2003 Ducati Motorcycle reviews

As a vee twin lover, I have always wanted a duke and I find the 999 series to be more comfortable as a daily use bike than previous models. The handling and acceleration is just awesome. Show less

I only bought a second hand Duc because there are not many main dealers here selling big bikes. So I had no preconceptions about Ducati or Monsters. Since I bought my bike nine months ago, I just love it more and more. Once you get your confidence, the acceleration is blistering. Worst thing is the sore hand with the clutch in heavy traffic. What's this about a clutch recall? Show less

This is a great bike maybe not the highest horsepower but it puts the power it has to very good use. It is very fast. I haven't had any problems. Fantastic brakes and handling. This bike feels like an extension of the rider. It goes wherever you point it as fast as you want it. If you want something different, this is it. It holds you like an Italian lover and is just as expensive, but worth it. Show less

This is the finest machine and the best ride I have ever been on. And I have had 9 others, from supersport to cruisers. It is nimble, powerful, has great comfort for all day and torque on command. I've never had any problems at all with it. It's great with two up, though the back seat I was told needs help. Forget the specs, it just has a great feel and sound. It is a keeper. Show less

My Monster was my first motorcycle. I have put 2k miles on it since purchase. For a person unfamiliar with motorcycles, it feels quite fast at first. Eventually, however, you will want a more potent mill. On the other hand, every other aspect of this bike is solid gold. It has the look, feel, sound (!), and manners of a perfect bike. I originally bought it for commuting, but the Ducati culture will suck you in! I'll probably buy a different bike soon, but by different I mean a Monster with a bigger motor. By all means, though, this is the best place to START. Show less

I have had nothing but a smile on my face from day 1. I bought the bike with 2 miles on it and it has broken in quite nicely. What I really love about the bike is the torque and power in the low gears. This bike was made to carve corners. With that said the only draw backs I have found with this bike is the stock pipe set up. I find myself scraping the pipes when I am leaning into sharp corners. This problem can be cured with the installation of high mount pipes. Also I know they went with a 6 speed tranny in the 2004. Very smart, because I find myself looking for 6th all the time. Show less

I bought my '03 M1000DS last September and rode it home the next day, clocking 500+ miles. It's not perfect but if you make mods (bars, seats, etc.) to make it fit you, you'll love the bike. This is my fourth Ducati and I get bored with bikes pretty quickly (six bikes in the last 4 years) and I can honestly say I plan on keeping this bike for many, many years. Show less

First of all, I must confess that I am a sport touring person more that a sport bike rider. In fact, previously I was riding a BMW R1100SA. I decided to change bikes for 2 reasons: First I was not riding that much, so it did not make sense to ride every now and then with a brand new sport tourer just sitting in my garage. I initially got it for commute purposes. Also, the BMW is a bit heavy, which makes it difficult or challenging to just take it out just to get coffee in the neighborhood. Anyway, initially I was reluctant to get a sport bike because they are not comfortable. (My BMW was a 2004 with just 1000 miles on it and I traded it in for a Ducati). However, when I saw the Ducati 998 Matrix in dark green that perspective changed. I did not want a typical red sport bike because I felt that over time I would get tired of looking at it. Also, everyone has a red Ducati or sport bike. At first, riding the 998 was uncomfotable and I felt sore and tired. However, with each time that I rode the bike I adjusted more and more to its riding position. The bike is so much fun and fast. It looks so cool! This is the one bike that I enjoy looking at as much as riding it. Sometimes, I just go out into the garage with my coffee and just look at it and sit on it and start the bike up. Some nights I can't sleep knowing that I am going for a ride. I assure you 15 minutes on this bike and you feel completley satisfied. Show less

I'm not a fan of the cookie cutter Japanese bikes. Ducati's have personality. I love my bike, the only complaint I have is the seat. Not too comfy on longer rides. When I tell people I have a "Ducati", their faces light up with interest. Show less

I've owned a 999 for over a year now. Early models had a problematic dash. Mine was replaced. I've ridden other makes with similar early model "opportunities" so I'm forgiving. Maybe the real reason I'm forgiving is the bike simply over delivers as a sporting ride. Cornering, handling, suspension, thrust, and performance -- it all comes together on this bike. So do the looks. Not a me-too. The ergonomics are friendlier than the 998 Superbike model it replaced, but the attitude is still aggressive... this also makes sense when the Ducati comes into its realm -- at speed on a sporting ride or at the track. Show less