The base model 999 and 999S get lots more power and a new, slighty wider front fairing design
now without the ugly upper air vents, just like the front of the new 999R05 introduced in July, and which first appeared on our 999S Fast Dates Project Bike over a year ago.

A FastDates.com Exclusive World Premier!
2005 Ducati 999 and 999S Testastretta Superbike

September 6th, 2004 - In introduction, the current generation 999 Testastretta is the most advanced, highest performance Ducati Superbike yet. First unveiled in 2002 and introduced as a 2003 model, it was hailed by the press as the best V-twin ever built. The goal at Ducati in Bologna was to create a Superbike of stunning design and performance with improved rider ergonomics, simplified maintenance, reduced motorcycle complexity and boosted horsepower. Aerodynamics, mechanical and electronic components, chassis and running gear were developed first,then styling followed (...and some say, got left behind. But it does grow on you). The resulting new generation 999 was quicker, slipperier and frankly, kinkier if not sexier than ever – a real race machine that epitomized the best of Ducati’s high performance tradition, but pushed that heritage fast into the future. The new generation 999 was created based on Ducati's winning Superbike formula that has dominated the sport for over a decade.

Two years after the launch of the current generation 999 models (and the smaller 749 Superbike sibling will sure to follow as always), Ducati has realized it was time to update its production big bore Superbike models with improved engine performance and less weight, all features the Japanase manufacturers had introduced in 2004 with their new 1000cc in-line 4 cylinder Superbikes. Ducati claims their new technological improvements were developed during racetrack testing, but in truth it was certainly the need to keep us with the showrrom competition. Either way, the performance improvements are welcomed.

The new base model 999 05 Mono-Posta (1 seater) Superbike in Red. Featuring the trick new stamped sheet aluminum swingarm and updated red frame from the new 999R05 model. Go BIGGER

999 and 999S Superbike Chassis Design Changes for 2005
Beginning in 2005 the 999 and 999S Superbike models will be much closer kissin' cousins than the last 2 years, sharing a more similar specification, new higher tuned Testastretta engine. They will also share the same the same slightly revised R model frame, new lightweight forged Marchesini wheels, and the lighter weight R model stamped aluminum swingarm. The differences the mid-range model 999S will have over the base 999 is slightly more horsepowr , and in crate supplied 102 db race silenser for even more power, and the upgrade to higher cost and spec, base line Ohlins suspension, instead of the 999 model's nearly as compentant Showa suspenders. While the top pf the Superbike line 999R05 model (no longer limited production) gets the higher spec Ohlins radial brake mount forks with higher spec Brembo race brakes, and a higher spec Ohlins rear shock

999 SBK 05: The price is $17,995 for the standard 999 in either Monoposto or Biposto for 2005 (the new 999 of course has some significant improvements over '04 including the deep sump S engine making 140 HP in the base model!)

999S SBK 05 : 999S will retail for $22,995 for 2005 and included upgrades as well. The Ohlins suspension, radial brakes, 143 HP and a free 102 db exhaust in the crate with the bike (putting it to 147 HP with that exhaust installed).

999R SBK 05: Retails for $29,995 for 2005 with 150 HP at 9750 rpm with the stock exhaust catalyatic muffler. Includes higher spec Ohlins suspension, carbon fibe bodywork, magnesium valve covers.

The newly updated 999 and 999S now features the innovative aluminium alloy two-sided box-section rear swing-arm, a replica of the onse used on the 999F Ducati Corse factory race bikes, and which just became available on the latest 749R and 999R models. This new welded, samped sheet aluminum swingarm is about a pound lighter than the cast aluminum arm it replaces, and handling is enhanced with a more favourable weight/rigidity ratio. Needless to say the new R-model owners are not going to be to happy that one of their bike's trickest features, the alloy stamped sheet swingarm, just became a standard feature on all the 999 models.

The base model 999 05 Bi-Posta (2 seater) Superbike in Black.

Other key modifications include: a wider and higher nose fairing (upper air intakes have been sealed) that provides better rider aerodynamics and a raised Plexiglas windscreen for better wind protection. All-new Terblend NNG02 polymer plastic fairings lower overall weight by 1 Kg. The turn indicators have been incorporated into the mirrors, which are spaced further apart, to improve aerodynamics and complement the motorcycle’s clean lines.

Both the 999 and 999S 05 share a retuned Testastretta "Long Stroke" deep sump motor that puts out more
power than last year's 999R04 model.

