In 2005, Ducati started exporting the 999R in earnest to satisfy the AMA homolgation requirements (the year before, just 50 were sold). For $29,995, this motorcycle was just about as close to a WSBK bike you could get.
It’d be easy to second guess if the 999R was worth the $7,000 premium over the 999S. Journalists at the time resoundingly said yes, thanks to the race-bred engine with a larger bore, new head design, and titanium valves. At the time, it was the most powerful production V-Twin motor ever – pushing 134.1 horsepower and 76.5 lb-ft at the rear wheel (and Motorcycle USA said that with a Power Commander and exhaust you could see an additional 20 ponies). This was probably the ultimate traack toy of the time, though with the limited production numbers and insane MSRP, many of these bikes were just tucked away in collections. Dan Neil of the LA Times summarized the bike by saying “Made of steel, titanium, carbon fiber and sadism, the 999R is as close as you are going to get to a grand prix motorcycle, and unless you are a fantastic rider with years of experience, you don’t want to get that close. This bike will beat you down like you said something bad about its mother.”
There are many Ducati fans who would argue that the polarizing looks of the 999 are best kept under a cover.
This example (VIN: ZDM1UB5W45B013383) has approximately 6,000 miles. It has been with the seller since January of 2013 and the seller just had a 6,500 mile service which included new belts, fuel pump, spark plugs, tires, battery, and brake fluid flush. The sale includes the books/manuals, two keys, a cover, and a stand.
Find this 999R for sale in Sacramento, California with bidding up to $15,000 and the reserve already met here on eBay.