Thinking of buy a Duke 999r

I have been away from bikes for a while. My first bike was a Honda Super 90 my last was a FZR 1000 '88. Just like to do a bit of sport riding. How are they to own and maintain? :here: Thanks!

They suck!! Ducs are the HD of the sportbike world!!

depends what u want, a Ducati 999R will have great suspension for stock. When it comes to the motor, any Twin is ognna get eaten by the big 4's. Trackbike and bets are off its rider. Ducs do well in racing, if u plan on more street racing, your gonna go stright far more htne be ready to have a 600 SS bike take ya, and pay half as much I think for the money they arent much, for a bike in general they are nice, but im with gas man in one way of calling it a HD, the damn logo costs ya 5K$ of the sticker price.

If you're really looking for a high-end component bike, get the Mille Factory. It's a much better value, that's for sure. Plus, it's a lot easier to maintain and the long-term cost of ownership is MUCH lower... Dukes are bikes from KTM, BTW... I think you want a Duc (or Duck), not a Duke. :) Though, the new KTM Duke 990 is bad-arse!

They suck!! Ducs are the HD of the sportbike world!! Don't make me get loud in here Chris! They do not suck, and are generally not any more expensive to maintain than Jap bikes.

If you're really looking for a high-end component bike, get the Mille Factory. It's a much better value, that's for sure. Plus, it's a lot easier to maintain and the long-term cost of ownership is MUCH lower... Dukes are bikes from KTM, BTW... I think you want a Duc (or Duck), not a Duke. :) Though, the new KTM Duke 990 is bad-arse! :iagree:

Don't make me get loud in here Chris! They do not suck, and are generally not any more expensive to maintain than Jap bikes. BS. You're full of it. THEY DO SUCK and they are a LOT LOT more to maintain then Jap bikes. But I still love ya!!!

BS. You're full of it. THEY DO SUCK and they are a LOT LOT more to maintain then Jap bikes. But I still love ya!!! Eatadic Jap rider...what do you know?

Eatadic Jap rider...what do you know? I know I can whip your arse on my Jap bike....that's for sure!!!

I know I can whip your arse on my Jap bike....that's for sure!!! Do you even ride that bike? The only time I've ever seen you on a bike is when you rolled into WOT with that little hottie on the back... So I don't know about you whippin' ANYBODY'S ass on anything yet my little friend... Talk to me when you get a bike with a soul...

desmo lmao!!!!!!!!!!!! id get rid of that avtar b4 the mods get rid of it 4 u!!! ducs r kewl and i would take a 999r anyday

Thanks, its my avatar on all the forums that I'm on...I've only had one set of internet nazi's make me take it down, and I have since left that site...

desmorider, do you wear that lid, or is just your avatar ? :lol:

BS. You're full of it. THEY DO SUCK and they are a LOT LOT more to maintain then Jap bikes. But I still love ya!!! :withstupi :puke: :withstupi

The 999's are cool...but as a whole, you can have them, gimme my jap bike anyday over any one of them. I've ridden several Ducati's before, and it was about the most uncomfortable buckboard I ever road.

I agree with 2fast, I really like the aprillia but My Gsxr kicks it a$$ in all catagories.

ROCK ON with the Jap bikes!!!

ROCK ON with the Jap bikes!!! This with a Ducati in your avatar...

Man he nailed you GAS

There is a bike in my avatar??? :whistle: :drool:

I would recommend the S model. Its allot cheaper and you probably wont notice the difference unless you race it. Seems like all the Duc bashing is being done by non duc owners. Do I have to come and straighten you guys out. I love the GSXR's but Ducati has great bike's. By the time you get all the goodies for a Jap bike that comes stock on a Ducati you will have spent just as much. Yes they coast more to keep up but, I think there worth it.

The one I looked at was 16 + - They had the race one for 30+ nice :drool:

By the time you get all the goodies for a Jap bike that comes stock on a Ducati you will have spent just as much. Agreed, but unfortunatly, they don't sell personality for jap bikes...

blah blah blah...and no matter what you bolt onto your Duc it still won't be fast!

blah blah blah...and no matter what you bolt onto your Duc it still won't be fast! Maybe not in a straight line next to you, but I am still faster than you in the corners biatch! HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS! THANK YOU AND GOOD NIGHT!

Leaning towards an R1 05

Maybe not in a straight line next to you, but I am still faster than you in the corners biatch! HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS! THANK YOU AND GOOD NIGHT! Why dont you try me in the corner's care bear boy?

Why dont you try me in the corner's care bear boy? I don't have to be faster than you, if I wait long enough you will fall...

:lol:

Yeah what is up with the care bear Rev? That is just a tad bit flaming gay there man.. WTF over?

I don't have to be faster than you, if I wait long enough you will fall... I'm with Twisty on this... :lol: but I don't condone the teasing of Twisty!! It just isn't a wise idea!!

