I own a 996 Biposto myself as well as a 999s and I have to say that I prefer the 996 for the corners even as good as the 999 is. Incredibly stable, especially in higher speed corners
I own a 996S mono and I’m absolutely in love with the bike. It is truly a piece of design art and the sound so unique and iconic to Ducati dry clutch bikes . This is a bike my kids will inherit.
I own the 1998 748 SPS and have done for last 18 years, yes maintenance can be an issue, unless you pay someone for the work. But mine still sings an awesome tune thundering up the roads, Iconic and legendary and turns heads so whats not to love about these dream machines. great video.
So fun when you drive it hard! Not so fun driving slow or in traffic where the stiff clutch will give you a left arm like Popeye and the exhaust will sear your right leg. One other thing to pay attention to is the crappy plastic factory coolant tank. I've had 3 of them crack along the seams.
who else come here because he wants the matrix bike, and got a long depressing telling about maintenance problems one can have.... jesus I just want to dream about owing one of these beauties...
thepro08 didn't know the matrix had anything to do with this, i found this video because i always liked the ducati race bikes foggy, corser, bayliss, etc. and i want one. plus a bloke near my dads house used to have a 748 and it sounded incredible, you could hear it accelerate out of the next village and gradually get louder and louder, you could hear it wasn't dawdling either.
I have recently bought an ST4s ABS 2005 996 model after riding bmw k series for the last 25 years , what an amazing machine half the weight twice the speed , I have put risers on to replace the factory handle bars which has turned it into an awesome tourer .
Excellent review. I enjoyed how you worded the descriptions and find that everything you say is very accurate. This bike has always been a love/hate relationship with me. Beautiful to look at, listen to and ride fast; cruising is almost unbearable at times. My XC mountain bike is more comfortable and it hardly has a seat. The Ducati 996 still is my favorite bike, regardless.
Nice review. I've owned a few Ducs since 2001. Currently have a 916 and ST4s. They are certainly not for everyone, especially if you're a gas-and-go rider, or if you're one who likes to race/argue via spec sheet and misinformation... If you can put some effort in to keeping them right and can enjoy a bike for what it is, they are very rewarding bikes to ride and own. I am speaking in terms of the older Ducatis, Desmoquatto era stuff, I have no idea what the new bikes are like to own.
Ducatis are built with passion in mind, not practicality. Have deep pockets :) On warming up a motorcycle. My current ride is a K1300S BMW and I warm it every time I ride it. Even in the middle of the day of an Australian summer. It is bullet proof and as long as I service it as prescribed and warm it up, it'll never die :) No matter what I do to it.
Amazing video. Really appreciated the way you highlighted what things to watch out for when going for one these Ducati’s. Can you make a similar one 999/749 series Ducati’s?
Great review! I've been lusting after a Ducati since 1978, just never got my hands on one at the right time. Riding a carburretted Buell instead. Oddly similar issues, except for the valve and belt checks.
I've owned an 01 748 for 13 years with zero problems! I keep it on the battery tender and change oil every 3k miles or once per season. This bike has about 13k miles. It's had its 12k service and runs awesome. I have an 00 996 with 19k mi and it's a beast too! I just bought this one recently and have not had a chance yet to go through it but it's very clean and stock. Anybody looking for one should buy one soon before they are all used and abused! Let me know if your looking I may sell one or both for the right price!
It could be mentioned that when these were new, the belts were supposed to be changed every two years, but the new Kevlar belts are good for 4-5 years, from what I've been told.
Awesome review. I always liked the 996. I have a 2005 999 with 3650 miles, the slipper clutch Ohlins rear shock, just incredible.I really can’t find the heart to sell her. Plus lots to insure but so worth it on that Sunday morning ride up the canyon.
great review, I have had a 748 the smaller brother to the 916 for 8 years, and even though it doesnt have huge power and requires more attention it has more soul than any bike I have ever owned,
put a heli bar riser kit on it , and you can tour on one very comfortably , and makes a great daily ride as the 40mm or so bar lift lets you look over your shoulders very easily , and takes a huge amount of weight off your wrists .
