Duc 916 vs 996...

bobafett, then get a 748, so you don't worry about braking so much and you have time to learn how to corner, and learn how to keep your speed through the corners, and then pass the liter bikes all over the track.

 

FYI, for those under any sort of misconception, a stock 748 will have significantly more power than a stock 900. It's around 100hp vs. 80hp.

 

The riding position of a 916 is extreme. It's not just bent over but more like your ass is 8' higer than your wrists. Without traveling at a good speed the bike is very tiring to ride and I always wore an athletic supporter to clear the family jewels. I love the bike but it is not a cruiser. It is a street legal race bike and it is fast and unforgiving. Many guys can't handle the bike. It will treat you right and then you screw up and your on the road. It is a bike for experienced riders in my ipiniion. It is beautiful and exotic. I would never recommend this bike as a first or second bike.

 

Would a basic run of the mill Monster make a good first bike? Or should I go for something else?

Thanks

 

A 750 Monster was my first bike and i kept it for several years- it was fun modifying it (largely getting rid of all the plastic crap), adding pipes, bar-end mirrors, etc. You can see it in my profile. I recently traded it for a Moto Guzzi. I'd recommend the MOnster, it was light, easy to manage, cool, and relatively inexpensive as Italian bikes go.

 

Dan, I agree you should get the 748 so I can kick your a$$ with my 998! Just kidding, of course BTW, for those not in the know, Dan and I are into serious HP wars, after he proved his 550 is just as fast as my 575 Seriously, I think a 100 hp is just about right on a bike, may be a bit much at first but knowing Dan he'll work into it just fine. Anything over 100hp comes down to rider ability unless the road is straight. Just like I'm sure Roland could kick my butt in a Subaru (providing he had a kit kat or two first).

MIke

 

I think a monster would be good. Get used to riding before the plunge. The price of a used monster is cheap and that is what I would recommend.

 

If you insist on getting a Ducati for a first bike, the Monster 620 or 750 would be your best bets. If you can get off the Ducati name, I'd suggest the Suzuki SV650.
Keep in mind, there is a 99.999% chance you will at least drop the bike within the first year of riding.

 

I also recommend taking a driving course. Don't try to keep up with experienced riders either. That will get you hurt.

 

Mike & Dan:

I'd take both of your bikes (Dan in the future) to Marc Salvisberg, and let him tune it. The 996 with pipes, K&N, Chip, when I got it, had a flat spot. Doesn't any more, and has another 10 HP over what it had to start with. On his dyno, I'm up about 15 HP over a stocker. What's most important though, is that it pulls from just about everywhere, which means you can torque it off the corners.

The bike I won the BOTT championship on had 80 HP at the rear wheel. However, it only weighed 270 #s w/gas, etc. That was in the middle 80s.

Art

 

I love my Ducati's and ride whenever possible. As a first bike, consider the Monster S4R, or an earlier S4. I purchased a 2001 Monster S4 which has the 916 motor, plenty of carbonfibre, and other sweet bits and pieces. You'll get the great 916 motor with a much more rideable poistion. Modify the gearing, change out the engine management system and replace the pipes with Termignonis and you'll never stop smiling. The sound and performance will stir your soul like any of the Ferraris on this site.

Of course, do as I did and following some time on the Monster go out and buy a razor sharp 999S and and you'll have two fine Italian choices on your hands!

Good luck and don't settle for anything less.

 

Dan,

Glad to hear you are finally getting on two wheels. Talk to Sherpa, he helped me through my search of my first Duc a while back. Great guy, knowledgeable, and I know he is good friends with you.

I have a 748, 998s, and a R1. The R1 is a fun bike, it replaced a gixxer 750 for me. But Ducs are a different class of bikes. I have been riding for a while, so for a beginner, I always recommend sv650, but since you are in the market, go out italian style.

Everyone has pretty much told you what you needed to know. I disagree with Ralph, that 748's are everywhere. Gixxers/yamis/kawis are everywhere.... Then again everything is relative..

The 748 was a rather slow transition for me..the bike did not have the straight line power of the inline 4s I was used to. But the torque was great, and the bike really shines on the twisties.

My bikes are all stock except for pipes. Don't beleive all the BS about not being able to ride the Duc in traffic becuase of the stock clutch. I have racked up considerable mile on the 405 in LA..and the stock clutch is fine.

If you are in LA, you are welcome to come check mine out and do back to back comparison.

I am very happy with the 998s. The motor really brings the bike to life, and you have the beautiful design to boot.

Someone mentioned ProItalia---don't buy from them..the most OVERPRICED sales place in CALI.

They have good service..but bike sales are ridiculous.


There are some places in Orange county I could hook you up with if you are serious.

Honestly, as I spent 4.5 years in Northern California, there are plenty of used Ducs for sale if you look around. PM me if you want more details.

Good luck in your venture.

BTW at my height/weight I found the 748 to be slow. So you can judge for yourself

 

Who? Me?

Just wait until we get on the track!!!

 

Dan, xsssive has gsxr1000, still has factory *dust*. Now if we can just get him away from his 1000hp jet boats.

 

Let me know. I'll bring the Ducati Austin Anthony Gobert machine. I have a starter on it now so it's a lot easier to live with.

 

My point exactly..thus choose wisely