Nice video! I watched the first one. I'll have no problem hanging with you guys at my ripe age. I can only do a straight wheelie. :bonk:

Any of you guys run at Pocono east course?

Maybe not in a straight line next to you, but I am still faster than you in the corners biatch! HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS! THANK YOU AND GOOD NIGHT! :willy: :lol: :rofl: :rofl:

I don't have to be faster than you, if I wait long enough you will fall... :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: I saw the vid also! Sorry Twisty but that is funny! By the way cant wait to try to keep up at the Gap!

Leaning towards an R1 05 I think there is another thread on this but, R1 have fun and be careful! Most likely the most powerful bike you have ridden.

age is wisdom at 52 I'll go slow at first. But then....... :runaway:

DUCATI man for LIFE.... :dthumb:

I wonder If speedpup ever decided what bike to get. :scratch:

I wonder If speedpup ever decided what bike to get. :scratch: Yeah I wonder if he'll stop in and tell us???

Got squat now want to see zx14

Got squat now want to see zx14 :yikes: That's a big shift in gears.

i was looking at the 999r online and it says its not available in the US...only the 999s is. is that true?

Got squat now want to see zx14 No body does it better than the Italians when it comes to looks an d handling. Just bought a Bimota SB8R. Havent pushed it to its limit but its plenty fast. Powered by the suzuki tl100. I also looked at the ducs but thought Bimota was easier to get worked on. The other bike that you should look at is the MV Agusta. Lots of power, great looks , and can handle. Good luck.

The other bike that you should look at is the MV Agusta. Lots of power, great looks , and can handle. Good luck. :iagree:

No body does it better than the Italians when it comes to looks an d handling. Just bought a Bimota SB8R. We need lots of pics! :nopicsbs:

i was looking at the 999r online and it says its not available in the US...only the 999s is. is that true? No, that's bad info, the 999R is definitely available in the U.S., both the regular 999R and the limited edition 999R Xerox. All are in limited supply though, so they're not guaranteed to be available everywhere, particularly after another month or so. The 749R is also available in the U.S. and IMO is a better bike for the track if you're buying primarily a track bike. Of course, I could be slightly biased..... :wink:

I had a Ducati Monster. Very unimpressive.

I had a Ducati Monster. Very unimpressive. I believe Jeeps would disagree!

I had a Ducati Monster. Very unimpressive.Which one? I believe Jeeps would disagree! The monster wasn't built to compete with the super bikes. It wasn't even built to compete with the super sport bikes. It was built to be an all-around do it all bike. With exception of top speed. It does it all and does it well. Lets just say that a Monster S4RS might be in my near future.

Yeah top speed is not its thing. I know I was runnin a buddies and at like 110 or 120 it fell on its face...HARD!

Not many 6's can hang with a S4R on top and forget about the S4RS. Better bring a 750 or better to hit those numbers.

Let me get this straight. Our Moderator is dissing Ducatis on the Ducati thread and he rides a ....chopper??? Really funny.

Not really dissing... and if you pay closer attention... I use to own many sportbikes, I still work on many sportbikes...further one of the other mods here owns a monster. They aren't made for top end speed... that's not a dis... more of a fact!

Well, I still own sportbikes despite my advanced age for this sport (57) and they are both Ducatis by choice. Not that the Japanese offerings are so bad (though most of their styling efforts leave me cold), but I like the power delivery and sound of a 90-degree V-twin, especially for street usage. The top speed of all the sportbikes is a bit irrelevant for the street, though I admit it means more on track day straightaways, though the rider is still the most critical factor in the equation, even there. I'm glad there are many different brands/types of machines available to the US rider, but think the Ducati brand excels among any group of sportbike enthusiasts. Its interesting. From my observation, the more sport riders know about the machinery and the longer their experience with bikes, the more they move to the European brands, including Ducati.

{snip} Its interesting. From my observation, the more sport riders know about the machinery and the longer their experience with bikes, the more they move to the European brands, including Ducati. That is very true from my experience as well. We see a much larger percentage of riders over 35 in our Duc shop than I ever see at any of the local Jap supermarkets. Honestly, I think the bikes have a lot to do with it, but I think it might also be the customer experience that you have in a Euro bike shop vs. the others (generalizing, of course, since there are certainly exceptions on both sides). We have a lot of guys who just come in and hang out at our shop to talk about bikes, whereas I never see that at the other shops.

I'm currently riding japanese but I love the twins. The sound is incredible. Someday I'll have a Duc...don't have the jack for it now.

