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WIND PROTECTION: The '05 Testastretta gets a badly-need higher screen

CHIPPED UP: The motor has been boosted from 91 to 103kW.

QUICKER AND SLEEKER: Ducati's sports flagship has been updated for 2005.

Ducati 999 gets quicker and sleeker for 2005

September 13, 2004

Ducati has updated its 999 flagship sports bike for the first time since it was launched two years ago.

The second-generation Testastretta will be on show at the Intermot motorcycle show in Munich from September 15-19 but the company has released these pictures and full specifications for those of us who won't be lucky enough to be there.

The motor remains essentially unchanged, although peak power has been boosted from 91kw at 9500rpm to 103kW at 9750rpm, mostly by specifying a hotter engine management chip for the base mode,l and detail improvements to the porting and exhaust.

Torque is up from 102 to 109Nm but still at 8000rpm.

The frame remains unchanged but the new 999 has a double-sided, box-section, aluminium alloy swing-arm exactly the same as that on the F04 works racer to give the back end of the bike a more favourable weight/rigidity ratio.

Suspension on the base-model 999 has been entrusted to fully adjustable Showa 43mm TiN-coated upside-downies and a completely tuneable rear monoshock from the same maker.

The slightly lighter 999s gets Ohlins FG315 forks and an Ohlins piggyback rear shock, as well as a Termignoni exhaust system, uprated ECU and carbon-fibre tail-pipe.

The 320mm front brake rotors have been spaced slightly outwards for better cooling. All versions now have radial master cylinders with integral reservoirs; the 999 has new "triple bridge" opposed piston four-pot callipers while the 999s rejoices in state-of-the-art Brembo radial-mount callipers as used by Valentino Rossi and other Sunday riders.

All variants also get new light cast-alloy wheels by Brembo/Marchesini, each with five Y-shaped spokes.

Cosmetic facelift

For 2005 the front of the bodywork has been cleaned up by closing the upper air intakes; the centre section of the fairing is wider and higher and has a (badly needed) higher screen for better wind protection.

The panels are now moulded in lighter but stronger Terblend NNG02 polymer plastic – reducing all-up weight by a kilogram. The mirrors have been spaced further apart, each on a longer stem, so the rier can now see more in them than just his or her elbows.

The 2005 Ducati 999 will reach South Africa in late October; prices will only be confirmed when they get here.

Specifications:

Motor: Liquid-cooled four-stroke 90-degree L-twin.
Capacity: 998cc
Bore x stroke: 100 x 63.5mm.
Valvegear: DOHC with four desmodromic valves per cylinder.
Compression ratio: 11.4:1
Power: 103kW at 9750rpm.
Torque: at 8000rpm.
Induction: Marelli electronic fuel-injection, two 54mm throttle bodies with one IWPR2, 12-jet injector per cylinder.
Ignition: Magneti Marelli IAW5M2 electronic.
Starting: Electric.
Clutch: Hydraulic dry multiplate.
Transmission: Six-speed gearbox with chain final drive.
Suspension: 43mm Showa TiN-coated upside-down cartridge forks adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping at front, progressive linkage with Showa monoshock adjustable for preload, compression, rebound and ride height at rear.
Brakes: 320mm semi-floating discs with Brembo four-pot triple bridge opposed piston callipers at front, 240mm disc with Brembo opposed piston calliper at rear.
Tyres: Front: 120/70-ZR17 tubeless. Rear: 190/50-ZR17 tubeless.
Wheelbase: 1420m.
Seat height: 780mm.
Dry weight: 186kg.
Fuel capacity: 15.5 litres.
Price: When they get here.

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