2004 Ducati reviews

This is an awesome adventure bike. Here are what I consider to be the pros of this bike: 1. It has brutal amounts of power on tap (170hp!) but a very refined power delivery 2. Huge amounts of low end torque to get off the line and out of the hole 3. Sounds pretty awesome also with the Acro pipe it comes with 4. Very relaxed riding position for those long rides 5. Comes with saddle bags as part of the package 6. You can get low and high option saddles for it 7. Heated grips and heated seat 8. Active cruise control is amazing with blind spot detection There are also some things I didn’t particularly like about it compared to other bikes: 1. Honestly the saddle is not that soft so my ass hurts on long rides, but overall it’s pretty decent. The high saddle I use is a bit softer than the stock one. 2. The quick shifter works awesome if you are on the gas or in higher gears, but 1st to 2nd at low speeds is a bit rough. Going slow I usually go to 2nd with the clutch. 3. The 19” front wheel is probably awesome for going off road but I prefer the 17” sport bike feel. Maybe the V4 pikes peak would be better for folks who want sport bike handling. 4. The built in navigation using the Ducati app is not very good. I put my phone up there and use that instead. Show less

I love these bikes. There is simply nothing like a Ducati. The sound, the feel are very special. Not only have I continually loved these bikes but people stare at them constantly because of their beauty! They are very reliable as well. Ducati has come such a long way simply because they have produced so many bikes and become more and more popular in the past 5 or so years. I would recommend a Monster to anyone! It's like a sport bike without the uncomfotable ergonomics. Show less

All I can say is it's totally awesome! My previous bike after a 13 year lull was a '94 SS and all I can say is the 1000DS is worlds apart. The motor spins effortlessly right into the nether regions of the speed and rev limit; it never for a moment feels vague or disoriented in any way. I'm in love. It's not the latest or greatest, but for me it satisfies all needs of a modern biker - speed, handling, reliable and smooth power delivery, encompassing wonderful handling properties which leave the rider looking for more corners and tighter bends in every foray on the open road. I love it and I don't wish to part company any time soon. Here's to an ol' girl with plenty to offer the discerning rider. Show less

I bought a silver/grey 2003 model with 20,000 miles on it. With full service history. I've just come back to biking after a 12 year gap and I have to say I love this thing! Handles superbly with good tyres-Pirelli Scorpions(original fitment here)are fine and the tread pattern really suits the look of the bike. The weather here in Ireland really does not suit Ducati's - corrosion is a real problem on any exposed metal surface especially the engine casings and brake/clutch levers. I was really suprised how light and narrow the bike feels compared to a Japanese straight 4 - as a result the seat height is not a problem even for someone of my stature and I felt right at home after only a few short miles. Wind protection is only okay -anything over 75mph is a real pain if you intend on covering any distance. Jesus - that side stand is plain dangerous!- very unstable. Ducati will offer an improved version to anyone who contacts them - I believe that 2005 onwards models do not have this problem. However, overall the feel good factor I get riding this thing more than makes up for any minor gripes I may have. Show less

I bought this bike on a bit of a whim, looking at a Triumph and the dealer had this leftover demo bike for a great discount. It fit very well so I snagged it. After a little over a month and over 2500 miles I am very satisfied. I have ridden it several times on 400-500 mile trips (I am working out of town) and local commuting and weekend riding. So far the transmission, which started out kinda clunky, has gotten much smoother. The panniers hold everything I need, the seat is wonderful, no need to change it. I changed the windscreen for cosmetic purposes only. The power is immediate and there's certainly more of it than I will ever need. My only complaints are the bars are too low, it needs adjustable risers. Also, it could use a throttle lock. Again as the bars are so low I can relax my left hand from time to time but not my right. I know the aftermarket can supply these things, but for an expensive bike these are simple items. One other thing, and not a big deal but my chain had too much slack in it, while attempting to adjust the axle I realized why there are aftermarket axle plates. The stock ones are junk. Show less

I struggled with the looks of the 999 series at first, but now I love them. One test ride was all it took to hook me into the 999S. The power and handling not to mention the comfort is amazing. To me the design now looks like something from the formula 1 circuit. So far the bike has been dead reliable, absolutely no complaints. If your stuck with loving the looks of the 916/998 series, try one of these. I never thought I would say this but in some ways the 916/998 series bikes now appear to look a little dated! For me the point is that at some time they all start to look a little dated with the passage of time. So why not ride something that still looks great but is cutting edge technology for today? The Ohlins suspension and the S package in general are great. How can you not like 136HP, from a stock V twin!! Show less

I bought an 04' MTS, in red this spring. It was a demo bike from Ducati Richmond. It is a great bike! Much more comfortable with its riding position. I like it b/c it's an all-rounder. I can take it on long trips, ride it around town, to work. And it's got a perfomance enough to rival sportbikes! The DS engine is, I think, one of Ducati's best. Only problem has been an exhaust leak, which has been known to occur on bikes fitted with the Termi exhuast. It's being remedied, but it is my only real problem I've had with the bike. I will be looking into a touring seat in the future! Show less

This bike surprised me at how refined and smooth it feels. Throttle response is instant no matter if you're rolling onto or just opening it up. Brakes are phenomenal with feel and power. The best part of the ride is the torque that is instantly present all the way to redline. My only complaint is that my wrists become uncomfortable if I'm working the clutch a lot. I don't have this problem on the curvy or the long stretches of hwy. I really am pleased with the 999S, it has great power and power delivery. The torque of the twin makes it my favorite engine configuration for the street and occasionally track day. Show less

I bought my 2003 yellow ST4s after I totaled my 2003 HD Sportster. Let's see why I would have considered the Ducati. Better bags, better handling, superior brakes (which I could have used before), performance beyond belief and looks that strike envy everywhere I go. Only folks who equal the attention my bike gets is my BMW friends. The other day I was at Portland International Raceway. About 200 bikes where there and immediately a crowd gathered around my bike. Okay, the chick who parked her Honda next to mine might have something to do with it. Show less

I just bought this bike one month ago and it is in a league of its own. I researched it before I bought it and decided to test drive it (do not test drive this bike unless you are prepared to buy it). I grew up on dirt bikes and enjoy the similar stance that the multistrada offers. I admire the sport bike hunch but for the all purpose riding that I need, this bike has it all! The bike is light and maneuvers with ease. Response out of the dual spark is incredible! Fuel capacity is a problem if you need distance but it won't be a problem for me. That is the only thing I can say about it that could be a problem for some. THIS BIKE ROCKS! Show less