Motorcycle guys;
I've been thinking about trading in my '99 996 for the '04 998s FE (Final Edition). I used to have a 916 and this will be the last year the 916 body style will ever be produced. My bike is getting old and I wouldn't mind the 916 body style for another 5 years. My 996 is paid off and the new 998s will run about 20k . The wife is willing to go with the idea :D .

Here the lit. from the ducati website:
"2004 will mark the ten-year anniversary of the most iconic and victorious motorcycle ever made. As a final tribute to this remarkable creation, Ducati presents the limited edition Ducati 998S Final Edition.

The “S” model Testastretta engine delivers the extraordinary power and performance the world-beating 996R. Included is the Corse extended crankcase sump - for positive lubrication no matter the acceleration or lean angle.

Fully adjustable Ohlins front forks and an Ohlins rear shock let you lean-in and power-out confidently in the turns, while an Ohlins steering damper keeps the front end stable.

Additional features make the 998 F.E. a truly unique bike. A silver plate on the steering head is inscribed “Ducati998S Final Edition”. The bike tail is painted like the Italian tricolor (red, white and green) and bears the Italian claim, Ducati Campione del Mondo (Ducati World Champion). The tank is emblazoned with Victor’s laurels, the number 1 and the total number of 998 victories (8 Championships, 115 races)."

Type L twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder Desmodromic; liquid cooled
Displacement 998 cc
BorexStroke 100x63.5 mm
Compression Ratio 11.4:1
Power 100 kW - 136 HP @ 10000 rpm
Torque 101Nm - 10.3 kgm @ 8000 rpm
Fuel injection Marelli electronic fuel injection, 54 mm throttle body
Exhaust 2 aluminum mufflers by Termignoni
Emissions Euro 1
Transmission
Gearbox 6 speed
Ratios 1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3th 28/20, 4th 26/22, 5th 24/23, 6th 23/24
Primary drive Straight cut gears; ratio 1.84
Final drive Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 36
Clutch Dry multiplate with hydraulic control

 

I'd do it...but that would mean my wife would start smoking again...long story short...sold all my bikes on a compromise that my wife would quit smoking and killing herself while I would stop riding waiting for someone else to kill myself...

any way it's a beautiful bike and it's a shame this is it for this style...i had a 916 as well..bought it after watching Fled and of course the races and driving it...sniff sniff..i miss riding SO BAD...

 

desmo996,
I have one of the last 998's but I also have the new 999S.
I have been a duck fan for 15 years the 999 has a design that grows on you but is superior in every way to the old design.
It is more comfortable, handles better and it won the World SBK and Italian Superstock championships.
Try it and you will never look back.....all the members of our Ducati club rode my new 999 and they all agreed that the new Duck does rule! The older bikes do have that sexy style that is hard to replace, but the new one is THE ****.
I also ride a new MV Agusta F4 AGO, but don't get me started on that one.
The Baller

 

damn baller...i have wanted a MV Agusta F4 S for forever now...and you have the AGO!!...nice ride man...i'm trying to think of a way to get my wife to let me back into the sports bike arena..but I have to many hobbies as is...but anyway...glad to know that members here have great tastes in bikes as well...

 

Thanks XeRo,
You are welcome to come for a ride any time!
I like 2 wheels better than 4 most of the time.

 

Baller;
Thanks for the insight. I did test drive the 999 and I was also very impressed. I'm very confused. I love my 996 and the wife gave the "go ahead" for the 998 (10k after trade in). I could also keep my 996 an I could trade in my WR426 dirt bike for the 999 (Also 10k after trade in). I only have space for two bikes in my garage. The Tamborini's F4 would also be nice, but I would wait for 1000 cc version. To be or not to be?

 

AGO

 

999 &8

 

Toys

 

i just soiled my pants...my garage used to look like that...but I had a '97 Duc 916 and a '96 Kaw Ninja ZX7 R...didn't really ride the ZX that much, i just liked the paint job...

 

Bad or good experience? I've heard horror stories regarding reliability and maintainability.

 

Put your pants and demand your toys. If she cares for you, she'll understand your needs (finance permiting, of course) :D

 

It never ceases to amaze me that no matter what an Italian makes it is guaranteed to be beautiful. Cars, bikes, furniture, architecture, whatever! It has got to be genetic.

 

Nothing but good for both Ducati and MV..........The Italians really do know how to design! Beautiful.......

 

Oooo but those 916's are torture racks to ride distance on! They go pretty good on the track tho.. even when the 916 in question has a habit of missing the 2-3 shift out of the hairpin

Has there been any more word on the Benelli Tornado triple? That's a sweet lookin' bike..

 

DESMO...yeh...i tried the whole sob thing...needing to be back on the bike and all...didn't work...i even went the other direction and said, "You acquired me with the bikes, so it only makes since that they stay..(or really get at least another one)." that didn't fly to well...I always get the "we made a deal" speech..and the.."go ahead buy a bike and i'll start smoking again" thing...i'll just have to pretend and envy everyone elses....oh well...

 

Well, at least you gave it the old college try. Hate being blackmailed by the wife. Tell her you'll cut her off (sexually) if she does not comply with your wishes (counter blackmail). She'll probably cave in, eventually. You'll have blue ***** for three months, but if your passionate about riding bikes, it will be worth it. :D

 

The only Duc I can see myself on is the Multistrada - finally a Duc that does not require me to bend my body in unnatural ways. The 916's are beautiful things, however.

The only reason a 'Strada is not currently in my garage is because I want to wait and see the Duke 990 when it finally arrives.

Ron.
--
'96 KTM Duke 3rd Edition

 

Damn nice bikes!

Vince
1983 RZ-350