Motorcycle specifications Ducati999 R 2003 The culmination

the most powerful production twin ever encased in an ultra-rigid trellis frame, carbon fairing and Öhlins suspension.... and up to 149 Italian thoroughbreds stopped by 4-piston, 4-pad radial calipers. Is this a fantasy? Almost, in fact, the new, sublime Ducati 999 R. Sold exclusively over the Internet like the 900 MHe, the 800 units of the R sold out in less than a month. Straddling the 999 R, apart from the fork crown engraved with the machine's serial number and the omnipresent carbon, nothing distinguishes this version from the other 749 and 999 sports bikes. The clutch is still firm and the position less exclusive than on the 996-998. On the road, the engine offers smoothness and torque, as long as you don't get it too excited. Let's get down and admire it before taking to the track. The lines remain unchanged, but the Öhlins suspension and all the on-board hardware make the superbike sweat from every side of this most exclusive of Ducatis. On the track, the 999 R already proves to be very efficient, with a faultless gearbox and simply perfect braking. The suspension work is impeccable, enabling quick, clean corner entries.

You quickly get into the swing of things, and that's when things get serious: at over 8,000 rpm, the twin changes tone and unleashes its dark horses (139 on this test version - the 149 are obtained by changing the pot and the chip). The mill's thrust becomes violent, and a courageous hand full of technique is required. You also need to be wary of the powerful engine brake, which will remind you of the loss of rear grip if you are too brutal with the clutch release. Just a moment ago, it seemed easy to ride...? Once the twin starts hammering the rear tire, the speed traps you, and you have to spit in your hands to get the 999 R through the sequences - like any Ducat', it'll lead the dance if you don't force it. A beast on the racetrack, a work of art, an astronomical price... madness is not far off, but the dream is even closer.

M.B
(inspired by Moto-journal - manufacturer's photos)