Team Corse riders Ben Bostrom, Ruben Xaus and Troy Bayliss present the new generation Ducati 999 Superbike flanked by beautiful Fast Dates Ducati girls.This is how to do a press launch! The new bike will be available next year in two versions with the Testastretta engine, the 999 Standard biposta with 124 hp and Showa suspension, and the 999S monoposta with 136 hp and Ohlins suspension. Major changes include a lower seat and tank height, longer wheelbase, and a sharper turning radius

Suprise launch of their next generation superbike
The new Ducati 999 Superbike
Misano, Italy, July 17th, 2002: It was just past 6:00 PM when the most important sector and non-sector journalists from around the world began to arrive at the Santamonica racetrack in Misano Adriatico. The perfect setting for the world's most widely awaited motorcycle event: Ducati's presentation of the new 999 Superbike to the world.

We knew a new generation superbike was coming from Ducati. Not because they needed it, since the current generation 916 to 998 model bikes that have been with us a decade still remain the world's premier sportbike, both in the market place and in superbike racing. But the new management at Ducati wants the Italian company to always remain at the fore front in the sportbike market and the introduction of a new generation 999 Ducati Superbike at this time will help to assure this. But this suprise unveiling of the new machine before the more traditioanl new bike launches at the Intermot World Motorcycle Show in the fall, helped to assure Ducati more press exposure without having to share the limelight with other manufacturers' new bike introductions.

The circular stage that welcomed the guests was half used for seating and half for display. The 999 alone, in its place of honour, was hidden from view. An aperitif under a grey sky and the excitement began to build. Finally, at 7:00, the presentation began. Left: The 999S with single biposta seating and rear number panels, and Ohlins suspension. Lower fairing scoops may change on the 999R homologation model.

"Our success has been the result of good business choices, a favorable market and a great product whose potential had not been fulfilled in the 916," said Federico Minoli, President of Ducati Motor Holding, "We worked on that product over the years, culminating in the 998.

I learned, however, thanks in part to your opinions, that Ducati must constantly create defining moments in which the lines of new evolution are started. This is one of those moments. Tonight I recognize that the 999 is one of those great leaps forward that will carry us for years to come. I'm proud of the technological development and the Ducati heart beating in the 999. The 999 has already passed the test of Troy, Ben and Ruben," he continued, referring to the three factory racers, "It now must pass your test, and, ultimately, the test of the Ducatisti and racetrack. We are sure it will conquer all. We know this because the 999 is a combination of technological breakthroughs, Ducati tradition, and the passion of everybody who created and worked on it."

The new 999 Superbike employs the latest Testastretta 999cc engine in a fully redesigned chassis featuring a 7 -inch lower seat height and gas tank for increased comfort and quicker handling transitions, and a 7-inch longer swingarm to reduce wheelies! The cast alloy swingarm is still very unique, but it is now double sided. The large single alloy muffler under the tail section will probably be the first part enthusiasts will want to replace for a set of straight through race silencers. Turn signals are recessed into the bodywork for cleaner aerodynamics.

Ducati CEO Carlo Di Biagio spoke next: "At Ducati, it is our responsibility - and heritage - to challenge existing benchmarks in the world of motorcycling, to be different, innovative and inspiring. The 999 symbolizes our commitment to build the most exciting sports motorcycles in the world. We asked our R&D team to deliver a motorcycle for the next decade. A motorcycle which would reach new heights in performance and style. We believe we have succeeded today. Ducati must continue to grow and to keep winning on the racetrack and in the market. And the driver is our passion and innovation. As custodians of a valuable brand, we look every day for new ways to build our community and to share our passion with our fans and friends. This is what Ducati stands for."

Behind the stage written in enormous letter were the words "Evolution"- above the series of Ducatis which had led to the amazing new Superbike: 851, 888, 916, 996 and 998.

"Revolution" over the various super innovative components of the motorcycle: lights, tank, swingarm and exhaust. And finally the word "Redvolution" appeared above the 999 itself.

When we talked to Chief Ducati Designer Pierre Terblanche about the upcoming next generation Ducati Superbike at Revs America last year he told us the new bike would be a challenge when it came to the styling, only because it would be difficult to improve on the current generation bikes which were close to perfection. He did do a good job with the new machine, and we expect it to become even more appreciated over time. And it should look a lot more agressive with a factory race exhaust system. We do miss the old single sided swingarm.

Superbike models for 2003
10/01/2002: The top-of-the-line model for 2003 is the Ducati 999 Testastretta Superbike available in the base 123 hp model withShowa suspension and either Mono and Biposta seating, and the 136 hp 999S model (featuring the first Testastretta engine of the 2001 996R model) and full Ohlins suspension. A 999R model employing the shorter stroke Testastretta SBK homologation motor will certainly follow sometime in the 2003 season. It is a motorcycle which reaches new heights in performance and style, and is faster, lighter and more aerodynamic than any Ducati ever built. The 999 will lead Ducatiís challenge in the World Superbike Championship for 2003. Today Ducati is also introducing the new 749 Testastretta Superbike, thus offering state of the art technology in a mid-size package. The Ducati 749 Testatretta shares the same design and innovations as the 999.

