I can tolerate one bad looking part on a bike, but the 999 has two major ones IMHO. The front lights look terrible, and so does the swingarm. Actually, I've just decided I dislike the entire front of the 999, it all looks...wrong.
I used to feel the same way and still do so for the later style facelifted bike with black swinging arm but if you stand looking at them for long enough it all starts to make sense. Funny thing is the two sections of my 748 that I like the least are the headlights/nose fairing and swinging arm. In both cases each designer admitted to having difficulties in these areas.
The Chris Bangle designed 5 series BMW is an interesting parallel. It was a real shock at the time but time has treated it kindly and the design looks harmonious now in a way it really didn't when it first came out. Imho, both the 916 and 999 are great designs. The 916 had already been the 916, the 996 and the 998, what was Ducati to do?
None taken.... Mine is black, so it's the best kind.. In the kingdom of the blind, the one eyed man is king.....
Mine says it has two lights but I have to stop playing when I run out of street lights, I would do better with a candle.
Hats off it looks like a different beast in black.. Forgive my ignorance but what are those slatty/airofoil thingies above/behind the front wheel are they functional for cooling or air flow???
