2005 Ducati 999

The Ducati 999 is already renowned as a superbike, often praised for being one of the best V-Twins ever produced. So how do you take something that is already so good and improve it? Read on to find out!

This stunning 2005 Ducati 999 was built by the owner before our vendor as a homage to the endurance racers of the 1980s. This particular Ducati underwent a professional and no-expense-spared transformation, with an impressive investment of over £28,000 put into the bike. This substantial financial commitment highlights the dedication to enhancing the already formidable machine. It's worth noting that this sum does not even cover the initial cost of the Ducati itself.

The homage to 1980s endurance racers suggests a focus on performance and durability, crucial in long-distance racing. The modifications involve advancements in engine performance, aerodynamics, and handling to meet the demands of endurance racing while retaining the unmistakable Ducati style. The attention to detail showcases a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the Ducati 999 platform.

This transformed Ducati stands as a testament to the owner's passion for motorcycling and their desire to create something extraordinary out of an already exceptional foundation.

The first thing you will notice about the Ducati is the classic '80s looks but with modern touches. The work on the frame and body panels has been carried out by Image Design Custom, who have unleashed their skills to create just what the customer ordered in the way of an '80s racer.

Finished in the classic John Player Special Black and Gold colours, the paintwork is in excellent condition with just the odd minor mark, which has been picked up over the years. The twin headlamp period fairing is in excellent condition, and the screen has no noticeable scratches. The headlights are also in excellent condition, and two discrete indicators are mounted just beneath the fairing.

Looking from either side, the petrol tank has no dings or dents, and the paint has a high gloss finish. A gold-anodised SSR fuel cap completes the tank. The tank flows nicely onto the XTR Pepo seat unit, which is also in good condition and has a period-style rear light fitted and matching indicators to the front.

The wheels have been replaced with OZ Piega and are powder-coated in gold. They are in excellent condition with no signs of corrosion. They have been shod with Metzeler Sportec tyres, which are both in good condition with plenty of tread remaining. 

In the summer of 2023 the bike was treated to an 8 year full ceramic coating.

Sitting comfortably, you can assume the position of the '80s endurance racer, low down, tucked beneath the screen. The Woodcraft clip-on risers and grips are in good condition with minimal signs of use. LSL bar-end mirrors have been used, which are finished in anodised black to match other parts on the Ducati, and an Öhlins steering damper is fitted.

The switchgear looks to be in good condition and works as it should, thanks to a bespoke wiring loom with all-new plugs. A Ricks Motorsport Lithium-specific regulator has been fitted to protect the Lithium battery, a Procom generator, an updated starter relay, and Osram uprated headlight bulbs. This is all connected to the Magneti Marelli rev counter and LCD display, which is working correctly.

The 998 V-twin has been stripped and rebuilt with new bearings and seals; the engine casings have been finished in satin black before reassembly. There is an MWR air filter and an Earls 13-row oil cooler, and the Termignoni exhaust downpipes are coupled to twin spark silencers. The engine has been remapped and now produces 136bhp with 73lb-ft of torque. The vendor has reported no issues, and the Ducati is running as it should.

Fitted with a six-speed gearbox with a 14/36 final drive, this is connected via a Ducati performance slipper clutch, an 1198 master cylinder and an Oberon performance slave cylinder.

The custom frame has been finished in black with a generous helping of gold metallic thrown into the mix. Some modifications have been carried out to help with the bike's overall look. There is also a Ducati 1198 side stand fitted for use when out and about, but when in storage, a Harris paddock stand is included with the sale.

Handling of the Ducati has been improved by adding a K-TEC RDS fork cartridge kit with Öhlins FG8910 forks and a Matris five-way adjustable rear shock absorber.

Stopping the Ducati with ease are the OEM calipers with Brembo Oreo front discs, a 19RCS master cylinder, and HEL brake lines.

Once the parts for the amazing transformation were gathered, they were sent to Ducati, Alton, Ducati Coventry,(Motorcycle wiring Specialists who made the bespoke loom/wiring), Image Design Custom who painted the bike and Finally Ducati Alton who pieced it all together and finished the build over an 18-month period. During and prior to this period bespoke parts were sourced worldwide to complete the build. Since the wiring loom was replaced the ‘Service Display’ has remained illuminated. Since being built, it has covered approximately 800 miles. The timing belts and fluids were replaced in June 2021 at 13,932 miles, and around 450 miles have been ridden since. 

The bike has been stored indoors for the past few years since the build was completed and has therefore not seen a single drop of rain.

It has in fact been ridden no more than half a dozen times since completion with the last ride being last summer. It has since had the fuel drained and replaced with Super unleaded. It ran well with no issues at that point and although it has been started regularly it will no doubt need a few runs to blow the cobwebs off.

The owner's manuals and service booklet are present, along with three keys and a key-code card. Backing up the engine performance figures is a dyno printout; there is also some information on suspension settings and several invoices showing various parts which have been purchased.

With over £28,000 invested in this 2005 Ducati 999, it has been transformed into a 1980s-style endurance racer but with the performance and reliability of a modern superbike.

The end result is a unique bike built with a vision of becoming an '80s endurance racer, which has been executed perfectly, and for that reason, we estimate this Ducati 999 will fetch in the region of £10,000 - £15,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Church Crookham, Hampshire. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.