2004 Ducati Superbike

749 | 749R | 749S | 999 | 999R | 999S

Ever since the introduction of the original 851, the Superbike series has best represented Ducati's sporting soul. A family of motorcycles continues to give Ducati and Ducati fans great pride and satisfaction by way of racing championships and in road performance. Ducati Superbikes have always been admired for their exceptional real world performance against many competitors that only perform better on paper. Although each Ducati Superbike has set new standards of design and race winning performance, their evolution goes on year after year. For 2004, the 749 and the 999 are offered in three distinctly different versions -- "basic", "S" and "R". Each version boasts several improvements, most notably this year the 749S: now with a Testastretta engine and power increased from 103 to 110 Hp.

Now in its second year, the new Superbike family has received numerous awards and accolades from the industry, and has developed a dedicated following of motorcyclist, even those who had grown attached to the iconic 748 and 998 series. Today, the exclusive style with stacked headlights and the unique exhaust under the tail section represents the new trend in Superbikes. All of the 749 and 999 models have similar styling, but each in the series offers significantly different specifications in engine performance and chassis set-up to satisfy the full spectrum of riders seeking a high performance sport bike.

Last year the 999S was offered as a more powerful version of the 999, and now the 749 follows suit with the new 749S with a Testastretta engine and an increase in power output , from 103 to 110 Hp.

In addition to innovations on the individual models, they all share standard components of unparalleled quality and design. Fully adjustable riding position and controls ensure balance and symbiosis between rider and machine thanks to the adjustable seat and fuel tank position (for the single-seat versions), five-way adjustable foot rests (except on the basic 749) and four-way adjustable control levers. All 749 and the 999 models feature designs that make them unique in the motorcycling world. These include the asymmetric exhaust system, which utilizes the available space incredibly efficiently while still allowing impressive power output and low emissions to easily meet the Euro2 emission standards. Another distinctive engineering solution is the use of CAN line electronic control. This emerging technology from the automotive industry has allowed a significant reduction in the complexity and weight of the motorcycles wiring and electronic system, while improving performance and electronic data capacity.

A series of state-of-the-art technical solutions for the chassis and running gear are found on all the models of the Superbike family. The chain adjustment system using "sliders" on the swinging arm, allows chain adjustment without altering ride height, so as not to compromise the suspension set up.

Major new solutions have been adopted to give the rider a racing performance brake system. The whole Superbike 2004 range uses radial technology brake and clutch master cylinders with integrated hydraulic reservoirs, delivering progressive and linear power and feel, while eliminating the need for complicated pipes and brackets. Equally advanced are the "triple bridge" brake callipers with four pistons and four separate pads as seen on the most exotic race bikes. Finally, the Ducati Superbikes use lightweight 4.5 millimetre thick discs, mounted further outward to improve cooling in all conditions.

The 749 is the value entry to the Ducati Superbike family. It is a performance sports bike, exceptional for track riding but still very capable on the road too. It represents a balance between track performance and road agility.

More power than the 749 and a more advanced chassis set up make this bike ready to hit the track straight from the Ducati Store. It aims for maximum performance while still being at ease on the road.

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.

This is the standard model of the bike that dominated the 2003 World Superbike championship in its debut season. Further improved since its introduction, it will satisfy experienced riders while still welcoming those new to Ducati Superbikes.

It would be difficult to ask for more from this model, which offers an excellent cost to performance ratio. The differences between this and a racing bike are minimal, evidenced by its engine performance and high quality equipment. Although it is approved for road riding, this beautifully styled bike is also a perfect track machine, able to satisfy even the most demanding racers.

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 the high performance big bore/short stroke Testastretta engine, producing even higher RPM limits and 139 Hp.

Unmistakeable and aggressive, the outline of the 749 has quickly become the Superbike styling standard, making all other sports bikes suddenly look dated. In addition to its balanced design with the front end dominated by the stacked headlights and the integrated exhaust in the tail, the chassis has been designed to allow various adjustments, thus improving the ergonomics and performance. For example, the brake and clutch levers can be positioned to four different settings to maximise control and comfort.

