DUCATI 999S (2004-2005) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2004, alongside the Ducati 999 standard and 999R models, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Ducati 999S, a sports machine that debuted in 2003, designed by Pierre Terblanche and known on the streets as the Triple Nine or Nine-nine-nine.

Compared to the standard model, the Ducati 999S was fitted with a race-derived Ohlins suspension system, Brembo brakes, and a remapped engine with more power and torque available for the rider.

In the visual department, the bike remained unchanged, packing the same full fairing with a small windscreen, small vertically-stacked round headlights, a single seat, an under-seat-mounted exhaust system that offered great lean angles, and 10-spoke lightweight alloy wheels.

The bike's handling was achieved by a 43 mm fully adjustable upside-down TiN-coated Ohlins fork with 120 mm wheel travel on the front and a fully adjustable Ohlins shock absorber with 128 mm wheel travel on the rear.

In the braking department, the bike packed two 320 mm discs with four-piston calipers on the front wheel and a 245 mm disc with a dual-piston caliper on the rear wheel, delivering excellent stopping power.

As for the power figures, the 2004 Ducati 999S had its soul brought to life by a 999cc four-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine that delivered an output power of 136 hp with a peak force at 9,750 rpm and 106 Nm (78 lb-ft) torque at 8,000 rpm.