Which Ducati to get?

[RavenM3]

Hi, I'm n00b to the bike thing, I always had passion for bikes but never had the opportunity to own one, well my 20th birthday is coming up and I decided to give myself a little present.
I was considering a used Ducati bike, but am unsure which one to get, I want a 999 but my budget is around 6k, what would you guys recommend?

[ZooTech]

I know nothing about Ducatis except that their valve jobs are expensive, but someone will be along shortly that can help you make an informed purchase.

I just wanted to welcome you to the forum!

[Kal]

My first response may have been a little less complimentary then needed.

As one Ducati lover to another, why do you want a big Ducati for your first bike?

What are you planning on using the bike for?

Have you read the Guidelines surgested for new and returning bikers at the top of this forum?

Whats the speed limit where you live?

and finally

what is your bike experience so far?

[RavenM3]

Well, the Ducati 999 has always caught my eyes and I have always dreamed of owning one; I plan on using the bike as a weekend ride, and I did read the recommended beginner bikes, but I really don't want to start with a smaller displacement bike and move up, because honestly I am a very good and responsible driver, I don't see it being different with a bike; The speed limit is 65mph, and for experience I have little to none.

[Kal]

Its a sweet looking bike, however it is very, very easy to get it wrong.

I strongly recomend that you either go on the MSF course or borrow a friends bike off the road somewhere to see what I mean.

A few of the big differences between bikes and cars include its just a twitch of the wrist to accelerate - the bigger the bike the smaller that twitch needs to be, bikes are inherinetly a lot less stable than cars, its very rare to end up with the front wheel of a car in the air - but very easy with a sportsbike, sportsbike brakes are razor sharp and stop a lot lot quicker than a car, very few people try to run you over in a car.

The reason I am telling you this is not because I want to frighten you, but because its very easy to make a mistake on a bike, especially the large displacement sportsbikes, that would have no consequences in car but have most serious consequences on a bike.

The 999 Biposto
140bhp
162mph
998cc
199kgs

[iwannadie]

if you plan to do the speed limit then why get a bike that does nearly triple the speed limit? do you plan to keep the 999 in 3rd gear at all times? if you buying it for the looks then your stepping into things with the wrong foot imho.

[Itzamna]

The 999 will not be a good beginner bike. Way too much power and torque to start out on. Just imagine how much that fairing's going to cost you when you drop it the first time, which you will. Not saying you're not a good driver or careful, but I can pretty much guarantee you'll drop it.

[DivideOverflow]

I know "Responsible" car drivers that have thrown themselves off much less powerful bikes... Just remember, the first pothole you hit, you will probably need to buy a new helmet. Potholes and things like that have a bad habit of making new riders twitch the throttle... on a 250cc or 500cc, it wont throw you from the bike... on a 600cc and larger sportbike, it probably will.
Just take the MSF, then decide for yourself what size bike to start with, and how much personal risk you are willing to take.

I started on a 250cc cruiser, and I picked up a 79 KZ650 and I can honestly say, I was really glad I started with the 250! Even after riding the 250 for a month, the 650 made me really uncomfortable the first time I rode it. It was a lot heavier, had a lot more power, and was just a different type of beast. I accidently pulled the front wheel up in 2nd gear on a 26 year old 650cc bike! Think about a brand new race bike...it would be a lot worse

[suckingair]

God, I wish I could have afforded a 9xx Duc when I was 20..

This is just my opinion and no more (here be monsters..).. you might want to start with something smaller and easier to ride.. the 999 can send you to jail, in NZ, for a maximum of 18 months, without changing gear..
It has enough pull to take off in 2nd gear, it can top out 2nd somewhere around 150 kph.. maximum open rode limit is 100kph.. city limit is 50 kph.
If I was to do 100+ in a 50, the next words I would be saying to anyone
would be "Hello officer, let me just get in the back of your car.."

A nice ride, no doubt about it.. just not what you would call 'learner suitable'

[Aggroton]

what about a monster?