2006 Ducati reviews

I did an MSF rider course a few months ago, got my motorcycle license and went bike shopping. I chose my Monster 620 for several reasons. It's lightweight, has excellent handling, and has good creds as a starter bike. To be honest, I thought it might be too much for a starter bike, but after riding for over 500 miles I can say that it's exceeded all my expectations. The handling is superb and very forgiving. The brakes allow you to stop on the proverbial dime. Gear changes can be done incredibly fast with just a flick of the clutch as the action is very light. As a rookie, I found first gear take offs a little tricky at first until I got used to the clutch contact area being so far out. Overall, the bike feels incredibly light and maneuverable. As I'm still breaking it in, I haven't really explored the performance potential, but there's still plenty of power in the 3K to 5K rev range. Riding the bike is a blast and the exhaust note gets serious even with stock pipes. I'd recommended this bike to anyone who wants a safe, secure bike with good performance. As a starter bike, it's unmatched, because of the brakes, handling and the fact that it can be ridden in a very docile manner. Now I'm thinking about moving up to an S2R1000 or a Sport 1000, but not before I fully break in the 620. Show less

Bought my black Monster 620 new at the dealership a few weeks ago, and WOW! The first evening I rode it, riding home from the dealership, I got nothing but stares (and still do). Hitting the throttle impressed me with all the Ducati power I've always heard about. At the end of that first ride I had so much adrenaline going through me I was shaking. It's still incredibly thrilling to just go pick up a carton of orange juice at the grocery store up that twisty road. I never enjoyed the physical act of driving before getting a motorcycle, and the Ducati Experience has been everything I hoped for and then some! The bike has exceptional throttle response. Early on when I got it, I found myself having to really concentrate to not make it go faster, though I'm used to it now. The cornering is amazing and the suspension very stable. What surprised me was how far out you have to let the clutch before it actually engages at all (only in about the last 1/3-1/4 of an inch lies the friction zone). Despite this, it is a very light pull and very maneuverable at low speeds like in parking lots. The riding position is very comfortable and not almost laying down like you find with a lot of race bikes, though you do have to hold yourself up with your legs some (hence the 4-star rating for comfort, as this can get to be taxing). Gas mileage is excellent, especially if you're easy on the throttle (which I have to be since I'm still in the break-in), but this baby can really haul butt if you open it up a little. I don't twist it more than a 1/2 inch really when I'm in traffic because of the power. Great off-the line and mid-range acceleration, ample power for any traffic situation. The bike is also really light, which adds to its maneuverability and is part of the enjoyment of it because you don't have to hold up a hulking machine. If you're on the fence about getting a Ducati, I hope this review shoves you off with a vengeance! That bike is awesome, and I am completely happy with it. Show less

Recently purchased this motorcycle after shopping and stewing over several brands. I have to say that this is one heck of a bike and I love it to no end. It's so very responsive and just a joy to ride. Show less

Great first 'big bike' due to the friendly nature of the 803cc engine, slipper clutch and the riding position. Pokey enough for all but the mentalist of fast sportsbike riders, it can really handle in the twisties. Add an aftermarket exhaust and you will only then really hear what owning a Duc is all about! The stock system is about 80 decibels, and the Zards I have fitted come in at about 102. There is no shortage of aftermarket parts and accessories, so making it your own isn't a problem. Totally recommended for all those who are bored of 186mph loonatic tools. Show less

First bike, although I wanted the 999, this seems sufficient when it comes to speed....haven't managed to redline it past 4th...ONLY negative is the vibration above 7000rpm....it gets annoying sometimes, as for seat and riding position it DID hurt at first but after 1500kms or so I adapted to it quite well. I'm short and the seat height isn't TOO friendly.....although the suspension HAS slightly lowered since I got it new. As for attention, this does the job ! Thumbs-ups and stares at lights, double-takes when you scream down the street, speaking of which after the 2500km FULL break-in, it got considerably louder. Amazing bike ! Show less

The Ducati S2R 1000 is a marvel.. perfect engineering!! Quite simply....the S2R 1000 is well balanced, very comfortable and very aggressive. Handling is predictable and precise. The best part is the engine and the throttle response is just "Spectacular" **Think 20 yr old Scotch and your Best cigar ever** The exhaust is intoxicating !!!!The clutch is very, very smooth!!!!...acceleration and top speed are phenonominal!!! All the parts on this Ducati just work together like a well tuned athelete!!! Ducati truly understands the "rider" and "machine" relationship ....When you ride this bike you feel "one" with the bike !! When I rode the Jap bikes I did not feel connected! don't debate and beat yourself up.... Ride the Ducati S2R 1000 --buy the s2r 1000.... its worth ever penny!!! SWEET MONSTER!! Good luck and safe riding!!! Show less