Well, I still own sportbikes despite my advanced age for this sport (57) and they are both Ducatis by choice. Not that the Japanese offerings are so bad (though most of their styling efforts leave me cold), but I like the power delivery and sound of a 90-degree V-twin, especially for street usage. The top speed of all the sportbikes is a bit irrelevant for the street, though I admit it means more on track day straightaways, though the rider is still the most critical factor in the equation, even there. I'm glad there are many different brands/types of machines available to the US rider, but think the Ducati brand excels among any group of sportbike enthusiasts. Its interesting. From my observation, the more sport riders know about the machinery and the longer their experience with bikes, the more they move to the European brands, including Ducati. I won't argue with any of that. As far as not riding the sportbike anymore... a personal decision of my own. But I've been known to ride a sportbike still from time to time. I think if I bought a new sportbike I totally agree with you. It wouldn't be a jap bike. It would definately be something else with some more soul. A Duc would be at the top of the list... along with Aprilla, BMW (K1200S), Triumph (675), and too many Ducs to list...

I won't argue with any of that. As far as not riding the sportbike anymore... a personal decision of my own. But I've been known to ride a sportbike still from time to time. I think if I bought a new sportbike I totally agree with you. It wouldn't be a jap bike. It would definately be something else with some more soul. A Duc would be at the top of the list... along with Aprilla, BMW (K1200S), Triumph (675), and too many Ducs to list... Hellz yes.http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/markgraves138/smilies/thfun_59.gif

No body does it better than the Italians when it comes to looks an d handling. Just bought a Bimota SB8R. Havent pushed it to its limit but its plenty fast. Powered by the suzuki tl100. I also looked at the ducs but thought Bimota was easier to get worked on. The other bike that you should look at is the MV Agusta. Lots of power, great looks , and can handle. Good luck. how much Fricken money do you make? Do you think we call all afford an MV Agusta? that's like saying You should check Lamborghini's if you want a fast car?:yikes: You can be serious, can you?

I agree with 2fast, I really like the aprillia but My Gsxr kicks it a$$ in all catagories. Really? Why didn't your GSXR win the masterbike competition then?

Really? Why didn't your GSXR win the masterbike competition then? http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/markgraves138/smilies/owned2.gif

Really? Why didn't your GSXR win the masterbike competition then? Even the sun shines on a dog a$$ once in a while.....:dthumb:

how much Fricken money do you make? Do you think we call all afford an MV Agusta? that's like saying You should check Lamborghini's if you want a fast car?:yikes: You can be serious, can you? The beauty of motorcycles versus cars is that you can own what you want (excepting maybe the MV Tamburini and Duc Desmosedici) even if your income is not among the top two percent. Tell me you couldn't own a Duc or MV if you really wanted to, whereas the price of exotic cars is beyond all but a priviliged few.

The beauty of motorcycles versus cars is that you can own what you want (excepting maybe the MV Tamburini and Duc Desmosedici) even if your income is not among the top two percent. Tell me you couldn't own a Duc or MV if you really wanted to, whereas the price of exotic cars is beyond all but a priviliged few. The Euro bikes are a little pricey for the younger guys. That's why most European bike owners are 30 plus. Most are settled in there place in life and careers with school behind them. That still doesn't mean the younger guys cant acquire one. Its all about priorities.

I had the privelage of riding a friends race prepped 888 (sp4?) on a practice day many years ago. It handled very well and had plenty of mid-range power. But I still didn't like the sound of twins. I would imagine that the 999 would be a leap forward in handling and power. With price not being considered, I would prefer the 999 over an rc51 (are they in the same class?). I would not compare the twins to in-line 4's. -a|ex

Interestingly, I feel the same way about I4s as you do about twins - I don't like the sound they make at all. Even as much as I like the MV F4, I wouldn't buy one due to the engine type. Hey, different strokes (or different 4-strokes) for different folks!

I had the privelage of riding a friends race prepped 888 (sp4?) on a practice day many years ago. It handled very well and had plenty of mid-range power. But I still didn't like the sound of twins. I would imagine that the 999 would be a leap forward in handling and power. With price not being considered, I would prefer the 999 over an rc51 (are they in the same class?). I would not compare the twins to in-line 4's. -a|ex Yes they are in the same class.

Jap bikes are like wifes good for life... Italian bikes are like supermodels...expensive and really beautifull. maybe both are good in bed but you have to think what you really want do with it. Go long time or night standing...

Why isn't an Italian bike not good for life? Unlike a supper model, she wont gain weight and or lose her beauty. And why cant a supper model be a good wife? :idk:

1098:yikes: :yikes: :yikes: :yikes: I just need to look at it and not ride it. 381 lb. wow!

