999R vs V4R

When it comes to homologation specials and setting hearts racing, Ducati is king. We trace the brand’s pedigree through the ’bars of their iconic 999R and dominant V4R.

Some bikes look pretty, some bikes sound amazing, and some bikes go like stink... but very rarely do you come across motorcycles that tick each and every one of those boxes. That’s not to say it’s impossible, as Ducati has proven throughout more decades than Boothy can count (three). Following in the footsteps of the brand’s 851 and 888 Desmos, the 916 hit the scenes in 94 and revolutionised our grasp of just how desirable a motorcycle could be, proving as big a hit in the showrooms as it was on the race track. It also signified the start of the Italian marque’s penchant for the exceptional, formally known as ‘homologation special’ versions, being littered with more bling than you’ll find on a royal’s ring and brandished with added initials such as SP, SPS or R. This was no marketing exercise, or haphazard encounter with a keyboard, but an opportunity for global domination in the World Superbike

scene through clever interpretation of the rules and the relentless desire to achieve performance perfection. Come the arrival of the 999 in 2003, Ducati had honed it’s homologation skill set to exception and didn’t wait long to reveal an ‘R’ version (late that same year) for the masses, kitted with a short stroke motor and a true 999cc capacity (the 999s were actually 998cc, confusingly). It did what it set out to do, ruling the world championship for three years straight, while leaving its mark on the domestic scene too, proving to be Ducati’s most successful race bike ever. Despite its Marmite aesthetics, the 999R earned its place in the history books owing to its pure brilliance, and there’s every chance it’s 14-year fresher sibling is on a course to achieve a similar status of elevation. Of course, I’m talking about Ducatis new V4R, which has released an onslaught of devastation in WSB and BSB, locking out podiums and leading both championships at the hands of Bautista and Bridewell. After countless pleading emails to Ducati and too many sleeps to mention, our time finally came to test this performancefuelled maestro, in the company of the forefather that paved its DNA. Here’s what we made of them…