First Bike Choice?

**Maddison** · 23 Aug 07, 10:47 AM

Dear All,

Wondering if I could possibly bend your ears on buying my first bike?

I have been an avid Ducati fan for many years and have finally taken my test and got my licence. I really fancy getting a 916 or 996? Friends keep telling me I should be going Jap for my first bike, but just couldn't imagine doing so.

Do you think this is the right choice?

What are the main differences between the 916 & 996?

Should I be looking out for anything in particular?

Your help would be greatly appreciated!

Regards,

Maddison

**nogaromill999** · 23 Aug 07, 11:34 AM

Personally, for a first bike, I'd advise AGAINST a 916/996.....in preference to a 2 valver like a 900SS.....its a huge leap onto a 996 from having L plates. My other half just passed her test and I have got her a 750SS......and in a year she'll want a 1098, I know it ! But that year will be an invaluable bridge between the two.....

**zimbo** · 23 Aug 07, 11:37 AM

I'm totally with David above on this, a 750 / 800 / 900SS or a monster would be a much better choice as a first bike. You may struggle to insure a 996 as a new rider, and rightly so - it's a very very fast missile and could easily catch you out!

**Dolestar** · 23 Aug 07, 12:40 PM

arent you all missing the glaringly obvious...

get a 748! - i did for my first bike and im loving it. Plenty of grunt but not TOO much - plus it fulfills some of the most important aspects of 916/996 ownership - the look and the sound.

i will only ever get rid of my 748 if its for a 916/996/998/1098.

**nogaromill999** · 23 Aug 07, 12:43 PM

Not missing the point at all, as Zimbo said, insuring a 4 valver will be more expensive than a 2, and whats the performance difference between a 900SS and a 748? Not a whole lot I'd venture to suggest.....Ease of maintenance, lighter weight, less to go wrong, these are all to be considered with a first bike, you dont want to be put off by complexity on the first go at Ducati ownership !

**Dolestar** · 23 Aug 07, 12:53 PM

fair points, but i actually found that the 748 was the cheapest of my first-bike-hit-list, which were:

bandit
hornet
r6
ninja
748

all of around the same value. In all honesty i put the 748 in as a wild card - thinking i would never get insurance and was chuffed to bits when it came out cheapest.

I agree these can be expensive machines, mine had a £1400 service less than 3 months after purchase - and that hurt. Since then though everythings fine (touch wood) and ive just rolled her into 23k miles and shes still going like sh** off a shovel.

I agree that it may be worth considering the safer route, but come on - you only live once

**Mini Mo** · 23 Aug 07, 01:03 PM

Depends what you want to do. Scratch, do distance, around town etc etc.

Personally I rate the Monster as a first bike. I wouldn't go for the 620 as if lacks the oomph at higher speeds, but certainly the 695 or S2R. It is a great bike around town and can be equally fun on the open road once you get used to the windblast.

If you are going to do lots of distance, well I can recommend the ST2. Fantastic fun, loads of room and protection for long journeys, and you can fit two weeks of luggage on should you wish to go touring or away for the weekend.

The other great thing about the ST2 is there seems to be an emphasis on sports. So you can gun it around on the twisties until your heart's content.

I've never ridden a sports bike so can't comment on your choice, but I'd seriously recommend you try everything you can get your hands on and see what suites you best.

**749red** · 23 Aug 07, 02:23 PM

Hi Maddie,

I agree with all re 916 etc, take it step by step (but do check out my dicky mint 749 in the classifieds!!)
It's a real good starter in the Ducati World.

Good luck!

Chris

**jezjay** · 23 Aug 07, 07:43 PM

Hi Maddison My girlfriends first bike after passing her test is a 748.. she loves it,, check outa couple of pics in gallery i just posted.. we just had a week in france,,, very wet but heaps of fun..

jez

**jezjay** · 23 Aug 07, 07:47 PM

p,s claires passed her test 6 weeks ago and just completed a wicked 1200 mile trek through france.. in all weathers!!!! her 748 never missed a beat.. and also her insurance wasn`t too bad at 600ish with carol nash.. she`s 24.. that also lets her ride any other bike third party only.. ( she loves my 998 !!!)
hope this helps

**Eviltwin** · 24 Aug 07, 02:16 PM

how long have u been riding?
what power bikes?

i have been riding for 6 years stating with a 100cc scooter
then a 125 on/off (exellent in winter ) work horse
then passed my test and got a ninja 600cc
then a r6
not ive got some skills and road sense to handle a 999s

get to know the machine b4 trying to be a billy big d*ck
either way mate have fun

**johnrose** · 24 Aug 07, 02:45 PM

My 'learner' bike was an Aprilia RS125 and first bike just bought is a 749S and is great.
Just have to keep remembering your abilities are way below the bikes and then ypu will have
a great time.

Definately keep having 'ride outs' with people who will observe and give advice
Good luck

**mickchaganis** · 05 Mar 08, 09:40 PM

Just bought a 620 Sport as my first big bike, can't tell you how it rides as i still have to pass my test yet but all the reviews i've read so far say it's a perfect first big bike, not too powerful, good handling and forgiving.