I just was rewatching this video and was wondering what your thoughts are of the Ducati 848 EVO? Thanks again for making this informative and entertaining review
Better as an art display in your living room than it is as a practical motorcycle. The 916/996/998 is one of the only bikes that will leave even hardcore race-bike riders in pain after 30 minutes of riding. Your ass is positioned above your hands, your whole body weight is jacked forward, your knees will ache from squeezing the tank to save your wrists, your lower back goes into spasms because it's under constant strain, and you're always struggling to look up to see the road while holding up your full-face helmet. Your wrists, back, and neck will hurt constantly, to the point you will dread riding it, regardless of how beautiful it is. This is a gorgeous torture rack. Imagine if you had to be this uncomfortable to drive a fast car.
always thought the 996 was fragile due to the max bore dimensions,but no,an oft shyed away from bike,watching this has me thinking about looking for one.interesting...
Hi great video man!! I m looking at buying a Ducati 996 it has travelled 12,500 kms is this a high milage for the bike? Appreciate your thoughts. It is exactly like your Gailo yellow.
I would consider that bike having low miles, especially since the newest 996 Superbike is 15 years old now. The bike in the video has over 21,000 miles and runs great. Due to the age of the bike, I would be more concerned with records stating when the belts were last changed and valves were checked. Hope this helps!
I have always wanted one, I am a born Italian and currently ride an R1 I LOVE Ducatis and would love to own one. Im 265 and 6'1 and im not sure if I just too big for one. I dont want it for the HP cause it is lacking in that area but for what it is.
Thanks for this video. I was looking at one of these, but commute 100 miles a day and the maintenance and wrist weight would bother me. i rode a TL1000R a few times and was annoyed with how much weight was up front. I come from a Honda Nighthawk and will probably stick to a more upright bike.
Those are made by Bilt (Cycle Gear's house brand). I think they are called Iron Workers and they have knee pads and kevlar lining. Good for street riding!
It is my personal bike. If you can splurge a bit for the 998 then you shouldn't have to worry about flaking rockers. If you're interested in the amount work involved replacing rockers, check out the write up I wrote when I did it on my bike. oppositelock.kinja.com/the-ballad-of-ducati-ownership-1764635389
That's an awesome write-up and quite a labored process! How long did it take for you to complete that job? The other alternative is the 749. Not as pretty but apparently has a better motor and is the better bike.
It took around 2 weeks because I couldn't order parts until I took it apart and knew the extent of the "damage". Parts aren't prohibitively expensive and it's fairly straight forward work. The 749 and anything else with the Testastretta engine should be a good bike for you.
Thinking about buying my first bike.. this is the one my mind is set on for some reason! Would this bike be recomended for e beginner? Cheers from Sweden! 💚💛❤️
I wouldn't recommend this bike for a beginner, sorry. You'll want to start with something less powerful and less heavy. Wait until you feel comfortable on a motorcycle before getting one of these.
Practical Enthusiast then what kind of power/cc do you recomend? Either a motard or a sportsbike like this. Was Racing a bike this summer with my Saab 9-5 (250hp).. not sure what Model or brand on the bike(it was black), but I realy dont want a bike slower then my car! 😅
This is an old video but I wanted to mention that you cannot "inspect" a timing belt. I've seen beautiful looking timing belts shred. The only thing you can do is replace them when you're told to.
