Ducati reviews

I spent several days riding motorcycles in Italy this summer and the new Multistrada was one of the bikes I spent a day on. It was an S model without the panniers attached and I rode 2-up the entire time on primarily country back roads with a few miles of highway riding. The most informative thing I believe I could say about it is that it totally lives up to every aspect of riding that Ducati depicts on their various videos on the website. I am 6-1 and the bike fit me perfectly. I am a sportbike guy (1098S) but this bike felt tall to me even taking that into consideration. The handling of the bike is absolutely superb and the suspension is perfect. Even with a passenger I was almost able to keep up with some very good riders on a 1198, 848, 999 and a 996. I wonder what I might have been able to do without a passenger but I didn't get to try that. The stump pulling torque of the engine is absolutely a rush. On the twisty roads I found no use whatsoever for anything but sport mode, but I did try the touring mode and urban mode. It was interesting how much more grunt and growl the engine has in sport mode compared to the others. I was flat out amazed that the same engine could take on such different character from mode to mode. I did get to cycle the DTC - it is truly amazing. Went blasting into a roundabout on a wet road and unexpectedly came across a plate of steel in the road that was laying across a hole that had been dug. The rear tire slipped and the power peeled off smoothly and immediately like nothing was wrong. I also cycled it a few times on some wet mountain roads in the corners. It works exactly like Ducati says it works. Beautiful. This is defintely a bike you can ride all day. The seating position is very, very straight up and the hand grips are spaced further apart than I am used to, but I got over that pretty quickly. Everything about the motorcycle just exudes quality, from fit to finish to sound - everything. AND - it looks better in person than any picture I have seen. I do have a few negatives about it. It is a very tall bike that handles like a sportbike in so many ways. That isn't exactly my taste, but a bike that performs this well, I guess that is an acceptable compromise for the comfort. I also did not care for the note of the stock exhaust - it was a bit neutered. Termigs would be a must. Also, the height of the windscreen was such that it created quite a bit of noisy buffer when it interacted with my helmet. It didn't shake my helmet at all, just noise. The screen is adjustable, however, and I did not try it in any setting other than the lowest because I do not like to look though a windshield when I ride. All said, I give it 5 stars all the way and 5 stars to Ducati for completely delivering a motorcycle that is exactly what they said it would be. Show less

I toyed with the idea of getting a Ducati for the better part of a year. I know that I would be getting a bike for commuting, but went back and forth on paying for a Ducati. I test rode a score of different bikes before I hopped on the Monster 1100. One test ride and I was hooked. The smooth power and torque delivery are spot on. Being 6 feet tall and a little on the heavier side, I needed a bike that would have the power to move me and not need to be so high strung making that power that it would kill any gain in mpg that I would get on a bike. Overall this bike can't be beat in the combination of performance, quality, design and reliability. Can't wait to take it to Moto GP..... Show less

I LOVE this bike and everything it does. I am a pretty big guy and I had some trouble comfortably riding this fine machine. A couple of minor tweaks and all is PERFECT now. The torque on this thing is absolutely amazing. It is so light and flickable that carving twisties requires little effort other than holding the throttle steady. No problems at all in my 1200 miles. Pros: Light weight Crazy bottom end and mid range power Beautiful design Comfortable ergos (get an aftermarket seat though) Cons: Slightly cramped for tall riders (remedied easily aftermarket) You go too FAST too FAST Show less

I just bought a 2011 Ducati M796 yesterday and have only put 200 miles on it, but in that time I've fallen in love with the bike - it is truly an amazing machine with excellent handling and performance. It is a straightforward, naked bike, simple to ride, but with beauty and style, and its weight is perfect, very easy to handle in all situations - great in town, on the interstate or a curvy road. It is a great all-around bike, and although it is a smaller Ducati, it has plenty of power with a very snappy response. After a couple of hours of riding I noticed the seat, but that's to be expected. It has a small fuel capacity - nevertheless, I'd recommend this bike to anyone interested. It is worth every penny, and I suspect I'll be keeping it for some years. It is a delightful ride - totally blissful and playful, and the look of the bike draws many positive comments. Show less

