Views on Ducati 996

[Keir]

As it coming up to summer ish, Im feeling the need for a new 'first' bike. The Gsxr 600 has been good but im fancying something different and im thinking ducati 996 bp. Seen a few about for around 5k with 5000 miles on the clock, 50mm termis and loads of carbon trick bits.

Anyone owned one and got a mini review on them?
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Current : '08 Yamaha FZ1s
Previous: '99 Honda CBR 600FX, 03 ZX636 B1H, 99 Fazer 600 (red), 02 GSX-R 600 K2, 00 SV650s (red), 2008 ZX10R, 97 Bandit 1200N, 04 ZX6RR K1H, 04 GSX-R 1000, 98 Fazer 600 (gold), 05 Madness 110 Pit bike, 04 CR125R, 00 SV650s (black), 06 KTM 625 SMC, 99 SRAD 600 track bike, 03 SV650, 98 Bandit 1200N, Bandit 600SY, 03 GSX-R 600 K3, 01 GSX-R 600, 01 Fazer 600 (black), VFR 400 NC30 x3, 78 Honda Dream, 00 Speedfight 50

[Zimbo]

A very fast and capable bike, surprisingly comfortable over long distances at speed, not brilliant in town though, too much weight on your wrists and not much steering lock.
No need to spend £5K though, there's good ones around for £3K and aren't going to depreciate much from that. For £5K you'll get a good 998 with the testastretta engine.
As always, find out if it's been properly serviced and had belts changed and valve clearances checked recently. The only other known fault, apart from occasional reg/rec failures, is the well known chrome flaking off rockers syndrome, new ones cost around £100.
Have a look on https://www.ducatisportingclub.com/forumdisplay.php?f=85 for loads more info from owners.

[JonB]

Absolutely lovely bike, a mate off SWB had one and he was like a rocket on it and with those lovely termis, it is just a dream bike. Make sure you buy it in red though!
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[craigs23]

Awesome piece of machinery, if you can live/afford one. Much better than Ducatis of late, in my eye anyway.

[G]

If you're going for it, I doubt it'll be much if at all faster than your GSXR.
Should be easier to go fast without trying so much however - but the riding position doesn't match the lazier engine, as mentioned.

[DucatiEVO]

If you can stretch to the 998 testa engine it's worth it, as there is a big difference in how the bike revs/rides.

It's more iconic than a Gixxer will ever be....
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aKa: Ducky

[crm250]

Evo's right. and plump for the S model as a minimum too for the deep sump motor. Doesnt sound alot but the quality with a few other components shows between the model range.
A 996 is a fine bike, however its not the strongest motor in the world. its a bit too stressed as a track bike but as a road bike would be fine. regular oil changes are a must, and allow it nearly a minuite before blipping the throttle when starting from cold after a few days parking to allow the oil to get up there (rockers are £90 retail each and you have 8)
the 996 is smoother than the earlier 916 it replaced and revs a bit harder too, but sounds quite different - actually no its doesnt, it the 916 that sounds different to all the others, it sounds less even and lumpier.
Try one before you buy as V2's are not for everyone, if you are used to thrashing the GSXR up at the top a twin will not impress you as there is bugger all up top after 9k its all from 3 - 8k
as mentioned in other posts i sold a blade for my old 916 and it took me 3 months to even start to like it, suddenly it all became clear and i saw the light.

[quik_d]

From a non technical point of view, my favourite looking bike. I even have a little model of it on my monitor at work
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[Keir]

thanks so far, it been useful. I do like to thrash the nuts off my bike so maybe a low reving fragile bike isnt the best idea. its just the looks are astounding......
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Current : '08 Yamaha FZ1s
Previous: '99 Honda CBR 600FX, 03 ZX636 B1H, 99 Fazer 600 (red), 02 GSX-R 600 K2, 00 SV650s (red), 2008 ZX10R, 97 Bandit 1200N, 04 ZX6RR K1H, 04 GSX-R 1000, 98 Fazer 600 (gold), 05 Madness 110 Pit bike, 04 CR125R, 00 SV650s (black), 06 KTM 625 SMC, 99 SRAD 600 track bike, 03 SV650, 98 Bandit 1200N, Bandit 600SY, 03 GSX-R 600 K3, 01 GSX-R 600, 01 Fazer 600 (black), VFR 400 NC30 x3, 78 Honda Dream, 00 Speedfight 50

[Zimbo]