SUPERBIKE FAMILY
28 March 2004 - Ducati UK Ltd

The Ducati 749 Testastretta and 999 Testastretta are the most advanced, highest performance, twin-cylinder motorcycles ever produced at our Bologna, Italy factory. They epitomize the racing history of Ducati and represent the evolution of a formula that has dominated Superbike racing for over a decade. In just its first year of competition, the stunning Ducati 999 has claimed victory in the World Superbike Manufacturer''s and Rider''s Championships.

749

With the introduction of the revolutionary Ducati 749 Testastretta, the Ducati mid-size Superbike family continues to evolve with technical innovation and cutting-edge design. A perfect entry model to the Ducati Superbike family, the World Superbike dominating Testastretta engine technology has been applied to the 749. Ducati''s race-inspired, tubular trellis frame is matched with fully-adjustable suspension both front and rear that result in confidence-inspiring and precise road holding.

The 749 Testastretta is an advanced, high-performance, mid-weight, twin-cylinder engine that represents a milestone in the history of Ducati Superbike engine technology. Completely new cylinder heads result in improved torque and extremely fluid power delivery. With its short-stroke design and further innovations that extend to the very heart of the motor, the 749 is never short on power, producing 103 HP at 10000 rpm. The 749 comes in two versions: regular and the new 749 Dark, which is also the more economical alternative.

749S

The 749S Testastretta is the one of the highest performance middleweight Superbike Ducati has ever built, establishing a new approach and vision of the interaction between man, machine and the elements

The bike features a fully-adjustable suspension system. An upside-down 43 mm Showa front fork with low friction TiN treatment and fully-adjustable Showa rear shock hug the road under changing conditions and a steering damper is standard equipment.

The 749S introduces an all-new, high-output Testastretta engine, with horsepower elevated to 110 HP at 10500 rpm. By applying the knowledge gained on the racetrack, Ducati engineers have created our highest performance middleweight Superbike ever. The newly designed crankshaft, a new lighter and advanced Desmo timing system and more extreme cam profiles, combine to make the 749S one the most potent, middleweight, Superbike ever.

999

The Ducati 999 Superbike seems to be in motion even when at rest. And a look under its fairing confirms the 999''s state-of-the art technology. Our goal was to create a Ducati Superbike of stunning design that improves rider ergonomics, makes maintenance easier, reduces complexity of the motorcycle and offers performance second to none. The aerodynamics, mechanical and electronic components, chassis and running gear were developed first and styling followed.

The 999 Testastretta engine, developed on the racetrack, has a short stroke which lowers the average speed of the piston resulting in a higher rpm redline, maximum performance, and improved reliability. The linear and tractable power delivery of the Testastretta engine is a result of its balance between horsepower (124 HP @ 9500 rpm) and torque (102 Nm @ 8000 rpm).

But its record speaks for itself. In just it''s first year of competition, the Ducati 999 has dominated its rivals in the World Superbike Competition, capturing both the Manufacturer''s and Rider''s titles.

999S

Built around the Testastretta engine, today''s most advanced twin cylinder, the 999S possesses the form of a pure sports bike: low, long, and narrow with exciting componentry and a mechanical/technical look. With 136 HP, the 999S combines incredible performance with a linear and tractable power delivery so you are ''on the gas sooner'' and shift less.

Ducati''s experience gained over years of successful racing at the highest levels is evident in the design and technical characteristics of the 999S. Its fully-adjustable Öhlins, 43 mm, upside-down fork with low friction TiN treatment and Öhlins rear shock offer an unparalleled Superbike suspension system. An adjustable Öhlins steering damper comes as standard equipment.

The layout of the bike ''loads'' the front end appropriately for optimum handling without putting excessive weight on the rider''s wrists. Furthermore, the 999S strikes a balance between stability and cornering position. It features radial front brake and clutch master cylinders with integrated reservoirs. Their compact design integrates with the fairing allowing an increased steering angle at slower speeds.

749R

For those focused directly on competition, the 749R is the ideal solution. It is a perfect racing machine, with a Testastretta series engine and chassis specifically developed to ensure top competitiveness on the racetrack. The considerable use of special materials, from magnesium to carbon fiber to titanium, make this motorcycle extra-light and extremely effective.

Every 749R is ''signed'' with a numbered silver plate on the steering head, which adds yet another exclusive touch to one of the most original bikes on the current worldwide motorcycling scene. The front suspension is also very high quality: an entirely new Ohlins upside-down fork with tubing 43 millimeters in diameter, with titanium nitride treatment for smoother sliding. In addition to being fully adjustable, the fork has a special foot to allow radial fastening of the brake calipers.

The twin-cylinder of the Testastretta series was also developed to encourage the racing use of the 749R. The 116 HP at 10,500 rpm, and 8.16 kgm at 8,500 rpm are the result of a long process that begins with shortening the stroke and increasing the bore. The new slipper clutch, which has been specifically developed for racing use, stops the rear wheel locking up under extreme braking conditions typical of track riding. Also made of titanium are the connecting rods, while the head covers are made of magnesium and the belt covers are carbon fiber, equipped with forced ventilation to aid in cooling.

999R

This is the link between standard production bikes and the racing world. With the best that technology can offer, it stands out thanks to even more advanced technical solutions, starting with a high performance big bore/short stroke Testastretta engine, producing even higher RPM limits and 139 Hp. The carbon fibre is the result of extensive wind tunnel testing and the exclusive nature of the motorcycle is reinforced by the limited edition numbered plate affixed to the fork yoke.

The rear shock absorber and fork are by Ohlins, adjustable for pre-load, plus rebound and compression damping. The 43 millimetre diameter fork stanchions have undergone a titanium-nitride treatment for improved suspension response and the special front fork lowers allow the mounting of the radial callipers. The Brembo Marchesini wheels are made from an aluminium alloy that is forged in a process that is the same as used for the production of racing wheels, creating a wheel of higher torsional rigidity and lower weight.

The Testastretta engine fitted in the 999R chassis is especially designed for track use and makes 139 HP at 10,000 RPM with 11 kgm of torque at 8,000 RPM. The 999R is delivered to the customer complete with a kit for track use only. It includes a Termignoni 102 Db exhaust, with horizontal rear half-manifold without catalytic converter and a dedicated electronic control unit, which reduces weight by three kilos (6.6 lbs.) while improving performance.

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