bars on it to reduce wrist fatigue and a sargent seat , 600 Mi in a day is a piece of cake , especially if it's twisty . I went from a great 999S I had to the latest and greatest 1198S, tried to come to grips with it for 2 years ,never could get comfy on that thing, then bought a 999R and was in HEAVEN......then I bought another one just incase I wore the first one out.
 
#4 ·
I also had a 749 and not the 999 but I liked it and did quite a few miles on it.

The image is leaving on a Phillip Island trip which is about a 3800km round trip, and the week before I had purchased it in Melbourne and rode it home about 1350km in 2 days. So you can use them for serious road duty.

I do find the 848, 1098 chassis more comfortable for me personally but I always play around with pegs and seats etc.
 

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#5 ·
If you can get an 05 or 06 MY. These are the best for a number of reasons. Just remember even good used ones are coming on ten years old or more so expect some wrenching. I'm telling you this cause I just spent the better part of an afternoon cleaning and re greasing an 05 swingarm I got used for my trackbike. Bearings were pretty much seized and this one looks to be in mint shape. Owner probably liked either the garden hose or long rides in the wet.

I haven't had any issues with valves and I've seen two motors open and over 20000km and still in spec. Look for good records and lots of oil changes and all that.

Seems everyone likes the look nowadays...when I bought mine in 09 not too many on this forum liked them...all smiles now:D
 
#6 ·
Heat is no worse than the preceding muffler under seat models. Riding position is fairly stretched out so comfort depends a bit on how you're built. The shorter your torso, the more aftermarket bars become desirable. Seat is surprisingly comfortable and on the monoposto versions is fore and aft adjustable.

Tank shape and flip up gas cap makes it hard to find decent tank bag options.

I've got bars and the seat adjusted full forward on mine and have done 600 mile days without a problem. Lack of good bag options, especially with the solo tail prevent me from using the bike for overnight trips.
 
#7 ·
Bought an '03 999 BiPosto this past fall. Great shape and it has 30,000 miles on it! Had to replace faulty ECU that was acting up and caused the speedo not to work. All good now. I've already changed the belts (easy) and will be checking valves as I add a set of "S" cams this winter from an extra '05 motor I have. Also have to balance throttle bodies and set CO level. Never been down, owned for years by an older gentleman who spent lots of $$ adding aftermarket goodies to it. Hot in traffic but not bad once up to speed. Love how it looks and will keep it until I can't ride it!
 
#9 ·
What's it like to live with a super model that cooks, cleans, and doesn't bitch?





I had an '03 and the unbearable heat to the right calf was the worst part of it. My '06 came with wrapped pipes which helped a lot, but still hot under the thighs. I cored the muffler out and that seems to have cured it. It hurts my back because my back is all focked up and I've been off anything sporty for a while, my back wasn't quite in as bad of shape when I had my '03 and I was riding more then and I don't recall ever being uncomfortable on it but I never did any long rides on it. Heat to the legs depends on how you're positioned, I'm just under 6' and have a 34" inseam and ride with my knees tight, they currently land right between the frame and tank with the pegs high and the seat back. With higher or lower knee positions it changes and letting loose so air can circulate cools them nicely.
 
#11 ·
Never had to deal with the tapered collets, as I bought the 999s, which has the 7mm valves rather than the 6mm. I've shims for my ST4s which also has 7mm valves and shims, so I wanted to keep to the system.

Mine came with a modified engine that made 148 hp at the rear wheel, which was stupid hp. After I cooked the rod bearings on a lowside at the track, I swapped it out for an almost new 999s that made 138 hp at the rear wheel, much more street-friendly. Love the 999s standard engine with good sprockets (15/43) to bring the power to the lower gears.

Woodcraft clipons, which I swapped left-to-right, which gave them a shorter drop and a better performance overall. Eventually, I'll go with a slight riser clipons (1" above), but that'll be next year.

Some people tour with their 999, and I don't see why not, if your wrists are up to it. I'm working on strengthening mine for next year, longer trips than 240 miles, which is all I've gone so far in a day. Sargent or other aftermarket seat is a plus, count on it.

