...has just bought this. More trick than Paul Daniels pocket. Brembo wheels, Leo Vince Titanium exhaust, slipper clutch... It looks like it crashed into Ducati's options warehouse covered in super glue. Apparently it's got a limited edition plaque on it too. Number 32 of 50.
It was a point I made to him on the phone, but I feel it was only sour grapes on my part. I've got some more pictures I'll post of it tomorrow. That clutch is a work of art on its own and the wheels look too thin to support it. Even he doesn't know what it's number 32 of. There must have been more than 50 black 999s's?
I love the 999, mainly because no one wants them because they look so un-916 like, but they are roomier than a 916 and havent got such an extreme riding position, ideal for a normal shaped person, well, nearly normal. Also because i saw a really nice one with 15000 on it, go through ebay at £3100 in december last year. Hmmmmm.. If i sell everything i've got in summer and just wait till winter ..............
Looks good and the wheels are mint! My mate has a red one quite tricked up .I had to push it a few yards to move it out from the front of my garage and it felt lighter than any 600.Once on the road it seeded to handle well and loads of power .The exhaust split twice on the weld just after it comes out from the engine near to the spring otherwise he likes it .ps (currently needs some panels due to farmers gate rash!)
Just what he said about the size of it amigo. He's a big lad, 6' 2" and well upholstered. I'm 5' 8" and my Ducati felt like a mini moto after an hour on it, so I asked him how comfy it was and he reckons roomier than his early R1. It's got these Gilles rearsets that would put your slippers dangerously close to the manifold though. I'll do some more pictures of it after the server comes back up.
I think that is the "mono nero" limited edition, i just cant find any information to confirm it though so it might be even more special than he knows
Thats just what it is.. And the Ti leo is perfect system for imo too. Nice bike.. Heres my 848 more power to weight than a 999#
Well the 999 was prob THE most successful Ducati on track EVER, I rode a 999R two years ago for the first time and always wanted one but its motor is so lazy (but fast) it just did not light my fire.. Stunning bike though imo and way ahead of its time, ageless looks and quirky style I like them.. But the 848 is such a good little bike on the road and unlike the 1098/1198/1098R you get to go up and down the box... However up against any 1l bike its got its work cut out corners like on rails but no match off the line for a CBR for example.. Shanes calls them "the poo cart"....lol
Bit of closure. Been conferring with him via email and he has since found a certificate of authenticity amongst the pile of paperwork he got with the bike (probably repair bills). To say that he has transmogrified into a dog with two dicks would be somewhat of an understatement.
He should be happy that is one lovely bike, special edition or not it rocks also love the 848 Arthur stunning bike I have always lusted after a Ducati but never been brave enough to take the plunge and buy one, worries on servicing costs and reliability have always been at the front of my mind. I hope the new Panigale is as good as I think it will be maybe I will finally be brave enough to own something based on my what my heart says and not my head.
That's the thing they say mate, you buy a jap bike with your head and a Ducati with your heart.. The 848 (2008) is the second bike I purchased with "what the hell do something you would not norm do in a lifetime" attitude and you know what I love it. Never regretted it once but then not had a problem with it so why would I oh and I know the dealers w m snells very well and let me tell you they look after the customer 100% tbh I have had such a good service from them any problem however small they get it sorted and Ducati stand by there bikes 110% even outside of the two year warranty and after the extended year they still offer support on any niggles that's something I've never had before from any other manufacture. I do know a few who have had bad times with Ducati but not me I'm in for the long term and have to hand it to them they have looked after me big time.
I had nothing but trouble with mine but I don't think it was all its fault. It had been left standing in a barn for 6 years before a customer of mine bought it. He cleaned it up pretty good but didn't really go deep enough. I inherited the neglect really. But for all that I was gutted to see it go and I'd have another, no worries.
If you like the 999 and ride on the road the 749r has to be the one.. I keep on about smaller cc bikes but they are so much more on the road IMO, my 848 is never left behind tbh it's never behind....lol damn it I may just take it out for a spin today...lol