Alongside the 999, Ducati will continue to offer the previous series classic 998 and 748 Superbikes in their standard version in recognition of their World Champion Superbike status achieved over the last eight years, and of their timeless and enduring award winning design.

The new 2003 Ducati 999R 03 Homologation Special
Ducati is about to tackle the new Superbike season with the latest jewel in its production crown: the new Ducati 999R which follows on from its older and famous sister, the 998R. The 999R will certainly become a reference-point in racing and sportbikebike production with a high level of technology and styling innovation. Some 500 lucky owners will be able to own this SBK homologation race replica special of the factory Ducati Corse 999RF 03 which Neil Hodgson and Ruben Xaus will race in the 2003 season.

Powered by the amazing Testastretta 999cc, 139 HP (bore 104 x stroke 58.8 mm), the 999R boasts
state-of-the-art componentry, making it the king of Superbike. Other features include: Full carbon fibre fairing, 5 spoke Y aluminium alloy forged rims, Radially mounted front brake callipers on Ohlins forks, Magnesium alloy head light support, Silver number plate on the steering head. The bike will only be sold online on the Ducati.com website for some $30,000 Euros, with online sales closing on January 6, 2003. USA models will now have full road equipment and will be street legal. All the details of the new 999R 03 are HERE.

MultiStrada 1000
Ducati's answer to the "do everything" bike is the new MultiStada, featuring an all-new generation aircooled V-Twin 1000cc engine, dual sparked, fuel injected narrow angle 2-valve desmodromic head, hung as a stressed member in the traditional Ducati trellis steel frame. Borrowed from the now previous generation SuperBike model is the single sided swingarm with a fully adjustable Ohlins rear shock, and the dual underseat exhaust system. It looks like a supermotard for the street that will perform exceptionally well in any pavement riding application. It is a versatile, new-generation bike that embraces the performance and design of a sport bike combined with real-world comfort and versatility. Terblanche got the styling right on this one. Production is slated to begin in March 2003 with delivery to America probably in June.

Supersport
The classic Ducati Super Sports have undergone constant evolution since their introduction more than 30 years ago. Perfect for twisty mountain roads, the Supersport is known for its confident handling and smooth, manageable power delivery. Model year 2003 models are offered with three new, twin-cylinder, two-valve, air-cooled engines: 620cc, 800cc and 1000 Dual Spark. In addition to the signature red and yellow colors, the Supersports are available in matte black, metallic gray, and a striking new silver color. Each model features an anti-theft immobilizer system as standard equipment.

Sport Touring
Designed for the sport rider who wants more comfortable ergonomics and storage capacity, the Ducati ST family has also been further advanced. For 2003, the Sporttouring family has been expanded with the introduction of the ST4s ABS, powered by the championship winning 996cc Desmoquattro engine and fitted with an advanced ABS braking system for a unique combination of high performance, comfort and safety. The ST4s ABS will join the ST4s, the ST4 and the ST2 to complete the Sporttouring family.

Monster
The Monster family has been significantly enriched for Model Year 2003. This iconic street racer is available in four engine capacities, two of which are completely new. The fuel-injected Monster 620 i.e. and the radical Monster S4, with its 916 engine, are joined by the new Monster 800 and Monster 1000 Dual Spark. Both the Monster 800 and 1000 DS offer increased power and performance over their predecessors.

Model Year 2003 represents a new chapter in the history of Ducati. It is the richest and most innovative range of products the Company has ever offered," said Carlo Di Biagio, Ducati Chief Executive Officer."Our product range for 2003 is the result of a total focus on innovation at Ducati. Innovation creates value for our customers, and adds value for our shareholders by fueling growth with exciting new products. At Ducati, it is our responsibility, and our heritage, to challenge existing benchmarks in the world of motorcycling, to be different, innovative and inspiring."

Return to Ducati 2003 • Ducati • Pit Lane News

Just added! Giant 12" x 17" screensaver image of the new Foggy Petronas Superbike
and Colin Edward's Laguna Seca
winning USA painted Honda SP-2

Ducati's new 999 Superbike
Technical changes, rider's impressions
Engineer Andrea Forni, head of the Ducati Vehicle Testing Department summarizes the fundamentals behind the Ducati 999's dynamic response.