Best damn superbike - great, usable torque, fit and finish not to be matched, art deco fairing - what's not to like?

Ron
 
#13 ·
Theres no need to take the head off any of them . You just need the right tools and be prepared to do it your own way and not by the book there are 6mm valve holding tools available. http://emsduc.com/product/6mm-valve-holder-tool/ . I always fill the cylinder with cord and turn the piston near to the top so that the valve is held . Theres then no chance of it falling into the cylinder .
 
#14 · (Edited)
Its up to whom ever you ask if they have to go off or not. Its a mess to adjust them thats for sure, and an overly rigid collet system even for a club racing bike, wsbk maybe but on an engine revving max 11k in my eyes not needed at all. Complicated and expensive for no return. What about the 6mm shafts and Ti you may say, doesnt matter, its just a sales argument, nothing in it.

An intermediate is the MBP collets (again mike at EMS is your friend), good but they take a good bit more time than OEM collets, quality items though and takes special opener shims.
I dont mind that and Ive used them for more than ten years and I like them, they work as advertised.

OEM half rings are really good aswell, nothing wrong with them, upside is theyre easy to work on. And to be honest, if you clubrace you tear the heads twice a season anyway, Im going to try OEM coming season to see what gives.
For street riding OEM any day.
What I learned playing around is try keep it oem and mainstream as far as possible, 99% of the time oem is not the problem.
Just my 2c.
 
#15 ·
I've had mine for two years. So far it's great. Very comfortable for a superbike, I'm considering riding it to ECM. If I do Ill let you know how it is for touring, but in full disclosure my longest day has been 250 miles. Never any wrist pain, I ride w/ virtually no pressure on the bars.

The throttle response is perfect. Bars vibrate a bit so I put some 12 oz Thottlemeisters on.

I did the valves last year (7mm), took some time but not rocket science. Removing the radiator was a PITA, but once you get the obstructive bits out of the way access is very good.

It's well documented weakness is the charging system. I was never stranded but had plenty of slow starters. I upgraded to a shorai and motolectric..so far so good.
 
#19 ·
It's well documented weakness is the charging system. I was never stranded but had plenty of slow starters. I upgraded to a shorai and motolectric..so far so good.
For me, not so much the charging system as the starting system. I monitor the charging system closely and mine has never failed.

For the starting system, I've shorai and motolectric and it works much better than stock. The hi-comp on the previous engine was horrible, and needed starter-sprag replacement, but the stock engine is much easier and works with the shorai and motolectric units well. You just need to warm up the shorai well before a cold start, otherwise good.

Ron
 
#17 ·
Hop off the St4s and onto the 999 and yes I wonder for a little how the hell I can ride the thing but really 500km days are no problem, just get a little sore at the end. pretty much thats all I expect to ride in a day around here.
Owned for a little over two years and maintenance has been no problem. Easier than the 4s. Motor is a peach. Completed 5 track days and no problem at all. Its no harder than any other Ducati to live I reckon.
 
#18 · (Edited)
I have a 2006 999S...this is my DD for the road and quite frankly I love it. I think it has a lot to do with what you are comparing it against, what kind of riding you do, and how tall you are. For me I do not do long road trips...if I go somewhere far away I'd rather do the highway miles with a trailer so that I can get there as quickly as possible and then relax and enjoy it rather than attempt to spend my vacation time recovering from a lot of highway miles (beat me up all you want...I'm delicate). Also, I am comparing the 999 versus earlier Ducati superbikes (916-era bikes and the 888-era bikes) and the 999 is a dream in terms of how light it feels, how comfortable it feels (I am 6' tall), and the controls all seem so much easier and effective compared to the earlier bikes (e.g. braking on a 999S is a whole different experience than on my 888).

