So true, especially the wrist bit... But I have to say that overall I find my 996 very easy to live with. I even did a lot of commuting with it last year when i didn't have a car. They are just so easy to ride in traffic with all the low end torque. And when you have the chance you just ride that wave up to 10k rpm with no downshifting needed. Love that bike
No, because of the sensations YOU feel, the vibrations, the sounds, the smell, the looks, etc. "Because they're iconic" sounds like you just want people to see you owning one and belonging to a club. Understandable reason, but if that's the main one, it's pathetic.
@@thekingmezger you must be a masochist then 😄. I was thinking if you find it’s too hot, you don’t ride it fast enough 😀. I had the privilege of owning one end 90s which I sold as I was frustrated not being able to ride it to its potential living in a country where riding a sport motorcycle was getting more and more difficult. Concerning the wrist thing, I also had this problem but only with the left one because the clutch was a bit hard. The problem disappeared though after a couple of rides. I can tell you, I still dream regularly that it is still in my garage and that I should get it out for a spin. I’ll never forget it and the sound of the Termi’s past 7000 rpm. This bike is a legend, take good care of them and above all, enjoy!
@@benvoyons626 thanks and will do! It is an absolute blast to ride. I actually made this video to scare away “wanna be Tamburini owners” who think this is just a bike. It’s not. It’s a legend.
I have two 996. I would never recommend one to someone that likes riding other than the track. They are great bikes but unbearably bad for riding in the city. On the track they are fantastic.
I have a 996 and you are right about the heat. I rarely ride in traffic so that's not an issue for me. Many complain about the ergonomics (sore wrists, and butt), but I haven't had any issue there. I'm nearly 60 yrs old and put in 4-5 hr rides and track days without any issues. The key with this motorcycle (or any other for that matter) is to not support your weight with your arms/wrists. Instead, I've learned to use my abs and squeeze the tank with my thighs. Give it a try and find some fast sweeping roads to blow that hot air out.
All of that is true but once you open the throttle on the highway, you put up with everything bad with pleasure. I own a 996 and every time I ride it I arrive in pain but with a big smile on my face.
I just bought a 996 and drove it home, 6 hours from midnight only stopping for fuel. That was after sitting in my car for 6 hours to get there. What a beast, I’m in love with it. I need to find some Ferraci clip ons. That will make it right for me.
The heat you talk about on 90’s Ducati’s should be compared to modern Panigale V2/V4 Ducati’s. Because that is what people that are coming from that buy these bikes. Riding both bikes in Summer in Australia at high 30C’s, the 9XX series is much better than any Panigale series. And I love my Panigale. But the 98’ 916SPS is a holiday in comparison to my other bikes, and nowhere near the heat ovens of Panigale V2 or V4. You are straddling racing horsepower for fun and coffee runs, and based on the HP output = this equals heat. Can’t beat physics. You need to accept that. The 916 is a baby in my garage. Fantastic geometry. Brilliant power to weight ratio. And a fun retro bike to own on the streets because 130hp is more fun than many litre bikes in the restricted twisty’s on policed roads. What I’m trying to say is, Heat is not an issue. Ergonomics is an issue, in comparison to modern bikes. You can swap out the bars to get a wider stance. But then it’s “aftermarket”, and the purists that buy these bikes might have an issue. But I can ride to the fuel stops without too much fatigue, and I’m no athlete in my 40 plus years of beer drinking. If you are going to put on the staddle-bags for a cross country trip then I recommend getting wider bars that flex out a bit. But why fuck around, just get a BMW and admit your age. They require your full attention if you are inexperienced with riding any Sportbikes at all. There’s no ABS or traction control. But it's still just a 130hp bike (with the 916 SPS I run). Anyone with 2 years of riding could manage this bike easily. I wish that I could say you needed some secret sauce to ride vintage Ducati’s, but two years and a deep wallet for maintenance will tick every box required. My parting advice is to buy this bike. It’s not as easy as the previous modern bikes you own. But it's fun. Makes you feel cool as fuck. And It will never depreciate in value if you buy the right one. Look at SPS or SP variants if you are on the market. But ride it. Don’t let the bike sit in a garage. You would be perpetuating a crime.
