That last 2 minutes from Chris was so genuine and relatable. Honestly the best bike show on youtube with the most informative and skilled presenter. Well done lads.
I can totally relate. I promised myself I would rent a 998 for a day when I turn 30. I read every single article about that bike since the 916 came out. Shortly before my birthday, a 998S came up for sale for a good price and I went for a test ride with my dream bike. Coming from a ZX-7R it was totally different to ride, demanding at times and certainly nothing I would hand over to a beginner. And it was exactly what I hoped it would be. Of course, I bought the 998S. This is now 10 years ago. And I don't regret it. The smile I had under the helmet on the first ride, returns every time even if I only see her standing there in the garage.
I really enjoyed the seeing and hearing your excitement riding the bike. In the late 90’s I was an instructor and first had a 1999 916 SPS, then a 2001 996SPS as my personal bikes. I used to instruct on them both using vox 2 way radios. The engine noise was enough to open the vox channel, and trainees often remarked on how good it sounded (I was behind them) I agree that the clutches were a bit heavy in town work, but the overall ride was a soul enhancing experience. The chassis was awesome, I first got my elbow down on one of these, and as long as you were at the legal limit speed wise, the air cushioning made them very comfortable. I used one to commute from Llandudno to Basingstoke, and can honestly say it was a more comfortable ride than my VFR800. I also learned that the feedback was good enough to allow me to place the tyres either side of an ice berm and then flip them side to side. Also I learned to drift both wheels into corners on these. The 1999 bike with the race chip and pipes was a vicious beast, and all the more rewarding for it. By 2001, the power delivery had been softened somewhat, and it was much easier to ride, so much so, that when a trainee failed their DAS test through nerves when they really should have walked it and was really beating themselves up badly, I swapped out the bikes and allowed him to ride mine the 15 miles or so back to the training centre. We stopped at a McDonald’s on the way back and he was so excited he couldn’t hold the coffee for literally shaking. As you can imagine, he passed a couple of weeks later. Of the 80-100 (lost count) bikes I have owned I would say that the later bike with the full ohlins, and the earlier mapping would have been the very best. It was a dream and an honour to introduce people to bikes and I consider myself very lucky to have been able to do so. If anyone ever saw an SPS in boxhill car park missing both fairings and heavily scratched on both sides, that was me on the first one. Keep up the great work, I love your enthusiasm and delivery.
That's a stunning work of art when its static on a paddock stand but its simply sublime and gorgeous leaned over, belting that v-twin bellow in the hands of a capable rider like Chris. Awesome, I got flash backs of Bayliss and Edwards going at it.
They are so special ,style, sound out right beautiful, I hv a 2002 748R will ever sell it as owned for 17 years ,Dont.ride it often but when I do it's like yep ,
I remember when I bought my Ducati, what a day! I had to wait until our kids were grown, I felt like a kid again staring at all those magazines. I did really believe it would happen. Just buy it and enjoy.
I'm really glad to hear this wasn't a case of 'don't meet your heroes' 'cos i'm another one who was obsessed with any 916 shaped bikes from their early teens. Still something I haven't had a chance to ride one yet but I hope that day isn't too far away.
I couldn’t afford a 916 or even a 998 in the late 80’s or early 90’s…..for that reason I bought a Suzuki TL1000s in red and just squinted a lot. The 916 onwards up to the 998 have to be the most gorgeous looking bike period! Great vid and you are truly a lucky boy Chris 🤘🏻👍
Chris, so glad you got to ride your dream bike and really enjoyed it. 15 years ago I visited a dealer and all the sales guy had to do was start the bike and I was sold. So my 916 SPS Foggy Rep (#164 of 200) has been with me for over 15 years. I rode about 1100+ miles from Surrey to Misano in 3 days for World Ducati Week 2010 and had a smile like a Cheshire Cat by the end of the journey; especially flying through the long tunnels in Europe. No aches, no pains, just pure fun. If you ever come to Cyprus, then you are more than welcome to take it for a ride, or hop on either the Ducati Scrambler or KTM 690 Duke. The roads are superb, the food and beer are cheap and the weather is gleaming. Keep up the awesome work as Bike World is by far one of the best channels out there!
Great video. Its so good to see you enjoy that much. Ive got a 2002 998 with over 43000 miles. Ive had it for nearly 3 years now and ride it almost every day. I sometimes think about selling it and getting something else, but that never happens when Im actually riding it. The way it engages the rider is hard to describe. I rode some much newer bikes a few months ago at a demo event involving several different manufacturers. I rode some seriously good bikes, but it just wasnt the same.
