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Thursday, 20 September 2001 |
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Page 4 of 4
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So, would I buy this bike? YES. It's a legal stimulant. It's both a visual and auricular joy. People you don't know will instantly like you, your next girlfriend could quite possibly be a supermodel and more importantly, you will feel good about what you ride. This is not a disposable motorcycle. Its ownership will consume you. You'll never be able to pass this bike in your garage without looking at it. Not the cursory glance afforded to your last Japanese bike but a long hard look of elated admiration and lust.
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I know people that ride this bike aged from 25 to 55. It really can suit all. I appreciate that it's not a limo, and that it has a fairly committed seat and footpeg position, but you can get used to it. One of the nicest things about Ducati ownership is the fact that it's not a fad machine. If you buy this today it will still look good and fresh tomorrow, next year and quite possibly in the next decade.
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It's strange the effect this bike has on you. Here's an exert from an E~mail a R1 riding friend of mine sent to me after riding this Ducati 996 Biposto for the first time…
"Well, It is many hours later and I don't think 5 minutes have passed by without thinking and attempting to re-live the feeling of riding the 996. I love my R1 but the " Ducati " experience is one I must own. I do not think my motorcycling life would be complete without having had the pleasure of owning what is undoubtedly the sexiest most soul-inspiring bike on the planet earth. Notice I said ownership not riding. Yes it was a pleasure riding the bike, but...I'm sure that the feeling of cleaning, polishing and parking your sparkling Ducati in your Ducati-esque coiffured garage and just sitting there, staring at it, knowing it is yours is simply awesome. Honestly, this bike is one that you do not need to ride to take pleasure from. Even after 6 years it is still quite the looker. I have owned 4 bikes in the last 24 months and can honestly say that none give me the same feeling they did when I look at them in my garage after 6 months of ownership as they did before and during the purchase. And to me, aside from sheer performance, looks are everything. A bike is only as good as it makes you feel when looking at it much less riding it. As for the price of ownership, stay tuned I'm working on it"
Yes, he had it bad and within a few days parked a new 996 in his garage...
Like I said, don't fight Ducati lust. Self-control is an overrated concept.
Mike Emery
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2001 Ducati 996 Biposto
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| Engine: |
4-stroke 90 degree L-twin |
| Displacement: |
998cc |
| Bore & Stroke: |
100 x 65.5 |
| BHP |
112 @ 8500 rpm |
| Exhaust |
Termignoni Aluminum Mufflers |
| Torque |
67.2 lbs @ 8,000 rpm |
| Gearbox: |
6 speed |
| Carburetion: |
Marelli efi with 50 mm throttle bodies |
| Ignition: |
Digital/electronic twin spark |
| Frame: |
Tubular trellis |
| Front Suspension: |
Upside-down fully adjustable Showa fork, 43 mm titanium nitride coated tubes, 127mm travel |
| Rear suspension: |
Progressive Cantilever, Ohlins fully adjustable racing shock with piggy-back reservoir, 130mm travel |
| Steering Damper: |
Boge |
| Front Brakes: |
Double Brembo floating 320 mm rotors, 4 piston calipers, Steel braid brake lines |
| Rear Brakes: |
Single Brembo 220 mm rotor, 2 piston caliper, braid brake lines |
| Wheels: |
Marchesini 5 spoke light alloy |
| Front tire: |
120/70/ZR17 |
| Rear Tire: |
190/50/ZR17 |
| Weight: |
436 lbs. (all fluids) |
| Fuel Capacity: |
4.5 gallons (1 gal reserve) |
| Seat Height: |
31.1 inches |
| Versions |
MonoPosto or BiPosto |
| Colors |
Yellow or Red |
| MSRP: |
$16,795 |
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