First Ride: 2004 Ducati 999R

DUCATI have been shrouding themselves in mystery of late, and the launch of the new 999R US-homologation special at Laguna Seca was no exception.

Development chief Andrea Forni and his team have done a thorough job on the already oversquare 999R engine. Bigger valves - intake up from 40 to 42mm, exhaust 1mm wider at 33mm - are made from titanium instead of steel, so are 35% lighter, and have slimmer stems retained by 749R-style cones, not shims. New cams with more lift mean the valves open further, too.

Reshaped cylinder heads and new pistons boost compression while titanium conrods bolt to a lighter crankshaft with a revised internal lubing system. The Marelli fuel-injection is revamped with a more sophisticated ECU and 12-hole injectors. The result is more torque through the range and a power increase of 11bhp to 150bhp, delivered 250rpm earlier at 9750rpm.

While they were at it Ducati made a few cosmetic mods, fitting a slightly wider screen, and blocking off the fairing slashes above the air intakes for an aerodynamic benefit. Revised …hlins forks feature a top-out spring and reworked damping, and there's a new …hlins shock too, with modified internal valving for more precise damping adjustment.

But that new motor was the star at Laguna, ladling out huge amounts of midrange with a stunningly quick-revving charge to the 11,000rpm limiter. The Duke shot along pit straight clocking 150mph-plus before cranking it left over a crest, then braking like crazy for the hairpin.

Fortunately, the lightweight (181kg dry) Ducati's radial Brembos were predictably sharp, as was the rest of its chassis. Set up racy with extra rear ride height, plus its steering at the steeper, 23.5¡ angle, the R was deliciously flickable, even through the gut-churning downhill, left-right flick of the Corkscrew. The bars shook slightly over a couple of crests until I firmed up the …hlins steering damper, but the bike was taut and responsive.

The current 999R costs £19,995, and this version will cost more. But this is an even more powerful and polished example of what's already the best road-going Ducati.

SPECS

TYPE - SUPERSPORTS

PRODUCTION DATE - 2004

PRICE NEW - £20,000

ENGINE CAPACITY - 999cc

POWER - 150bhp@9750rpm

TORQUE - 86lb.ft@8000rpm

WEIGHT - 181kg

SEAT HEIGHT - 780mm

FUEL CAPACITY - 17L

TOP SPEED - 175mph

0-60 - n/a

TANK RANGE - N/A

Ducati have been shrouding themselves in mystery of late, and the launch of the new 999R US-homologation special at Laguna Seca was no exception.

Development chief Andrea Forni and his team have done a thorough job on the already oversquare 999R engine. Bigger valves - intake up from 40 to 42mm, exhaust 1mm wider at 33mm - are made from titanium instead of steel, so are 35% lighter, and have slimmer stems retained by 749R-style cones, not shims. New cams with more lift mean the valves open further, too.

Reshaped cylinder heads and new pistons boost compression while titanium conrods  bolt to a lighter crankshaft with a revised internal lubing system. The Marelli fuel-injection is revamped with a more sophisticated ECU and 12-hole injectors. The result is more torque through the range and a power increase of 11bhp to 150bhp, delivered 250rpm earlier at 9750rpm.

While they were at it Ducati made a few cosmetic mods, fitting a slightly wider screen, and blocking off the fairing slashes above the air intakes for an aerodynamic benefit. Revised Öhlins forks feature a top-out spring and reworked damping, and there's a new Öhlins shock too, with modified internal valving for more precise damping adjustment.

But that new motor was the star at Laguna, ladling out huge amounts of midrange with a stunningly quick-revving charge to the 11,000rpm limiter. The Duke shot along pit straight clocking 150mph-plus before cranking it left over a crest, then braking like crazy for the hairpin.

Fortunately, the lightweight (181kg dry) Ducati's radial Brembos were predictably sharp, as was the rest of its chassis. Set up racy with extra rear ride height, plus its steering at the steeper, 23.5° angle, the R was deliciously flickable, even through the gut-churning downhill, left-right flick of the Corkscrew. The bars shook slightly over a couple of crests until I firmed up the Öhlins steering damper, but the bike was taut and responsive.

The current 999R costs £19,995, and this version will cost more. But this is an even more powerful and polished example of what's already the best road-going Ducati.

2004 Ducati 999R Specs

TYPE - SUPERSPORTS
PRODUCTION DATE - 2004
PRICE NEW - £20,000
ENGINE CAPACITY - 999cc
POWER - 150bhp@9750rpm
TORQUE - 86lb.ft@8000rpm   
WEIGHT - 181kg
SEAT HEIGHT - 780mm   
FUEL CAPACITY - 17L
TOP SPEED - 175mph
0-60     - n/a
TANK RANGE - N/A