No matter if it is Ducati or Honda but 996 and 998 V twin engines are masterpieces.These engines have soo much character. Riding VTR firestorm with Scoprion titanium slip ons and every time when i start the engine that sound make me goosebumps. It will give you big smile for low price 👌
Previously i owned a 996 in 2004 and sold it that regret followed me for years I have now purchased another in 2023 and wow I love it more than ever the design the ride it really is art on wheels. Way ahead of its time in style and stands out from the crowd to this day and the sound with the termis ... love this bike.
The last Ducati i truly liked. Can't beat that Massimo Tamburini's 916 design, almost perfect for a superbike. The 998R Testastretta is the last of that lineage. Rare and expensive, an absolute keeper.
Awesome episode of a series I’m looking forward to immensely!! One thing I would really love would be to film the start-up of the bike without any background music, just pure, close-up engine note. Im super pumped for the next week, can’t imagine it can get any better bike-wise
I am loving this new series. I am a Ducati fanatic as well and that is all I own now. To ride a 998R would be an absolute dream come true for me as well. I fulfilled my dream of owning a Ducati R and bought a Panigale 1199R last summer. Ducati builds beautiful machines and they make the soul smile when ridden.
Hard to believe this was his first ever ride on the platform. I own a ‘01 748. Regardless of the smaller displacement the bike has the goods. 748, 916, 996, 998-if you get the chance to own/ride, take it.
I totally agree with Chris on every aspect of his experience and the way he felt in that moment. I owned a 2001 very low miles 748 model and often regret parting with it. I've owned many bikes over the years, some real gems but the little duck has stuck with me more than the rest. The unique character of the bike made it most special to me. I was most happy when on it and the pride of ownership stood head and shoulders above the frey. Great video. Thanks!
I love watching your videos , I don't have money to buy a bike , I am from India , but I satisfy myself watching your videos , I wish I would own one someday , I have ridden my friends 125cc Honda bike tho ❤️
I just bought mine...2002 998 in Yellow...I thought I was buying an investment bike, but I started it up (OMG) and then rode it. I think I bought my forever bike.
1996 Ducati 916 Strada owner here. Iconic bikes for sure.Found an original owner 3689 mile no mods on original tires example in 2001. A 996R was also produced. Nearly the same bike . Came out before the 998 R, I believe.
I can tell how giddy you are the last couple mins. It’s what bikers live for! I love my beautiful 998 and won’t ever sell it. It’s an icon and will go down in history as one of the most beautiful bikes ever made. Great video, I look forward to the next episodes!
I remember when the 916 came out when i was like 13.. i tore every bike magazine i had up put that bike all over my room lol..i was unbelievably sad when Ducati went away from the V-Twin engines
Not in the same league but I had a grin on my face like yours the first time I rode my SRAD 750. It’s amazing how bikes can make you feel, the pain, inconvenience and discomfort is all irrelevant when you get on the gas out of a corner. That Ducati is beautiful.
I've watched loads of your videos for bike world and this honestly seems like the most blown away you've ever been by a riding experience and was so glad you thought it was as good as we all dreamed and hoped it would be should our numbers ever come up.
Ive a 998S Final Edition with around 1,000 miles on it. From december 2003. I had it restored and its in my office in mint condition. Still gives me chills all these years later…..
I think hero bikes are just what makes motorcycling fun. All enthusiasts can pick out a point in your life when that first car or bike made you fall in love with the hobby. For me I was 8 years old playing a James Bond 007 video game and there was a yellow 2004 Triumph Daytona 600 that was a getaway vehicle. Ive just dreamed about owning that bike ever since.
The genuine joy & excitement shown in this video is what motorcycling is all about. The most enjoyable video I've watched for quite a while. Great work
Actually had a tear in my eye Chris. You put into words my own feelings of my first Ducati a few years ago. Nothing as flash as this, 1995 M900 but had the same fears of being let down. Actually was so much better and fell in love. Really looking forward to more tests and hearing you reaction
Did you get one in the end Chris? I had a 998FE for a number of years, and also a couple of 748R's, but the 998R has always been my dream bike. I'm getting close to owning one now. I have to say the 748R is more fun to ride than the 998s are imho. The 2002 model also looks pretty close to a 998R, without the carbon, and are at least half what a 998R would set you back!
Great review and well put. I've owned many bikes but nothing is quite as good as a 998S/FE/999R IMO. Totally organic, direct, responsive and a wholly visceral experience. No electronics to "neuter" the effect and so rewarding ride. Try one. Stunning motorcycles.