After 5000 miles, I've come to a realization that the Monster 1100 is pure joy. It's spunky, easy, and wholesome. Coming from other naked bikes, the Monster is not the best bang for your money. But I do like Ducati's mantra: keep it light, keep it simple, keep it fun. It's easy to flick around town and in the canyons; you're guaranteed an enthusiastic ride. It isn't overly complex; no crazy bells and whistles. Reliability has been good since I've had it. No problems with electronics nor mechanics. The simplicity of an air cooled, dry clutch motorcycle appeals to me. The Monster 1100 is not super-powerful, but the near 100hp is quite enough to ride dirty. I'm a city rider, and the relatively soft suspension is excellent for everyday riding (I heard that the "S" version's Ohlins suspension can be a bit too firm and jarring, and is more appropriate if you regularly take it to the track or canyons). Brakes are superb; I've handled emergency stops with much confidence. Comfort is good. The riding position is not sadistic. Seat firmness is actually tolerable, but angled to the front, causing discomfort with hard braking. I rode the bike from L.A. to Phoenix during a weekend (a little under 1000 miles total in three days), and she did cause butt fatigue after 5 hours of riding. Quality is good. The bike is quite plastic, but built well. Everything has been solid since purchase, and I'm very happy. Quirks: stock mirrors provide good visibility, but are quite large. Mileage range is about 150 miles in one tank (light goes on after 120 miles I wish for more. Seat angle can be more neutral for comfort. And I wish there were more available accessories for touring, such as bag options and GPS. Show less

Third Ducati, and best by far. Great handling and super performance. Outstanding dealer. Rides like it is on a rail, first time I have not had to adjust suspension when I got home. Owner of dealer did great job setting up. Show less

After years of riding motorcycles, I decided to do something that I had never done before, actually buy a new one. I had recently sold my beloved BMW R1100R for something more sporty. I sat on an Aprilia Shiver, which I thought sounded and looked awesome, but it was way too wide between my legs and a bit tall for an average man. Next the Speed Triple, it was ok, but it was a bit heavy with a high center of gravity, then I sat on the 696, I was pretty impressed. After owning it for almost a year now, I can not say anything but good about it. A small oil leak that was promptly repaired and a nail in the rear tire...but otherwise seamless. I feel like the 696 is a bit understated in the performance reviews. It is head and shoulders above any 600 class four cylinder I've ridden and torque is availible much much earlier than the typical four banger. There are faster bikes for the money in a straight line, however, on the track and in style, I would be surprised if any could keep pace. If you are looking for a new bike that inspires you, just do me a favor and test ride one, it won't take long for the infectious Ducati to prove what performance and Italian style are all about. Show less

As a vee twin lover, I have always wanted a duke and I find the 999 series to be more comfortable as a daily use bike than previous models. The handling and acceleration is just awesome. Show less

Had a 749s 2 years ago, and managed to convince the wife that I was missing something from my life! Welcome the Father's day present, the 848. Whilst the 749 had termi's, the standard 848 pipes do sound rather nice. Yes there is heat from under the seat (noticed with around town stop/start riding), open road no problem. Again the ridng position won't suit a lot of people, however it is comfort vs smile on the face performance that wins out! Fantastic Bike! Show less

I've been riding for many years and always admired Ducatis from afar. In 2006, I finally got one- an ST3s. I could go on and on about how wonderful that bike is, but I had always wanted a flat-out, no-compromises superbike. Not to replace the ST3s, but as an alternate for the street and track. I took the plunge in August 2009 with an 1198. All the glowing reviews are right: it is simply awesome! Let me explain the difference in more human terms: All the bikes before my first Ducati were nice girlfriends. Some better than others, all satisfying in their own way, but no feeling worth a long-term commitment. The ST3s, on the other hand, is that once-in-a-lifetime, love-at-first-ride soulmate. Think beautiful Italian woman in a perfect, low-cut, evening gown. Sexy, classy, and strong. Gina Lollobrigida or Claudia Cardinale at her very best. The 1198? Angelina Jolie in tight black leather. Got the idea? Show less