The 749 begins with the advanced Ducati trademark tubular trellis frame. This chassis has been specially developed and tested to work in combination with the engine of the series, the Testastretta. Its performance is defined by high rigidity, lightweight and confidence inspiring road holding. The frame is combined with high quality suspension components including a Sachs shock absorber and Showa upside down forks that allow damping and pre-load adjustments, enabling the rider to attain the perfect set-up for individual riding style and road conditions.

Testastretta engine technology has only recently been applied to the midsize Superbikes in the range. The 90º fuel-injected L-twin is directly derived from the one fitted to the 999. The liquid-cooled four-valve benefits from a more compact combustion chamber, made possible by the smaller angle between the valves. This solution was named the Testastretta ("compact head") by the Ducati engineers. This highly sophisticated design allows the 749 to produce an impressive 103 Hp at 10,000 RPM with 7.8 kgm of torque at 8,500 RPM.

This bike looks very similar to the 749, with the main difference being the racing look of the even more advanced suspension system. The 749 S series also features ergonomic details typical of the 999, including the ability to modify the position of the foot rests, in order to obtain an ideal riding position.

The specifications and general characteristics are the same as for the 749 chassis, but numerous ergonomic and chassis adjustment features make the 749S even more suitable for track use. Fork angle is adjustable via an eccentric in the headstock that allows the forks to be set to 23.5º for quick turning or 24.5° for high stability. Foot peg height is also adjustable to one of five preset rest positions, varying from a high racing stance for aggressive riding to a more comfortable lower position for road riding. These are in addition to the fore and aft movement of the seat-fuel tank assembly (on the single seat version). The 749S is fitted with a steering damper, specifically designed by the Ducati engineers to improve stability and ease of adjustment. High quality suspension components complete the 749S performance package. In the front the Showa fork features TiN coated 43mm upside down stanchions and rear suspension is handled by a premium Showa rear shock absorber, both adjustable for compression and rebound damping as well as spring preload ensuring racing performance whether on the track or road.

For 2004, the 749S introduces an engine specially designed for this model. The twin cylinder Testastretta engine has been completely updated in numerous details in order to obtain a marked difference in performance compared to the 749. The modifications include the crankshaft, which has been made lighter with modified journals and newly designed flywheels. The diameter of the intake valves have been increased from 37 to 38 millimetres, to enable greater volumetric efficiency, and the opening rocker arms have been made lighter. At the same time, a different connecting system between the valve stem and the closing rocker arm adjuster has been adopted, taken directly from racing versions and used on a standard model for the first time. The overall lightening of the valve train parts, including the opening rocker arms, has enabled the development of cams with more extreme profiles. The intake valve lift has increased from 10.1mm to 11.4mm, while that of the exhaust valves has increased from 9.1mm to 10.2mm. The result of all these modifications is evident in the 749S engine's output, which has increased to 110 Hp at 10,000 rpm, with 7.96 kgm of torque at 10,000 RPM.

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 lines are the familiar ones, developed in the wind tunnel, that have led to the success of the 999, in a rigorously single-seater version, with carbon fiber body parts. The 749R also includes elegant rearview mirrors with built-in direction indicators, which combine style with practicality by making it easy and quick to remove extra parts prohibited from use on motorcycles in competition.