Great idea for a series. I’ve owned and sold my share of bikes. Even during my 9 year lull from riding the one constant in my garage is my 2002 748r. Every time I look at it, it puts a smile on my face.
Have a 998s had most ducatis including the older 996 and later 999 but this is still the absolute pineal for me, my budget won't stretch to the R but the S by all accounts offers 99% of what I need. Definitely the most intoxicating bike I've ever rode
@@russcole5685 not sure in comparison as never had a 749 but would definitely recommend 999 as more than enough punch for the road and amazing handing, very different range compared to old 916 range as you sit more in the bike and hence feels like your more involved, all the best 👍
Just wait til you ride one on one of those perfect days, with warm tarmac. Nothing compares. I bought the 996 in my thumbnail picture, back in 1999, and I thought I’d buy a 999 or 1198 or Panigale when they were released, but when I tested them, none of them ever felt as good, nor had the same sense of occasion. So I still have it. I’ve still only just less than 8,500 miles on it, as it never goes out in the rain, and it still looks like new. I’m living in the south of france now, and make do with a Multi V4s, but whilst it’s got more power, it’s not got the same character. I have thought about selling the 996 as it’s currently stored in the UK, and would be a faff to get it imported to France and re-registered, but it would tug on the heart strings.
“Bike World Dream Rides” may devolve into “How Chris Became Broke But Ecstatic.” I love the fact that, looking at the 916/998 or the Desmosedici, for example, you can see and FEEL the artistic and engineering basis for today’s Panigale variants. What is it about Ducati’s design aesthetic that just melts our hearts?
Great review an this really hit home as I came to a similar conclusion after years of watching the prices on bikes like These go up n down an constantly having that internal debate of should or shouldn’t I buy one then last week I had a fuck it life’s to short I work to much at least I can say I had one rather than I wish I had got one. So I did exactly what Chris said you should do, I went an bought my dream bike not a 998r but a 999r ! I know most will tell me I bought the wrong Ducati but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I too had read every review and buyers guide out there but to my delight the bike rides miles better than any review every said it does an most say its good to ride an went miles past any expectations I had built up in my head which blew me away even more making me even more in love with the bike. So basically what I am saying is this video hit the nail on the head meet your hero’s and GO BUY THE BIKE!!!
I love Chris's genuine enthusiasm and excitement, the 998R is beautiful! I test rode a 996S back in 2001 and loved it, I can see how it would feel like a real occasion each time you rode it. I had the opportunity to buy one a couple of years ago but decided against it due to the riding position, lovely bikes though. I am really looking forward to future instalments of this series.
I used to own a 748S years ago and sold it. I regretted it so much, I wound up buying a 996 mono last year to scratch that itch. Just go out and get one, they’re unbelievably good (when they’re actually running).
Your love for motorcycles is infectious,, and this series is going to be awesome,, I did and bought a 2006 gsxr 1000 low mileage and love it,, motorcycles give so much back through who you meet but the feeling you get when on something special to you ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️from Northern Ireland so enjoyed watching this,, thank you and the shop for letting you make it
Awesome video - can’t wait for the rest of the series. I adore my 996R (#311) - it just feels like a very special thing to ride and any speed, all the time
I absolutely love this video I relate to it so much as a kid in the 90’s sitting on the back of my dads CBR600 and my uncle on his Kawasaki ninja 750 off to my grandads house, with drinks and sandwiches watching the motoGP or anything bike related on the TV and just absolutely loving life
Undoubtedly one of the best bikes ever made,obviously it hasn’t got the trick electronics and phenomenal braking of todays machines,however it has way more character….its certainly one of if not the most beautiful looking and sounding machines of all time and I think it was best described as intoxicating
A guy who drank at a bar I used to work at owned a 996 and would turn up regularly on it - I was blown away how beautiful it looked, so much it encouraged me to get my full licence (fun fact, this bike is actually in GTA 5)
I wanted a Superduke for quite a while. After the Gen 3 came out, I rode it, loved and bought it that day. Life's too short not to have the bike you want!
I also loved these maybe it’s because it’s my first Ducati I’ve ever seen and heard. It was so cool and rare at the time. It was the days when you never saw a Ferrari ever or a Lamborghini. They just didn’t exist even in Chicago they were extremely rare bikes and cars in those times.
