As the title says I'm tempted by this 999s in Cardiff, after people's opinion on it, there seems to be a few corroded bolts and maybe a patch on the exhaust, also from the eBay blurb it'll need a belt change, what do you think? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/233838289544
Looks right enough.. The few rusty bolts won’t cost much to replace. Low miles... I’d be interested in this if I were looking.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/124492212784 Was looking for either a 999 or 998 before Christmas. Ended up with a 998 but was tempted with this one. Looks in good condition and the dealer has a good reputation but have never used them personally and it is a trek to get to. 2005 has the more powerful engine, box swingarm, radial brakes and restyled nose.
I recently bought a 999S (https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/just-picked-up-a-999s-calling-her-valentina.81207/) and nearly 6 months later (albeit not that many rides out on the bike) I still get a massive smile when I think about riding the 999 ! Some describe the 999 as being comfortable and roomy but IMO its not something you want to be on when following slow traffic or filtering through cars. Something like a ZX10, GSXR or R6 are comfortable and roomy compared to the 999. On the 999 my right hand starts to go a bit numb and the underseat exhausts (even though I've been down the decat route) still give the family jewels a good roasting. I mean it could be worse, I'm sure Ducati make bikes that are more punishing! Once you get past the slow moving cars and open it up.....wow!! Yes it hasn't got 200+ bhp and all the electronic stuff but ffs you do not need that on the road. The torque from as low down as 3k rpm is more than plenty to put a smile on anyone's face as you squirt it out of corners. The bike just pulls and pulls and, the noise.....OMG, the induction noise is incredible. Almost feels as angry as the S4R (996 engine) I had a few years back with a sawed off airbox lid. Valentina is the bike I'll take out on a sunny weekend for short to medium blasts. Looking at that eBay one, it looks like its in pretty good condition and don't worry too much about the corrosion on those bolts as they can be easily replaced. You might find a few more bolts like that on the engine such as the exhaust bolts on the horizontal cylinder but, also easily replaced. Paint flaking is also an issue with most Ducatis so don't be put off if you happen to see this under the engine.
The engine on the 2005+ 999 has the same power as the 2003-2004 999S. Basically as from 2005, the 999 got the Deep Sump engine as standard where as with the original (2003-2004) model, only the 999S and 999R had the Deep Sump model with the different cams. 999R of course has slightly more power due to further differences.
I found my 999 was harder on my bones than my 916. I had the 999 before I bought the 916. I would love another 999 again though
Go for it! I have an ‘03 S and it’s such a good bike. More room, more comfi than my 748sp with indeed a fantastic sound (have the Termi on it). More than enough power and the looks of the Monoposto is awesome in my opinion.