Agree with the other comment about getting a 2005-6. This model has a better looking swingarm, etc. I found a lot more 2003-4 bikes for sale than 2005-6. I probably paid more, but in the long run it will likely hold it's value more. I also really like the body colored frame of the later bikes...it really sets off the build quality. In terms of maintenance I've had zero issues...just fluids and belts. I only have 3,000 miles on mine...so cannot really comment about longevity (replaced the belts due to age, not miles).

In terms of comments about heat...I am not claiming to be an expert - - just passing along my own experience which is that my 999S is like a frying pan. I am not sure if that's because other bikes I had, like a 748 street bike, were smaller displacement and pumping out less power?? My 999S has a full Termi system and it puts off some serious heat. But again, I am not doing long road trips on it and the heat issue isn't impossible to deal with.
 
#21 ·
I've had my Parts Unlimited 999S for 5 months now...I had toyed with many of the Superbike models from the 851 to the 1199. I chose the 999 for a number of reasons...

First, I have always loved the style of the 999's...It looks like nothing else

It is a bit of like chestnuts roasting over an open fire! My first ride on my bike was 300 miles home from the dealership. I had blisters on the inside of both thighs and blisters on both calves. I have the scars to prove it! I think your legs adjust because I haven't had that issue since the first ride, although it does get warm, especially if you have to sit in traffic. And speaking of sitting in traffic, your clutch will not like you! It'll grab and the grabbing point will change...I refuse to sit in traffic on the bike, it's not what its made for.

I sat on a variety of Superbikes in my quest to pick one up, the 999 seemed to fit me like a glove! It's will vary by rider, but you sit in the 999 and not on it like the later Superbikes. My longest day in the saddle is 500 miles in 7 hours 30 minutes, with 4 splash and go gas stops. I didn't expect to be as "fresh" after the ride as I was...The palms of my hands were sore after the ride, but no other aches and pains.

Maintenance is going to be similar to any other 1198 and previous models...I'm not mechanically inclined so I have the maintenance done by a shop.

As I said earlier, I've had my 999 for 5 months and over this time, I realized I selected the right bike for me. Another plus is insurance is significantly cheaper than 1098 and newer models. The savings in insurance pays for the maintenance for me.

Good luck with your decision!
Chris
 
#22 ·
Thanks for all the insight!

I live in NYC and would love to take the bike out occasionally into the city, not only out to the country, so if it's a roaster and te clutch is a pain, then a 999 really won't work. You can get caught in awful traffic completely randomly here, and it's infuriating. A 999 won't like it....
 
#23 ·
I found that wrapping the pipes helped a lot and installing a free flowing muffler (stock cored can) cut the heat even more. It was 80 degrees out yesterday and even in traffic wearing polyester pants the heat was only noticeable, not shitty. Gearing it down helps take the load off the clutch, I'm +2 in back and have run that with a -1 front but I found it to be more than I needed. I don't notice mine changing it's grab point, guessing that's an issue with your hydraulics or maybe I'm just not noticing it. I do find it not as forgiving as my wet clutches, the transition from starting to grab to full grab is very short so it takes a little gettin used to and I've stalled mine a few times. It's mostly because I'm so concerned with wearing it so I try to baby it too much, I have a thing about 'abusing' my vehicles. When I'm riding/driving/boating for speed I run hard, the rest of the time I tend to baby stuff. I guess it's worked out since I've never worn out a motor, clutch, or brakes on any of my stuff, but I also don't do a lot of miles. Anyway, if I ride it with less give a shit the clutch works fine.
 
#24 ·
I don't notice mine changing it's grab point, guessing that's an issue with your hydraulics or maybe I'm just not noticing it. I do find it not as forgiving as my wet clutches, the transition from starting to grab to full grab is very short so it takes a little gettin used to and I've stalled mine a few times. It's mostly because I'm so concerned with wearing it so I try to baby it too much, I have a thing about 'abusing' my vehicles. When I'm riding/driving/boating for speed I run hard, the rest of the time I tend to baby stuff. I guess it's worked out since I've never worn out a motor, clutch, or brakes on any of my stuff, but I also don't do a lot of miles. Anyway, if I ride it with less give a shit the clutch works fine.
I used to baby my 4s clutch but in the end I think that was doing more damage. I dont even think about it now. Just use it like a clutch. Following the grabby shreiky clutch thread and apply lithium grease to the plates will cure the transition without the "grabbing". I have after market clutch on the 999 and have no problem.

