So, my wife got licensed which necessitated finding another scooter. We've got to go for rides together and one Buell S-1 between two riders just doesn't cut it. Being somewhat of a Buell snob, I figured I'd be in for an XB12R. I couldn't find one to ride at a dealership and there was no way I was going to get stuck with a bike weaker than my old S-1 ala the XB9.
Ducati had always seemed to me the mythical creature in the motorcycle world. Even so, I found an add on e-bay for a likely candidate and tagged it never consciously thinking I'd buy it. Things change at the stroke of a few computer keys however.
Am I glad I picked up a 996? Absolutely. Mind you, I haven't taken a ride in the daylight yet. But after two evening rides it is already apparent that what is written on the 996 is true to one extent or another.
The 996 engine is one amazing piece of machinery. Having riden a Buell for years, I am very partial to motors that produce solid torque. Peak HP numbers are informative but a big fat torque curve is what you'll feel out on the road. The Ducati feels like a big twin the way it belts out torque but doesn't leave you hanging when the revs start climbing. Plus, vibration levels are so mild it's difficult to believe that the engine is actually a twin. But the SOUND.... Both on and off throttle the exhaust note lets bystanders know something serious is approaching or receding.
Shifting the Ducati through the gears is a pleasure courtesy of a velvety transmission. Gear selection is positive and smooth. Shifter effort is virtually nil. But you certainly know that you've shifted gears instead of wondering if you grabbed a different ratio.
The clutch takes some practice. Buell/Harley Davidson might not do some things right but their wet clutch is smoother and easier to modulate than Ducati's version. And it makes no noise. That said, anybody who complains about Ducati having a heavy clutch pull has never worked a Harley-type clutch.
Riding position is aggressive but far more comfortable than what I was led to believe by reviews I have read in the past. The seat is nice and wide but high. The bars are low. Therefore, weight is focused on the wrists. I'll take sore wrists over a sore ass any day.
Overall, I'm impressed by the 996. It is a high performance machine that was built to deliver a sensational riding experience. Don't buy one if you're not willing to make a physical investment to get to that riding experience. Any engineer worth his salt will tell you that there's no free lunch when it comes to design. I for one believe that the price of admission in this case is well worth it.
Reviews are provided on an "as is" basis with no warranty and should be considered entertainment only. Reviews should not be used for any purpose whatsoever, including but not limited to, making decisions about any referenced vehicles, products, modifications or other information.
