Bike World Dream Rides | Ducati 999R Ridden 

I had the pleasure of sharing lunch with the man who designed this bike 2 weeks ago. Pierre is such a nice guy, very humble.

I think the 999 is one of the most beautiful bikes Ducati has ever made.

I saw a 999 parked in the street of Melbourne when I was about 15. 20 years on and it has unwaveringly been my ultimate dream bike since then. Those headlights and tailpipes just got me. I rode a 996 a few years later but it never did it for me. 999 for life

HA. I was one of the weird ones back then that said it would become the most beautiful of all Ducati's ever made... The stacked headlights were killer, gorgeous from every angle. I think they nailed every last inch of this model. Even today, the sound of these 999 engines sends goosebumps up your spine 😍😆

Fell in love with it the moment I saw one in 2004. Have had my 2005 since new, now 19 years. I've owned MVs, Aprilias, Hondas, BMWs, but the 999 reminds me why I love motorcycles everytime I ride her.

These always looked better in the flesh than they ever did in the magazines.

Watching this pushed me to get a 2005 999 last autumn, incredible machine and an absolute pleasure to work on, they look and feel so special, cheers Chris 👍

I currently have one of every generation of Ducati twin superbike except the 916. The 999 is so different than the others and better in many ways. It fits like an old shoe, everything is functional and laid out as though they thought of every detail. One of my top two to ride (along with 1098R). It is also the only one I bought new, sold it a few years later, then tracked it down and bought back again. If I could only have one, it would probably the the 999. The gauges are my personal favorite of any bike I have ever had. A new TFT doesn't compare.

I am one of the few that loved the design from day one, but anyway I also liked the original multistrada that was even more controversial. The 999 picture of the greats Cesar Agui and Ruben Xaus both knee down on the road and Xaus touching Agui helmet fascinated me. This bike was my main room poster for over 10 years😍😍

Always liked the 999. It was proper weird looking when it came out and didn't have the same classy looks as the 998, but I still loved it. Especially in the all red colourway. Can't believe it's 20 years old! Still looks fantastic. I think I'd also still take the 998R if money was no object - given it's legacy during the Foggy years and the 916/996/998 was my poster bike - but I would not grumble at all at a 999.

I had a 999S and I loved it. Now I ride my 2008 Desmo RR. I've had so many Ducati's over the years and they all have their place.

I had a small model of this bike when i was young in the early 2000's, as a kid i thought it was the best looking thing, now im older i really still adore the look of the bike let alone the sound, great vid guys brought back some memories as a kid looking at this bike 👍

This is the bike that created my interest in the motorcycle world. It’s a beautiful work of art and still has its own look.

I loved this so much when it came out with all of my friends saying I was mad. It looked like a spaceship compared to everything else. The 749R is the pick of them in my opinion particularly the 2004 with the carbon fairings. Regarding the stretched out feel you describe, the seat is adjustable with three different settings. I bet if you adjusted this one all the way forward you would absolutely love it.

The 999 is a great looking bike which echoed the lines of the 851 rather than the 916. And that's why some disliked it, because it wasn't a 916. The British motorcycle press led the calls against it. I owned an 851 in the 90's so perhaps that's why I always liked the 999 and never liked the 916.

I remember seeing the first 999s in the showroom in California and loved it! The design blew me away - it was gorgeous. I wanted one so bad.

Thanks @bike specialist for making this possible. It's amazing to see these legends being driven on the road.

This comment isn't about the bike ,but its about the military case/seat in the background.i purchase the case from an antiques shop in Sheffield in 2020.took it home and resprayed the rusty bits and made an upholstered olive green cushion for the top...it was just a project to do during lock down.... really glad it found its way to such a cool place ..im quite proud.

This bike was one of the first bike posters I had and a work of art in my eye.

In 2004 I actually wanted to buy a Monster S4R to go with my beloved 900SL, but it turned out differently. An inattentive driver of a van tried to push me and the SL away at an intersection. The injuries on the bike were not too bad, but it had to be taken to the dealer and examined. When I entered there, there were just 2 new 999R on stage and were being prepared for sale. I didn't like the normal 999 because of some details, only the silver aluminum cover of the rear silencer reminded me more of a sandwich box. But the R with the red frame, the carbon fibre trim parts and the magnesium lids was something that made me take a closer look and study the details. It came as it had to come, the overall package was very convincing. The 999R has been with me for 20 years now and will always be with me. It's kind of timeless and drives great.

