Hi all, I've recently bought a 2005 999 Biposto. Nice thing with 15k miles on, just one of those bikes I've always fancied having tucked in the garage. Had it out a couple of times now on my favourite roads and starting to get a feel for it. Now then, is it just me or are these bikes a bit tricky to turn in on the twisties? Feels quite long,heavy and definitely feels like it under steers. I don't suspect any suspension issues by the way. I don't think the tyres are the best BT016's, but it's a brand new pair on. I've ridden a long long time and my main bike is a 2015 Multistrada and consider myself a competent rider. Just interested to hear the views of other 749/999 owners.
With suspension settings set at straight-out-of-the-box, the 999 is slow to turn. The bike can be transformed though, simply by dropping the yoke down the front forks by a couple or so rings and setting the rear ride-height so it's higher at the back. Professional suspension set-up is recommended, or you can go down the long trial-and-error road that I did Correct pre-load adjustment is important and will transform the handling. Comp and re-bound adjustments can fine-tune your experience. I have no experience of adjusting the offset on the steering so I'll leave things here. Proper advice is sure to follow
Encouraging early replies. Just ridden this morning on a well known road to me, rode it since I was a kid. I was riding thinking that the bike was almost running wide despite me setting the position up entering the bends correctly. Just feels like you need a lot more road (does that make sense?)
I posted some settings on here a while back,cant remember what they were off the top of my head tho if you do a search you should find them.
As loz said, head down arse up or you could raise the whole ride height a little front and back (american fella Kye swaers thats better) Set sag front and rear with kit on then all other settings standard, and work from there.
Never noticed this at all, To be honest ive never touched the settings as ive found the handling so good, Saying that it defo turns in a little slower compared to the streetfighter ive just bought but when over the 999 is one of the most planted bikes ive ever owned, feels loads better on long sweepers than the streetfighter and very hard to upset when throwing it around, If I felt it was to run wide just get her over a tad more, perfect bike on the twistys up here
I think this might be the one. Here`s the thread. http://ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/ohlins-suspension-settings.25259/
4 rings showing on forks above yoke and 285mm ride height rod centres is what I read and use. I go a couple of psi up on the tyres 35f 38r but do 2up a lot. I put higher wider bars and ride with hands over the bar ends for a bit more leverage.
Some great feedback here guys, thanks. I think I might invest in getting the suspension set up professionally. I'm a big lad at 17st plus kit. Interesting about the comment on riding with hands on the bar ends. I played about with my hand positions this morning and felt things were better with my palms close to the bar ends. Particularly on the inside bar when cornering. I think I've been spoils with my Multistrada lol. Hasten to add that I absolutely love the 999, just maybe needed some assurance that it wasn't just in my head. Interestingly the way I have the Multi set is very hard and high at the back and that feels really sharp and Flickey in the bends.
Both great bikes, but with very different handling character's. You may find that more counter steering will bring rewards? Keep us informed.
I've not ridden many bikes although ridden for many years but I find my 999 turns really quick. Out on Friday night and plenty of knee scraping, both sides. I have no idea in my suspension settings because it felt amazing the first ride so I'm not messing with them. BT 016 run HIGH tyre pressure, go on the Bridgestone website and it will tell you what they should be.
Slow to turn in? Are you kidding? My 749s, just wants more more more at turn in. The mistake I made initially was setting sag at the front to a predefined measurement, it does not work for this bike imo. Wrap a cable tie around the stantion and make sure you are using all but the last 20 mm of travel. Set the rear to around 40 mm sag with full gear on. If it stil isnt fast enough turning in raise the fork through 2 or 3 lines. Set the rebound and comp to JUST control the spring when bounced on the drive. This will be your base setting to work from, make a note of it. I like a couple more clicks or rebound of the front and half a turn less comp on the rear.
That while range was known for slow turning, likelihood is a used one may have well had it set up. And its all relative: one mans slow turning is anothers turns like a GP bike
I would invite any one here to ride mine in that case. The turn in is spot on and once in it is rock solid.
If yours is anything near factory settings, wind up the rear ride height adjuster by a fair whack - transforms the handling of Ducatis of that era. After that, look to the head angle adjustment, but I'd be surprised if you wanted to alter that for the road. One last thing - just check that you're not overweighting the bars when coming from the Multistrada - try consciously unweighting the bar that you're not using to initiate a turn. I have the same combo - mts1200 & 749R and it takes me a few miles of conscious effort to adjust.
One more thing: these machines can be dialled in to behave pretty much how you like, so yes, a pro setup by a Ducati specialist (not just a general suspension bod) is strongly recommended. Once that's done, these machines are an utter delight, easily matching or surpassing more recent kit.
