| Author | Message | ||
     Buellish2 |
anybody got any coments on aduc 998 (matrix) pros or cons it doesnt matter thinking of increaseing my garage space | ||
| Dyna |
Umm, why you even ask about a 998 Ducati in the XB section??????????? And dont pay extra because its a lame Matrix edition. | ||
| Gonen60 |
I'll take one if "trinity" comes with it! | ||
| Buellish2 |
ummm ,i ask because ilov the wit on this board | ||
| Torqer |
I'm sure you know about the maintenance cons... But if you long for it... get it. It is a sexy machine. | ||
| Boulderbiker |
Had a fascinating experience the other day. I used to think hands down that the Duc 916-998 series was the sexiest bike ever built, with a couple close competitors, but still the winner. Anyway hadn't seen one in quite some time, and been puttin the miles on my XB12R since then. Well I saw one again the other have actually decided I like the looks of my bike better. The funniest part about that is that back when I had first decided to get a firebolt I read a review in one of the motorcycle magazines where they said that the Duc 916 in the garage looked pretty aged compared to their firebolt test bike. I remember reading that and laughing and thinking "NO WAY", but in time, I must admit that there is a new winner in my eye and its my bike. Back to the point of this thread, they are indeed awesome and a bit of an icon in motorcycle history, but unless you just want it for the history, or are planning on going to the track everything I've ever read review wise comes back to the same points: High maintenance Super uncomfortable (which I can vouch for after sitting on that bike last week) Fantastic handling, but it really makes you work for it One of the sexiest bikes ever made | ||
| Dyna |
This is the sexiest bike ever produced.  And the new R1 in the gorgeous red is hot looking too. | ||
| Gonen60 |
I like this guzzi  | ||
| Sammigs |
Dyna you are 100 % correct. That is the sexiest bike on the planet! I also agree that the newest R1 is the sweetest looking mass produced bike. | ||
| Dyna |
Yep the Red 04 R1 is a good looking bike, looks a hell of a lot better in person too. | ||
| Xblue9r |
dyna, that ain't in your garage is it? | ||
| Dyna |
Might be in a couple weeks  | ||
| Xblue9r |
i've myself considered parting with my 9r for an r1. the roads where i'm at suck ••• for a bike that corners as well as the xb, so i'm considering the all out straight line power of the r1...and your right, it's SEXY! | ||
| 420at145mph |
170 mph NO PROBLEM with the pc3 on LOW WITH at least 1/4 throttle left on a 02 R1 not even a week ago  | ||
| Darthane |
If you're doing 170 on an R1, I hate to tell you this, but you did NOT have 1/4 of the throttle left to go. That's damned near the top speed of an '02 R1. In any event - I'd take a Duc in a heartbeat. Love 'em. | ||
| Rocketman |
916 high maintenance my arse. Mine's just turned 19000 miles and has had a major dealer service at 12000 miles which involves stripping the forks out amongst other things. Cost £450. After that, including shimming and new belts, home maintenance costing a few hours and a few pounds. Just yesterday I diced an R6 and a '03 GSXR750 a good twenty miles from near Malton to Beverley, Yorkshire, and as anyone will tell you that's ever ridden this section of quiet country road, it is awesomely fast and offers a multitude of corners and gradients the envy of any fast rider. To ride it very fast is a rewarding challenge. Well yesterday I intentionally stayed behind these two fast bikes just to get the comparison. On the very very fast downhill uphill straight I allowed a 50 yard gap coming off the roundabout at the start. I passed the R6 at about 140 mph, quickly gaining on the GSX at which time I hit the rev limiter! A momentary glance down - 145 indicated - I took 6th gear, silly me, quickly back behind the GSX for a blinding 150 plus pass late on the brakes slowing down for the left turn to Wetwang. After Wetwang there's a series of nasty turns around the outskirts of Lund village. The 916 has more left for a better rider than I despite my valiant attempts. This is one bike that you can, if capable, ride the wheels off. The lean angle and level of grip whilst leant over is truly amazing. It's a myth about having to work hard on a 916. You need to be super smooth and steer with the throttle. Exit corner speed ate the R6 and GSX for breakfast. It's hard to imagine a better more fun race rep road bike. Oh hang about, it is a race bike. As for the MV F4, it has one problem it shares with the awesome Brutale. They're physically very small bikes which is all well and good if you're a racing snake. I'm not, and yes 200 miles up and down dale and across moor on a 916 is uncomfortable, witness my neck, right knee and achilles tendon, but then I am 43 in July. that said, I show no signs of slowing down as I get older. In fact, the opposite seems true  998S is the ultimate 916 version really. Why wouldn't you? Rocket | ||
| Raraf |
DON'T BUY IT!!! Check out Duc's site on the new V4! woo hoo! imagine the maintences charges on that valve adjustment. It will be out in a few years at the price of only 50,000 euros. NO JOKE. Save up dem pennies! | ||
| 420at145mph |
might not have been a full 1/4 left but i KNOW it had every bit of 180mph n probly more not sure what other little secrets this bikes holdin | ||
