After a decade of 916/996/998 evolution, the Pierre Terblanche-penned 999 landed in 2003 with stacked headlights, a double-sided swingarm, and handling that silenced any styling debate. The up-spec 999S added fully adjustable Öhlins 43mm forks, shock, and steering damper, plus a healthier tune on the Testastretta V-twin (factory-quoted 141 hp and 83 lb-ft of torque.
The style may have been polarizing, but the lap times weren’t, this platform powered Ducati to WorldSBK championships in 2003, 2004, and 2006. Long undervalued, the 999 series has become one of the rising stars in the Ducati superbike lineage, with recent sales reflecting a strong uptick in demand and price.
“The engine changes have released an extra 12bhp and a tiny bit of torque, but the numbers tell only a fraction of the story. It’s the way the power is released that does it. It’s actually very easy to describe. You open the throttle hard and the bike accelerates so fast that the speedo can’t keep up. And it carries on doing so until the rev limiter comes in. In pretty well any gear from pretty well any speed. But it’s not just huge power and spot-on gearing either. Those pretty forks and shiny \n shock are so worth the extra money. Turn in and cornering feel are unlike any Ducati I’ve ever ridden. The bike will turn into a corner without any apparent effort from the rider, and allows mid corner line adjustments with no hassle at all – something most Ducatis would simply refuse to do. The Brembo brakes are unbelievable as \n well, offering eyeball popping retardation from the pressure of a single finger. Amazing, especially as they appear to be the same as the brakes fitted to the base 999. It just goes to show what serious quality suspension can do.” – Motorbikes Today
This example is VIN: ZDM1UB5V34B007550. The seller purchased this bike from a previous Iconic auction. Per the seller, an Iconic member and shareholder: “This was my second Ducati. I fell in love with the 999R that was on display at the Barber Museum and couldn’t pass up this 999S when it came up for auction. After a few canyon rides and a few sessions at a Laguna Seca event I’m hooked and the search for a 999R is on. This bike runs perfectly and is everything the articles promise. I love it, it’s a fantastic rider and would keep it if I had the space.”
The odometer shows 5,185 miles. The seller has covered 595 miles during his ownership. The seller states “Today, the 999S is enjoying a renaissance among collectors and riders who appreciate its blend of pedigree, performance, and rarity. What was once considered Ducati’s “styling gamble” is now recognized as one of the brand’s most rewarding superbikes to own and ride, with values climbing accordingly. For those who want a piece of Ducati’s championship-winning era—before the 1098 reset the design language—the 999S represents an opportunity that’s only getting harder to find.”
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, we flushed/refilled the coolant, performed a hydro flush/fill and we swapped out the fuel tank for a newer one sourced from Japan, the one that came with the bike had carbon “tank protectors” that were covering up a ding in the tank. The original tank is included with the sale. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OK
Engine Oil Level: OK
Engine Oil Quality: OK
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: OK
Coolant Quality: OK
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: OK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: OK
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: OK
Final Drive Condition: OK
Headlight High Beam: OK
Headlight Low Beam: OK
Passing Light: OK
Parking Light: OK
Turn Signals: OK
Tail Light: OK
Brake Light (Front Switch): OK
Brake Light (Rear Switch): OK
Plate Light: N/A
Horn: OK
Kill Switch: OK
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 85%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80%
Forks: OK
Shock/s: OK
Tire Date Code Front: 2324
Tire Date Code Rear: 1824
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 80%
Tire Press. Front: 32.5
Tire Press. Rear: 35.5
Battery Standing Voltage: 13.1
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.94
Running Condition: RUNS ON BENCH
Test Ride Completed: NO
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
Bike is in really good condition. We changed out the damaged tank for a newer one per the client’s request.
Recommended:
None.
Modifications:
Please note: the temperature reads 163F. This is common with the aftermarket performance chip installed to complement the Termignoni pipe. We installed a new temperature sensor to ensure the bike properly heat cycles and the fans come on correctly. Also, seller removed the frame sliders—seen in previous listing—and covered the mounting holes with “Ducati Corse” decals.
Termignoni Exhaust.
MPL Tuning Parts dry clutch with carbon fiber clutch cover.
Vortex clip ons.
Carbon rear fender.
Yoyodyne clutch slave cylinder.
Steel braided brake lines.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires with date codes of 1824 and 2324.
The sale includes one key, owner’s manual, tool kit, frame sliders (removed), the original Ducati alloy clutch cover, and extra OEM fuel tank.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Ducati is offered on a clean Connecticut title. Have any 999S stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