Great review. I used to race big Japp bikes back in the 80’s90’ always admired the 916, but so much more expensive to buy and run at the time. I’ve got a 916 now with over 20k miles on it and every ride is 100% enjoyment. What a sound and what a feeling. Wouldn’t swap it. Buy one now while they’re still reasonable !
great idea. we lov Chris's 'take' on bikes too u know. when he talks tells us about them., who better to explore AND ride dream bikes. gonna follow this series closely!.
I bought one as it was also my dream bike, it’s stunning, even people that know nothing about bikes go ‘wow’. I have an rsv 1000r of a similar vintage too and it feels so much more premium. Strange it was a lot cheaper I mean a lot. I love them both and my son will have them when I cark it.
Always wanted the 996. Bought one 3 years later still loved it but only to look at, first few months you don’t care about comforts but after 3 years you will, got the 749R now and I can honestly say it’s got it all., let’s see how I feel about it next 3 years
Same situation. Clapped eyes on a yellow 748 at 14 and fell in love with it. At 18 I got a cagiva mito in yellow ( baby Ducati 2 stroke) then many years later I see a yellow 748 near me for sale and I just bought it. It was everything I dreamed of sound/way it rides/way it looks. Still get that fizz even after a year of owing it every time I see it I think wow that's my bike! Would love a 998 in yellow but I'm more then happy with the 748
I started riding in 2003...this and the RC51 were at the top of the dream bike list back then. Something about those V-twins just pulled me in. I don't have a need for a 3rd bike in the garage, and my 05 Speed Triple is about as aggressive of a seating position that I can enjoy, but I have a feeling a 998 will end up in the collection soon.
Must admit when I rode one of these back to back on the IoM with an RSVR, I much preferred the Aprilia. It just seemed more intuitive and less compromised, partly due to fit. It was more comfortable and handled better. Not much between them on power but I remember feeling a bit let down by the 998. They say never meet your heros! It was that experience which led me to owning three RSV’s.
I have had a lot of different Ducatis over the years, I've had ''in-lines'' and yes they are fantastic. But I have never had that feeling that you get when you ride a Ducati, they are absolutely just a special experience, to the point where you put up with its minor flaws to have the joy of riding it.
What a beautiful bike whether it’s on its stand or on the road twisting and turning on the bends it looked truly magnificent. Well if only I could ride! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
That last 2 minutes from Chris was so genuine and relatable. Honestly the best bike show on youtube with the most informative and skilled presenter. Well done lads.
Thanks for that!
It’s still a beautiful bike. Perhaps, looks wise, the best design ever?
To still be so good looking 2 decades later is just incredible.
I can totally relate. I promised myself I would rent a 998 for a day when I turn 30. I read every single article about that bike since the 916 came out.
Shortly before my birthday, a 998S came up for sale for a good price and I went for a test ride with my dream bike.
Coming from a ZX-7R it was totally different to ride, demanding at times and certainly nothing I would hand over to a beginner.
And it was exactly what I hoped it would be. Of course, I bought the 998S. This is now 10 years ago. And I don't regret it.
The smile I had under the helmet on the first ride, returns every time even if I only see her standing there in the garage.
The passion comes through in spades. There's nothing like meeting your heroes and then they're everything you always dreamed they would be!
Yes ! True !! Right !!! Correct !!!!
The most beautiful motorbike design ever made. Great show mate! 👍🏻
I really enjoyed the seeing and hearing your excitement riding the bike. In the late 90’s I was an instructor and first had a 1999 916 SPS, then a 2001 996SPS as my personal bikes. I used to instruct on them both using vox 2 way radios. The engine noise was enough to open the vox channel, and trainees often remarked on how good it sounded (I was behind them)
I agree that the clutches were a bit heavy in town work, but the overall ride was a soul enhancing experience. The chassis was awesome, I first got my elbow down on one of these, and as long as you were at the legal limit speed wise, the air cushioning made them very comfortable. I used one to commute from Llandudno to Basingstoke, and can honestly say it was a more comfortable ride than my VFR800. I also learned that the feedback was good enough to allow me to place the tyres either side of an ice berm and then flip them side to side. Also I learned to drift both wheels into corners on these. The 1999 bike with the race chip and pipes was a vicious beast, and all the more rewarding for it. By 2001, the power delivery had been softened somewhat, and it was much easier to ride, so much so, that when a trainee failed their DAS test through nerves when they really should have walked it and was really beating themselves up badly, I swapped out the bikes and allowed him to ride mine the 15 miles or so back to the training centre. We stopped at a McDonald’s on the way back and he was so excited he couldn’t hold the coffee for literally shaking. As you can imagine, he passed a couple of weeks later. Of the 80-100 (lost count) bikes I have owned I would say that the later bike with the full ohlins, and the earlier mapping would have been the very best. It was a dream and an honour to introduce people to bikes and I consider myself very lucky to have been able to do so.
