The Ducati 999 was the motorcycle that ended the loving stranglehold that the adored Massimo Tamburini held on Ducati Styling throughout the 90’s. The Tamburini designed 916 series of bikes have become legendary for their styling and performance, the 916, the 996 and the 998. But all good things must come to an end and as the 2000’s rolled around Tamburini was out, and Pierre Terblanche was brought in to shake up the future direction of Ducati’s top tier sport bikes.

When the 999 was first released in 2002 in the biposto version, Terblanche’s styling garnered quite a bit of flak. It was a big jump from the 916 bikes styling, and it turned many people away from the get-go. The styling, however, has aged beautifully and the bike could easily pass as a modern showroom offering, over ten years later. The performance is still on par with many of today’s current offerings, providing 124 horsepower and 0-60 times in the sub 3-second category in the standard trim. In 2003, both the S and the R variants were released to the general public. The S version received the single (“monoposto”) seat, Ohlins adjustable suspension front and rear, and a 13 bhp bump. The R would be much more limited in production and would receive all the S additions plus more race friendly bodywork. The 999 series, would go on to compete very successfully on racetracks the world around, including the top tier Grand Prix circuit, continuing its impressive career even after the street version was no longer in production.

This particular example, Chassis number ZDMIUB5V13B006136, and engine number UB53009080 is a 2003 model, the first production year for the “S” variant. This specific Ducati has seen a sheltered life, covering a mere 2082 miles since being sold new. It was regularly serviced and cared for at various shops throughout the Scottsdale Arizona area and lived in a dry humidity-free climate. Having just one previous owner, the history of this bike is known well. It was sold new at Phoenix International Motorsports LLC of Phoenix Arizona on September 18, 2003. It received its 600 miles service on November 25, 2003, at which time the aftermarket Termignoni exhaust was also installed. The next receipt is from September 6, 2006, when a belt service was completed. The motorcycle registered 603 miles at this point. The timing belt was replaced again in February 2010 along with a complete fluids change. The bike also received new tires at this time as well. The battery was replaced in 2010 and then again in 2012 at which time the mileage was stated as 1498 miles. This is the last service record we have on hand.

Overall, the bodywork is in fantastic condition as should be expected of a bike with these miles. The paint still shines and is smooth and consistent. All the graphics and stickers are still in place and free of any peeling, cracking or discoloration. There is a small knick on the leading edge of the belly pan behind the front tire, but this is the only real issue cosmetically. The windshield is clear and scratch free, and the headlight is bright and fully functioning. The seat has some slight small depressions from normal wear but free of any tears or pulls.

All the controls function as they should. All lights work, and the gauges function flawlessly. Turn signals and brake light operate without issue. The grips are blemish free and clean with no real wear to them. The aftermarket Termignoni exhaust is clean, and the carbon fiber clear coat is free of fading or discoloration. It still has its factory applied stickers in place as well. The Marchesini wheels are free of any knicks or marring, and their finish still shines cleanly from behind the large brake calipers. The cast wheels are shod in Michelin Pilot Power tires (120/60/ZR17 front and 190/55/ZR17 rear) with ample amounts of tread left on them. The braking system shows no signs of leakage, the brake lines are in like new condition, and the calipers and rotors are in a supreme state. All the Ohlins suspension components are extremely clean and show no signs of aging or wear. Given the mileage, there is not much mechanical wear to this motorcycle, and it runs and rides as such.

Insert the key, set the choke and the bike fires to life with a raucous that only a Ducati can produce. The Termignoni exhaust allows the 90 degree V-twin to growl and churl in a way that sends shivers down your spine, this bike sounds heavenly. Swing a leg over this two-wheeled rocket, and the monoposto seat leaves you canted forward over the tank in an appropriate position to grasp the downturned grips. Give the bike a moment to warm up (this is a race blooded beast after all), and the engine temperature rises appropriately. A quick twist of the throttle and slip of the clutch and the 999S leaves a dead stop at an alarmingly rapid pace. Once up to temperature, the engine revs with abounding freedom and the dry multi-plate clutch slips and holds power appropriately. The Ohlins suspension is supremely compliant, not comfortable by any means, but again this is a bike that is at home on the track or smooth twisting backroads. Turn in is otherworldly fast, the bike feels like it already knows which way you want to turn before you’ve made up your mind. The dual disk front Brembo brakes bring the bike to a quick stop and feel solid and vibration free, the same with the rear single disk unit. For all the disdain that this motorcycle garnered when new, its all quickly thrown aside once you climb aboard. The fact of the matter is, this bike was the next step in the evolution of the Ducati Superbike, and a supremely well done one at that.

If you come at the Ducati 999S with the mind of a car guy, the easiest way to sum up the hesitation that people have long held for the Ducati 999 series is the comparison between the Porsche 993 and 996 models. Much like the Ducati 999, the 996 Porsche models were more technologically advanced in every way, but people still preferred the dated Porsche 993 series because of the aesthetic and proprietary technology offered on the Porsche 993 (very similar to the Ducati 916 series). Because of this unjustified disdain, the 999 series of Ducati’s offers Porsche 996 levels of value in today’s classic sport bike collector market. It is just tough to find a bike that can compete with the offered performance and rakish good looks of the 999S for the price. Now is the perfect time to purchase one and with its low miles and one owner history, this Ducati 999S would be an excellent addition to any collection.

This bike is offered with the provided known service history, 3 keys, factory manuals, as well as a clean and clear Pennsylvania title.