2002 Ducati reviews

Amazing... I've had 3x 998R. One was stolen and destroyed ; 2 I still have. I've ridden 70,000 miles on them... really. Never beaten, so emotional. What a bike. Reliable, quality build (yes, really !), light and addictive. Show less

Do your homework folks……. A 2012 1000 Vstrom with 51000 miles ! FOR $6,000 ????? 3500 would be fair, 4000 would be top dollar. What a shame. Now these are great bikes and if it were an ABS model we would be closer to 6k. Really not sure when they corrected the clutch basket chatter on the DL1000, but that issue alone would make me lean towards the DL650. Suzuki wouldn’t even fess up to the clutch problems and make it right. The 650 is solid, 50-60mpg low maintenance. Just a little buzzy above 80mph. Show less

Out of all the bikes I have owned (20+), this one tops the list. I have abused it and it never seems to stop ticking. It has taken me far and close from my home. Every time it leaves, it brings me back with a smile. Even riding to and from work I can find something it will astonish me with (a wheelie or two). Maintenance has been very low on it to date. Just several pairs of tires, pads and many oil changes. This bike scores an A+ on my favorite bike list. Show less

I remember the first time I saw a review of the very first 916 and I said I must have that bike. Moving forward about ten years, I was at the bike show with my wife and the new 999 was just released. I looked it up, down, and all around. I threw a leg over it and remember saying to my wife this doesn't thrill me but I could get used to it. My wife watching my reaction to the bike said I can tell you hate the design. Why don't you just get your 998 while you still can but it better seat Two. I have put 14,000 miles on my 02 998 Biposto and couldn't be more happy with the bike. The bike has been upgrated to meet my street and track requirements. The Ducati Superbikes are wicked in the hand of the experienced rider and unbelievable on the track. Show less

The more I ride my bike the more I like it. I have seen a couple of these as leftovers, one in the shop in Yorktown, VA. This was the final year and only 115 were made for the US in Sienna Gray. I haven't had to do any major maintenance, just the normal 600 mile and then oil and filters. This thing has a broader power band than a Buell. It pulls away from a stop nicely with 2000 rpm and once you get to 4000 rpm you best be hanging on if you open it up in 1st - 4th gear, 5th and 6th are overdrive gears. The rev limiter kicks in around 8750 rpm. The aluminum swingarm was only on the 2002 model. The Ohlins rear shock was only on the 2002. This bike loves to be ridden like you mean it, it has the usual Ducati high CG due to the rear cylinder sticking straight up, 90 degree V twin. When you do a full racing tuck the bike really feels like it is a part of you. The mirrors get a weird violent vibration below 4000 rpm, around 3500, I guess. The mirrors give you a nice view of your elbows; you have to adjust your position to use them. I have done some 300 mile days and it is actually easier on my tailbone than my Electra Glide. This is a great street bike; it has more useable power on the street than the inline 4 hyper bikes. Who wants to have to shift a million times and keep the revs above 10,000 to commute in city traffic? Get yours before they are all gone! Show less

Recently by chance I wandered into a Ducati dealer minutes after he had wheeled a new 998 onto the floor which had been redirected from an overseas market where they don't sell. A bit different to Australia where everyone loves the 916/996/998 family and wants one. Sitting next to a new 999 (does nothing for me) there was no contest I walked out minutes later the owner of a new 998. Picked up the next day with plates in somewhat warm weather and city traffic and minutes later I was asking myself "what in the heck did I do"? This thing is like a sauna at 105C with fans flat out, the clutch is killing me, and anyhing beyond second gear and I'm in trouble with the law. The long way home was my plan out of the city and across through the wine country into the hills. What a skitso machine! My 998 transformed from being a traffic hating bike to just the most pleasurable machine for the sports rider in the matter of a few Ks, predictable power, wonderful sound, fantastic grip, enormous brakes and roadholding and I can look at it like a classic piece of art all day long. I can also understand city dwellers not getting full value from the 998 but I'm really fortunate to live where there are windy roads, hills, no traffic lights, just sheer enjoyment everytime with my 998. Smile, estatic, easy to ride no surprises and I'm 55, have a 76 Guzzi Le Mans bought new and an AJS 7R for the last 37 years. Now my collection is complete. If you get a chance, ride a 998. Show less

Hey I just saw that no one had reviewed the bike I just bought, so just so you all know, this bike is sweet. I got a killer deal on eBay and after a couple months of ownership I have no regrets. This is my first bike and someone who is 6' 3" might be too tall for this bike but I able to deal with it. It is a sweet bike. I will never get anything other than a Ducati. Show less

It may not have the power of the run of the mill liters, but it does handle better than my R6 and it has just the right amount of torque to pull you out of that maximum lean angle. Not the torture rack that the super bikes are and I can easily ride two up for 400+ miles. In my opinion, there is no match to any bike on the market today. This bike is unparalled in the canyons. It rails corners like it's glued. Show less

Just a ridiculously amazing motorcycle. When you start this thing up, it sounds like it means business. Once it warms up, it sounds even better. A very satisfying rumble/roar. As far as acceleration goes, this is a fast, fast motorcycle. The engine delivers an instant hit of serious power as soon as you twist the throttle. It's almost like the bike is one step ahead of you, the acceleration is so immediate -as if it was reading your mind. However, the power is delivered in a very rider-friendly manner. No huge rush of power lurking in the higher RPMs - you don't need it because it is already there. I suspect the Japanese litre-bikes would pull away in a long straight away, but you will have them off the line. The bike feels very firmly planted, but I haven't really pushed it going around turns. One of the things that surprised me was how comfortable I found the riding position to be. I've gone on a couple hour-long rides so far, and no hint of a problem. One thing I will say is that this is a bike that is NOT made for commuting or sitting in traffic. The mirrors are useless, the clutch pull is heavy, and the engine runs very hot. If you can find one of these motorcycles in your area that is in good condition, buy it NOW. You won't be disappointed. Word of caution, though: watch your license! Show less

Simply put, this Italian marvel is a Legend. It isn't for everyone, yet those that have had the distinct pleasure to push it to its unending capabilities know its awesome abilities. She fits me like a glove! I added a set of Remus Pipes and a 180 in the back and she is a piece of incredible canyon destroying machinery. Everyone has a Harley, GSX-R, CBR but only the very few know of and own the charm and beauty of the Ducati 750 Super Sport. When on her I feel like Mike Hailwood on the roads of Man. Ahhhh, to ride a DUC is simply a dream and legendary! And hey, when I am a half mile out, the girlfriend knows to be outside waiting to hop on... the true roar of twin thunder is coming! Show less