Well bikes are just like people sometimes they have a mind of their own even nowing the all have same parts from factory sometimes some parts are weaker then others so saying that nothing its perfect 👌👌
Chill intro to the queen - TY. :) I own an '01 Honda 996 Superhawk (VTR1000f) and have enjoyed my L'twin for over 14-something years now. ...To invest effort every two years in belts, and 6k for the valves - ugh. :P But, goodness she (the Duc') is totally - she is everything though. Ugh. :P :)
@@rheafisher1472 just buy timing belts from Renault. it´s round about 20-25$ each. Same stuff like the Ducati ones. I use them since 40.000km on my 996 (nowadays ~60.000km overall)
Good review, but I think I'll stick to the Japanese bikes I think you just get more bang for your buck I do like the late 80s to late 2000 bikes though. I have six of them.
How does removing the fairings easily make it "practical?" All of my 748 and 916 bikes have Dzus clips, and while it makes it nice to drop 10 clips and the fairings come off, this is hardly "practical." That's like saying your Lamborghini is practical because it is easy to pop the hood. I love my Ducatis, but they are a financial commitment. I just recently replaced a flaking rocker, injector, camshaft position sensor, fuel thermostat, belts, and valve shims on one of my 748's. Great bikes, but hardly practical. Oh, and $600-$1000 every two years? Belts alone will run almost $200.00 (not sure where you are getting timing belts for $100.00 a pair), and labor will eat up $600.00, alone. Add in valve shims, and you can easily double that number.
![How Ducati made the Best [looking] Motorcycle Ever](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/yDM0d8KVWNY/mqdefault.jpg)
Even after 22 years still one of the most beautiful bikes ever produced
I own a 996 Biposto myself as well as a 999s and I have to say that I prefer the 996 for the corners even as good as the 999 is. Incredibly stable, especially in higher speed corners
I own a 996S mono and I’m absolutely in love with the bike. It is truly a piece of design art and the sound so unique and iconic to Ducati dry clutch bikes . This is a bike my kids will inherit.
G Man , they may inherit it, but as soon as they price the first valve / belt service, it'll get sold for Crack!
I own the 1998 748 SPS and have done for last 18 years, yes maintenance can be an issue, unless you pay someone for the work. But mine still sings an awesome tune thundering up the roads, Iconic and legendary and turns heads so whats not to love about these dream machines. great video.
Thank you for this video. I took the tips and bought myself a 996.
Just bought a ‘00 grey (silver?) 996s, to stare at with buddies and beers in the garage, and to ride it as well. Chose it over a brand new Panigale.
Thanks Peter, one of the best videos I have seen on the topic. Bloody brilliant.
Very accurate review! You pointed out almost everything about this beautiful bike.
Best regards from an Italian 996 rider
Nice review very accurate. The clutch is pretty heavy. Not a great commuter or long trip bike but these are full of character. Will never sell my 996.
I have a Buell 1125R and despite the hydraulic "vacuum assist" the clutch is also heavy. It's another bike you don't have to rev a lot.
So fun when you drive it hard! Not so fun driving slow or in traffic where the stiff clutch will give you a left arm like Popeye and the exhaust will sear your right leg. One other thing to pay attention to is the crappy plastic factory coolant tank. I've had 3 of them crack along the seams.
Terrific review ! You are an excellent presenter !!
Great review! Keep it up man.
How do you not have more subscribers!? Your videos are awesome man.
Saw one of these for sale a couple years ago...beautiful bike even at its age!
Definitely a fan of your reviews, subscribed!
who else come here because he wants the matrix bike, and got a long depressing telling about maintenance problems one can have.... jesus I just want to dream about owing one of these beauties...
the have a matrix edition color way !!!
thepro08 didn't know the matrix had anything to do with this, i found this video because i always liked the ducati race bikes foggy, corser, bayliss, etc. and i want one.
plus a bloke near my dads house used to have a 748 and it sounded incredible, you could hear it accelerate out of the next village and gradually get louder and louder, you could hear it wasn't dawdling either.
Keep up with regular and preventative maintenance. Every video you need is out there. Get one!!
I have recently bought an ST4s ABS 2005 996 model after riding bmw k series for the last 25 years , what an amazing machine half the weight twice the speed , I have put risers on to replace the factory handle bars which has turned it into an awesome tourer .
