Back on board - New member introduction

[Andrew]

After a few years of absence and nearly 2 years of searching I’ve returned to Ducati ownership. Previously I had a Ducati 888 SP5 (bought new in 1993 and lamentably sold in 1999) my latest is a 996R.

On the road its funny how despite the generational differences between the models the memories and foibles still allow you to imbibe that unique Ducati experience.

A ride on the 996R instantly takes you back to the familiarity of an instantly responsive engine harmonised by the delicious sounds emanating from the Termignoni pipes occasionally interspersed by attention grabbing pops from the air box as the engine spits back through intake tubes. Even the furnace like hot air that slowly roasts your legs and ankles is still present.

The 888 SP5 was easily the most focused and raw motorcycle I’ve ever owned. At sane revs and speeds it was good, but twist the right wrist until the needle passed 7000rpm and world changed, the exhaust note deepened to a continuous wail signalling the arrival of real power. The SP5 distained and taunted a rider with a soft touch, no it needed to be grabbed by the scruff of the neck, revved and shown who’s boss, the reward was the most intense sensory overloaded grin inducting ride of your life. And when stopped there was still the 888 SP5 eye-candy to drool over.

In comparison, the 996R is a deserved icon of design that also offers some limited refinements, it will idle at traffic lights, the primary gears are much quieter, the chassis likes a soft touch, hey even the clutch seems more user friendly. In fact the only rougher edge the 996R has over its older sibling is the far more prominent exhaust crackling on overrun. Make no mistake the 996R hasn’t been de-clawed, it is still an intense experience.

Sure there are more refined machines from both Ducati and other manufacturers but the monikers SP, SPS and R mean the bike is built for speed not comfort, for the day to day I have other rides so here is to a fun future.

Andrew…

[vduc]

Welcome Andrew, you summed the Ducati experience pretty much. An 888 one of my favorite Ducati's.

[fournomore]

Welcome back Andrew.
I was absent from riding from 1996 to 2002. When I returned I tried a FZ1 and then a gixer 1000. Both bikes were great but, I still was'nt satisfied. I bought my Duc because there was always something about a Duc that intrigued me. The first time I heard one approaching I thought it was a V8 hotrod. Like the American muscle car, the Ducati's soul is what keeps me around.

[twowheelcossack]

Well put Andrew. Your short story took me to fond memories of an 851 I had ten years ago. I really appreciated the rough character relative to the appliances I had been riding up until then. In the higher revs, however, it sang like a hammer against an anvil and at rest illicited the "Ferarri of motorcycles" comments from passersby. After 7,000 rpm it seemed like it was made of one solid piece and had that revvy nature that was passed down to the 916 I owned later. It also had a satisfying way of setting off the more sensitive car alarms going down the boulevard. Sweet.
Welcome back.

[kurtfriedrich]

Originally Posted by Andrew

A ride on the 996R instantly takes you back to the familiarity of an instantly responsive engine harmonised by the delicious sounds emanating from the Termignoni pipes occasionally interspersed by attention grabbing pops from the air box as the engine spits back through intake tubes.
Andrew…

My new (1600 miles) 749 bip spits back at me about once every 10 miles or so. Not when I am hard on the throttle, more like when I am on just a little, or a tad more than a little. Is this common? I was taking it back to the dealer to have them fix it tomorrow ... am I asking too much? do they all do this?

thanks
Kurt