| 420at145mph |
 | ||
| Klareralt |
I happen to have these two fine vehicles at my disposal, the XB belonging to yours truly, and the Duke being my brother's bike. And I did use to ride an MV... no fun in the city, so I swapped. And I swapped well. Lets be clear about one thing. There is no bike even close to being as pretty as an MV. Especially the upcoming Agostini Special Edition. There is, however, no shame in owning a Duke. But don't buy a 998 Matrix Edition. First off, the movies sucked. Should have left it after the first one, ducati or not. And the most important point: All Duke's should be RED. Buy and 998s, if you have money to burn, or a normal 998 with stacks of carbon.... and race cans... mmmmmm - race cans..... Or, buy an MV. Better looks, better handling, better value. (but I'm biased, remember)  | ||
| Roc |
I know of a first year 916 with 300 miles on it, for sale, if you are interested. I think he wants 8k. | ||
| Koz5150 |
The R1 is the bike dreams are made of. Of course the wife saw the size of the passenger seat and the R1 will probably remain a dream | ||
| Gonen60 |
Klareralt..happen to have these two fine vehicles at my disposal, the XB belonging to yours truly, and the Duke being my brother's bike. How does your XB stack up, when running around with the 748...what kind of observations can you mention? | ||
| Opto |
I spent 5 years with a bevel-drive Duc, gave it the best TLC, my overall impression was that it was a good bike but over-engineered or over-designed to do it's job. I feel the same about the later Ducs. And for all that over-engineering they don't go much faster or handle any better, but do require much more maintenance. My 2c worth. | ||
| Smitty |
Rocket Dude be sure to check the rockers close. Ducati 4 valve motors had a problem with the plating flaking off and wearing the cams out. Also the 12,000 mile service at the dealer here in the states cost one guy $2200.00. He doesnt turn wrenches as you do.. Im glad you are enjoying your Duck. Tim | ||
| Klareralt |
Gonen60 Hard to point to anything specific, except for the obvious. The 748 feels terribly underpowered compared to the XB12, but the 748 is better suited once you get up to speed. I definately feel the XB12 could use a steering damper at high speeds, as it transfers a lot of bumps and grooves in the road into handle bar shake. The 748 just goes over everything, doesn't shake. The XB is far superior at lower speeds though, more relaxed riding position, much more power. Suspension is much the same, I reckon. Both fully adjustable, so it's possible to work wonders. I chose the XB cause I rarely have a chance to hit the open road, with nice curvy curves. If I could get out of the city more often, I would have stuck with the MV, I think. Insane handling!!! Anything more specific? | ||
| Gonen60 |
Anything more specific? no, that sums it up nicely, thank you. side by side, you have him beat. The XB frame is beautiful compared to the trellis type.} | ||
| Xblue9r |
not to hijack the thread or anything, but dyna, 420, you guys are a bad influence  ebay auction for a yamaha r1 went in my favor....infact, it just shipped out from UT to WI today. keeping the 9r for the town riding, and the r1 is for the freeway (for now). http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2479546691&ca tegory=50053 | ||
| Rokoneer |
Xblue9r, Just for your piece of mind I have bought a bike from Bikesellerz and had a great experience with them! Top quality people to deal with and the crate they shipped my bike in was better than any I'd ever seen. You are in for a thrill............ | ||
| Xblue9r |
thanks you SO VERY much for that info, i was a little uneasy even after reading their impressive feedback comments. there are so many scams on ebay, it's getting scary. can i ask what you got from them? | ||
| Dyna |
Nice bike, enjoy it & take it easy. Has a tad bit more power than an XB9 does. | ||
| Tucsonxb9s |
WOOF...mean looking machine. I have to say that the R-1 is my favorite Japanese liter bike. The silver and black is just menacing! WAY TOO MUCH bike for me though. Xblue9r enjoy & be careful! | ||
| Rocketman |
I like the very first R1 circa 1997. It's a great looking Japanese bike. I know they updated it for 1999 but I really liked the 3rd generation. The one that looks kinda robotic, but they tell me that particular model lost the race focused appeal of the previous R1's. Now they're saying the latest R1 is a return to the class leading ways of 97 / 98 which is great, but, and it's a big but, it's ugly as hell. Take any previous model R1 and they are distinguished by a very neat looking back end, suggesting aerodynamic streamlining and super fast performance. The latest under seat exhaust model shows how ugly the Japanese can take a design if they try hard enough. What's a shame is the bike will undoubtedly prove to be every bit as good as it's claimed which means the poor styling of the R1's arse end will escape the criticism it deserves. And isn't it funny how Honda have tried and succeeded in mimicking the original R1 tail unit and managed to stick a pipe under it too. Yes that Fireblade is mean an lean looking. Rocket | ||
| Rokoneer |
Xblue9r, I got my Buell from them......... | ||
| Dyna |
dyna, that ain't in your garage is it? Might be in a couple weeks Hehe, only took a week  |