I rode my 1999 748 from CT to CA and back, 7,200 miles one summer. It’s not a bike for everyone, but if you have problems with it...buy a Harley or a BMW. This is a track platform. If you use it otherwise, it’s on you to adapt to it. It’s easy to be a critic, show me your best design...I think it will fall short of the masters work.
I have a 996 SPS and recently raised the handlebars by 2 inches higher and closer towards me. Now I can ride it all day long like its a CBR 900rr, it feels so sublime. Its the best mod I've ever made to a bike and it took just under an hour to do..
My 748L allows me use the whole rev range which is lots of fun. It’s my first and only bike and I ride as much as I can. For some people this bike is perfect and well worth the effort.
I've done 700km on a day with this bike (97 senna III), when you get home you just go straight to bed 🤣 There's no energy left. Buttpain is not that clear for me but the wrists, damned... And yeah, my boot is melting on the exhaustpipes. This bike gives you an analog feel of riding, it's raw. LOVE it
You said it yourself: it's a race bike, not a commuter ... if you chose to use it in the city traffic you shouldn't say the bike is bad: it's just you not using it for what it was built for. p.s.: if your wrists hurt, it means you're using your body wrong... you shouldn't lean on your arms as it will put too much pressure on the hadlebars and therefore make the bike more nervous and sketchy.. you should use legs, back, and arms to evenly distribute your weight. If you want a powerful but comfortable bike have you ever considered the Multistrada? I have the 2010 model and it's a beast with the Testastretta 11 engine (I also have the 748 with the 853 kit and it's just phenomenal.. easily keeps up with all the other 9's so no lack of power there)
This was my dream bike when I was in high school. I would buy one just to look at. And I don't have a motorcycle license. And definitely not a commuter bike.
Everything you said, I agree with 100% about my 996...when stopping for gas I would lay on the pavement to straighten out my back, I was always drenched in full leathers baking hot, wrists still hurt and I sold the bike 18 years ago...but I loved every second of it!
Love my 998 final edition. Agree with all you said in the video but I adore it. Was my dream bike as a kid and it has aged amazingly well. Never recommend them to anyone. They are for people who have a screw loose.
Lovely 916 - however in my opinion Ducati 748 is the better model. It still does 0-100km/h in 3.1 seconds and maximum top speed 240km/h. It is the most planted motorcycle you can imagine. Lighter and more agile in the corners. street friendly with same bodystyle - what’s not to love? 😎
ducativtwin me too ! Owned my 748s 20 years now ..never broke down ,the heat issue ? Never had it ..keep your rpm down in city traffic l thrashed 916s through sunny London for fast bikes magazine ..and never whinged once .. you don’t go furniture shopping in a Lamborghini !
1) Who the heck plans to ride this in town?!?!? get a Vespa (as I did!) 2) load on wrist: correct. When I tested mine, after 3' (I am not exaggerating) I stopped and looked at my palms: they were already reddish sore! but ... ride above 120 k/h, and wind will push you back so the load on the hands will diminish. It looks like bragging, but this is not: pls remember this is a TRULY SPORT bike! If you read Wikipedia you will find that the designer "optmized the riding posture for cornering" thus making uncomfortable when riding straight. And this is why it is! 3) posture: this bike is like a tailor suit: it was made for 165-170 cm tall people. I am 182 - not for me, I am aware of that. 4) longer trips: I stop every two ads stations in Italy as this bike gets me tired very quickly. With the GS I can ride for 2 hrs no stop. But what the heck! They are different animals! 5) maintenance cost: the famous belts replacement does not happen every day, nor the demo adjustment. Parts are not expensive. CONCLUSION: this review was made on a rational basis. Go get a BMW or a Japanese bike, buddy! if you hop an this one and love it, all arguments made are IMMATERIAL! Peace and be safe
These mechanical treasures were built by passionate people for people that understand what they are and why they exist. There really isn’t any compromise necessary. They call out to the people that belong on them. They are the best COMMUTER bikes....... if that’s what you desire. Reasoning.....One doesn’t have to Race home to your machine.....after work....you’re living as soon as the side stand is up and the grip is twisted. LIVE LOVE RIDE
The bike series is an intense experience. Just starting my 748 pushes my buttons. F by F risers helped keep feeling in my fingers. I always wear a riding suit cause of the heat. Not for everybody unfortunately, but as real a thing as there is
I miss my 01 996s SO much I am currently trying to find another after 3 years. Everything you said is so true, i had a full arrow 60mm titanium exhaust that put me $3,400 out of pocket and had a shop wrap it super well for me, cut down alot on the heat. as far as the wrist thing, so true, I personally have very strong wrists (for undisclosed reasons) but i LOVE the aggresive seating position and a little pain is worth the way that the 916 etc really makes you feel like you are in a cockpit.
