The press has called the Ducati 999 the best-ever twin cylinder engine (MotorCycle News, the leading European motorcycle magazine). A peek under the fairing shows just how advanced this motorcycle is and the design focuses on rider ergonomics, making maintenance simpler by reducing overall complexity and, above all, offering top-notch performance.

The L-twin Testastretta engines are very compact, making the finished motorcycles incredibly narrow and agile, much like their racing cousins. They also offer excellent torque and remarkably vigorous power delivery compared to four-cylinder engines. Ducati Superbikes have incredible acceleration and provide outstanding riding thrills.

All the Ducati Superbikes are equipped with L-twin “Testastretta” engines. Testastretta cylinder head technology allows a unique layout of the cam-timing system that creates a reduced angle between the valves. The result is a clean, compact combustion chamber that is also highly efficient, with flat-crown pistons that provide a perfectly smooth, linear flame front. The special design of the heads, together with the cutting-edge electronic engine control system, guarantees optimal combustion throughout the rev range and makes for smooth, effective riding at all times.

The standard version of the 999 pumps out 140 horsepower at 9,750 rpm and 11.1 kgm (80.3 ft.lbs.) of torque at 8,000 rpm with a smoothness that makes riding sheer pleasure. The Testastretta engine in the 999 has a piston stroke of 63.5 millimeter and a bore of 100 millimeter; the reduced stroke limits maximum piston speed allowing increased rpm's and improved overall reliability. An exclusive oil pump feeding system, built into the Corse low sump crankcase ensures maximum oil flow even during extreme cornering and hard acceleration out of corners.