I had never ridden a Ducati before I bought this bike, but I've wanted one for a while. My last bike was a Honda VFR800. It was a good bike, almost too good...a little boring...so smooth and effortless to ride. The Ducati, on the other hand has much more personality. It vibrates, has no wind protection, makes noise, is a little uncomfortable, but man, do you ever feel like you are riding a motorcycle. It's light, powerful, sounds fantastic, handles amazingly well and gets more attention when you're out on the street than any bike I've ever owned. Show less

I picked up my Black/White S2R1000 two weeks ago and despite all of the rain have managed to break it in. This bike is an eye opening experience. The quality and finish and look is a work of art and the performance of this bike for this Cruiser Rider (2002 Fatboy) is astounding. The seating position suits me well. The bike is light and fast and just a blast to ride. The Ducati dealer has been excellent, and the people I have met are awesome. The bike gets 40MPG and rides better and better as I put on more miles. I have been breaking it in and it can easily go over 120+MPH on the highway without revving over 6,000 RPM (not that I've ever done that). Impressive is what it is. The bike has only 95 HP, but feels faster than some bikes I have ridden with more, guess that is power to weight ratio and quality HP! AWESOME MACHINE! Would buy again and will trade up to an S4RS (had a demo ride this week) in a few seasons. S4RS is the S2R1000 on steroids. Show less

I just picked up a Sport 1000, and I have to say that I'm very happy. The bike is universally and inarguably beautiful. I know that judgments regarding looks are considered subjective, but this is the first bike that I have ever ridden that has received universal praise--Harley riders, Suzuki speed demons, BMW baggers and Tuono hooligans all say the same thing when they see it: "Wow, that's great looking." As for the riding experience, I'm still in break-in, but so far so good. The engine's abundant torque is already very apparent, and the bike handles like a lightweight dream. The steering is quick and stable. The brakes do brake very well--progressive and strong. I was a bit concerned about this because the calipers don't look very hi-tech and my other bike has Brembo monoblocks, Brkatech lightweight rotors and Brembo radial master cylinder. Finally, the new Pirelli's stick as good as they look--fantastic. Now for the caveats: (1) this bike gets two stars for comfort from me because I have long arms--37.5" sleeve length. However, anyone with an average reach--say 34" sleeve length--will be stretched over the tank and probably looking for rest after 30 miles or so (a chiropractor after 60 miles). Again, it's ok for me, but beware--bar risers or something akin to the fantastic Cycle Cat bar angle adjustable clip-ons will probably be a requirement for most. (2) The charcoal canister--CA model--has to go because it's the only ugly thing on this spectacularly styled bike. (3) The seat is comfortable, but a little hard to slide around on. Finally(4), which doesn't bother me much (yet), there is no good place under the seat for a disc lock--unless you don't mind unscrewing the thumb-screw (no screwdriver required) that closes the storage compartment every time you park the bike. All in all: I love the bike so far, and I will report back as I out on more miles. BTW, I bought the red one, which was not an easy choice because they all look stunning. Show less

This is my second new bike in 2 years. Traded the C50 Boulevard on the Ducati. I rode both the 1000, and 620. If I had the cash at the time, I would have chosen the 1000. But the 620 still impressed me enough to sign on the dotted line. The bike can be challenging to throw a leg over the rear, but once mounted up the riding position is comfortable. The fist thing you notice when cruising down the highway, is how well the faring directs wind over you for its size. It also seems to have an endless gearbox at times, keep forgetting it has 6. Once off the highway, and on to some back roads, you'll find that the bike really comes into its nature. It fits narrow between the legs, and with the bar width, and riding position, this thing CARVES through the corners like none other I've ridden. It inspires confidence, and never leads you a- stray. Although not quite as sexy as the 1000, no matter where I park her, it always draws a crowd. Very few Ducs in my area running around. So yes, it's a great ego-stroker too. For the price, you get some top-of-the-line standard equipment you don't see on many bikes. To name a few...Marelli FI, steel braided brake, and clutch hoses, Brembo brakes, Awesome headlight, Desmo valve actuation (no valve springs) composite fuel tank...never rust out or dent. What can I say, it's a great all-rounder, and I would recommend the product. I think my next bike might be the 1000S Multistrada, with factory tuned Ohlins suspension............OH YEAH! Show less