If anyone ever saw an SPS in boxhill car park missing both fairings and heavily scratched on both sides, that was me on the first one.
Keep up the great work, I love your enthusiasm and delivery.
My first ride on a Ducati...any Ducati....was a base 998. 2002/2003. Hence my then ongoing love of Ducatis. 🙂
Love my 996s.
Just stare at it most of the time.
Quite possibly the best looking bike ever made. 🤤👌❤️
As a kid I had a 888sp on my wall. I wasn’t even in to bikes but I had this picture and that’s enough to have that as my ultimate dream bike.
That's a stunning work of art when its static on a paddock stand but its simply sublime and gorgeous leaned over, belting that v-twin bellow in the hands of a capable rider like Chris. Awesome, I got flash backs of Bayliss and Edwards going at it.
the most desireable Ducati ever made!
They are so special ,style, sound out right beautiful, I hv a 2002 748R will ever sell it as owned for 17 years ,Dont.ride it often but when I do it's like yep ,
I remember when I bought my Ducati, what a day! I had to wait until our kids were grown, I felt like a kid again staring at all those magazines. I did really believe it would happen. Just buy it and enjoy.
I'm really glad to hear this wasn't a case of 'don't meet your heroes' 'cos i'm another one who was obsessed with any 916 shaped bikes from their early teens. Still something I haven't had a chance to ride one yet but I hope that day isn't too far away.
I am not a sport bike fan. However I know art, and that bike is art. So few bikes and vehicles can say that. That one is of them.
I loved my old 996 and 998 (Bostrom), watching this makes me want to get another one in the garage to sit alongside the Pani... Hmmmm.
I couldn’t afford a 916 or even a 998 in the late 80’s or early 90’s…..for that reason I bought a Suzuki TL1000s in red and just squinted a lot.
The 916 onwards up to the 998 have to be the most gorgeous looking bike period!
Great vid and you are truly a lucky boy Chris 🤘🏻👍
Chris, so glad you got to ride your dream bike and really enjoyed it. 15 years ago I visited a dealer and all the sales guy had to do was start the bike and I was sold. So my 916 SPS Foggy Rep (#164 of 200) has been with me for over 15 years. I rode about 1100+ miles from Surrey to Misano in 3 days for World Ducati Week 2010 and had a smile like a Cheshire Cat by the end of the journey; especially flying through the long tunnels in Europe. No aches, no pains, just pure fun.
If you ever come to Cyprus, then you are more than welcome to take it for a ride, or hop on either the Ducati Scrambler or KTM 690 Duke. The roads are superb, the food and beer are cheap and the weather is gleaming. Keep up the awesome work as Bike World is by far one of the best channels out there!
Great video. Its so good to see you enjoy that much. Ive got a 2002 998 with over 43000 miles. Ive had it for nearly 3 years now and ride it almost every day. I sometimes think about selling it and getting something else, but that never happens when Im actually riding it. The way it engages the rider is hard to describe. I rode some much newer bikes a few months ago at a demo event involving several different manufacturers. I rode some seriously good bikes, but it just wasnt the same.
916/996/998 and F4 most beautiful Bikes ever. And same Dad.
No matter if it is Ducati or Honda but 996 and 998 V twin engines are masterpieces.These engines have soo much character. Riding VTR firestorm with Scoprion titanium slip ons and every time when i start the engine that sound make me goosebumps. It will give you big smile for low price 👌
I am kicking myself for selling my 998 many years ago. It was mint…and I loved it.
I haven’t even got to the riding bit and I’ve got a smile on my face watching Chris 😁
Previously i owned a 996 in 2004 and sold it that regret followed me for years I have now purchased another in 2023 and wow I love it more than ever the design the ride it really is art on wheels. Way ahead of its time in style and stands out from the crowd to this day and the sound with the termis ... love this bike.
The last Ducati i truly liked. Can't beat that Massimo Tamburini's 916 design, almost perfect for a superbike.
The 998R Testastretta is the last of that lineage. Rare and expensive, an absolute keeper.
Italian art work you can ride, perfect.!!
Just picked up an 851 from 1992. I am older, so the 851 was the dream. I still can't see straight. Ive owned it for 2 days.