I think what you said at the end sums it all up. With the 916 a prospective owner must approach with realistic expectations. If you do then there's really no problems.. I've done over 50 000 miles on a 996 and find it very comfortable. But it's a sportbike and I approach riding her as an athletic endeavour. It's a demanding machine and if you're not up to the task there's plenty of other machines that will have your soft ass... ;)
You’d be surprised how much adjusting your controls and adding stomp grips so you can use your legs more help. For the seat I used padded bicycle shorts and most bikes do get hot but not as bad as Ducati’s. 😀
This man is kind of right, The heat......You don't notice when moving or with proper boots on. Riding position.....is not an issue if you ride a lot and are "Bike fit". The seat can be an issue if you sit still for long on motorways but not at all otherwise. They are more tricky to ride than most sport bikes, you can stall pulling away when no used to it and in standard settings turn like a barge. Lift the rear ride height by 10mm, drop the yokes 7mm fit an ohlins steering damper and a 180 tyre, dial out the static sag and try it. Marchesini wheels will further improve. Ridden mine from the UK to Monza, Assen, Hockenheim and other multiple times.
Lol sounds like he's talking about all my Ducati's I have owned 1098, 1199, 1299 Super hot , uncomfortable ergonomics, wrists hurt but all worth the price of admission to ride that I- talian red rocket
Some good points BUT... I commute on my 748 and I don't find it bad at all. I also do track days and love it. It's my only bike. I'm 70kg, 178cms tall and 51yrs old. I guess I am the perfect size for it? My neck is the first thing that would ache.
He's not wrong. I owned a 2002 748 and it was not comfortable even by sportbike standards. It was worth it however. I got a Corbin seat and it helped in that regard. They're not bad on the curvy roads. But on long straight roads then be on the highway the wind holds you up some. Grip the tank with your knees. That also helps the wrist pain. The sounds and the beauty are worth it to me and ill be buying another soon.
This video is completely legit! Everything said is true. I bought a 2001 996 and love it... but I bought for 1/2 art work and 1/2 quick ride for coffee etc. (I am old now)
Grip the tank with your knees and use your legs - your wrists will thank you. I had a 748. No way 100 hp is weak. I also owned a F650GS BMW and for comfort I would take the Ducati any day. I found the upright position of the BMW with all my upper body weight on my butt to be excruciating after about an hour and it vibrated bad. I couldn't wait to get off it, in fact I hated it for all its pretensions to comfort and its undeniable sterility. No tears were shed when it sold. The Ducati on the other hand was 100% involving and I loved the position and solo seat. I was in the bike, not just a passive passenger. To me it was comfortable and I enjoyed every single kilometre. I only sold it because my increasing confidence was going to get me killed. I miss it every day though.
The problem with these bikes is that they are made for small people, if you have more than 175 this is already very uncomfortable, but if you are between 165 175, very common height for Southern european people, you get totally fitted on the bike, you are mostly just leaning and resting on it.
yes it’s true but i give zero Fs. i have the 888 the 998 the 1098 and an rsv1000. i love them all and they look sensational. the DP adjustable rearsets and a technosel seat makes a difference but if i want to ride for more than and hour i take the GS1250 rallye TE. the dukes are the bikes you get the thumbs up from passers by. never selling any of them. ride on brother!
It is not for the city. that's for shure, but when you are riding above 80 km/h all fits perfect. Hey, it is a racing machine, not a cafe racer. I have the 748 since 2001 an i love it still.
