not that much of an expert - but what's the story here then? early model fairing, silver sub-frame but red frame and later swing arm - new graphics. Hybrid?
I mentioned this before but got shot down. some bikes are mix and match from the factory near the changeover
Its an 03 bike but winter 2011 I pulled it apart and did the following.. Later swing arm Had to buy a new link pipe as the old one didn't fit under the swing arm Frame painted red Triples powder coated black Wheels black Underslung rear caliper It has the later nose cone mated to the earlier panels Was a Bip but bought the seat unit and subframe The subframe is only about a year old as it was swapped out by Ducati as the previous one cracked All bearings were replaced Brakes had new pistons and seals Headlamp bucket coated black Carbon hugger and front mudguard Spend far to much at Kais have it all resprung etc It was in Airwaves colours (Unofficial) so has it done in plain red 999s in 1098 font No doubt other bits I have forgotten, Oh recent HM Q/S And after all that work the main bearings went south so I replaced with a later engine! Some old snaps, it was a bit of an unloved rotter
thanks for that...well done. Great job and very interesting evolution. Didn't know about the top fairing and side panels mating. I had a subframe go too.. ...that oil cooler !!! urgh... Oh and i think the black belly pan with slight angle on the top line works a treat in hinting at a more forward stance. Good call on the paint.
I have a 2006 999s in my collection of bikes and like the magazine says it really is a great buy, mine has less than 2000 miles and it now appears as though it's starting to become quite popular . Maybe it was just released at the wrong time when it first came out. But from my side it's a very under rated great sports bike.
I think Im gonna have to source me a 999s.....want the red frame model. ( where am I gonna get the money, surely I couldnt sell the 848 i just bought ?!! :redface:
Why would you sell a 848 for a 999S? I'm not against the 999 but if you have an 888 I don't see the reason why you would swap? Just wondering if it's purely because you prefer the look?
Being honest....I think I like the design / shape of the 999 more. When I had the 749s, i loved it. Dont get me wrong, nout wrong with the 848, more power to weight etc is not to be sniffed at. But a 999s have a few more ponies and the shape is stunning. Maybe Im just thinking aloud... LOL..... questions keep popping up in my head like bubbles in cream soda..:biggrin::biggrin:
It's time you took a 999 out for a spin. You'll never know otherwise just how it feels compared to an 848. And I can't tell you because I've never tried an 848.
christ that ZXR takes me back..that was first bike after passing my test!! quite possibly the worst rear shock ever devised....no wonder i havent got any kids!!
the curse of the 999 was that it followed the 916 series. nothing, but nothing could really top that. even the modern bikes havent bettered it, theyre just...more modern. had the 999 been released before the 916, or sometime after the 1098 its reaction may have been different. Also i think one reason why its divided opinion is because its one of the few superbikes whose lines are parallel to the road instead of rising up from the front the rear..this gives it a very tall, slabby look which isnt really helped by the very large side fairings....I also think that this is why the bike looks really good in black, it reflects the light on the angles, displaying its detailing. the decals and panels accentuate the fact that the lines are very straight. For this reason, i think the 999 is one of the very few bikes that really suits race rep paint, or custom paint designs..there are some owners on here who have done just that and they look stunning...they always look far sexier on a paddock stand too, as this tilts them forward...and of course, no pic ever does one justice. Whenever i see one coming the opposite way, im always pleasantly surprised how tasty they look.
I think that if the 999 had some s1000rr style gills in the fairing where the old ducts were(are now) and not those barge boards it would have been much less slab sided... Oh god wait for the abuse?!
