I thought I would never do it, especially after investing dollars and a lot of time in upgrading the 916, but its no longer in the stable. I've always had an interest in sport touring and decided it was time for a change.   A dealer in the N/W saw pictures of the 916 on the net and also knew I was interested in either an ST or a Multistrada. He had an 07 1100S MTS and offered it as a trade for my 916.  I accepted and trailered the 916 up and brought the Multistrada back.  I was excited about the prospect of going on longer rides but many who knew the 916 thought it wasn't a good idea.  They frankly couldn't believe it.  

Nice thing about the Multi is the fact it is a very capable bike with superbike bones.   Trellis frame and Ohlins all around coupled with the advantage of long forks smoothed out bumpy roads.  

I started some minor upgrades like a Shift Tech carbon fiber hugger, Pazzo levers, D&D touring pegs, B0-016s, Powerlet socket, heat regulator for Gerbing heated jacket and gloves, BangFab rear mount and JCWhitney top box. Stock with the S model was CF timing belt covers, CF fender, upgraded handlebars with vibration cushions, full Ohlins suspension.  Lastly and most important was the installation of the MRA Vario windscreen.   What a nicely manufactured windscreen complete with an adjustable spoiler.  The screen is also tinted and does a fantastic job preventing wind buffeting.  I got the screen through a group buy I organized with Motowheels.  I also organized a MTS special for a full system Zard though GP Performance.  I have another planned with Motowheels on Dainese's new system textile jacket and pants combo.  The product is quality, second to none and full of nice features for those who like to tour.

The second phase of the garage reorganization was the fact I sold my 999S.  I didn't know at the time what I wanted or even if I was going to get another bike.  However, having only one bike left me feeling naked and unfulfilled.  Now that I have somewhat of a touring bike, I wanted to bring back another superbike, but an upgraded one.  I started looking for either the 749R or 999R.  Like many others, I was lukewarm to the 999 design in 03, same with the Multistrada.  If you would have told me I would eventually get both, I would have called you crazy.  Anyway, I found a smokin deal in Los Angeles on an 03 999R, stock, but with only 950 miles on the clock.  It took a few days to finalize everything and I set a date to go down there and pick it up.  Theres always a kink and the fact I found evidence of a fall over while inspecting the bike after I arrived.  The owner had "no idea" how the scratches and all got there, but did confess he got an estimate for repair and that amounted to approx $1,000.  With the bike no longer in pristine condition I told him I was no longer interested and was fully prepared to walk away.   He was fair about it and asked me if I would still buy the bike if he split the repair cost with me since he was already "taking a bath" on the agreed upon price.  I accepted and soon loaded the bike onto my trailer and headed back to Sacramento.  The thought of me buying a beautiful, less the stratches 03 999R kept me pumped up almost all the way home.  I got a little rummy outside of Elk Grove, but I pushed on and soon enough I was unloading the work of art into my garage.  I couldn't stand the years of dust so I proceeded to clean up what I could before retiring.  The next day I did the deep cleaning/degreasing stuff and applied approx 3 steps of polishing/waxing afterwards to the paint.  I didn't have to do any high speed buffing, just using a random orbit DA machine did the job, I was very happy with the results.  I've been in the detail and car care chemical industry for over 20 years, so I'm pretty knowledgeable about high speed buffers and other polishing machines.  To the average guy, the random orbit machine is quite adequate, especially when the correct buffing pads are used. The big drawback with the high speed buffers is the fact it requires skill to operate them and the wrong move can cause damage or "burns" to the paint.  

I worked for a buffing pad manufacturer for 14 years, ending my career as the National Sales Manager.  

If any of you happen to read this, I would be happy to answer any questions you might have regarding reconditioning in general and buffing/chemical use specifically.  I had a hand in designing a number of smaller buffs, specifically for polishing motorcycles and allowing the use of the cordless drill with the appropriate adaptor.  They spin quite fast enough to do the job and not so fast that you will get yourself into trouble.

Since then, I've done a few upgrades:
1. Carbon Fiber rear hugger
2. CF slotted front sprocket cover
3. CF slotted clutch cover
4. CF vertical exhaust cover
5. CF silencer cover, applied Termi decals
6. CF ignition tank area cover
7. CF key guard
8. CF keyless racing fuel cap
9.  R model came with CF fender, CF chin piece, CF fairings nose and tail, light weight black Marchesini forged aluminum wheels and magnesium headlight bucket. Also CF fairing stays.
10. Paulimoto red anodized pressure plate
11. DP billet and adjustable rear sets (adjustable is questionable). New they run $940 big ones.  I have my sights on a set of Speedymotos as a replacement.  Don't get me wrong, the DPs are nicely built and look good, I prefer something else so they will be going up for sale pretty soon.
12. Vortex black rear sprocket, 38 tooth.
13. DP magnesium valve covers (this updated the engine to 05 exterior spec).  This is my favorite upgrade, bought from BCM Ducati.
14. STM red anodized fork adjustersAnd the list will go on because I'm following typical Ducati ownership behavior.

This 999R is the best bike I have ever ridden and/or owned.  I didn't realize the difference between my 999S and the 999R would be that noticeable, yet it is.  The bike is awesome; a very special edition.