You need to wear leathers on these, your butt will roast in jeans. So true, I have FBF bars on mine, they add a small rise but don’t effect handling like a true bar riser does. Still they are one of the best handling and iconic motorcycles of all time. I like that you sit in them, not on them like earlier and later motorcycles.
These race replicas machines needed to be ridden in a certain way to avoid wrist damage. You need to clamp that tank with your legs like dear life depends on it and all of your wrist trouble will be a thing of a past. I remembered telling myself in the beginning why I got myself a race replica. How people ride these things they are 30000% uncomfortable for 37 seconds of riding. But once I knew how to position myself and how the tank actually works for you, I can ride these machines literally for 2-3 hrs. without stopping and I am 53. Use the tank let the bike do its thing hold the bars ever so slightly like you were holding a bird or an egg you get the picture. The only time you hold to dear life to the bars is when breaking from 180mph to 55mph trailing a corner in a racetrack. In normal roads you never actually have to break from 180 plus to 55 to enter a curve or get an exit in the highway. Normal roads flow they don't have chicanes in the stop lights or in the middle of the highway or anything of that sort. Also, I haven't ridden a liter bike that is not an oven in two wheels. I own three Honda, MV Agusta and a BMW all of them liter bikes all of them ovens. You want power and hp there's going to be heat is inevitable, is the price to pay. Some are hotter than other but over all of them are hot. Especially if you live in a hot zone like I do. My CBR goes to 225 F+ in stop lights and 177 F running in the highway.
Being in Scotland the heat from the bike is a joy just added heated grips as well, toasty The seats no worse than my cbr600rr and use your thighs to take the weight off you’re wrists The biggest pain in the arse is the servicing and parts cost (£700 for a clutch, shocking)
My 1198sp is no different as far as ergonomics, it’s not meant to ride to Starbucks my friend, I would happily take that off your hands. Perhaps a nice Honda magna.
I haven't even watched this video and I think I get the angle you're probably coming from, as a former Honda SP1 owner I think your probably coming from the same place I did on the SP1, its really down to fact that they dont have any "road manners". Everybike in WSB at the time was based off production sports/superbikes being tuned up for racing, the Ducati and the SP1 were designed as race bikes first, then they bolted some lights and indicators on them to get them through "homologation" AND because of that, on the Honda anyway it made them crap to ride on the road until the second it was full wide open throttle...then everything made sense. BUT drive it around at normal road speed limits and traffic speeds and they were just horrid, on the SP1 your wrists would go on fire if you had to do slow speed manuvering due to the size of the endurance class tank on it, down low the fuel injection was crap and stumbly etc etc...but crack it wide open and you'd have a smile on your face...for about 2 secs then you hit the speed limits lol
But who buys a supersport for the street? This bike says "oh honey, faster please, faster!! all the time. Why would you go waste those precious miles riding in the city? Never had any issues of heat. I also have a 1190 KTM adventure, so I know what "warm thighs at red light" means. Posture? I'm 1m90 and way taller than any average italian bloke and can stay a day long on my standard steering 916 (yes, it's not a Goldwing but it's really not that dramatic). about the 748: "very weak engine"? It makes 10hp less on the dyno...I've never ridden one but I doubt you'd really have a totally different experience. Certainly not if comparing a standard 916 to a 748 R
I dont know , for me one of the best bike's i ever drove ..i made some time's 1300 km a day in combination of high way and B roads .for me heaven to drive it and also the emotional part just dream for every twin lover !!!
There’s only one thing i really hate about ducati 916, its cheap sounding v-twin engine. It really is gorgeous but i just hope it already had a v-four engine back then coz the v-twin sound awful and the vibration is terrible at high rev coz the twin cyclinders are overworked.
OK is not for you, it's a racing superbyke of 90... for me it's one of the best superbyke ever made and I love it... see my nik name... include "998" :) is very comfortable if you are able to drive it fast...
Who'd have thought a race replica would be hard to live with on the road😂 if you use it as it was designed I.e twisties and moving round the bike it's a dream 😊 ride it in town or long straight roads it's gonna hurt you all over😂
Ducati... beautiful pieces of artwork, but would be terrible for my 4+ hour rides into the mountains. Best to admire them on the showroom floor, and leave them to the younger guys that can put up with the extreme riding positions.