For 2005 the retuned and uprated 999 Testastretta engine produces incredible linear and tractable power delivery, now pumping out 140 HP at 9750 rpm and 11.1 kgm at 8000 RPM for the base 999 SBK model, and 143 HP for the 999S which is upgraded to 147 HP with the free with bike supplied 102db Termignoni Race Silencer! That's up from 124 HP @ 9500 rpm on the previous (now old) base 999 model, and up from 136 HP @ 9750 rpm on the previous 999S. That's even more than last year's 999R04 which was rated at 139 hp @ 9750 with 11 kgm of torque at 8000 rpm.

This large power increase still comes with the same relatively low 11.4:1 compression ratio and the same bore and stroke of 100 mm x 63.5 mm. For comparison, the newly introduced 999R05 rated at 150hp @9750 rpm with Maximum Torque 11.9 kgm @ 8000 rpm, has a 12.45:1 compression and the shorter stroke homolgated race engine with a 104mm bore x 58.8mm stroke.

The killer deal with the new uprated 999 engine is that both the 2005 Superbike models, the 999 and 999S, will now share this exact same engine with the deep race sump oil pickup. Right out of the box you're already making more power than last year's 139hp 999R04. Bolt on an optional Ducati Performance Termignoni full race exhaust system for $3,200 (that's also some 20 lbs, lighter than the stock catalyitac muffler) and you're knocking on 999R05 power and weight territority for about $7,000 less!

ENGINE
Type L twin cylinder, 4 valve Testastretta Desmodromic, liquid cooled
Displacement 998 cc
Bore and stroke 100 x 63.5 mm
Compression Ratio 11.4:1
Power 103 kW - 140 HP @ 9750 rpm on the 999, 143 HP on the 999S
Torque 109 Nm - 11.1 Kgm @ 8000 rpm
Fuel injection Marelli Electronic Fuel Injection, 54 mm throttle body
Exhaust Single steel muffler, with catalytic converter
Emissions Euro 2
TRASMISSION
Gearbox 6-speed
Ratio 1a 37/15, 2a 30/17, 3a 28/20, 4a 26/22,5a 24/23, 6a 23/24
Primary Drive Straight cut gears; Ratio 1.84
Final Drive Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 36
Clutch Dry multiplate with hydraulic control

Chassis Technical Specifications
Brakes
The Superbike Brembo braking system consists of twin 320 mm steel front brake discs set in a more outward position for improved cooling and a steel 240 mm diameter rear brake disc. The front brake “triple bridge” calipers are rigid for incredible stopping power and feature four 34 mm pistons and four individual sintered brake pads. The radial front brake and clutch levers are adjustable for better ergonomics.
Wheels
The 999 utilizes lightweight, five spoke, Y-shaped Brembo/Marchesini wheels.
Suspension
The 999 features a fully adjustable suspension system. Upside-down 43 mm Showa forks with low friction TiN treatment and a Showa rear shock provide a smooth ride on all road and track conditions.
Swingarm
The 999 now features an innovative aluminium alloy two-sided box-section rear swing-arm, a true replica of the one used on the 999 Factory race bike.
Exhaust
The exhaust system’s innovative asymmetrical layout and the high-volume single-muffler result in significant torque at the middle of the rev range. The 999 complies with Euro 2 standards.
Frame
The 999’s highly advanced trellis frame, constructed of mitered and welded high-strength steel tubing, ensures precise handling and stability for a consistent and predictable ride.
Instrument Panel
The Ducati 999 utilizes an incredibly advanced instrumentation panel. Composed of a circular tachometer with a backlit, classic, white dial and LCD panel, it indicates engine coolant temperature, speed, odometer, battery voltage, air temperature, fuel consumption, code-based diagnostics and signals for 200 and 100 rpm before redline. The panel also indicates time, routine service interval and anti-theft system status.

The base model 999 05 Superbikegets naked. No more traditional Ducati Superbike Silver frames?
Bikes in Red get the color matched Red painted frame,just like new 999R05. Hopefully if the bike is offered
in Yellow again, it will get the Black frame

Suggest retail price for the 999R FILA edition is $24,995 which is a great price in Ducati's world, considering the previous edition 999R03 cost $32,000, although it did come with a $3,200 Termignoni race pike and match CPU module. While the new 999R05 with the updrated new 150hp engine sells for $29.995 without a race pipe. And the new 999S05 with 140hp does come with a slip-on race silencer and CPU for $23.995. See your Ducati dealer now for a piece of WSB history. Ducati 999R04 FILA Screensaver

Go to: Ducati 999R05 Information Page 1 • Test Page 2 • Test Page 3

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Ducati's World Championship winning 999F03 is featured in
Fast Dates 2005. Click to order

The 2005
Ducati 999 Models

Standard 999 05 is $17,995
in either Monoposto or Biposto (the new 999 of course has some significant improvements over '04 including the deep sump S engine making 140 HP in the base model!)

