Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > Test ride on a 998

[Micko]

I made a fatal error of taking a test ride on a 998 yesterday (first ride on the 9… series). 2002 model very clean, and in standard trim. It is a completely different riding experience to riding my ST3. You plonk yourself on a plank and feel that your nose is nearly touching the ground with a rocket under your arse. There is nothing in front of you but the road –where is the bloody clocks faring etc –a bit scary. The scary bit lasted about 200 yards. First impression is what an engine and the sound from the termis is only seductive. Two bends in and I am confident enough to start shifting. Glorious, finding superlatives to describe the experience is impossible. Went off for ¾ of an hour, motorway, winding roads, and a bit of traffic. Hard to keep the front down and it needs to be ridden. What an experience. The bad news is I put an offer in subject to bank approval. Keeping the ST3.

Anything I should be looking out for lads before I firm up on the deal?


Micko.

[JPM]

998 will be a testastretta lump so that's 1/2 the battle won already, just make sure it has full service history and depending on mileage the belts have been changed and it hasn't been standing doing nothing as you'll probably need to change them also as they will have deformed with not being run.

I can't honestly think of many other known issues with them other than service stuff.

[Henners]

Great bike - enjoy

[BDG]

Lovely choice of bike, is it a standard or S model, i.e 123bhp or deep sump 136bhp S model.

Welcome to the board.

If you pay my ferry fare i'll come and join you for a pint to celebrate

[VanDaMauler]

I`ve got a question....

Where did you get that " ¾ " from???

I dont have it on my keyboard, or do I???

[joe748]

great bike mate....i know cos i got mine a couple of months ago

just up the road from u too, could meet up when the weather sorts it's self out!!

best of luck,
joe

[Micko]

Thanks folks for the comments.
Checked with dealer – full service history. Belts done 2000 miles ago. 1 year warranty, new tyres and chain. It is the standard 123bhp model and in excellent condition.

Joe 748, I will give you a u to u in a month or so.

Deal done. Hope to pick the bike up on Saturday.

Micko

[spinoli1]

Great move Micko.

When you feel inclined there are a lot of things you can do to upgrade the base 998, motor and chassis.

My choice for starters:

Get the cams dialled in - really improves smoothness, throttle response etc.
P34 brake calipers - for less than £200 get braking good enough for a space shuttle.

After this the list is endless.

Spin

[weeian]

Get the pictures up when u get it Micko !

/ian

[Jools]

I wouldn't mind a test ride on weeian's avatar - I've always loved big twins