When I got my licence many moons ago this was THE bike I wanted. Always thought it was so cool

'Mind you, look at his trainers'🤣

My father had a 2005 999 (Base, R-Swingarm, new fairing, 140hp) - wow, that was an incredibly bike! Excelent and predictable riding, great linear power delivery! Many hated the look, we liked it at lot, so unique! Was it`s time ahead!

Almost every Ducati from this time aged so well and is now highly desireable. 749/999 Monster S4RS SportClassic Multistrada The only "eh" would be the ST3/ST4, and Supersport. I have two Sport1000's (06 and 08) and they will only leave my ownership when I can't ride in like fourty years.

Best looking Ducati ever! Loved it from the day it came out and now I own one 😜

Literally every bike you ride in this series is one I want.

I think it was a poisoned chalice to design the flagship Ducati sports bike after the 916. But in my view Terblanche was ahead of his time and the bike has matured well over the years. I have the R and agree with Chris as you have to be committed, it's not a bike to be tootling around town on but get it right and it's so rewarding.

I owned a 916, 748, 999 and a 1098. The 999 was so heavily critized when it came out, but it was so much better to ride than the 916+748 (position and weigh). And with the mono seat and R rear, it's longer and therefore more elegant than the 916 (personal opinion :-)). I learned everything I ever knew with it on track and still consider it as very useable on the road. I would have loved it to be a bit more on its nose in terms of looks, but still, what a beauty this thing is and definitely more audacious than the recent 1098-Panigales.

The head designer, Tierblanche I believe, was fired soon after, because of all the criticism. He was also responsible for the design of the Supermono and the first Multistrada. He was arguably ahead of his time. Then again, so was the 916, and everyone adored that machine. I hope he watches this too. Salute!

Italians can be the best when they put their mind to it. Great design, sound and engineering.

The ducati of my highschool life... This was lit in my eyes when it first came out...

I’ve ALWAYS preferred the 999 to the much more popular 996/998 (which looks like it was bashed in the face with a cartoon mallet to me). Glad this beautiful bike is finally getting some love.

I have always loved the 999 ever since I first saw it.

I remember buying a magazine with this bike on the cover when I was in college. I didn’t know much about motorcycles back then but I thought it was so cool I bought the issue and my roommate thought it was cool too. Never understood the hate.

Fantastic video! I love these old Italian V twins as you do too. I know youve done the high spec Aprilia Mille, but on the used bike show could you look at the tuono? The early one, preferably not the gen 2. I would love to see your opinion on it. Plus, on marketplace you can pick them up for PEANUTS - making it all the more interesting of a bike!

I always think that this bike is gorgeous!!

Man this bike used to be our school computer wallpaper. Making me crazy to have one and finally it’s here on bike world. How cool is that

Perfect. Just brilliant

A true riders bike, I had a small collection of the big twins from Ducati, the 999 was the pick of them for the road, it was pretty good at the track too..

Ive always loved this model! I own a 749s, I’m a taller rider and it’s the most comfortable sportsbike ive had. I’ve also tried the 999s, but at low speeds it’s exhausting to drive. The 749s is perfect for the road, it’s surprisingly quick!

I never understood the reaction to the 999 when it was launched, it's an outstanding piece of design. Ducati never got the praise they deserved when replacing the classic 916 family with this. It's also very narrow, which your tracking shots pick up very well, just as a good bike should be. Every bit as iconic as the series it replaced, imo.

Ahead of its time still looks awesome.

Those headlights 😍🥰 Most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen on a bike

Always loved the 999R, specially the "FILA" edition, never understood the hate for it...I mean, came after the most beautiful bike ever made, but still a great looking bike.

This bike is just stunning! And strangely enough it seems the overall quality was WAY better back then than the one of the current Panigale which is sub par and an outrage for the price asked.

Totally underrated bike. Love that unique design, and you get all the classic Ducati l-twinliness - what more can you want? Except one of the 916s. So: Get both, problem solved 😁

Passionated speech ! awesome ! My next one !

