Two Ducs

[Scout63]

I picked up this 1998 916 from a friend, drained the tank and parked it in my office next to my 78 SS. I’m too old, stiff and fearful to see myself thrashing either out in the real world. I seem to max out my moxie in the early part of third gear.

[cliffrod]

Definitely a first world problem…..

Looks great, Ben.  That’s a great pair of bikes to have to contemplate.  Very cool.

[Canuck750]

Great pair of Italian thoroughbreds! Your spoiling them, but that’s what a dedicated caretaker does. 👍

[John A]

It made me think of having a timber rattler for a pet….

[cliffrod]

It made me think of having a timber rattler for a pet….

That’s kinda funny- for a while back then, Randy had one in an aquarium on the counter at his bike junkyard (6 Mile Cycle) near one end of the Dragon.  I guess he would have let me pet it, but I never tried…

[Tusayan]

A 916 is a good bike to buy right now, if you can find a nice one. Good value, as long as you accept that it’s artistic value you’re buying as much as it is a motorcycle to ride.  They’re fast and don’t feel numb like many newer bikes but the bevel SS is actually more comfortable to ride as a road bike.

Mine live in the garage, basically the same as Scout63’s but in each case a couple of years more recent vintage.



The ‘99 ST4 and ‘97 belt 900SS that also compete for my maintenance and attention are also ‘the same only different’ but in a different way.  Compared to the 916/996 and Bevel SS respectively they have some things in common but are better for riding any substantial distance.

If I want to ride something really easy and non-threatening, the carb SV650 is that.  Guzzis are for soul warming contrast, at least that’s why I have them.

The cost of all four Ducatis combined was less than one nice new bike nowadays although it’s true that the bevel SS was bought in 1993 dollars, at the bottom of the model’s depreciation curve. The others aren’t recent acquisitions either, also bought when a nice one could be found for not too much.

Buying a nice 916 when it comes your way might not be the worst thing… 

[AH Fan]

Very nice.
As a friend and Ducati engine builder once told me............. These were the real Ducatis and were exotic and hand built per say.
I was fortunate to own and ride a 996 mono and it was exotic and horribly uncomfortable...... ...... but that didn't matter.
I held those machines in very high regard as big harry chested exotics that are unfortunately no more.

Ciao

[Juan1]

You guys are living the dream. I recently sold my S2R800 Monster.  Need to take care of a couple things financially, but then I'll be right back on an S2R. 

[Scout63]

I bought it almost purely for aesthetic reasons, which is kind of silly.  These bikes should be ridden.

[Dave Swanson]

Nice score!  I don't blame you for snagging it.  I know I would have.

I had a 916 and really enjoyed it.  I was about 55 at the time.  I'm sure I would be in more discomfort now at 68 than at 55, but that doesn't stop me from wanting another. 

[LowRyter]

You guys have nice collections.   

[Pescatore]

Nice display of evolution.
The Italian would say: Non c'è due senza tre!

[Stretch]

 

 

[Roebling3]

Ride that pup off the edge of the earth! None of us will last forever - Life gets shorter every day.

I've always had an SV650S (3 in a row. 100+K each}, + various treasures of rare bikes. It's been a hoot, with great friends. Nearly all
MG owners. Thank you.

MG's timing could have been better - V100.  R3~

[Vecchio Lupo]

I had a friend in New Orleans in the late 90s, he rode an 851 Super bike as his commuter. I thought what a dumbass;...I wanted to be him so bad, but an 851? I could only aspire.