Hi experts, I'm looking at a 2003 999R for sale in spain, it looks good but I always thought the R frame came in red, this ones silver. Any thoughts also if it is good how much would it be worth back in the UK
Not sure from the picture but the mounting point for the footpegs looks just like what's on my 2003 999S - is there two positions for the upper mounting point and five for the lower? I thought the R frame had a single position for mounting adjustable rearsets. The base and the S models had multiple positions on the frame itself and fixed pegs. Correct me if I'm wrong. I often am!
Hurray, I wasn't completely wrong! By single position, I do mean two mount holes but one fixed position. In case I wasn't clear.
The very first batch of R's had silver frames, they changed them very soon after to red. I still have the brochures from when I bought my S and the R had a silver frame, black wheels, no black sub frame as in the one for sale though, although being a Ducati thats not to say this one didnt as we all know sometimes things leave the factory with either left over parts or new parts, and as they changed from silver main and sub frame to red main frame with black sub frame, it could be they ran out of silver subs and so sent it out like that. I visited the factory in about 2004 and some monsters on the line were being put together with different parts, I noticed some 999Rs in the Hodgson race scheme wearing different brands of tyres also.
My 999 R is a 03 model with red frame. The best thing to be 100% sure, ask for the frame number and contact the lovely Sofia at Ducati Italy, she will give you the exact spec and colour as it left the factory..
Engine should have 999 in it's number not 98 as the base and S model. The sub frame and mirrors have been painted black. Silver frame on all 2003MY and I think 2004 too, but n too sue on the last point. Red frames with black sub frames in 2003 were Fila Reps only Should have Magnesium head lamp shell, carbon top fairing mounts. Red tag with bar code should say 999R in print on the bar code. Make sure you get the red key, 2 black keys too. It has a Termi full system fitted which is a bonus. The original came with standard system with filters and ECU + half termi system with filters and ECU. Also came with a 999 Ducati paddock stand and 999R branded indoor cover. All should be with the bike along with the 'all important' plaque - don't but without the plaque unless it's cheap. Price will be less as an import, more so without MOT verified mileage. Service history is important as is proof of mileage. UK value for UK spec bike - £9K to £12K for low mileage (5000 to 10,000 miles) Up to £14K max (Main Dealer) but have been rising over the last few years.
Details? Mileage /owners / service history? Tyres look as though it has been tracked - it could have had a hard life if this was regular.
Looks to have sand cast casings which all Rs have . There's a 2003 for sale in m&s motorcycles Newcastle with 7.5k milage on it for 12k. Not so sure that the very first R had a magnesium head light bucket.
If the bike is in Spain it might be more expensive than UK prices from last time I was over there.Had a good laugh with my mate living there at the secondhand bike magazine.Bikes that fetch £2000 in UK were priced at £4000 plus.Noticed the German duke ltd editions always seem more expensive also. If I was me buying I wouldn't be to fussed about the paddock stand and cover and especially the silly plaque.Id be more interested in full ducati service history from a good dealer and any nice extras fitted like full system.Probably as im a rider not collector.Shame its not a Akrapovic evo full system. For me the difference between early and later models is cosmetic really as dyno figures changed from rear wheel to crank hense the higher hp figures for 05/06 models.A ducati tech also told me the later R models can be a pain in the arse if valve need adjusting as im sure he said its a heads off job unlike the earlier ones.Anyone confirm this.
Bhp was uprated on the 05/06 models nothing to do with how it was measured . None of them need the heads taken off to do the valves if you know how to do it . 2005 Ducati 999R Engine | Sport Rider
Erm, BHP was measured differently which appears to be the cause of the increase. I have read several times from different sources. This does appear to be the case, with 139 at the out put shaft in 2003 (not RWHP) and 146 at the crank in 2005. 139 Vs 146 BHP gives approx. the right amount of difference between output shaft and crank with approx. 9% claimed difference between RWHP and crank, the drive chain to road giving slightly more than half the loss in percentage terms. What makes you think otherwise?
