Niall's Spin: Ducati 999R review
When a racer has to pick a favourite circuit it will normally be one where he has enjoyed some success
Click to read: Ducati 999R owners reviews, Ducati 999R specs and to see the Ducati 999R image gallery.
Likewise, when asked to pick a favourite race bike it will be one that comes with happy memories. I never had a good day on a Ducati race bike so, rightly or wrongly, I am always wary of their race replicas.
I needn't have worried when I picked up the 999R. With a claimed 150bhp this is the most powerful production 999 to date, and with Ducati still far from being a spent force in racing I expect even more evolution.
Physically this is a much easier bike to ride than the Japanese 1000s so you can ride harder for longer - handy if it comes down to beating your mate on the final track day session. She may be expensive but included in the price is top quality Öhlins and the best radially mounted Brembo brakes.
The motor seems just as refined, giving smooth power from low revs then building all the way to the 10,800rpm limiter. Nice touches are Marchesini wheels, a carbon exhaust can cover and the white number boards on the tail piece. As a riding experiencethe 999R delivers big time. The cost is high but you get a fully loaded motorcycle laden with quality components throughout.
