Ducati 999R Spawn of Satan
 

I've been looking at getting a bike for some time now and, being obsessed with performance as any good Pelican is, Im in awe of the bikes Ducati has been making. After reading this article I think I'll cross the 999R off my list:

http://www.latimes.com/classified/automotive/highway1/la-hy-neil3nov03,0,7730165.story?coll=la-home-highway1

My favorite line:

This thing is misery on two wheels, a wickedly disposed and temperamental exercise of sheer mechanical narcissism upon which you assume a posture like it's flashlight inspection day in prison.

Anybody have one of these monsters?

http://a1022.g.akamai.net/f/1022/815...1/14913074.jpg

A ducati was my 2nd motorcycle....

...and my third.

Went for the 748. 1997 before they changed over the graphics.... I'll NEVER sell it.

Pictured in the middle with my justification for working long hours....

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1099636743.jpg

I see a few of them in L.A. They're by far the sweetest things on two-wheels around here. Their sound is unmistakable, and give a decided respite from those nasty, crappy sounding Harleys. :rolleyes:

I love the 748, its my favorite Ducati right now.

Have you ever ridden a motorcycle before?

I have a 998... it has 20 less HP than the 999R, but man, is that damn thing a blast to ride. I don't pull it out of the garage too often, simply because I like to stay out of jail. I've given up taking it up Ortega Hwy, because I want to live.

The best line in there is:

"The harder you ride it, the more stable and secure it feels. I practically stood the thing on its nose under braking and the tail didn't wiggle an inch. I flopped it over from rail to rail as hard as I knew how and the front end didn't even tremble. Pound for ornery pound, this has got to be the most dynamically perfect motorcycle in the world."

If your new to riding, please don't buy a bike like this. I have a monster, and they are fine motorcycles, but still not really a starter bike. I love Ducatis, amazing motorcycles.

If I was going to get a motorcycle, this would be my 2nd one. My first would be some ebay beater to learn on :)

Uhhhh.... I would recommend that a 999R be like, you're 10th one. ;)

they are nice, sound good, and have that ferrari-ness about them.

I liked the older style (Chris') much better than the new look.

That being said, they are heavy. Can't help but think that a 1 liter GSX-r would have its way w/ one of those.

Ducati's reliability is significantly lower than the japanese bikes. Something to keep in mind.

Ducati twins are lots of fun with lots of torque. Styling of the newer generation of 999, 749 is a matter of personal taste. A bit fugly in my opinion. I think the 916 through 998's look much better. Ergonomics of the 999 and 749 are much improved however (in terms of comfort at least).

On a track, all modern sportbikes are silly fast but the Ducati's trail behind the japanese liter bikes a bit. On the road, they're all way beyond a rider's abilities.

Any sportbike is a bad choice for anyone without riding experience.

Jon

I never said I was going to buy one, I just said that I have a problem drooling over them.

Cstreit,
Sorry to get off topic, but DAMN that is one nice stable in your garage. Just beautiful. I'd like to have that with Thom's (widebody911)new Garage!

The entire review was hysterical. Comment on the Ducati list was more or less "thank God he didn't test a Busa or something".

Fact of the matter is that any "real" sportbike is total insanity on the street-even the newer 600's.

I had refurbished an 851. Heartbroken when left-turning woman totaled it in June of ’02. Insurance $ bought the 600f2 and the 318is. (not an entirely bad trade)

Will forever miss the Ducati.. certainly had me turning wrenches.. but no mistaking the soul of the motor and the magic of the suspension. The 851 also had good ergonomics compared to Ducati superbikes produced after that..

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d824b3127cce89425794e5210000001610"> <p> <img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4df04b3127cce8768725f23740000001610"> <p> <img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d824b3127cce894253a364240000001610">

When i hear a Ducati now, my heart stops for a bit..

You'll break your leg! ;)

Here's the bike for you!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1099889369.jpg

I bought this last year - super sweet bike! Looks great sitting in my garage, which is all that it does these days. I'm just not much into motorcycling anymore - so it mostly just sits.

Make an offer! :D

oooh, i love that 851... i was considering an 888sp recently.

somehow, the 80's look on that bike appeals to me