DUCATI 998 (1994 - 2005) Review

Version: 996 biposto

Year: 1999

Annual servicing cost: £400

Best bike I've ever owned. Servicing can be a worry you need to look after it and comfort is minimal. Fitted termis sps seat 180 rear tyre and changed the rake using the adjuster - result - nimble but super stable handling, fantastic sound. Nothing beats exciting a fast corner feeling the torque, sound, very involving.

Version: Bostrom rep

Year: 2002

Annual servicing cost: £100

Fantastic looking, sounding and handling. I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of it. I love it as much at 0 mph as I do at non legal speeds. Pure Italian exotica.

Buying experience: Dealer £8500

Excellent bike and top second hand purchase due to impending financial doom (ie baby on way)I had to sell my 1098 and purchased the 998 VERY happy useable power excellent ride quality and yes I feel top value again dealer service second to none (italia Moto Lincoln)I like the old school rev counter/clock set up and with Ohlins suspecsion hence the 4 for equipment. bike is 2003 model with just under 9k on clock paint is still deep and bright and looks nr mint not bad for 5yrs old. Engine pulls very strongly but no 1098 but is that needed for the road? Top bike

Fantastic bike. It is my third Ducati and the one I would never expected to be able to buy. I have had lots of Japanese bikes but they did not have the character. It's got to be viewed as a Ferrari and therefore not an everyday bike. I always savour every ride - you can't say that for all bikes. It is highly strung but that's what I appreciate. My cars are reliable tools. Would love to let anyone ride it for the experience (+/-). All bikes are good.... Strengths: Character. Incredible performance. Race pedigree. Rare. Sound. Handling. Beauty. Simlicity. Weaknesses: Not for everyday use. No new equivalent...

Having previously owned a 916 I knew what the handling was like. Despite already being good, it's a must to at least raise the rear end. The bike turns much faster and wont sit up under braking. I also have a 180 rear tyre fitted which sharpens it up even more. There's plenty of info around on how to adjust the suspension too. Makes even the worst rider feel like a race god. Power delivery is sublime with no glitches. I've added 54mm Termis and corresponding CPU, slipper clutch, larger air tubes, a carbon fibre air box and performance filter amongst others. Every ride I come home with a massive smile. Even on longer runs it's not uncomfortable, apart from stiff knee joints. But don't buy one to pose around town - it's dreadful there. All comes into it's own above 70 mph. Strengths: The power delivery is fantastic (whatever gear you're in) and handling unmatched. A true track bike - absolutely focussed. Still the best looking sports bike ever. Weaknesses: Cost of servicing and uncomfortable around town. Poor rear visibility (but who's looking behind?).

I fitted a few extras that I'd recommend - termi pipes (improves responsiveness and of course the lovely sound, but be warned it is VERY loud), progressive rear shock (for better ride below 80/90 on the road), brembo front brake master cylinder (immense power and feel, this is a MUST have). On the track this bike is incredible. The fantastic level of feel and grip inspires real confidence, once you are familiar with the bike's handling and engine characteristics - it is a bit aggricultural/unrefined at low speeds, and at any speed needs positive rider input. Lean angles are amazing - with a 190 section rear I never got to the edge of the tyre (and I have a fair bit of race school/track experience). On my dealer's advice I put a 180 section rear - a good move, it speeds up the steering, and you can chew up the edges of the tyre for that essential street cred. I love the looks. BUT... I had a problem with recurring mysterious oil leaks and eventually I sold it out of frustration. Strengths: Easy to use all the power to the full - great traction and grip at all lean angles. Amazing handling. Amazing breaks with the Brembo MC. Makes you feel special every time you ride it. Weaknesses: Reliability was awful. Off the road for 4 out of the 9 months I owned it, as the dealer couldn't fix the oil leaks. Then the clutch went in town. That was the final straw. But I miss the bike even despite all this...