1999 Ducati reviews

My neighbor said it best,"My Porsche blows away my buddy's Ferrari, but it's not a Ferrari." I have owned a few bikes in 21 yrs of riding. This 900 was my first Ducati and my first bike over 600cc. I have to say that riding this bike 70 miles a day 5-6 days of the week that it is one of the best bikes on the road. I've ridden the 'Busa(rocket bus), the R1(fast but fat), even a guys 929, but I've always left them in the twisties. If your looking for braggin' rights you have to buy a Busa. It is THE fastest thing on the street. But if you want a Ferrari for twelve large....and it must be yellow. Warm it up with slip-ons, CPU, K&N and you are riding a beautiful machine with plenty of power for the street with a real sound. Not to mention no radiator, waterpump problems and 2/3 the maintanence cost of the 4-valve. My only complaint being a too firm suspension for crappy CA roads. Unfortunately a blue sedan has taken her from me, but you'll see me at the shop buying my next Ducati. Monster S4 anyone? Show less

There is nothing else on the market that has the beauty, sound, power, and handling combination that this bike does at a mid reasonable price. I have owned mine for about 1 1/2 years now, and I love it more now than when I bought it new. This is a rare piece. The last of the air cooled desmo sport bikes. Ride one and you'll understand. Show less

I owned a bevel drive 750 years ago and bought the 748 with a little trepidation. The older bike had been nice but severely unreliable. The new bike with over 13k miles, two trips to California and daily commutes has exceeded all expectations. Fast, reliable as a toaster, beautiful and reasonably comfortable with a Pro Italia bar riser kit. I love the bike. I have owned many bikes and this the one I will keep until I am too old to ride. Ducati seems to have produced a work of art without any warts. Show less

Ducati....I love it!! The pleasure of riding this bike is second to none. I've ridden R1's, GSXR's, there a blast; great adrenaline boosters and if I had the cash I'd own one of those also. But if you can only afford one bike, and you want something special, this is it. The only thing you may outgrow is the top end speed, but never, never the cornering ability or the beauty the bike holds. To own this bike is to own a small piece of Italian history. You also don't see them all over the tarmac on a Sunday ride as you do the R1 and Gixxer. It sounds great, looks cool, and just feels damn special. The 900SS is a great ride, 5 stars all around. Show less

In six years, I've owned nine total bikes, the Ducati 748 being the current and only non-Japanese. All I have to say is that there is nothing like owning a Ducati. Sure there are faster and lighter bikes out there now, sure I have thought about trading it in for a newer faster, lighter Japanese bike. But time and time again, I throw the idea right out. Japanese bikes are great, don't get me wrong, I've owned eight, but there is no comparison with the way a Ducati 748 makes you feel and makes you look. Ride on Ducs!!! Show less

This is the first and last bike I will ever own. My husband introduced me to the thrill of riding and nothing beats the look and feel of a Ducati. There is only one thing I have changed to make this a more "comfortable" ride....the saddle...get yourself a Corbin seat and enjoy the ride. Show less

This is my first Ducati and it may not put out 100 HP, but the 80 HP that the bike puts out pulls strong from 2500 rpm to redline. A really broad power range. Which makes it easy to ride around. Comfort level is a little cramp, but once used to it, it is comfortable enough to ride 130 miles. The only upgrades are Remus carbon fiber pipes, Corbin Gunfighter seat, raised the clip-ons to the top of the fork tube. Show less

In the 20 years I have been riding I have never ridden a bike or owned a bike that delivers so much fun and confidence building. In my eyes no one has ridden a real motorcycle until they have ridden this one. I fully recommend if you get the chance ride with the Ducati experience. Show less

My fifth bike since 1978 and, by far, the most fun. This is a superb sport bike and a head- turner--an exceptional balance of usable power, great handling, and top notch Brembo brakes for gobs of fun in late apex turns. It goes where you point it and is truly flickable--countersteer is counterproductive. At 5'4" the 32" seat height was a concern, but the light weight, narrow profile and balance mitigate the challenge. Once on the gas, the spot on fuel injection, excellent transmission and V2 thumper deliver imminently usable power and torque from 4K to 8K rpm--no need to go beyond this as the engine has nothing to deliver. At lower speeds--less than 50mph--low angle clip-ons are tough on the wrists, but the bike really shines at 80+mph. Super stable at 100mph and I am sure up to max speed (but, fear of troopers, etc). While some might say they'd like more power, this bike gives more than most of us will ever use even in the most spirited back road carving and high speed sweepers. After market clip-ons (up and back) and a Corbin saddle could turn this into the ideal SS/ST ride. don't cover up that gorgeous desmodromic V2 with the full fairing, the half does the trick. Show less

Although the 748 lacks the low down power of the torquey 2 valve Ducks, they can neither match its handling nor the song that she sings at full throttle with the tach sweeping toward 11,000 rpms. "Why didn't you get the 916/996?" Sick of hearing that question. If you have to ask you wouldn't understand. Yes, the 916 has more power and torque, but the 748 is lighter and more fun to bang through the gears. I know because I had a 916. Show less