Awesome episode of a series I’m looking forward to immensely!! One thing I would really love would be to film the start-up of the bike without any background music, just pure, close-up engine note.
Im super pumped for the next week, can’t imagine it can get any better bike-wise
Yep, that was the one! lucky men. Many thanks for sharing.
I am loving this new series. I am a Ducati fanatic as well and that is all I own now. To ride a 998R would be an absolute dream come true for me as well. I fulfilled my dream of owning a Ducati R and bought a Panigale 1199R last summer. Ducati builds beautiful machines and they make the soul smile when ridden.
Lucky man. The 1199 is the best looking of the modern Ducati’s in my opinion!
Completely agree on that.
Hard to believe this was his first ever ride on the platform. I own a ‘01 748. Regardless of the smaller displacement the bike has the goods. 748, 916, 996, 998-if you get the chance to own/ride, take it.
I totally agree with Chris on every aspect of his experience and the way he felt in that moment. I owned a 2001 very low miles 748 model and often regret parting with it. I've owned many bikes over the years, some real gems but the little duck has stuck with me more than the rest. The unique character of the bike made it most special to me. I was most happy when on it and the pride of ownership stood head and shoulders above the frey. Great video. Thanks!
Best series ever, I remember as a kid having little models of those Ducati’s, very cool seeing these things ridden in adult years
I love watching your videos , I don't have money to buy a bike , I am from India , but I satisfy myself watching your videos , I wish I would own one someday , I have ridden my friends 125cc Honda bike tho ❤️
I felt your passion and excitement there..Good video
What a fabulous review , I felt the genuine excitement and obsession you have had for this bike.
1994 916 strada to the 2002 998R all of them are absolutely fabulous. Get one.
I just bought mine...2002 998 in Yellow...I thought I was buying an investment bike, but I started it up (OMG) and then rode it. I think I bought my forever bike.
1996 Ducati 916 Strada owner here. Iconic bikes for sure.Found an original owner 3689 mile no mods on original tires example in 2001. A 996R was also produced. Nearly the same bike . Came out before the 998 R, I believe.
I can tell how giddy you are the last couple mins. It’s what bikers live for! I love my beautiful 998 and won’t ever sell it. It’s an icon and will go down in history as one of the most beautiful bikes ever made. Great video, I look forward to the next episodes!
Absolutely, the greatest bike ever!!!
I am always laughing with you looking this great video, I love it!
Thank you very much for it!
This is my dream bike. Hands down the most beautiful bike ever made. Keep in mind I own a v4r
Blasphemy…if you own an Aprilia! 🤣😆😂
I remember when the 916 came out when i was like 13.. i tore every bike magazine i had up put that bike all over my room lol..i was unbelievably sad when Ducati went away from the V-Twin engines
This was our favorite Bike World episode of all time.
❤❤
Not in the same league but I had a grin on my face like yours the first time I rode my SRAD 750. It’s amazing how bikes can make you feel, the pain, inconvenience and discomfort is all irrelevant when you get on the gas out of a corner. That Ducati is beautiful.
I've watched loads of your videos for bike world and this honestly seems like the most blown away you've ever been by a riding experience and was so glad you thought it was as good as we all dreamed and hoped it would be should our numbers ever come up.
Ive a 998S Final Edition with around 1,000 miles on it. From december 2003. I had it restored and its in my office in mint condition. Still gives me chills all these years later…..
I think hero bikes are just what makes motorcycling fun. All enthusiasts can pick out a point in your life when that first car or bike made you fall in love with the hobby. For me I was 8 years old playing a James Bond 007 video game and there was a yellow 2004 Triumph Daytona 600 that was a getaway vehicle. Ive just dreamed about owning that bike ever since.
Still the best looking bike ever made by a long way.
The genuine joy & excitement shown in this video is what motorcycling is all about. The most enjoyable video I've watched for quite a while. Great work
Actually had a tear in my eye Chris. You put into words my own feelings of my first Ducati a few years ago. Nothing as flash as this, 1995 M900 but had the same fears of being let down. Actually was so much better and fell in love.
Really looking forward to more tests and hearing you reaction
I have a 2007 1098 with 63k miles and I love it as much today as when I first purchased it 13yrs ago.
Did you get one in the end Chris? I had a 998FE for a number of years, and also a couple of 748R's, but the 998R has always been my dream bike. I'm getting close to owning one now. I have to say the 748R is more fun to ride than the 998s are imho. The 2002 model also looks pretty close to a 998R, without the carbon, and are at least half what a 998R would set you back!