How would you describe the dynamic characteristics of the Ducati 999 compared to the traditional handling of the models produced by Ducati?
"The dynamic response of the Ducati 999 reflects the tradition of the Bolognese motorcycling manufacturer in the field of sports motorcycles, and moreover improves some of the features that have won the fame of our
Superbikes over the decades.
First of all, the directional stability is at peak levels, giving the rider the reassurance of solid, safe steering,
even in the most critical sport riding conditions on the track or road.
On uneven stretches taken at top speed, around curves on the track or highway at full momentum and down hills at maximum throttle, the front of the bike follows the direction decided by the rider, with exemplary
precision.
This without triggering steering oscillations, an undesirable side effect of the "extreme" chassis of many late generation sport bikes selected for maximum agility, even to the detriment of stability."

What were the basic design choices of the Ducati 999's frame and chassis?
"Our new Superbike maintains that unique stability that all Ducati's have, but it also improves some basic requirements of the super sport motorcycles thanks to specific design decisions. These include:
1) lowering the rider's seat level by 15 mm (6.9")
2) lengthening the swing arm by 15 mm
3) reducing the distance between the seat and handlebars by 10 mm

Was lowering the seat level done just to improve comfort?
This modification was not made, as one may think, just to achieve greater comfort; it significantly influences the dynamic response of the vehicle as well.
In fact, lowering the rider's seating level, implies lowering the whole center of gravity, which is significantly affected by the position the rider assumes on the motorcycle."

Why does the special positioning of the center of gravity on the Ducati 999 greatly improve its dynamic response?
"In the first place, lowering the center of gravity produces a reduction of the shift in load during braking and acceleration.
The result is a smaller tendency of the bike to pull up when accelerating violently (which reduces the performance during acceleration at lower gears), while the rear wheel tends less to lift during intense braking (an impediment to vehicle decelerations)."

Does the swingarm length affect stability during braking and acceleration of the Ducati 999?
Definitely. A longer swingarm produces a variation in how the static loads are divided up on the wheels, increasing the share of weight weighing on the front and therefore limiting the pull upwards.
So the excellent torque delivered by the Testastretta can be maximized even in the lowest gears without the
front wheel losing contact with the ground too easily.
The rider will always be guaranteed the greatest cohesion with his course. A long swingarm also improves the stability when braking because it increases the bike's wheelbase (distance between the front wheel shaft and the rear wheel shaft). This increase ensures a reduction in the shift in load
when accelerating strongly.
In fact, the loss of grip of the rear during hard braking is countered by the limited transfer of load, although a good part of the weight is concentrated in the front of the Ducati 999. As a result, the motorcycle doesn't "wag".

What are the parameters that assure the superb handling of the Ducati 999?
Lowering the whole center of gravity of the rider-motorcycle unit has beneficial effects on handling as well. In fact, the Ducati 999 is a motorcycle that bends over with little effort and extreme rapidity, demonstrating an enviable pace, even on the most tortuous stretches.

But how can handling and stability co-exist? The modifications described above were obviously "calibrated" in order to enhance the benefits without encountering the natural contraindications?
"For handling purposes, the potentially negative effects due to the increase in the wheelbase are widely compensated for, and exceeded, by lowering the center of gravity.
In addition, getting the rider closer to the center of gravity also reduces the moment of total inertia of the
"rider-bike" assembly with respect to the roll axis, making the variations of the bike's tilt faster and making it
possible to take curves in rapid succession at high speeds and with minimum effort.

But didn't all these modifications to improve the dynamic response of the Ducati 999 negatively
affect riding comfort?
"Lowering the seat level reduces the tilt of the torso with respect to the vertical and consequently the load weighing on the rider's wrists.
A very similar result is obtained through limiting the seat-handlebar distance. In this case, too, a part of the weight of the rider's torso is shifted from the wrist to the pelvis.
The overall result is less fatigue on the arms, with clear benefits on comfort, allowing a better and constant physical condition of the rider, indispensable for extreme riding."

How does the shape of the fuel tank influence riding comfort?
"The shape of this component is extremely important. At the point where the abdomen rests, the tank is lower. This allows the rider to assume a perfect alignment with
the bike in the most natural, less fatiguing way.
Similarly speaking, its limited width in the area where the thighs are inserted allows the legs to find the most comfortable position possible.
But since every effort to obtain the ideal riding position sooner or later comes up against the morphological
differences between individuals, the Ducati 999 presents highly advanced ergonomic solutions.
On the new Ducati Superbike, the rider can adjust, according to his riding style and physical structure, all parameters of the chassis (rake, height of rear), suspension (spring preload, rebound damping, compression damping of front and rear) as well as the position of the foot pegs (lengthways and in height) and the seat (lengthways on the single-seat version).
The goal of the ergonomic adaptability is one of the greatest results achieved with the Ducati 999."

Get your weekly fix
of beautiful girls...

Sante D'Orazio's Pictures
Another cronicle, this of of naked celebrity supermodels and beautiful actresses indulging in more sexual taunting and inuendos. There is a god, and she is really, really cruel.