Every chassis detail of the 749R is designed to ensure maximum control on the track, starting from the trellis frame that makes it possible to adjust the angle of the steering head, coupled to a brand-new aluminum alloy swing arm, replica of the one used by the 999 Factory during the 2003 season. In addition to its uncompromised racing proclivity, this swing arm has the advantage of ensuring a much better ratio between weight and rigidity than standard equipment. Like the other elements in the Superbike range, this one comes with a chain adjustment system that uses sliders rather than eccentric cams. This means that changes to the final drive tension do not have any affect on the set-up of the suspensions, since they do not change the height of the back of the motorcycle. Also brand-new is the suspension mechanism, with FLAT progression, quite similar to the one used on Ducati Factory models. It ensures the necessary rigidity to take full advantage of precision in competitive riding. This rigidity is also achieved by means of a different spring and a shortened stroke (from 71 to 56 millimeters) of the Ohlins shock absorber, clearly adjustable in the pre-load, compression and rebound stages. The R version maintains the exclusive solutions that make it possible to adjust the ergonomics by changing the seat position, shifting the seat-tank unit lengthwise up to 20 millimeters and adjusting the position of the footrests. In this case the choice is limited to two positions, compared to the five offered by the other 749 models, due to world Supersport championship regulations that prohibit removing fixed parts from the standard frame. Thus the dimensions of the footrest fitting plates have been reduced to allow room for the exhaust manifolds, larger than those used on the road versions. The front suspension is also very high quality: an 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. Calipers with four pistons and four triple bridge pads, coupled with discs 4.5 millimeters thick mounted wider than normal to ensure adequate cooling. All components are thus derived straight from the racetrack, including the well-known Brembo/Marchesini wheel rims of forged and machined aluminum alloy. The special tooling shaves off 3.2 kilos compared to a pair of rims for the 749 and 749s, without affecting rigidity, thanks to the five "Y" spokes with 10 anchor points on the inside of the rim, compared to the five of conventional spokes.

The starting point is the same as the other 749s, but 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, to ensure that the engine can run at higher rotation speeds than the 749 and 749S. The new slipper clutch, which has been specially developed for racing use, stps the rear wheel locking up under extreme braking cinditions typicalof track riding. The power values may be increased using a Racing Kit optional to bring the maximum power to the absolute landmark values in the field of competitive motorcycling. The timing has undergone important upgrades, with specific racing cams as well as titanium valves and valve guides. But the use of important materials to build the R version of the Testastretta twin-cylinder is not limited to timing. 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. The extra-light crankshaft and high-resistance aluminum alloy pistons complete the special equipment. While maintaining excellent performance ratings, the 749R engine remains faithful to the Ducati policy of offering only environmentally compatible models. So this twin-cylinder is also equipped with a catalytic exhaust system in compliance with Euro 2 standards.

The 999 needs little introduction: in a short time, it has become a modern classic both on the track and on the road. Every detail is unique and purposeful, from the rear view mirrors with integrated indicators that are easily removed for track riding, to the multi-purpose instrument panel that is able to display vast amounts of data from engine condition to lap times. In addition to the 999's forward-thinking design and advanced ergonomics, all the key components are unique and of the highest quality, from the Y-spoke wheels to the compact and efficient exhaust silencer.

The tubular trellis frame of the 999 has been designed specifically to work in perfect harmony with the Testastretta engine. Like all Ducati frames, it is exceptionally light and rigid and delivers superior handling and road holding no matter the conditions. The 999 also includes many features normally found on only the most exotic race bikes. Fork angle is adjustable via an eccentric in the headstock that allows it to be set to 23.5º for quick turning or 24.5° for high stability. It is also fitted with a steering damper, specifically designed by the Ducati engineers to improve stability and ease of adjustment. High quality suspension components complete the 999's performance package. A Showa 43mm upside fork features TiN coated stanchions and rear suspension is handled by a premium Showa rear shock absorber. Both front and rear suspension is adjustable for compression and rebound damping as well as spring preload ensuring racing performance whether on the road or track.

The 998cc L-Twin Testastretta is a milestone in the latest generation of Ducati Superbike engines. Its unbeatable performance has been achieved by the application of Testastretta "compact head" technology, giving the 999 engine potent and linear power from idle to redline. Reliability has also been enhanced with improved engine lubrication, by way of increased oil pressure.