Excellent review. I enjoyed how you worded the descriptions and find that everything you say is very accurate. This bike has always been a love/hate relationship with me. Beautiful to look at, listen to and ride fast; cruising is almost unbearable at times. My XC mountain bike is more comfortable and it hardly has a seat. The Ducati 996 still is my favorite bike, regardless.
Great vid, great editing, knowledgeable, and fun to watch. Good job.
Great review man! I’m looking at getting a 748
These are great videos. I hope you keep them up!
Peter, your channel is GREAT.
Very well done. 👍 funny you kept the jacket on the whole time
The most beautiful motorcycle ever made.
great review man, you really should do more.
Nice review. I've owned a few Ducs since 2001. Currently have a 916 and ST4s. They are certainly not for everyone, especially if you're a gas-and-go rider, or if you're one who likes to race/argue via spec sheet and misinformation... If you can put some effort in to keeping them right and can enjoy a bike for what it is, they are very rewarding bikes to ride and own. I am speaking in terms of the older Ducatis, Desmoquatto era stuff, I have no idea what the new bikes are like to own.
Dan Levesque the newer one rarely break down engine wise 24k km intervals on some models :)
Great review and very thorough analysis! I hope to see more videos soon!
almost 7 years later and that upper price range has gone bananas
Ducatis are built with passion in mind, not practicality. Have deep pockets :) On warming up a motorcycle. My current ride is a K1300S BMW and I warm it every time I ride it. Even in the middle of the day of an Australian summer. It is bullet proof and as long as I service it as prescribed and warm it up, it'll never die :) No matter what I do to it.
Amazing video. Really appreciated the way you highlighted what things to watch out for when going for one these Ducati’s. Can you make a similar one 999/749 series Ducati’s?
Great review! I've been lusting after a Ducati since 1978, just never got my hands on one at the right time. Riding a carburretted Buell instead. Oddly similar issues, except for the valve and belt checks.
I've owned an 01 748 for 13 years with zero problems! I keep it on the battery tender and change oil every 3k miles or once per season. This bike has about 13k miles. It's had its 12k service and runs awesome.
I have an 00 996 with 19k mi and it's a beast too! I just bought this one recently and have not had a chance yet to go through it but it's very clean and stock.
Anybody looking for one should buy one soon before they are all used and abused!
Let me know if your looking I may sell one or both for the right price!
It could be mentioned that when these were new, the belts were supposed to be changed every two years, but the new Kevlar belts are good for 4-5 years, from what I've been told.
Awesome review. I always liked the 996. I have a 2005 999 with 3650 miles, the slipper clutch Ohlins rear shock, just incredible.I really can’t find the heart to sell her. Plus lots to insure but so worth it on that Sunday morning ride up the canyon.
Excellent job at editing. Great review
I have 2001 748 with 7k miles. It is my dream bike
I dig your videos man, please do more. I'd like to see a first generation Suzuki SV-650
Very good review,excelent work!
I'm not a Ducati owner, but the 916 and 996 are still the most gorgeous sport bikes ever made. The MV Agusta F4 and CBR 954RR are up there, too....
good thing the fairings come off that quick youll be working on it every weekend XD
Excellent bike review, good luck with your channel, subscribed!
great review, I have had a 748 the smaller brother to the 916 for 8 years, and even though it doesnt have huge power and requires more attention it has more soul than any bike I have ever owned,
Why does it need more attention?
Great review, as always. Thanks.
put a heli bar riser kit on it , and you can tour on one very comfortably , and makes a great daily ride as the 40mm or so bar lift lets you look over your shoulders very easily , and takes a huge amount of weight off your wrists .
I just was rewatching this video and was wondering what your thoughts are of the Ducati 848 EVO? Thanks again for making this informative and entertaining review
Thanks for a nice review mate! They so full of character that up today they make most of the bikes out there feel out of style.
