So Ducati has announced the all new 999R for 2004 — Within the Ducati community at large there’s been quite a bit of discussion about the external physical changes - i.e. the new top half of the fairing and the changes in the louvers - What strikes me the most are neither of those changes, but rather the addition of several bumps in lower portion of the fairing from the ‘03 & ‘04 models that seem lose the smooth flowing lines. Obviously the 999R is intended as a full blown race bike sold for the few who can afford to ride them on the street, but I truly hope that this doesn’t signify a new direct for the entire 749/999 line. I would hate to see the brand slowly rework its inital replacement for the 916-998 style . In my opinion, if they had the guts to get away from the past they ought to stay the course.