Bought a 2004 749s as my first bike on a whim and I love it. The styling definitely grew on me once I got it, though I was initially hesitant to choose it over the 748 I also had the opportunity to purchase at the same time. I’m happy with my decision.

hated it when it came out then i walked into v duo in lincoln a few years later and saw a 999s fell in love and bought it a week later,full race termi,carbon everywhere and loved riding it a perfect road tool,wish i still had it!

Had the '04 749 in '05. At 168cm tall it fitted me very well, the lower seat height made reaching the road at traffic lights a ease. The dash is my biggest like, love that analogue looking rev counter, very much nicer than the later 1098 digital dash.

I liked Pierre Terblanche designs. Especially the MH900e and the 999. When 999 came out so many people hated it. I think that’s because most journalists and designers hated it and people just echoed their opinions. They said the stacked lights were ugly and it had a car exhaust. I liked it then and I still like the design today.

The seat and tank can be moved into 3 different positions on the 999R. 20mm forward and bank. Surprised you guys didn’t know that

Always liked them, sat in one when they came out, reminded me of my Honda RS 250R race bike, small and compact.

I think any design that followed the 916 was going to struggle.. Terblanche’s design has certainly improved with age. I simply love the details of the carbon lettering showing through the paint and with that thick lacquer over the top 👌🏼😎 Perhaps not as glamorous, but have you guys covered some more ‘run of the mill’ bikes? Suzuki TL-R, ZX12R, early ZXR’s etc?

Ducati Day. My favorite day.

I rode the 749 dark when that came out, black fairing and red frame. I'm 5ft 11 and the reach to the bars was long, fuelling not bad on that one. I remember the standard 999\749 having to be discounted to get them sold. It's also why the 1098\848 was rushed into production.

It was and still is my hero bike when I was a kid in start 00's my dad run a Ducati 750ss and my mom a Ducati monster 900, when this bike came out I was sold it was on my start screen on every pc i workt on in the school.

Owned the S model back in the day. As a taller rider, I appreciated the longer riding position, and found it to be extremely surefooted in the bends. When they say that a bike corners like it's on rails, they were talking about the 999. I agree about riding it around town. The combination of low rev fuelling + that clutch was a bit challenging. If they'd fitted the wet clutch from the 848, then it would have been a vast improvement.

Awesome review hit the nail on the head, my 999 is also awesome with all the perks of a ducati Vtwin.

Another awesome bike and vid, thanks guys!

what nobody talks about is the swingarm of this 999 series bike.... just have a nice look at it....

I got a 999 year ago from my Aunt (well shared custody of it to be precise) and man... Its a a different animal compared to many others sport bikes. Weirdly nimble, Weirdly comfy yet utter sheit in city, oh and the amount of absolute foolery it constantly tries to tempt with.

Get on Elsie they have a mint one for sale Chris! We need some ring a ding ding action...👍🔥

Good review. Re the seating position, did this not have adjustability - like, you could move the whole seat/tank unit 20mm fore and aft? Sounds like this one was set way back? Or did they drop that with the later gen 999?

I totally agree with his description of this bike. Can't wait to get mine fixed and back on the road.

Best looking wsbk ever , In race trim it’s phenomenal. I have a 05 999R with the endurance alloy fuel tank from beater in Japan and that makes it look even better ❤ twin fillers ahhhhh 🎉

My first bike was a 06 749. Absolutely loved everything about it

Beauty of a bike. Have an Black 2006 999s mono nero. Rides like a Beauty

Other initially unloved ducatis. The whole sport classic series were ahead of the curve, and the original Multistrada was a marmite bike if ever there was one.

I did already like it when it came out, although not as much as the 998. Now I think I actually prefer its looks. It has aged incredibly well in terms of looks.

Don’t care what anyone says, the 999 looks fantastic.

This design has always been my favorite from Ducati. I hope to own one of these days

This bike is a timeless beauty!!!

