I first wrote my review of my 2000 Ducati 996S after only having ridden the bike about 500 miles. Well, over four thousand miles later, I still can only gush over this machine. It is still the best looking series of sportbikes ever sculpted out of Italy spanning the 916, 996 and 998 (although the MV Agusta F4-1000S comes close). Granted Japanese sportbikes may be smoother and more refined, the shear torque, grunt and ferocity of the Ducati is something I wish everyone could experience. The sound emminating from the pipes is nothing short of a symphony. The handling of the 996S is where this bike still shines utilizing the amazing Ohlins suspension. Just an all around amazing machine that begs to be driven hard and fast.

After spending the last dozen years with used bikes I found this one brand new this year in a Mid-Missouri dealership. I have thoroughly enjoyed the bike and am glad I found it. I have had a 750 Nighthawk and Suzuki GS 750T and they deffinatly had more power, but I don't miss it as this has plenty for me. The handling, the feel and tame rumble of the V-twin are what sets it apart. It runs perfectly although I think it was basically swept around in the showroom for 5 years. I was debating between this and a YZF-600R which I have ridden on quite a bit and really like both. You sacrifice a little clutch ease, power, and comfort with the Duke but you gain the handling, v-twin, and "uniqueness". The sidestand is shaky at best, that is really my only beef. I also think it works over distance but you really need a break per hour, as I took it 400 plus on the second day. If I stretched it to over an hour, pain set in.

This is the 1st Ducati I have ever owned. I bought my 750SS in 2004 as a leftover from 2000 with 5 miles on it. It is yellow with the half fairing. This bike rocks, the handling is unbelievable and the look is great. The exhaust note is the best sound in the world, that alone turns heads. Then when people turn to look they wonder what kind of bike it is. don't see many Duc's in my area. People are always asking what kind of bike it is. Duc's are real attention getters and even better in the performance department. I know I will get many years of enjoyment out of this bike and hopefully one day I will get a Ducati Superbike.

The trick to the Supersport is the weight. At about 415lbs it's a light bike. But the 750cc version is underpowered. It would be much better to go for the 900cc or the newer 1000cc dual-spark models, which get you about 80 hp after the mandatory exhaust, air cleaner and EFI upgrade. Replace the flywheel with a lighter Ducati Performance one and consider a slight regearing and you'll have one of the fastest real-world bikes around. Pick up from a standing start is awesome and plenty of punch for all but the certified insane. A lot of 40 something sport bike riders end up on these. A bike you can enjoy owning for years, that is as nice to look at today as when it rolled out. Oh, yeah, if you do decide to get something else (999 anyone?) you'll find the resale on Ducati's is much better than on most Japanese bikes. Not for everyone, but a pleasure to ride with the signature fast but stable handling that made the marquee.

I bought my Monster with just over 3K miles on it and then proceeded to rack up several thousand more during the last two years. Great fun, absolute blast of motor, with pretty decent handling. The "tough" look of the bike combined with the classic sound (with C/F pipes!) is just awesome. For real world use and up in the Green Mountains of Vermont where we have some serious twists, turns, and elevation changes, it's a very good choice. It is definitely not a hard-core sport bike (I have a 916 for that) but rather, it's more of a "do many things" bike. For instance, I rode it out to Mid-Ohio for the 2005 Vintage Motorcycle Races (Ducati was the featured marquee) and with the Sargent seat, 50 mpg with stock gearing, small 1/4 fairing, and elevated clip-ons, its was close to perfect. My only dislikes are the non-adjustable suspension and steel swingarm but then again, I did not pay the premium price for these bits.