999S 05 is $22,995 for 2005 and included upgrades as well. The suspension, radial brakes, 143 HP and a free 102 db exhaust in the crate with the bike (putting it to 147 HP with that exhaust installed).

999R 05 is $29,995
With 150 hp rated engine, radial brakes, carbon fibre fairing, magnesium components.

The CAN bus- can do,
a more streamlined electrical system
The use of a CAN (Controller Area Network) network with two main nodes: instrument panel and engine ECU (Magneti Marelli IAW 5M2), has greatly simplified the electrical system, with a significant weight reduction. To limit the number of cable bundles the designers have eliminated duplications in the number of sensors on the motorcycle. Their signals must therefore be shared by the various on-board processors. This can only be done by sending the sensor's signal to the closest controller, which is then charged with sending it on to the network so that it can be used by the processors which need it. The CAN bus network is composed of only two cables carrying trains of digital signals, each of which carries precise, perfectly decodable information. The nodes of the network (the instrument panel and the engine ECU), have special hardware which enables them to recognise which signal trains concern them and must therefore be processed by their processors. This technology enables a considerable simplification of the electrical system, which in some sections is composed of no more than the double CAN bus cable.

Ergonomics
An adjustable riding position allows for optimum ergonomics, performance, handling, and control on the road and the racetrack. Fitting the 999 to individual rider size is accomplished with adjustable foot-pegs and adjustable rake, suspension and a seat/tank combination on the single-seat version with 20 mm of fore and aft travel. A well-loaded front end ensures manageable and precise control, at the same time taking the weight off the rider’s wrists. The 999 is equipped with radial master cylinders with built-in reservoirs offering a wider steering angle for easier city riding.

Frame and Two-Member Swingarm
There have been no substantial modifications to the frame used on the previous 999R, which is still of the trestle type, constructed in high strength steel tubing. The suspended engine is a bearing component and contributes to the torsional rigidity of the assembly. The cross-member supporting the starter motor on the series production bike is removable to enable use of a larger capacity fuel tank, as provided by the championship regulations. The footplates can be moved to two different positions.

A great deal of attention has been paid to weight distribution and the location of each single component, which plays a fundamental role in transferring the loads experienced during dynamic riding (braking, acceleration, curves). Indeed, the individual components must be as close together as possible to contain the arms on which the masses act and as a result the momentum generated, so as to ensure highly responsive handling of the motorcycle. This is yet another reason why Ducati has followed the principle of maximum integration in designing the bike, with the aim of achieving a high density of components in a reduced volume.

The new swing arm is identical to the one on the 749R and 999R05, and very similar to the one on the the factory Corse Superbikes. The fulcrum support is an aluminium casting, while each arm is composed of two sheet profiles pressed and welded together to achieve a box cross-section. The left hand member also includes a lower reinforcing member. The wheel shaft is supported by two forged units welded to the ends of the arms. These components are equipped with a failure screw specified to a specific breaking strain which thus ensures that the wheelbase cannot be lengthened under stress.

The wheelbase is the same as that of the previous model 999's and the distance between the wheel centre and swing arm fulcrum is 490 mm +/ñ 12.5 mm (the variability is enabled by the chain tensioning slot). If the failure screw is removed and the rear wheel is set to its furthest back position, the swing arm centre distance is 512.5 mm. In this case the motorcycle's wheelbase is such as to counteract sudden variations in position during dynamic braking and acceleration (thus reducing rear wheel grip failure under braking and counteracting front wheel lift under acceleration while guaranteeing sufficient drive).

Forged Aluminium
Alloy Wheels
The rear and front wheel rims are made of forged aluminium, a technology which enables weight reduction while maintaining resistance to mechanical stress. Compared to castings, it is possible to use thinner sections since the material is distributed evenly throughout the component. The lower weight of the rims not only reduces the suspended masses (which significantly improves suspension performance), but also greatly reduces the gyroscope effect and improves the handling of the bike at high speeds (the bike is more agile when entering curves). Forging is done with a hydraulic press using special dies with a load of thousands of tons. The material thus becomes plastic while maintaining its original molecular structure and hence guaranteeing the mechanical properties of the finished part, even with greatly reduced sections. Casting, on the other hand, requires the metal to be liquid, which alters its molecular structure, and the material is poured into a mould for cooling. There is thus no certainty that the material perfectly fills all the mould cavities. To ensure that the mechanical strength of the part is adequate, castings must therefore be thicker and heavier than forged parts.