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| I wrote the Ducati Desmoquattro Superbike FAQ a few years ago based on my own research when I was looking for my personal 916. I've since updated it with corrected info and personal experience with my intemperate Italian bitch. If you want to buy a 748-916-996, this is where you should start. |
What’s good about them?
Well, many things. Most people tend to
agree that the 916 series is a ground breaking model and will remain a classic
motorbike for years to come. This ensures decent resale and means you’ll always
know you bought a motorbike with genuine heritage and prestige. They are
beautiful machines, inside and out, from the small details up to the bike au
complet. The Italians are particularly good at making the machine as a whole
seem like an intricate piece of art, with individual parts being beautiful on
their own merit as well as bolted together. Beyond the good looks, these bikes
are great to ride too. Handling is very manageable and confidence inspiring,
not to mention very stable. These bikes are very responsive to suspension setup
and mild performance tuning, turning a great bike into a fantastic one. And few
will argue against the cachet and head turning potential of these machines.
What’s bad about them?
Many things. They cannot be neglected or
abused – they require frequent maintenance and careful servicing, otherwise
they will suffer serious mechanical failures. They need to be used regularly or
they will suffer a whole other set of problems. The electrical system is
inadequate on early models, without exception. They are dogs to ride at low
speeds, they are uncomfortable, and they are utterly uncompromising machines.
They were designed as race bikes first and street bikes second – remember that
and it won’t seem so bad when you are stalling and cooking yourself in traffic.
As I will explain, there are many areas
that need attention, and many things that can go wrong. But if you are a
patient tinkerer with decent mechanical ability, or someone with a fat wallet
and a helpful dealership, then you can keep them running well forever. And most
of the faults are relatively straightforward and easy to rectify given adequate
patience and a careful hand.
