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The new ultra-low and compact front brake and clutch master cylinders were co-designed with Brembo to allow for increased steering lock angle and a lower front fairing. The clutch lever, the front brake, and the rear brake levers are all fully adjustable.

The Brembo braking system consists of twin 320 mm steel front brake discs and a steel 240 mm diameter rear brake disc. The front discs are spaced farther outboard from the front wheel to improve the cooling efficiency of airflow.

The Testastretta is the latest evolution of the Desmodromic engine. Compared to the previous generation Desmoquattro, the new Ducati 999 engine incorporates multiple improvements including a completely redesigned crankshaft, cylinders, and cylinder heads. The Testastretta was first introduced in the 996 R and was raced successfully in Superbike competition.

Since then the Testastretta has undergone extensive testing, development, and refinement. The heads have a steep included valve angle of only 25 degrees; 12 degrees for the intake valves and 13 degrees for the exhaust valves. This allows a very compact combustion chamber, and enables the use of flat top pistons while still having a high compression ratio of 11.4:1. Flat top pistons are the optimal choice for efficient combustion because they create the best environment for a smooth and linear flame front. The intake and exhaust valves have increased in diameter to 40 mm and 33 mm, respectively.

The Testastretta’s desmodromic timing system has evolved significantly with improvements in the design of components and the use of advanced surface treatments, which result in longer maintenance intervals for the valve-train. The stroke of the Testastretta engine in the 999 is 63.5 mm. The shorter stroke lowers the average speed of the piston resulting in a higher RPM redline, maximum performance, and improved reliability. In addition, the lubrication circuit was engineered and developed directly from Ducati’s extensive racing experience. A new deep sump is integrated into the engine casing, which ensures constant oil pick-up even when the motorcycle is accelerating aggressively or cornering at extreme lean angles.

The challenge of allowing enough air to the engine while keeping intake noise low has been accomplished by increasing the airbox volume to 12.5 litres and by fitting the fresh air intake tracts with a Helmotz resonator to reduce intake noise without sacrificing performance.

In normal ‘999’ guise Ducati claim 124hp from the engine, while in the ‘999S’ 136hp is the figure quoted.

The Ducati 999 has a fuel injection system directly derived from Ducati Corse race bikes. An advanced 5.9 M CPU engine control unit developed by Magneti Marelli controls the functions of the engine electrical circuit and the ignition system. The injectors are externally mounted on the intake funnels and are positioned directly upstream of the throttle bodies.

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