Photography by Cordero Studios
Collection Gift Guide: Put Up Your Dukes
December 1, 2004
DUCATI 999R
To fast-lane fanatics, the Ducati is a work of art that has improved with age.
Famous for its futuristic design concepts, breakthroughs in speed and handling,
and victories on the racetrack, Ducati has attained world-class status. The new
2005 Ducati 999R continues the Italian manufacturer’s brand of overachievement.
The 999R is exactly what one would expect from Ducati, a company founded by
three brothers in Bologna, Italy, that produces state-of-the-art technology with
unmatchable ability and charisma. The evolution of the bike is etched upon a
historical time line familiar to those who honor perfection. One of Ducati’s
first remarkable inventions was the small auxiliary bicycle motor, presented at
the Milan Fair in 1946. It was called the “Cucciolo,” a name also used for their
first miniature motorcycle.
As the years progressed, so did the company’s talent and inventions. Following
Ducati’s 1952 introduction of the Cruiser 175 cc with an electric starter and
automatic transmission, its star engineer arrived on the scene. Fabio Taglioni,
who specialized in motorcycle construction, led Ducati from producing
low-powered machines to those of the highest caliber. In his 40 years with the
company, Taglioni designed numerous engines, including those used in Superbike
championships. Other impressive contributions included the 450 Mark 3D in
1968–the first production Ducati with desmodromic distribution; the 750 Super
Sport in 1972 that won first and second place at the Imola 200 Miglia; and the
Monster Dark, a bike that became the best-selling motorcycle in Italy in 1998
and 1999.
The formula of recruiting master engineers and designers resulted in excellence
for Ducati, and its motorcycles played a central role in the exhibit The Art of
the Motorcycle, which opened at the Guggenheim in New York City in 1998. The
Museo Ducati in Bologna continues to draw admirers who come to pay their
respects to the company that laid the foundation for their passion.
The 999R embodies the best of Ducati’s racing technology brought to the street.
The Superbike is a replica of the company’s race bike model that competed in
this year’s professional American Superbike Championship (AMA) circuit. It is a
combination of outstanding aerodynamics, electronic and mechanical components,
chassis, and running gear, all features that have earned Ducati its vaunted
reputation on and off the track. In the past 15 years, Ducati has dominated the
World Superbike Championship, and has more individual victories than all
competitors combined.
The new bike is the only product on the market to offer carbon-fiber body
panels, top-shelf suspension, brakes, foot pedals, hand levers, and materials.
Of the 999R’s components, engineers and riders are most pleased with the
suspension system produced by Öhlins, an independent manufacturer. This system
has given Ducati leadership in the industry. The 999R has all of Öhlins’ latest
tricks, including a fully adjustable 43 mm TiN-treated front fork, constructed
to reduce internal friction as well as debris released into the oil, thus
requiring less maintenance and creating a longer life. The fork, with Teflon
guides and new top-out springs, keeps the bike pinned to the road.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
The engine is the technologically advanced 999 cc Testastretta twin-cylinder,
making the 999R the most powerful 2-cylinder sport bike on the market. With an
upgrade to 150 hp, it also has the most powerful street-legal engine ever to be
installed in a Ducati trellis frame. It is a four-valve, liquid-cooled version
of Ducati’s L-twin design, and it employs titanium valves that are used only in
racing engines. It now produces 150 hp at 9,750 rpm and has current torque
levels of 116.7 Nm at 8,000 rpm. The end result allows the rider to increase the
torque while attaining confident control over smooth power curves, even in low
gears. (Click image to enlarge)
Ducati’s signature sensual design is found once again in the 999R. This year’s
combustion chamber design features a new rear suspension swing arm that is a
masterpiece of design and engineering. The 999R also boasts a new front fairing
and newly designed cylinder heads and pistons that ensure outstanding geometric
stability. Improved aerodynamics include the sealing of the upper air
intakes on the nose fairing and a new streamlined design of smooth carbon-fiber
bodywork covering the bike’s muscular frame and engine. The special aluminum
alloy Brembo/Marchesini-forged and -machined wheels are designed in a
five-spoke Y configuration for increased strength. The new 999R also lowers the
rider’s seating level, and the lowered center of gravity reduces the load shift
during braking and acceleration, keeping the rider where he or she needs to
be–on the road. Ducati will build only 300 999R production models, available for
$30,000 each.
Ducati
www.ducatiusa.com
advertisement