Bought mine new in 2002, sold her in 2015 . Fantastic bike, regret selling it but pleased to have owned one
What a great video, really captured how special these bikes are. Buy one, now
Great review and well put. I've owned many bikes but nothing is quite as good as a 998S/FE/999R IMO. Totally organic, direct, responsive and a wholly visceral experience. No electronics to "neuter" the effect and so rewarding ride. Try one. Stunning motorcycles.
Great idea for a series. I’ve owned and sold my share of bikes. Even during my 9 year lull from riding the one constant in my garage is my 2002 748r. Every time I look at it, it puts a smile on my face.
Have a 998s had most ducatis including the older 996 and later 999 but this is still the absolute pineal for me, my budget won't stretch to the R but the S by all accounts offers 99% of what I need. Definitely the most intoxicating bike I've ever rode
have owned the 749. what is the 999 like in comparison. I'm hoping much the same as 749 but with more punch
@@russcole5685 not sure in comparison as never had a 749 but would definitely recommend 999 as more than enough punch for the road and amazing handing, very different range compared to old 916 range as you sit more in the bike and hence feels like your more involved, all the best 👍
@@elliotanderson4026 happy ANZAC day from Little New Zealand to you my man.
Just wait til you ride one on one of those perfect days, with warm tarmac. Nothing compares.
I bought the 996 in my thumbnail picture, back in 1999, and I thought I’d buy a 999 or 1198 or Panigale when they were released, but when I tested them, none of them ever felt as good, nor had the same sense of occasion. So I still have it. I’ve still only just less than 8,500 miles on it, as it never goes out in the rain, and it still looks like new.
I’m living in the south of france now, and make do with a Multi V4s, but whilst it’s got more power, it’s not got the same character.
I have thought about selling the 996 as it’s currently stored in the UK, and would be a faff to get it imported to France and re-registered, but it would tug on the heart strings.
“Bike World Dream Rides” may devolve into “How Chris Became Broke But Ecstatic.” I love the fact that, looking at the 916/998 or the Desmosedici, for example, you can see and FEEL the artistic and engineering basis for today’s Panigale variants. What is it about Ducati’s design aesthetic that just melts our hearts?
An absolute icon of a bike! 🤤👌
Great review an this really hit home as I came to a similar conclusion after years of watching the prices on bikes like These go up n down an constantly having that internal debate of should or shouldn’t I buy one then last week I had a fuck it life’s to short I work to much at least I can say I had one rather than I wish I had got one. So I did exactly what Chris said you should do, I went an bought my dream bike not a 998r but a 999r ! I know most will tell me I bought the wrong Ducati but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I too had read every review and buyers guide out there but to my delight the bike rides miles better than any review every said it does an most say its good to ride an went miles past any expectations I had built up in my head which blew me away even more making me even more in love with the bike. So basically what I am saying is this video hit the nail on the head meet your hero’s and GO BUY THE BIKE!!!
I love Chris's genuine enthusiasm and excitement, the 998R is beautiful! I test rode a 996S back in 2001 and loved it, I can see how it would feel like a real occasion each time you rode it. I had the opportunity to buy one a couple of years ago but decided against it due to the riding position, lovely bikes though. I am really looking forward to future instalments of this series.
My first Ducati, sadly not a 916,998, was a 900ss with a stage 2 tune by Baines racing, glorious sound, I loved it.
I used to own a 748S years ago and sold it. I regretted it so much, I wound up buying a 996 mono last year to scratch that itch. Just go out and get one, they’re unbelievably good (when they’re actually running).
Your love for motorcycles is infectious,, and this series is going to be awesome,, I did and bought a 2006 gsxr 1000 low mileage and love it,, motorcycles give so much back through who you meet but the feeling you get when on something special to you ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️from Northern Ireland so enjoyed watching this,, thank you and the shop for letting you make it
It is a special day when you meet your heroes and they're everything you thought they would be, and then some
Goosebumps! 👍👍👍👍
Still looks amazing, one of the most beautiful bikes ever made followed by the MV f4
Awesome video - can’t wait for the rest of the series. I adore my 996R (#311) - it just feels like a very special thing to ride and any speed, all the time
Simply Fantastic. Ducati in my soul ❤️
I absolutely love this video I relate to it so much as a kid in the 90’s sitting on the back of my dads CBR600 and my uncle on his Kawasaki ninja 750 off to my grandads house, with drinks and sandwiches watching the motoGP or anything bike related on the TV and just absolutely loving life
I own a Ducati 748. Absolute dreambike. It might not be as sexy as a full spec 998r but damn I enjoy riding it so much
I've got a modded 916 with a 955SP engine. You should one a try some time, a totally different riding experience from the bigger options.