Similiar age to yourself Chris and my memory of the 999 was mainly it was awful in road trim in my teenage eyes, however in world superbike trim ridden by Troy Bayliss on the Xerox 999R was a sight to behold, I remember being a brands hatch as a youth watch Ruben Xaus on the Matt black Sterilgarda 999 doing elbow down before it was fashionable ..... I'd love a 999 track bike and do my best to cosplay the wsbk glory days 👌

My bike from 2004 , Fila Super Bike #046, full factory racing exhaust , I have 20 K miles and still in love.🙂

I love the 999, with that said I wish there was more content like this covering the 749. I’ve been thinking about picking one up but I just can’t find any in depth analysis of it.

Just stunning, timeless and still looks new. In my opinion, It looks now like a bike Ducati would re-release or do a retro of like the Triumphs new 1200RR

The 916/996/998 may be "pretty" but the ergonomics were pretty terrible, just too uncomfortable unless you are complete masochist. At least it was possible to spend the day riding a 999 without needing to see a chiropractor the next day. Being able to adjust the seat length and peg position made it easy for someone like myself at 6'1" to feel comfortable on it. I spent a lot of time, effort and money on a Honda SP2 trying to get decent horsepower out of it, then saw the light and bought a 2005 999R that made 150 rwhp at 9250rpm stock with a full exhaust. Very easy to ride quickly and in the real world would keep up with modern sports bikes. Very underrated bikes.

When The Bike Were BEAUTIFUL

Former 999S owner 😊

The 999 in my opinion is the best looking bike ducati has ever made.

I bought my first Ducati when these were current, and they were almost universally-panned. It really has aged well, which is quite odd... as I wasn't a fan when they debuted. (I bought an air-cooled 2V Super Sport)

I'm lucky enough to own one & it is everything Chris says it is. The only thing I'd disagree with him about is this or the 998R 🙂 The Gentleman's Ducati.

Great punchy honest review always. 1098 next?

I loved them when they came out. I love them now.

Had a 996s as a younger fulla. Honestly loved the 999 since first seeing it when released. My friend had 999s at the same time as I had a Gen 1 Mille. That had full Akra,Airbox mod from AF1 racing and different chip but mate's 999s with a Termi system had the nudge over the Aprilia every time also 999 was so much more comfortable it wasn't funny. Stupidly had the chance to trade the Ape in on a standard 999 years ago but had kids and got a house so couldn't afford the payments when all said and done. Should've as over here in NZ they are rare as rocking horse shit😢

I remember my dad asking me what I thought of the 999 before he bought one and I was just saying the other day how good it looks now!

That was fun. Thanks very much!

I encourage my mate to buy a 999 back in the day here in Canada and he loved it. For me I was on a 998 so the 999 wasn’t for me. To me the proportions were off. Too long and the rear didn’t do it for me. I think people in general were not ready for such a design change. I’ve grown to like it more but it’s still no oil painting

Good to see I had a 996s Then got a 749r easier to ride with the slipper clutch and bigger tank etc but the v4 has got to be the one to have

well exactly what you've said about it being more comfortable and useable as a road bike is exactly what Pierre terblanche had in mind, he wanted it to be an evolution of the 998

I've always liked the 999 when it was released. Still think this is beautiful and has aged well.

It looks awesome, i am going to sell my 23 bmw gs and buy one just to ride it on some nice summer days. My old body dont like racing bikes but i miss the acceleration and feel of a performance v twin.

I'm one of those that always liked the 999 😉

The 999 had a more complicated beginning than the guys mentioned. Max Biaggi won a race on a hybrid bike early-doors, which had a 999 engine in a 998 chassis. Ducati were understandably disgusted, but it highlighted shortcomings of the chassis. The concept was not a success, even though ducati put masaive resources behind the racing effort, to all but guarantee success at WSB level. The following 1098 had more in common with the 998. Seen as a return to form for Ducati.

I really liked the 749 and 999, so much more comfortable too - the 916 looks old now, the 999 not so....people weren't ready for it, which was a shame.

It is funny how things work out. Had this style been introduced before the 916? A very different story.

I had a 999r for a trackbike in 2010. They rev a lot higher than the s model.

They decided the iconic element was either the tail pipe or the swingarm, they flipped a coin and it came down wrong, people couldn't let go of the SS arm.

awesome clean and minimalistic ....and in this condition