This bike has the same forward-thinking design as the other versions, and is available in Ducati red or Ducati yellow colour schemes. Both colours feature five-spoke wheels and dark metallic grey painted chassis. The tail section on the single seat version has a white race number area applied, immediately identifying this model as a high performance "S" version.

In addition to the numerous possible adjustments to the chassis set-up, riding position and weight distribution, all available from the 749S upwards, the 999S has unusual suspension for a standard production model. In this case, the shock absorber and forks are by Öhlins, featuring specification and settings directly derived from Ducati racing experience. The rear single shock absorber, like the upside down stanchion fork, can be adjusted for pre-load as well as compression and rebound damping, to guarantee the ideal set up for any road or riding style. The fork has titanium-nitride (TiN) coated stanchions, a special process usually reserved for factory race bikes that delivers a smoother ride and improved road holding. The attention to detail is highlighted by the use of an Öhlins steering damper that is also adjustable and fitted with an eccentric to adapt it to either angle adjustment option of the headstock.

All of the recent racing developments have been transferred directly to the 999S L-Twin Testastretta engine. Producing 136 Hp at 9,750 RPM, and an impressive torque output of 10.8 kgm at 8,000 revs, every twist of the throttle means excitement. These results have been made possible by the fine tuning of every detail, including increasing the diameter of the valves, as well as the creation of straighter more volumetric efficient cylinder head ports.

This model has the same design as the 999, but all the bodywork parts are formed from exotic carbon fibre, including the heat dissipation partition, which in the previous R series model was made from aluminium alloy. The choice of carbon fibre is part of the specific effort to reduce weight, which also led to the adoption of magnesium for several components, including the front headlight support. To finish off the exclusive design of the 999 R there is a limited edition numbered plate, affixed to the fork yoke.

Like all the 999 models, the R offers the rider the ability to adapt the ergonomics to individual needs. Compared to the five foot peg positions offered by the other Ducati Superbikes, the R only allows two. This choice was determined by the World Superbike Championship rules that do not allow the removal of standard fixed chassis parts in the production of race bikes. Since the exhaust pipes of the racing version are notably larger in diameter, the size of the foot peg mounting plates has been reduced to allow clearance as they pass through. As a bike that is track ready, the 999R is fitted with only the best possible components, in terms of performance and weight. 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 wheels on the 999R 2004 weigh 3.2 kilos less than those of the 999 and 999S, and one kilo less than the previous R series model.

This means a marked reduction in the unsprung weight and the moment of inertia, all improving the handling, while maintaining the same strength, which is enhanced by the five Y-spokes with their double anchoring points on the inside of the wheel. Like the wheels, the brake and suspension systems are top-of-the-line race quality products. The brake system consists of discs mounted more outward for better cooling, radial mounted brake callipers, with four pistons and four pads, and brake master cylinders with an integrated reservoir. The rear shock absorber and fork are by Öhlins, 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. Öhlins also supplies the steering damper, fully adjustable and fitted with an eccentric that allows quick and easy adjustment to the two possible headstock angles: 23.5 and 24.4 degrees.

The Testastretta engine fitted in the 999R chassis is especially designed for track use. On a bike like this, you can leave behind the compromises of road riding. On the track, one thing is paramount, excellent acceleration, and the L-twin cylinder has been developed to guarantee just this. Its cylinder bore has gone from the original 100mm to 104mm and the stroke from 63.5mm to 58mm. At the same time, the compression ratio has been increased, from the 11.4:1 of the 999 and 999S to 12.3:1. The result of these alterations is a power output of 139 Hp at 10,000 RPM with 11 kgm of torque at 8,000 RPM. These results have been achieved while still utilizing a catalytic exhaust system in accordance with the Euro2 standard. 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. The 102 Db system reduces weight by three kilos (6.6 lbs.) while also improving performance. The kit also includes a rear stand and a personalised bike cover.