Great! Do more reviews, please :)
I'm not a bike guy, but this thing looks stunning.
Just bought myself a firsthand 996 from 2000 after selling my previous one 2012. God knows my grandchildren will own my "new" beauty someday
Aye man... These are great reviews.. Keep um up bro.. Do some used naked bikes too.
Could you do a Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat next?
Nice review!
Great video, super informative!
Selling my 996 is the biggest regret of my life!! Don’t sell your 996 not ever 😭😭😭
Better as an art display in your living room than it is as a practical motorcycle. The 916/996/998 is one of the only bikes that will leave even hardcore race-bike riders in pain after 30 minutes of riding. Your ass is positioned above your hands, your whole body weight is jacked forward, your knees will ache from squeezing the tank to save your wrists, your lower back goes into spasms because it's under constant strain, and you're always struggling to look up to see the road while holding up your full-face helmet. Your wrists, back, and neck will hurt constantly, to the point you will dread riding it, regardless of how beautiful it is. This is a gorgeous torture rack. Imagine if you had to be this uncomfortable to drive a fast car.
Check out our first episode of Used Bike Reviews - the Ducati 996!
Practical Enthusiast
excellent work my friend!!
always thought the 996 was fragile due to the max bore dimensions,but no,an oft shyed away from bike,watching this has me thinking about looking for one.interesting...
Hi great video man!! I m looking at buying a Ducati 996 it has travelled 12,500 kms is this a high milage for the bike? Appreciate your thoughts. It is exactly like your Gailo yellow.
I would consider that bike having low miles, especially since the newest 996 Superbike is 15 years old now. The bike in the video has over 21,000 miles and runs great. Due to the age of the bike, I would be more concerned with records stating when the belts were last changed and valves were checked. Hope this helps!
your reviews are so good.
I have always wanted one, I am a born Italian and currently ride an R1 I LOVE Ducatis and would love to own one. Im 265 and 6'1 and im not sure if I just too big for one. I dont want it for the HP cause it is lacking in that area but for what it is.
Thanks for this video. I was looking at one of these, but commute 100 miles a day and the maintenance and wrist weight would bother me. i rode a TL1000R a few times and was annoyed with how much weight was up front. I come from a Honda Nighthawk and will probably stick to a more upright bike.
Then this is NOT for you. If you want a Ducati that is more comfortable look at the Monster
@@ventisette. , or an ST4
I think I'm going to have to get one..
Hey Peter, little late to the game here but what bike trousers are those? Super cool!
Those are made by Bilt (Cycle Gear's house brand). I think they are called Iron Workers and they have knee pads and kevlar lining. Good for street riding!
@@PracticalEnthusiast many thanks!
Is the maintenance similar for the Ducati 900 SS ?
Raymond Roche was so potent at BIR (Mn) back in the day......
I used to do track days and watch races there.
Nice job on the video!
Do you have the mp3 file of the music from 5:00 - 7:50?
Is this your own bike Peter? I'm really considering a 2002+ 748/916/996 since those models apparently are void of the rocker issues
It is my personal bike. If you can splurge a bit for the 998 then you shouldn't have to worry about flaking rockers. If you're interested in the amount work involved replacing rockers, check out the write up I wrote when I did it on my bike. oppositelock.kinja.com/the-ballad-of-ducati-ownership-1764635389
That's an awesome write-up and quite a labored process! How long did it take for you to complete that job?
The other alternative is the 749. Not as pretty but apparently has a better motor and is the better bike.
It took around 2 weeks because I couldn't order parts until I took it apart and knew the extent of the "damage". Parts aren't prohibitively expensive and it's fairly straight forward work. The 749 and anything else with the Testastretta engine should be a good bike for you.
Would love to see a 99 r6
Great bike & review!
Could you do one with The R1 and/or Gsxr
Need moar reviews bro. What state are you in and do you accept viewer bikes to review.
