Okay, since no one's brought it up yet, has anyone here have any plans for getting the new 999? Anyone trading in their MV for a 999?

I once strenched the "motorcycle budget" for an MV and a 996, but with this new 999, I don't think I'd be willing to got that far. It look too much like an MV....but just very angry!

-- Allan Gibbs (Phoenix, Arizona) (Agibbs996@aol.com), July 19, 2002

Answers

I don't like the way it looks at all, it's pretty much fugly. However, if it's an appreciable improvement on the previous model, I think I'd consider it. I think I'd wait for a Testastretta version of the 748 in it though. That would rock.

-- Andy Ruhl (quadreverb@yahoo.com), July 19, 2002.

Does the seat look familiar to anyone? Seems to resemble the MV's. Thank god that the MV's exhaust doesn't resemble the 999.

-- john milotzky (jmilotzky@wi.rr.com), July 19, 2002.

Andy, you may get your wish. I think the 748 is becoming the 749 with the Testastrata engine.

In regards to the 999, I'd really like to hear what Massimo Taburini's candid thought are. And yes, I know my Italian spelling sucks!

-- Allan Gibbs (Phoenix, Arizona) (Agibbs996@aol.com), July 19, 2002.

I think Tamburini could give two shits about it. He hasn't been very nice to Terblanche in a few of the interviews he's done. And when you put up the bikes he's designed compared to the rest of the Ducatis, he's right. The ST series are Fugly too. The Supermono was very, very cool but I'm guessing Tamburini had some input on that one. The Supersports are pretty neat, but not too special. Tamburini's bike was the 916. It's fairly obvious.

Now move on to the MV. It flows. It's angular without being pointy and ugly. And it works. It's the next logical progression of the 916. He's the best motorcycle designer of the century.

The 999 seems to be some kind of sideways step. Hey, it may be a good bike, and it may be the best Ducati ever (and if it truly is, I will own one). However, it's not going to be sitting in the Guggenheim next to the MV.

-- Andy Ruhl (quadreverb@yahoo.com), July 19, 2002.

2000 model F4S for sale or trade for Ducati 999. It sucks having to rely on a dealer one state away for warranty service. Water pump still leaks after being replaced 6 months ago. Now a recall on the brakes and oil filter. No power below 6000 RPM. Runs hot at 210 in town. Sounds like a Honda. Love the handling and drop dead good looks. It’s the ultimate “Trophy Wife” of bikes. The Ducati dealer here in Seattle does a great job keeping it maintained. That’s one reason I bought my first Ducati from them. That’s why I’m going to buy my next one. Sorry guys. The love has faded. There’s a new red head coming to town. I have her number, 999.

-- Tim Willard (provamo35@hotmail.com), July 22, 2002.

I must say that I am VERY disappointed in Ducati's new 999, i currently have a 2001 996S, and 998 Biposto....love them both like children. Yet my love for Ducati's and their line, shape, and sex on 2 wheels looks have come to an abrupt end with the 999. What were they thinking? I have just traded in my 996S for a 2002 MV F4 1+1 Evo 04 w/ 140 hp, and the looks that the Ducati should have. To all of you reading this.....Ride hard, ride safe.

George V

-- George V (f1gp2002@libero.it), July 27, 2002.

The MV wouldn't be beutifull if it wasn't sporting ducati's frame, it gets its beauty from ducati. The Agusta is a refined version of the 999 as far as the looks go. It's got a nicer muffler than the 999 and instead of two seperate bulbs for the headlights it gets a cluster. Otherwise they're pretty identical. Besides, most Ducati owners don't love it cause it's reasonably priced, most powerfull or convinient, they love it because it has unmistakable soul.

-- Jon Rigg (mirzao84@hotmail.com), August 01, 2002.