Have a read about one of my 999's here. Check out the pictures on the first post and subsequent findings with the frame number. It might interest you https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/999-year-2000-01-prototype-the-evidence.11329/
@JoeC Let's make peace! I offer you my apologies for teasing and offending you. Will you accept them? (Forum doesn't have olive branch, please interpret this as an olive branch)
Hail @El Toro Yes. I had read that post. It was extremely interesting. So, what's your background? How's did you get involved?
Be careful for what you wish... the French had one who loved garlic, was Italian, thought that he was God and was ridiculed by the English...
So, to sum up: Great bike and underrated at the time with very good racing pedigree but a face only a mother could love and use to much oil. Oh, and the bleed nipple in the reservoir was genius.
Re 998 vs 999 organic design topic... I found an example of how organic design evolved: (already posted in another thread)
Very interesting thread. I have the Terblanche Supersport which suffered from the same “birth complexities” as the 749/999. It is extremely difficult to find information, articles, interviews with Terblanche explaining the design, history and philosophy of the Supersport. It is like he wishes it gone from the face of the earth. I would have have loved a similar thread for the Terblanche Supersport, giving some insight information. I would also find it very interesting to hear Terblanche’s own thoughts on his Supersport, today, some 17 years after its debut. Like the 749/999, the Terblanche Supersport seems to grow on people. Its actuality, significance and place in the Ducati history has become more pronounced now that Ducati has revived the Supersport. Sorry for the thread hijack.
I loved my 2003 SS. It was the best touring bike I had ever. Never liked and still do not like touring bikes like multi, bmw, triumph. For me they are to tall and to long to be nible which means when you are touing and you do get that nice twisty road you suffer for sake off being able to do motorway miles in comfort. Never got that as car is for motorway miles in comfort
Took the "ugly" one out today . Lovely sunny 32 degree day. Might trade the ugly one for one of those new fandangled pani V4 thingies. Nah f*&k that!