If Japanese sport bikes are sooooo much faster than Italian sport bikes then how come the Aprilia Mille Factory outran everything from every manufacturer at the 2006 Masterbike shootout? Or how do you explain that the Ducati 999S (not the R but the S) went faster than the MV Agusta F4 1000 AND the Yamaha R1 Limited Edition (fancy Ohlins and Marchessini) in; what was it?, Cycle World or Motorcyclist shootout? What's the excuse there with the R1? It had top notch suspension components and fancy wheels just like the Italian counterparts PLUS more horsepower. Maybe, just maybe:wink: the Italians know a thing or two about building true performance bikes and not something that goes fast in a straight line.:dthumb: Put fancy wheels and suspensions on a turd doesn't make it into anything other than a blinged-out turd.:flush:

Ok here is the end all question. Take a Duc 999R or an Aprilia and a GSXR or R1 or what not to a group of hot chicks and see which bikes gets the kitty. I am betting on the Duc or Aprilia any day. :wink:

saddest part of the thread is I still haven't got a bike:bonk: :bonk: :bonk:

Hell, just toss a coin and go at it.

your right I just had a ton of vet bills for two pets :yikes: I could have bought a new bike an R-1 and then some. Wonder if I can service the Duke myself or do you need a ton of special tools? I used to service and mod heads, cams and the like in my bikes years ago. Can't wait for the bike show in NYC. Guess dealers wil have them soon also.

If you're handy and can read a manual plus having tools then yes you can service the bike yourself. But I do believe that you might need some special tools for certain things. I don't know what exactly but I do know that you need some Ducati-specific tools. The biggest thing about owning a Testastretta engine is valve adjustments. Ducati called for adjustments to be done at every 6000-miles or so - BELIEVE THEM! Of course you can go with the Desmodue two-valve aircooled V-twin models and worry even less about maintenance. You still have to do the valve adjustments but from what I understand, the adjustment process is less intense than on the Testastretta engine. Or buy yourself an Aprilia and don't have to worry about valve adjustments until around 24,000-miles like a Japanese bike. Life is too short to be riding boring, generic bike. If that makes me a snob then that makes me a snob. I'm not that far behind you in the age group.

Ok here is the end all question. Take a Duc 999R or an Aprilia and a GSXR or R1 or what not to a group of hot chicks and see which bikes gets the kitty. I am betting on the Duc or Aprilia any day. :wink: :withstupi but you know how many people are just closed minded!

your right I just had a ton of vet bills for two pets :yikes: I could have bought a new bike an R-1 and then some. Wonder if I can service the Duke myself or do you need a ton of special tools? I used to service and mod heads, cams and the like in my bikes years ago. Can't wait for the bike show in NYC. Guess dealers wil have them soon also. You can handle it with minimum investment in tools.

yea bike show NYC next week!:welcome:

Sort'f not a hi-jack! I think Ducati has shot themselves in the foot with the release of the 1098. In Aus the 1098 standard is $25K, with the "s" around $30K (AS). a new base model 999 was around $32K. I know the issue of aesthetics is subjective, but while everyone thought the 916 (as well as the 716, 748, 966, 968 and Cagiva Mito) looked as sexy as it gets, there were mixed feelings about the 999. The 1098 is just hot! I can't believe anyone would choose the 999 over the 1098, especially when the 1098 is cheaper. I predict a lot of pissed-off people trying to recoup some money on thier 999's, and failing! A similar thing happened with Honda Blackbirds. A mate of mine bought one new for about $5K less than the previous years new price. A local bike shop now has about 3 Blackbirds that they traded before the price drop, and now are trying to sell without losing too much money, because at this stage, they can't sell them for what they traded them for. :cheers:

The 1098 looks hot...read the sr dayum nice...and that chassis WOw:yikes:

Sort'f not a hi-jack! I think Ducati has shot themselves in the foot with the release of the 1098. In Aus the 1098 standard is $25K, with the "s" around $30K (AS). a new base model 999 was around $32K. I know the issue of aesthetics is subjective, but while everyone thought the 916 (as well as the 716, 748, 966, 968 and Cagiva Mito) looked as sexy as it gets, there were mixed feelings about the 999. The 1098 is just hot! I can't believe anyone would choose the 999 over the 1098, especially when the 1098 is cheaper. I predict a lot of pissed-off people trying to recoup some money on thier 999's, and failing! A similar thing happened with Honda Blackbirds. A mate of mine bought one new for about $5K less than the previous years new price. A local bike shop now has about 3 Blackbirds that they traded before the price drop, and now are trying to sell without losing too much money, because at this stage, they can't sell them for what they traded them for. :cheers: The 1098 is pure beauty...but based soley on looks I'd take the 999 over the 1098 any day. I like the stacked head light...and I'm not a fan of SSS.

Well I went to the bike show and I wanted to stay and sleep with the 1098 and the other Ducati's. The thing is beautiful:yikes: :yikes: :yikes: :yikes: Now when I went over to the R1 which I liked it looked:idk: can really put my finger on it but it looked like a toy. The Duke is wild:dthumb: :dthumb: :dthumb: The Duke Classic looked great also. My friend had a 1973 750 when we were younger.