749R
This uncompromising sports machine is only available in the single seat version and is the perfect bike for all those who want to own a real middleweight racer. The Testastretta engine is more highly developed than ever before to maximise performance and minimise weight. Chassis components have obviously been selected for maximum competitiveness on the track, and special materials like magnesium, carbon fibre, and titanium abound to make the 749R unbeatably light and mean.
Style
The style of the 749R is extremely modern and almost identical to that of the official Ducati racers. The R is also fitted with the 2005 design fairings made from new high tech polymers. A new manufacturing process has allowed Ducati to make the R's fairing sections thinner and lighter than ever before. Though it is designed to excel on the circuit, the 749R comes equipped with elegant rear view mirrors and integrated direction indicators that are not just stylish but quick and easy to remove for use on the track. In line with Ducati tradition, all 749R motorcycles are fitted with a numbered silver data plate on the steering head.
Chassis
Everything about the 749R's chassis is designed for maximum efficiency on the track, from the trellis frame which allows adjustment of the steering head rake angle to the brand new aluminium alloy box section swing arm like that used on the 999 Factory in 2003. In addition to its uncompromising racing design, this swing arm has a significantly better rigidity to weight ratio than the standard swing arm. It also incorporates Superbike type chain adjustment sliders instead of a conventional cam mechanism. This means that chain tension adjustments do not affect the suspension set-up in any way. The suspension linkage is also brand new and features flat rate progression like that previously implemented on Ducati Factory machines. The new linkage system ensures excellent rigidity and far greater precision under competition riding conditions. Better linkage rigidity is achieved by use of a different spring, giving the Ohlins monoshock a shorter compression stroke (56 instead of 71 mm). Adjustments for spring preload, compression and rebound are possible as usual. The 749R has all the highly exclusive solutions for adjusting ergonomics and riding position, including a 20 mm longitudinal adjustment of the seat-tank assembly and footrest position adjustment. The 749R has just two footrest positions instead of the five on the other 749 models to comply with the rules of the world Supersport championship which forbid removal of parts from production bike frames. The footrest mounting plates have also been reduced in size to give more room for the exhaust collector pipes which are larger in diameter than those of the road-going models. The front fork is of unbeatable quality. It is the latest, most advanced Ohlins upside down unit and represents the absolute top of the range of this famous Swedish manufacturer. The stanchions are 43 millimetres in diameter and Titanium Nitride coated for a smoother sliding action. Perfect fork action is also guaranteed by innovative internal components. The fork is fully adjustable and has a special bottom section designed to fit radial brake callipers. The 749R's callipers are triple bridge, four piston, four pad units and operate on 4.5 mm thick disks that are themselves fitted at an extended distance from the hub for improved cooling. All brake and wheel components are race derived, including the famous Brembo/Marchesini machine finished forged aluminium wheels. The advanced finishing process used to manufacture these wheels means that while they are 3.2 kilograms lighter than those of the 749 and 749S, they offer the same excellent rigidity thanks to the 10 points on the inside of the wheel to which the five 'Y' spokes are attached. (Conventional straight spokes only have five anchor points.)
Engine
The 749R's engine is based on the same twin cylinder Testastretta unit that powers the other members of the 749 range. The R's engine, however, has been specially developed for efficiency on the track. It develops 121 HP at 10,500 rpm and 8.6 kgm of torque at 8,250 rpm. These fantastic figures have been achieved by a series of modifications, including a reduction in stroke and an increase in bore to permit the engine to operate at higher revs. Owners can also install the (optional) racing kit to increase these figures even further, taking maximum power to a level unequalled in the field of competitive motorcycle racing.
The new "slipper" clutch is also perfect for racing because it minimises rear wheel slip during the hard downshifting frequently necessary in competitive riding. Other important innovations, like the racing profile cams and titanium valves and valve guides were already introduced on the 2004 model. The use of prestigious materials in the 749R's Testastretta twin certainly does not end with the valve gear. The con rods themselves are in titanium and the cylinder head covers in magnesium alloy. Likewise, the timing belt covers are made of carbon fibre and feature forced ventilation for better cooling. The list of prestige components used on this engine ends with the special super-lightweight crankshaft and high strength aluminium alloy pistons. Despite its incredible power and torque the 749R's power unit remains faithful to Ducati's environmentally friendly engine policy. Even this fantastic twin is equipped with a catalysed exhaust and conforms to Euro 2 emission control legislation.
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999S
The 999 S delivers a higher level of performance and this can be increased even further by installing the racing kit supplied with the bike. The 999S represents the logical link between the basic 999 and the pure competition model. The S is equipped with the best sports chassis available, but is nevertheless homologated for normal road use. This splendid style icon is also a sophisticated track racer, capable of satisfying even the most demanding sports rider.
Style
The level of equipment on the 999S guarantees professional handling on the track without renouncing the comfort and manoeuvrability necessary for effortless use on the road. The overall design of the 999S reflects that of Ducati's other Superbikes, with the stylish new over-and-under, twin headlight fairing designed for enhanced aerodynamics. The single seat version, with its genuine competition seat is more race inspired still in its looks. The clearest differences between the 999S and the basic 999 in terms of handling come from the brakes and the new Ohlins suspension.
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ChassisThe 999S shares the same basic equipment as all Ducati Superbikes but boasts suspension that is rarely found on a production bike. The new Ohlins fork monoshock belong to a range normally reserved for competition motorcycles and provide a large number of adjustments. Both the rear monoshock and the upside down fork can be adjusted for spring preload, compression and rebound to achieve the perfect setup for all riding conditions. A new non-return valve has been incorporated in the rebound damping system to stop rebound adjustments interfering with the suspension's other settings. Like all 999 models,the 999S features an upside down fork with TiN (titanium nitride) coated stanchions. The fork's internal components have also been improved for better performance and comfort. Ducati's determination to use only the best available components is demonstrated by an adjustable Ohlins steering damper fitted with a special eccentric end fitting, that allows it to adapt to both steering head rake angle settings. The use of radially mounted callipers is an essential aspect of the braking system.
Engine
Some of the technical solutions developed for the Ducati racing team were implemented on the production Testastretta some time ago, and a large number of components were improved to achieve higher performance. In 2004 for example, oil lines were made straighter and their angle increased and valve diameter and lift was also increased to improve breathing. This has effectively reduced the power difference between S and the basic 999. Nevertheless, the S still maintains the advantage of improved titanium con rods and a lighter crankshaft. The S therefore still maintains a power differential over the basic model. Special internal engine parts also make a big difference to efficiency in a way that can be best appreciated under competitive riding conditions. When you buy a 999S you also receive a special track race kit at no extra cost. This is the first time for such a kit to be included in the price of a middle of the range model. The special exhaust silencer and the other race components in the kit reduce the bike's weight by over a kilogram and takes engine power to 143 HP at 9,750 rpm and torque to 11.4 kgm at 8,000 rpm.