Tried a 999 before buying my 996R. I was really disappointed, a real shame. It sounded like a Jap 4, the build quality was iffy. It looked and still looks unfinished rather than challenging. The rear end is just a mess. The side wings are of no practical use. If they were I guess at least one other bike in this world would use a similar system. For me it is no more comfortable. Spares cost a fortune.
In 2005, they still don't have it right but are too stubborn to admit it. Such a shame, it would not take a huge effort to sort it
8R.