I bought my 916 from an owner that did some repairs himself, thus doing some things subpar.
The crankcase leaked because of an incorrectly applied seal, but that's about the only thing wrong with the bike when I got it.
The acceleration on the 916 is probably similar to being strapped to a missile while it's being fired!!
One of the reasons it's so quick is that the computer module on the bike is re-chipped and aftermarket Termignoni exhaust installed, adding about 20-30 horsepower. Stock horse is about 114 @ 9000 rpm.
There's nothing like being able to twist the wrist and get away from traffic situations that could be potentialy dangerous.
The handling is definitely second to none. All I have to do is think about a turn, and the bike is there! The rake of the bike is lower in front for that aggressive stance so the bike has an aerodynamic posture.
It's a torque monster, and pops wheelies without a second thought.
Oh, and that Desmo V-Twin sound...
Decent looking bike granted, yet too fickle for my taste. I prefer my Honda Fireblade, which is slightly faster and requires less maintenance.
I agree, a great bike for standing about posing on, but not much good for blatting all over the countryside on. I would be too afraid of the Visa bills. I had a mate who had one in 1999, it almost bankrupted him in 5 months.
I agree with both of you guys that the cost of owning a Ducati is on the high side, but to each his own poison right?
All I know is when I ride with my friends with GSXRs, R1s, and even Harleys, it seems to be all attention is focused on my 916.
I know it's a bit of an ego trip, but hey, like I said, what do you buy these machines for, but looks and performance?
It might be edged out by faster bikes, but unless I get out on a race track, I definitely can't notice as I still keep up with the chaps on windy back roads.
And, get the looks from the girlies as I rev by.
Keep safe guys, and ride hard.
I have owned a 748 (14,000 miles), a 916SPS (26,000 miles) and currently a 996R (27,000 miles).
I simply cannot agree with the above comments; the Ducati's I've owned have performed faultlessly, and my current 996 is a gem.
The only breakdown I have had in over 60,000 miles is a regulator on the 748. I have been to the south of Europe countless times, done dozens of track days and thrashed them around the Ring, Wales and Scotland.
Perhaps the only valid reason I can think of for not owning one is they are crap in town (if you need to use a superbike in this way) and uncomfortable below 50mph - but that hasn't stopped me touring on them.
There are three simple secrets to having a reliable Ducati:
(1) Use them - don't leave them standing for months at a time. When I hear that 'my Ducati has never been ridden in the rain' I cry: you are doing it damage.
(2) Service them regularly.
(3) Let them warm up, don't thrash them in the first ten minutes of starting them, after that then thrash them :-)
If you treat them as described above, you will be rewarded with one of the finest twins ever built; iconically beautiful, and in my experience reliable. If however you prefer a screaming four and can't appreciate the Italian single mindedness of the 916 design, then don't bother. But in my experience, don't use reliability as an excuse not to own one.
I couldn't agree more with the above poster. let's face it, Japanese bikes are awesome... Power, reliability.. it's all there.. Well, NEARLY... Where's the SOUL?
On paper the 916 gets beat. Service costs, power, speed, weight (don't forget though Ducati quote wet weight, not dry weight like Japanese bikes) - but this is only part of the story.
The 916/996 is greater than the some of its parts. You can use all of its' power, all of the time. The information fed back to the rider is without rival, with incredible fueling accuracy and pick up, and of course that drive through corners. Everything happens with no fuss.
You have to re-educate yourself when riding a 916 because of the torque and the way it makes power. Unlike every Japanese bike I've ridden, there isn't the top end rush of say, a Blade; that's because the 916 is pulling hard straight from 3000 RPM. In comparison, nothing happens on a Japanese multi until about 7000 and you get 'lift off'. Therein lies the difference. On the Duke you are always in the power band.. Once you've learnt how to ride the thing (which doesn't just happen on a test ride), the Japanese bikes feel gutless down low, and frantic and peaky at the top.. They also have little rider engagement.. Damn it.. I shut the gas off just to hear the crackle and pop of those famous pipes on overrun!!!..
Yes a Duke is dearer, but look at the resale values. Many even appreciate in value... Only the very few, special Japanese bikes (RC30 perhaps? utterly unobtainable in its' day) ever do that.
The 916 is an utter icon that redefined everything, and its' importance simply cannot be overstated.. It is THE superbike of the 1990's, and virtually every negative remark thrown at it is from the jealous many who have never experienced the thrill and joy of ownership of the adoring few.
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