Ducati 999 servicing
2003 to 2006 · 998cc Testastretta V-twin · Greenwich, London
Ray Petty Meccanica's independent Ducati workshop in Greenwich, London services and repairs the Ducati 999, 999 S and 999 R built from 2003 to 2006. The 999's service schedule and weak spots are well documented, and RPM handles both the scheduled belt and valve work and the fuel and electrical faults that owners report.
About the 999
The 999 replaced the 998 as Ducati's flagship in 2003 and broke completely with the 916 shape. Pierre Terblanche's design swapped the single-sided swingarm for a longer double-sided one and added adjustable footpegs and levers and, on the Monoposto, a seat and tank unit that slides fore and aft. The 998cc Testastretta engine was carried over internally from the 998 but breathed through a larger pressurised airbox and exhausted through a single under-seat silencer, while the electrics used two control units linked by a CAN line. The 999 S had Öhlins suspension, and the 999 R used a 999cc short-stroke engine (104 x 58.8mm). A 2005 update raised power and gave the S radial front calipers. The 1098 replaced it for 2007.
Servicing your 999
The 999's schedule is an oil service every 6,000 miles or once a year and a Desmo service every two years or 12,000 miles, which includes new cam belts and a valve clearance check. Moving the battery to the left side of the bike gave clearer access to the belts and cylinder heads than on the 998. The faults owners report are mostly fuel and electrical: the fuel pump and headlight relays fail, the immobiliser can play up, and rust from inside the tank can block the fuel filter and sap power. Bikes with Öhlins forks have also had early fork seal failures. Before any work beyond the agreed service, RPM calls you to talk it through.
Book your 999 in
Tell us the mileage and what's due, and we'll arrange a date.
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Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Sunday and Monday: closed