“Motorcycling’s not logical… why not have the one you’ve always dreamt of?” That has just become my favourite ever quote. Great review!
Just buy it! Even if you have to get a loan the appreciation will out pace the interest payment. Only disadvantage is its now or never.
Undoubtedly one of the best bikes ever made,obviously it hasn’t got the trick electronics and phenomenal braking of todays machines,however it has way more character….its certainly one of if not the most beautiful looking and sounding machines of all time and I think it was best described as intoxicating
A guy who drank at a bar I used to work at owned a 996 and would turn up regularly on it - I was blown away how beautiful it looked, so much it encouraged me to get my full licence (fun fact, this bike is actually in GTA 5)
If someone says Ducati, this is the shape you see in your mind👌🏻
I wanted a Superduke for quite a while. After the Gen 3 came out, I rode it, loved and bought it that day.
Life's too short not to have the bike you want!
I also loved these maybe it’s because it’s my first Ducati I’ve ever seen and heard. It was so cool and rare at the time. It was the days when you never saw a Ferrari ever or a Lamborghini. They just didn’t exist even in Chicago they were extremely rare bikes and cars in those times.
Love my 1098s , fantastic bike , always welcome to do a test ride on it , I’m based mid Wales 🏍️👍
Great review. I used to race big Japp bikes back in the 80’s90’ always admired the 916, but so much more expensive to buy and run at the time. I’ve got a 916 now with over 20k miles on it and every ride is 100% enjoyment. What a sound and what a feeling. Wouldn’t swap it. Buy one now while they’re still reasonable !
great idea. we lov Chris's 'take' on bikes too u know. when he talks tells us about them., who better to explore AND ride dream bikes. gonna follow this series closely!.
I bought one as it was also my dream bike, it’s stunning, even people that know nothing about bikes go ‘wow’. I have an rsv 1000r of a similar vintage too and it feels so much more premium. Strange it was a lot cheaper I mean a lot. I love them both and my son will have them when I cark it.
Always wanted the 996. Bought one 3 years later still loved it but only to look at, first few months you don’t care about comforts but after 3 years you will, got the 749R now and I can honestly say it’s got it all., let’s see how I feel about it next 3 years
Nema dalje,to je to!!
What a way to start a new series !!! Absolutely enjoyed this being a Ducati fan boy ♥️🥲
Love the bike, love the Peak District and Chris is the man!
Same situation. Clapped eyes on a yellow 748 at 14 and fell in love with it. At 18 I got a cagiva mito in yellow ( baby Ducati 2 stroke) then many years later I see a yellow 748 near me for sale and I just bought it. It was everything I dreamed of sound/way it rides/way it looks. Still get that fizz even after a year of owing it every time I see it I think wow that's my bike! Would love a 998 in yellow but I'm more then happy with the 748
I started riding in 2003...this and the RC51 were at the top of the dream bike list back then. Something about those V-twins just pulled me in.
I don't have a need for a 3rd bike in the garage, and my 05 Speed Triple is about as aggressive of a seating position that I can enjoy, but I have a feeling a 998 will end up in the collection soon.
Fantastic review. It’s all about how bikes make you feel emotionally. I want one now too…..
Must admit when I rode one of these back to back on the IoM with an RSVR, I much preferred the Aprilia. It just seemed more intuitive and less compromised, partly due to fit. It was more comfortable and handled better. Not much between them on power but I remember feeling a bit let down by the 998. They say never meet your heros! It was that experience which led me to owning three RSV’s.
"Motorcycling isn't logical"
Pure passion. 💯
Truer words have never been spoken.
😂👏
Words can’t describe the feeling of riding that bike, a true legend of a machine, I literally cried riding one of these 🏍👌🏻🤤
More videos of Chris just having a lovely day please 🤘
I have had a lot of different Ducatis over the years, I've had ''in-lines'' and yes they are fantastic. But I have never had that feeling that you get when you ride a Ducati, they are absolutely just a special experience, to the point where you put up with its minor flaws to have the joy of riding it.
What a fantastic start to what promises to be a superb series by my favourite bike reviewer/ commentator/ racer/ enthusiast/ lovable idiot!
What a beautiful bike whether it’s on its stand or on the road twisting and turning on the bends it looked truly magnificent. Well if only I could ride! I’m glad you enjoyed it.