I love Ducati’s and the 998R has to be my favourite. It has a larger bore and shorter stroke than its predecessor the 996 allowing it to rev higher than before.
It also has some very pretty jewellery supplied by the likes of Ohlins (forks and rear shock), Brembo (brakes), throw in the Marchesini ... Read review
Advantages: Super cool and sexy Disadvantages: How Much!!
...course ;).
Ducati really have plastered this bike with carbon fibre as well with the lower fairing, tail piece, bellypan, airbox, chain guard, front and rear mudguards, exhaust heat guards, underseat heat shield all made from it. That means this bike is much lighter than previous versions, combined with the tubular steel chassis it makes for a very exhilarating ride, lean it as far as you dare.
But unfortunately all ... ...and second hand ones are quite rare at the moment.
It’s a bit thirsty added to the high premiums this really is a bike for the less modestly funded biker to say the least.
However, it certainly is the Italian stallion of the bike world and I believe there are some special racing editions available now, lovely. My verdict is expensive, exhilarating and entertaining. Keep an eye for more on the ownership costs coming soon ... more
I love Ducati’s and the 998R has to be my favourite. It has a larger bore and shorter stroke than its predecessor the 996 allowing it to rev higher than before.
It also has some very pretty jewellery supplied by the likes of Ohlins (forks and rear shock), Brembo (brakes), throw in the Marchesini Corse wheels and a spot of carbon fibre and well you get the picture. It also has throttle bodies similar to those used in F1!
It still retains the old bum up head down sort of position which puts quite a bit of pressure on the wrists, but that’s because it’s a racer and means you get a lot of feedback from the front end.
The seat height is fairly low on this bike so it does suit the shorter bikers out there and since I’m quite short myself I know what I’m talking about. If your looking for an armchair go and buy a goldwing because as my mate says its like sitting on a bath sponge, but this bike isn’t about nice cups of tea and chocolate biscuits.
The power curve on this bike is great, it drops off a tiny bit about 8000 rpm but its not really noticeable. And it’s more than fast enough for any rider with those 140 horses between your legs and its good for 165+ where permitted of course ;).
Ducati really have plastered this bike with carbon fibre as well with the lower fairing, tail piece, bellypan, airbox, chain guard, front and rear mudguards, exhaust heat guards, underseat heat shield all made from it. That means this bike is much lighter than previous versions, combined with the tubular steel chassis it makes for a very exhilarating ride, lean it as far as you dare.
But unfortunately all this Italian mastery doesn’t come cheap retailing at around £18000 and second hand ones are quite rare at the moment.
It’s a bit thirsty added to the high premiums this really is a bike for the less modestly funded biker to say the least.
However, it certainly is the Italian stallion of the bike world and I believe there are some special racing editions available now, lovely. My verdict is expensive, exhilarating and entertaining. Keep an eye for more on the ownership costs coming soon
