2005 Ducati reviews

Bought the bike used with 5400 miles. I've since put more than 2K miles with just day rides. Love the ample power throughout the rev range. It is sooo light compared to my 2004 RT. After market pipes make it sound like a Ducati, but the loss of computer (as referenced above) is a shame (esp. for touring). The bike handles as well as my S4 Monster in the twisties but much more comforatble for those multi-hundred mile days. Need to install the throttlemeister cruise control ASAP. It is sitting on my desk waiting for the time. Bags are plenty large enough and don't seem to get in the way while lane splitting. A++++ for looks and style. I love this bike. I will probably keep the RT to lend to friends when I don't want to ride alone. Show less

This is my first Ducati ever - bought it used. I upgraded from a Ninja 250, and it is a blast. The performance on this bike didn't get a five star due to having to down shift to lower gears when wanting to open her up. Comfort is a little rough, but you will get use to riding her after a while. I have ridden for 5 hours straight and my wrist were a little sore. I would recommend this bike to someone who has some experience under their belt. The torque on this bike is a amazing and not for the timid rider. Remember, ride safe. Show less

Near perfect in every respect. Aside from the exhaust being quiet (although visceral) I've yet to find a flaw in this bike. I have complete confidence in every situation when riding. I'm never left wanting more power. Wind protection is surprisingly good. No silent pocket mind you but I always wear a good full face and earplugs. I wish I could be more subjective but to point out any bad habits in this bike would be an exaggeration of something very minor. Show less

First of all this bike is the nicest bike I have ever ridden. The power into the turns and coming out is what this bike is built for. The throttle is hard to get used to but after a couple months of riding your wrist gets used to it. Clutch is stiff... you can get to clicking gears pretty easily. The sound of the Terminogni exhaust is fantastic, even louder and deeper than the stock. Front is a little hard but you can adjust very easily. At 155 lbs and 6' tall this bike fits me perfectly. The bike has got all the great components stock and the attention this bike draws is ridiculous. No need to do much to this bike, I just like the Termignoni exhaust but if I had it to do over again I would go carbon fiber (expensive). Oh yeah and if you can ride very good, this bike WILL hang with the GSXR 750's on the straight aways and will burn almost anything in the turns. Good luck to those who try to hang with the 800ss. Soft tires are a good mod as well. And for all you old farts out there, go buy a touring bike if you're not comfortable, what do you expect. And don't change the handlebars. Very outstanding performance coming out of this Italian Dream Machine. Show less

I have been using my Duke for the last 2 years, prior to which I have never ridden at all. I had some fears about getting a bike in this city which is known to be quite rough on all drivers, but this bike has over the last 2 years given me tremendous confidence. It is ideal for city streets, allowing you to cut through traffic with impunity, and enough power to accelerate through tight spots. The only drawbacks that I have found are, 1). It needs quite some time to warm up after pushing the start button, before you can actually hit the road, and 2). Top speed on the open road is quite a pull, and the bike is not stable especially in windy conditions. Definitely recommend this bike to start with and gets a lot of admiring looks everywhere. Show less

The finance manager said it was gonna be stupid fun when I bought it, and he was right. Plenty of power on reserve, pulls hard through all gears, and is very quick/fast. It is a little intimidating, not for beginners. Riding position can get a little uncomfortable after a short while, handle bars are a little low. Sounds like a indy 500 car. Every one looks when you go by, but no one gets too rambunctious. Show less

Aftermarket exhaust modification (pipes)substantially throws off the computer calculations on all fuel statistics if you tweak the air/fuel mixture from the original factory settings. The computer is designed to only work with factory pipes and ratio settings. The sound and look cool, but you computer will become useless. Show less

I've had my Dark for about a year now and it's been good fun. On the positives, the bike gets a lot of attention while cruising especially downtown with the renown Ducati rumble (you have to 86 the cat to get it though) or when it's parked. You definitely get a Wow factor from people when owning a Ducati, more so than any other manufacturer. Ducati dealerships often have open houses when new models come out. This is a great opportunity to demo all of their models. How many manufacturers let you demo their entire line at one sitting? There are tons of aftermarket parts to customize. The motor is very un intimidating with good pull, solid shifting. Plenty fast enough for this type of bike. I've had it up to 120 with some room to spare. This is a great bike to start on or transition to. The downers are the suspension has limited to no adjustability, small fuel tank gives you limited range. In town riding the low fuel light comes on around 75 miles. Hwy mileage is better but your range is around 120 miles. Maintenance is going to cost you so be prepared. I was quoted $500-$700 for a 6k service between two different Ducati dealers. Keep in mind Ducati recommends this type of service every 6k miles. Bottom Line: While there are faster and more powerful bikes with less maintenance considerations this Duc makes the right sounds, has the look, has enough torque and hp to get the job done. If you want to stand out from a sea of rice-burners and Harleys you can't go wrong. Show less

I have had my share of riding other Ducaties, Aprilia and some Jap biles. But this Ducati 999 is substantially different from others I have own or rode before. Impressive handling, super smooth power delivery, oh the list goes on. The bike is relatively comfortable to ride with an exceptionally good wind protection in a nuetral seating position. I have taken this bike on the track - it has made me look/perform and feel several times better than I really am. What also is imprtant about this bike is that how forgiving it is for its level of performance. Warning: I don't recommend test driving this bike, unless you are ready to buy - It can be very addictive even with short use. Show less

The bike is incredible to ride. Handling is so impressive and the power takes my breathe away at times. The look of the bike draws attention from everyone. Show less