+Rider Joe We're working on it! We would definitely accept viewer bikes. If you are in the Kansas City area drop us a line. Thanks for watching!
Not all old is gold and not all crap is character. This belongs to a showroom not on the streets. Yes its beatiful and thats it.
these bikes are made for riding. I hate living-room Ducatis ...
YUP...Matrix sells the bike big time.
the best ducati ever!!!
Thinking about buying my first bike.. this is the one my mind is set on for some reason!
Would this bike be recomended for e beginner?
Cheers from Sweden! 💚💛❤️
I wouldn't recommend this bike for a beginner, sorry. You'll want to start with something less powerful and less heavy. Wait until you feel comfortable on a motorcycle before getting one of these.
Practical Enthusiast then what kind of power/cc do you recomend?
Either a motard or a sportsbike like this.
Was Racing a bike this summer with my Saab 9-5 (250hp).. not sure what Model or brand on the bike(it was black), but I realy dont want a bike slower then my car! 😅
Thanks for the informative video 🏍
MY DREAM BIKE DUCATI 996
I’ll say the 1098/1198 is the perfection of Ducatis steel trellis frame
I see you have over 20k on your 996 as well. My ST4 and 996 both have over 20k miles. Can't bring myself to selling either!
Great review, great bike (and VFR :D ), you just earned a subscriber and I've put both videos to my favorites.
Best looking bike ever build. But I want it red and with gold rims.
Fairing off in a matter of seconds? Honda Sc 28 /Sc33 :)
I have a gsxr 600 ina rizla blue paint and my neighbour just got one of those and I was like gah damn man😂 stunning bike
I like your parents' garage. I raided your parents' fridge the other day...
Great video Peter!
Hahahaha, last sentence!!! sooooo right!!!! ;)
Excellent Video
This is an old video but I wanted to mention that you cannot "inspect" a timing belt. I've seen beautiful looking timing belts shred. The only thing you can do is replace them when you're told to.
Well bikes are just like people sometimes they have a mind of their own even nowing the all have same parts from factory sometimes some parts are weaker then others so saying that nothing its perfect 👌👌
Dry clutch on these?
Yes, dry clutch.
Chill intro to the queen - TY. :) I own an '01 Honda 996 Superhawk (VTR1000f) and have enjoyed my L'twin for over 14-something years now. ...To invest effort every two years in belts, and 6k for the valves - ugh. :P But, goodness she (the Duc') is totally - she is everything though. Ugh. :P :)
Still my favorite
They’re all about 7k now, 2021. 14k for a garage queen
Time 2:40 Triumph Daytona T595
100$ for two timing belts ?
lol,it's just crazyness.
Those are the california cycleworks ones too... ducati ones are 100 EACH.
@@rheafisher1472 just buy timing belts from Renault. it´s round about 20-25$ each. Same stuff like the Ducati ones. I use them since 40.000km on my 996 (nowadays ~60.000km overall)
Let's not forget about the 18k service....
awsome..
Nice one
That maintenance sounds more hassle than the bikes worth 🤔
Oh, it certainly is. You have to love these bikes.
Good review, but I think I'll stick to the Japanese bikes I think you just get more bang for your buck I do like the late 80s to late 2000 bikes though. I have six of them.
How does removing the fairings easily make it "practical?"
All of my 748 and 916 bikes have Dzus clips, and while it makes it nice to drop 10 clips and the fairings come off, this is hardly "practical." That's like saying your Lamborghini is practical because it is easy to pop the hood. I love my Ducatis, but they are a financial commitment. I just recently replaced a flaking rocker, injector, camshaft position sensor, fuel thermostat, belts, and valve shims on one of my 748's. Great bikes, but hardly practical.
Oh, and $600-$1000 every two years? Belts alone will run almost $200.00 (not sure where you are getting timing belts for $100.00 a pair), and labor will eat up $600.00, alone. Add in valve shims, and you can easily double that number.