Can't decide what to buy 748,916,996,998? - Ducati.ms

Paghmani · Jul 16th, 2006, 11:56 am

Based on what i have read on this forum, the Testastretta 998 is the best model, since it does not have the flaking rocker problems, has different cylinder heads, injectors and CPU compared to other models. I don't plan on racing the bike on a track as its intended purpose, and cannot decide if spending 3-4k more on a 998 would justify my needs. I have been searching for a one owner garage queen under 3k mileage and have had no luck. Any suggestions on reliablity, longevity, where to look to purchase the bike etc.. is kindly taken.

BTW this will be my first bike.

Regards

serie1926 · Jul 16th, 2006, 12:06 pm

If it's your first bike, get a 125 dirt bike (any make) and learn how to ride.

Soulsedge · Jul 16th, 2006, 1:13 pm

heh first bike? Do yourself a favor and get a dirtbike(unless you rode those previously) like the last guy said, or a rat japanese bike.

You will dump it...there are no maybe's...no what if's....you WILL dump it...its just a matter of whether you get banged up with the bike or not.

And i can guarantee you, the plastics for Ducati's are not cheap....not to mention cases, handlebars, mirrors, etc that you might demolish in the process.

On top of all that, you gotta deal with paying for maintenance much more often, and much more expensive parts...and thats for experienced riders...you'll probably chew up parts, quicker then normal getting use to taking off(clutching) etc...since your new.

A dirtbike or such is recommended first, then a japanese bike, since parts are cheaper, and a lot easier to find.

xseal · Jul 16th, 2006, 1:16 pm

my recommendation ... SS 1000. Dohh, wrong board.

migz123 · Jul 16th, 2006, 1:52 pm

A Ducati Superbike is not a good idea for your first motorcycle.

cheech · Jul 17th, 2006, 11:54 am

ducati monster 620 if you really really want a duc as first bike. 748/916/99* series bikes are unforgiving due to dryclutch and riding ergos.

ducmons · Jul 17th, 2006, 12:12 pm

Brother. I have a 998, and other various bikes. For your first bike.... Save the bucks, and find a used a 620 that you get comfortable on and ride until you outgrow its riding and cornering (i'm not talking about speed). Any idiot can crack the throttle open and ride in a straight line (before getting thrown in jail), but knowing how to handle a small bike will let you be a safer rider and also let you enjoy your next bike. Spend the time to get comfortable on a smaller bike before you drop BIG bucks on a Garage Queen. I went from riding dirt bikes (7yrs) right into a Moster 1000 as my frist street bike and a few months later picked up a 998. i personally didn't find it difficult to transition, but it is VERY different and shouldn't be taken lightly. Any SBK specially a higher cc like a 998 is very unforgiving. A year later, I'm still getting to know the bike, and its a very VERY technical bike. One mistake, and you're gone. Choose wisely what will suit you best, be aware of why your buying it, and make sure you take your time to get to know the bike inside and out. Take it to a parking lot, buy some $20 cones at your local sports store, and practice turning at low speeds.

xseal · Jul 17th, 2006, 4:57 pm

and if you aspire to a fast racer replica, go to a school like

www.superbikeschool.com

grendels_arm · Jul 17th, 2006, 6:09 pm

If you really really have to have a Superbike get a 748 that is not in good condition cosmetically. Then go to track days and rider schools where you are in an environment to ride it safely. That's what I should have done 10 years and I woulda been Rossi by now on the track. Ok not Rossi but you get my point.

Paghmani · Jul 17th, 2006, 9:32 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducmons

Brother. I have a 998, and other various bikes. For your first bike.... Save the bucks, and find a used a 620 that you get comfortable on and ride until you outgrow its riding and cornering (i'm not talking about speed). Any idiot can crack the throttle open and ride in a straight line (before getting thrown in jail), but knowing how to handle a small bike will let you be a safer rider and also let you enjoy your next bike. Spend the time to get comfortable on a smaller bike before you drop BIG bucks on a Garage Queen. I went from riding dirt bikes (7yrs) right into a Moster 1000 as my frist street bike and a few months later picked up a 998. i personally didn't find it difficult to transition, but it is VERY different and shouldn't be taken lightly. Any SBK specially a higher cc like a 998 is very unforgiving. A year later, I'm still getting to know the bike, and its a very VERY technical bike. One mistake, and you're gone. Choose wisely what will suit you best, be aware of why your buying it, and make sure you take your time to get to know the bike inside and out. Take it to a parking lot, buy some $20 cones at your local sports store, and practice turning at low speeds.

Thank you all for all the responses. I am in love with the timeless lines of Ducati and have always wanted to purchase on. Having owned old school 911's m3's i was planning on a NSX down the line but my heart has veared astray. Ducmons good idea with the cones. Grendals_arm i have the 748 on the list but never thought about a not so perfect one. Maybe this is a safer route for me to take incase i accidently down it. My plan was to be a responsible rider and not trash on the petro lever. Based on your experienced opinions this is not the case with Superbikes. I am going to register on the government sponsored riding school or local bike shop class 2-3 month waiting list

. After that I will have to find a bike to learn on where the fun begins. So far i know press down hard for first gear, up slight for neutral and press down slight for gears2 3 4 5, err how many gears on ducati? lol