I'm in the market for a 999s and am wondering if there is a cross over period for the 4 vent front fairing to the later 2 vent front fairing. I ask this as there is a 2005 model 999s for sale with the 4 vent front fairing and i wonder if that is correct? I've looked through the Ducati books i have and it doesn't mention it so i wondered if anybody can throw some light on this question? Or do I take it that this bike has been crashed and fitted with this fairing.
Most likely this. The fairing is wrong for a facelift bike. Also the text on the side fairing should be silver, not black. Aftermarket fairing, decal on it or painted over? The mirror stays are also different on the early and late bikes, so they have been replaced as well.
Check the spec associated with continent’s too. I’m not sure about Ducati but for sure Australia gets some weird and wonderful variations in the car world… I wish I could be more helpful as I had both early and late 999’s back in the day… but I can’t remember …. Lovely bikes btw…
Also for info, it is possible to tell if an early nose (4 vent) is attached to later side fairings. The nose piece ever so slightly does not line up correctly between side fairings (out by about 5mm)
Yep, the early and late side fairings are also different, as are the side 'wings'. When rebuilding my 999 I ended up with a mix and match of panels that did not fit each other, so had build up a full set. Early panel on the left, later one on the right: And yes, the early side panels will not fit the later nose, and vice-versa
we should not forget that there were a lot of unsold 2003/4 999s that were offered to dealers with extra black swingarms and fairing kits to uplift the bikes looks if the customer /dealer wanted. in Germany some of the bikes even had ohlins forks fitted but no ohlins rear shock.. go figure.. so this cross over period from the original grey frame and grey swing arm to Red frame, black swingarm and newer fairing seems to be a little hit and miss..
If you look at that specific bike, there's quite a mix of early / late parts and quite a few changes from standard for either model: Black wheels = late Red frame = late Black subframe = late (check carefully as these crack) Swingarm = late Fairing = early Nosecone = early Carbon conveyors = aftermarket Forks = late (radial rather than axial brakes) Rearsets = aftermarket Clutch slave = aftermarket Hugger = aftermarket Tail tidy = aftermarket Without chatting with the current / previous owner it would be hard to say whether it's a crossover model made up by Ducati using what was to hand or whether it's been modified. What does the paperwork tell you (if there's history with the bike)?
The big questions are: Does it matter? Do you really care? If it's maintained well and you are looking for a good useable bike you can ride and enjoy it's probably what you need. If you desperately want a completely original bike then maybe not.
Depends on the motivation for buying. I'm trying to sell a 1974 860GT and a 1980 MHR and the number of people obsessing about any changes made (860GT) and whether the bike is 100% as-supplied is making me work hard for it. If the reason to buy is that OP wants a 999 to ride then condition and spec should be to their taste, if it's "for investment" then I guess either buying completely as-supplied-new or understanding that a particular bike is special / specified for a clear reason could make the difference over the long term. But you're right, condition and what's important to the OP are really the big questions.
Thanks for all the info guys, I've not had anything to do with the 4v Ducatis so if I ask stupid questions be gentle. This bike is actually nearly 5000klms away from me on the East coast and appears to be a Jap import. I'd be quite happy if it's not absolutely correct but I will try and see if I can find something local as there is no huge rush and I think a lot of prices here have become a bit steep. Generally Dealers are asking less than private sellers in Oz!
Yeah it looks like a bit of a bitzer. Looks like a 2005/2006 with the older fairings. Looking at the spokes, it appears to have the later wheels as the spokes are thinner. You could ask "Brad" if he did this or if it came like that. If you want originality it wouldn't take to much to lay your hands on the later bits. I'd check via the numbers on the originality of the frame and the engine - the frame so you you'll know if it's the earlier bike with a paint job (seems unlikely) and the engine so you know it's an actual S engine (they're a bit different to a normal 999).
Jussy you're more alert than I am - that completely slipped my mind! Yes cast wheels when the 999S has forged. I think the OP might have lost interest in this bike (I would have too). Here's the ad: https://www.justbikes.com.au/motorcycles-for-sale/2005-ducati-999s-sports-/JBMD5243209#&gid=1&pid=1
I hate to say it @Sev , font of knowledge for many things Ducati, but I reckon the 06 999S had dem radial brakes.
