Some 999S's had 999 Engine Numbers - I checked one with Ducati and it was a 999S with 999 Engine Number - here is a link to a member on here who also had a 999 engine number on a 999S - see post No 2 https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/2005-999r-need-help-to-verify-r-spec-before-buying.53811/ It will be interesting to see if the Frame Number is visible or painted over / plastic coated
R cases maybe. Are they sand cast? Given the amount of non R parts on the bike, I would be even wary of what non R parts are in the engine. @nelly may be able to run the vin for you. I would walk away with my cash and spend it elsewhere on a genuine R.
Both mine are grey both sides. But both are 2003 bikes. I wonder if the shop just had it tarted up or if it was owned by them - it’s got the dealers name on the transfers / wrap...
Come to think of it though, did these bikes come with two exhaust cans? One road legal and one "for track use only"?
Yes, and matching carbon covers with correct sized holes and 2 ecu’s too. But this isn’t one of ‘these’ bikes
The forks definately aren't R forks, they are 1098 forks with cheaper 848 Brembo 2 piece calipers on. Not sure this is worth the purchase if it were me unless you are A)Getting it offensively cheap, or B)Aren't going to try and market it for sale as an R.
It's a weird mix of parts. The forks give the impression of a bike that's had a front end smash and then rebuilt as an R lookalike but why keep a standard can, which is such an instant giveaway and why the wavey discs on a low mileage bike?
note they call it a 999R Piste and i recon you'd need to be piste to buy it. 1098 forks not even 1098 callipers ( look like cheap 848 or Hypermotard ones) Disc are interesting and could be worth a bit 749 999 S frame too many mounts cant see engine but numbers won't match the wrong frame even if it is sand cast crank cases if it was an R it will have a numbered top yolk and i believe Ducati cast in the actual top yolk different to the base and S a plaque, a cover, and rear stand and if it was a genuine R it would be more expensive....
OK, just off the phone. It does have, as rightly identified an 'S' frame. The motor is an 'R', it currently has the standard exhaust fitted to meet noise regs but the Termi is with it too. Top yoke is numbered and forks are 1098. I didn't bother to ask why. Effectively then it is a bitsa and not for me. The salesman who took my deposit yesterday is fairly new and should have described it as such. I'm sure it represents fair value for someone but as I already have an S and an R, if I wanted a bitsa I could just mash up the two of them so my deposit is on the way back to me. Sincere thanks for the input and sleuthing, saving me at the very least a wasted journey tomorrow. A fool and his money, look before you leap, etc. etc. I guess having bought one genuine and complete R for 8450€ two years ago, it was too much to expect to get lucky twice!
This is why forums such as this one are invaluable, shared information helps, pure and simple. Good luck on the search though chap
Why don’t you buy my rc45 joe? £4995 ....all seriousness well done to the many who contributed on this, priceless help and info as mentioned by joe ....you make a good team you should all get on
A shame as I really like the look of it. Thanks for the Featured Thread, which should now read: 999R?