Ducati 996 reviews

I read all those critics and they make me wonder a little. I'm in love with this bike for sure and I'm willing to buy one very soon, the 998. But I'll still read the critics and see. If owners want to contact me to speak about this bike my E-mail's available. Show less

I traded a Honda 929 for a Ducati 996. I bike is terrible. The brakes are terrible. I have had several bikes ZX11, ZX6R, and this is the worst bike i have ever owned. It is slow noisy and very uncomfortable. It has very poor quality and craftsmanship. It gets so hot and uncomfortable you can't go far. Do yourself a favor don't waste your money. The Ducati looks good in my garage with my new NSX and Porsche but not for long. I trading it in on a 2002 Hayabusa. Show less

Think about it .... are the back-aches, wrist-pains, and stiff neck really worth it? Yes the bike looks great (sitting in my garage) since I don't think it is worth 1 hour of riding for 4 days of pain. save your $$$$$$$$$$$$ and buy an R1. Show less

The Ducati 916/748/996 is the Best bike ever built it wins everything its in and its SO COOL!!. So what if it's uncomfortable. Go spend the 250$ on Helibars and its a joy. Performance --112hp,the lightest sport twin out there (i.e. Mille,RC51/SP1,TL) best brakes, sweet forks, wicked shock and superb feedback make it the Nicest bike ever and that clean single sided swingarm, and under-seat pipes combo is the coolest thing EVER!...Go buy one NOW!!! Show less

In a world where the motorcycles which dominate are all designed by men whose last names I can barely pronounce, it's nice to see that one company still builds the one true spirit that motorcycling was built on. While all the yuppies are out there buying the one with the most horsepower and turning the fastest 1/4 mile times, the true enthusiasts still have their mind focused on the bike that caught their heart ever since that day they saw their first one. The yuppies are out there raising hell and giving those of us who truly enjoy the sport a bad name. They're killing themselves and we're sitting here wondering 'where's the line to be drawn' I had the pleasure of riding one of these steeds a few months back. I didn't even have to start the twin to be impressed...Immediately after easing my right leg over the saddle, I knew that this was no bike to be compromised. Every curve of my body was perfectly accepted by the machine. The gauges were perfectly placed in line with the line the eye takes when positioned as the bike has its way of putting you. Upon turning the key, the dash lights up, telling me she was ready to cater my ever need. I depress the starter button and she roars to life, spewing a melodic sound of pure ecstasy from her pipes. I could not do anything but sit there and listen for a moment. She didn't run, she purred. Her sound was like the voice of an angel, put on Earth to bring joy to anyone who heard her voice. As I pusshed her back and turned, i could feel her precisionly balanced body move beneath me. She was ready to show me what she was capable of. Through each corner I fell more in love with this symbol of perfection. She fell into each corner and rolled out like she was doing it herself. I was merely a passenger on this pleasure cruise. After only a ten minute ride, I believe I was ready to cry upon returning it. It was a perfect machine in every way. Sure, it wasn't comfortable for simple jaunts. But, it wasn't built for the yuppies who have to be comfortable 24-7. It was built for the passionate who refuse to settle for anything less than the best. Ducati is a purveyor of fine machines. In this world of pure speed, lightweight jap machines, it's nice to see that one company still sticks with the traditions of passion and enthusiasm. True lovers of the sport. If you have the means, I highly recommend getting one. If not, lust, as I do. Show less

I do agree. It may not be the fastest but it sure is the most beautiful motorcycle ever built. It's the kind of styling that will make your head turn twice. I don't get tired of looking at it & I think I will never. Show less

I've owned a zx6e, zx6r, zx9r, and race an r6. The 996 is more fun then any of them, I put Heli bars and a Corbin seat on it and rode it from Florida to New Hampshire in two days, and back with one day of 900+ miles, with slipons and putting a one tooth smaller front sprocket on it , which is what the gearing should be stock, it hangs with new gsxr-750's, r1's and 929, it just feels and sounds soo good when you ride it, ohh yea its also looks so sweet you will catch yourself staring at it even after you have owned it a while. The only draw back I have found is I have an unresistable urge to buy more carbin fiber parts for it. I have 6000 miles on my 2000 with no problems, if you can buy it you wont be sorry. Show less

OK, so it looks good, and has a great engine, but lets face it, you can go just as fast on ANY of the bikes out there half the price. I raced a Duc for a season, and found it to be a nightmare. Setting up the bike was hell, and the up keep killed my sponsors cash reserves. It's one thing if you have a crew and huge money behind you, but most of us don't. On the street it's a pain in the back and hands. If you go further than 100 miles, you will feel it, and don't forget the break downs. They will rob you of your last penny. And don't think the SPS is any different (this is what I raced), it's all the same. Stay away unless you have PLENTY on money, and the time to figure out your set-up. Show less

Great power band. Much better than any four I've ever ridden with pure beauty and functionality to match. It's a great bike, which I would highly recommend. Show less

This bike runs faster than a speeding bullet, it can reach speeds up to 160mph and can run through traffic jams with a blink of an eye... Show less