In the middle of a 5000km trip last week on the 4s and the clutch starting shreiking when hot. Went to the hardware shop and bough some lithium grease. Half hour at the hotel and all good again. It was a quick application and managed the remaining 3200 kms great.

So its not the 999 in particlular that has the grabby clutch it could be any dry clutch Ducati that is in need of a little TLC.
 
#29 ·
My $.02

Get the 'S' model, preferably an 05+. I've a 07 999S AMA (PU), and it's the best ride I've thrown a leg over. Except for a 1/2 Termi sys and a slipper clutch that it came with, my gal is stock. I was looking for a 05+ 999S myself....found this baby after a year or so of looking. Don't get discouraged...it will happen. My Ducati needed to be red, but stand out from the crowd. Only put 3k on this last year....but no problems on the road. I'm 6' and the bike fits me well once I learned to keep the weight off my wrists. I really like sitting 'in' the bike, and not 'on'. Power on tap whenever the mood hits me, and it happens often. Still enough of a fighter to handle the tight curves on mountain roads here....ride with a few kids and their R1's and 6's, F4i's, etc.
 
#30 ·
best sportbike i ever owned.. i put 10k miles on it the first year i had it and then it got stolen.. :mad: and YEAH, i loved the ergos... sporty when you wanted to tuck, and light on the wrists while cruising 'round town. I felt the bike to be durable and trustworthy from a reliability and maintenance standpoint. Couldnt recommend a nicer bike if one wanted a "superbike" for daily life.


I vote 999S, 04, 05, or 06, you choose.

I think it is one of the best built sportbikes that was ever made.. it's price tag at the time reflected it as well.. impeccable build quality, intuitive design engineering, and a very, very unique styled bike -- love it or hate it -- it certainly followed it's very own path.

i say go for the "S" cos it's a got a few nifty tricks aside from the "ohlins and termis"... adjustable steering head for 23.5 or 24.5 degree rake, titanium con rods, and a fully adjustable tank/seat assy(i think this was 999 specific, so either the base or s will have it)


great fucking bike!!! the termis sound pretty good, but if you want something with a little more "bite" and "thunder" i would go with the remus twin can setup, it had a way snarlier bark to it in the off-idle throttle blips. --- i dont think i would be terribly impressed with a base 999 with a stock exhaust after feeling the throttle response and engine speed of a titanium con rods and a remus exhaust.

again, great fucking bike!


going to look at a 996 tomorrow.. and the primary thing i can say that actually draws me to this bike is the single sided swing arm -- which i feel is a damn sexy design aspect, and apparently i am a sucker for it... i like the 996's "stance" and it's "oh em gee dont you know how iconic it's looks are" looks, but i dont think it's in the same league as a 999 as far as the tangibles go... the 999, intrinsically speaking, is MORE BIKE and a better piece of engineering. < should i have prefaced that by stating it is merely my humble opinion? Nah, i dont think i will this time.. and i doubt my mind will change after owning a tamburini sbk.. Pierre Terblanche deserved a little more credit for his work than he received... he kinda got the Chris Bangle treatment... and Chris Bangle's BMW cars never set records on the race track, nor did he have input on the engineering and performance dyamics of the cars he built. build a thousand bridges youre a bridge builder, design one controversially style toy(a superbike) yet thoroughly and amazingly functional and youre an enemy of the state and people throw rocks at you..


ignore my ramblings, and just go out and buy one! I hate the fact that theyve appreciated since i bought mine back in 2010 for $6400(a steal).. the stigma has lifted on it's design and is potentially on the upswing of marketability.. maybe.. speculative.. honestly, i liked em a lot better when they were cheaper.. not so sure i would pay more than $7k for a really, really slick 999S unless it had 5k miles and some nice extras.. and the market doesnt seem to agree with my valuation at present time..