Ducati 749 Dark Motorcycle reviews

I came from an HD and just never knew what I was missing. If you want a cruiser with power, then you need to ride this bike!!! Show less

First off, I have the 2006 model in black. I'm at a loss of what to say about the bike that hasn't already been said, so I'll tell you about a couple of my experiences so far owning and riding it. I usually get at least 1 of 3 questions every time I stop somewhere to hang out while out riding..1) How much was it? 2) How fast is it? and 3) What kind of bike is it? I've on mulitple occasions been stopped and asked if a picture of my bike can be taken, even once while at a red light and a guy using his cell phone camera. I recently told my wife that I wish I had a hidden cam attached to my helmet so she could see the looks I get while on my bike. Is it the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden? Of course not, and I didn't expect it to be. Is it the best handling bike I've I ever had, absolutely! The most fun to ride, affirmative! The cheapest to buy and maintain, duh? Of course not. The bottom line is if you can get one of these Italian masterpieces to call your own, then by all means do so. It's not a coincidence that the vast majority of reviews you read about this bike, or other Ducati superbikes for that matter, are all the same. I'm just thankful that I've been blessed with the good fortune to be able to have one best superbikes ever made. Show less

This is my first Ducati ever - bought it used. I upgraded from a Ninja 250, and it is a blast. The performance on this bike didn't get a five star due to having to down shift to lower gears when wanting to open her up. Comfort is a little rough, but you will get use to riding her after a while. I have ridden for 5 hours straight and my wrist were a little sore. I would recommend this bike to someone who has some experience under their belt. The torque on this bike is a amazing and not for the timid rider. Remember, ride safe. Show less

What else can I say? Truly exotic and gets looks everytime all the time. I find myself just staring at it after every ride and would wake up in the middle of the night just to stare at it again. Is that silly or what? No - that's a Ducati! The Italians really knows how to look sexy. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Maserati, Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Gianni Versace and so on. They all have sex appeal but/and I haven't even talked about the performance of my bike yet. The 749/999 has this distinctive sound when in idle and when it revs. The dry clutch is a thing of beauty. You'll know it's a Duc when it passes by. I have read magazine articles where older Ducs when tested/pitted against more powerful Jap Superbikes with the expert riders/testers scratching their heads and wonder why this less powerful bike clocks faster lap times than the more powerful Jap superbikes?! The other bikes when leaned over has a tendency to stand up where Ducs will remain in it's lean angle position all day all night. Truly mysterious but amazing. There is nothing else like it in the world - well except another Duc. I rated comfort as 1 star - the worst. C'mon guys that's the truth. It was primarily designed for speed and not comfort - get a CBR Honda if that's what's important to you. I would not ride my Duc from Cali to Las Vegas(9 hrs.) but I will track the bike all day for 9 hrs. with 15 minute breaks after each hour. Getting old or what? :( Anyway, if you have money saved up for a sportsbike like a Gixxer, Kawi or Yammie R6/R1 - save a little bit more and get a Duc - it's well worth it. Why do I say that? Well check out current rider's on these Jap bikes and how they drool and sweat when they see a Duc pass by. They always talk about upgrading to a Duc someday. Why upgrade - just go straight to the point and get a Duc instead. Show less

Recently purchased this motorcycle after shopping and stewing over several brands. I have to say that this is one heck of a bike and I love it to no end. It's so very responsive and just a joy to ride. Show less

I've had my Dark for about a year now and it's been good fun. On the positives, the bike gets a lot of attention while cruising especially downtown with the renown Ducati rumble (you have to 86 the cat to get it though) or when it's parked. You definitely get a Wow factor from people when owning a Ducati, more so than any other manufacturer. Ducati dealerships often have open houses when new models come out. This is a great opportunity to demo all of their models. How many manufacturers let you demo their entire line at one sitting? There are tons of aftermarket parts to customize. The motor is very un intimidating with good pull, solid shifting. Plenty fast enough for this type of bike. I've had it up to 120 with some room to spare. This is a great bike to start on or transition to. The downers are the suspension has limited to no adjustability, small fuel tank gives you limited range. In town riding the low fuel light comes on around 75 miles. Hwy mileage is better but your range is around 120 miles. Maintenance is going to cost you so be prepared. I was quoted $500-$700 for a 6k service between two different Ducati dealers. Keep in mind Ducati recommends this type of service every 6k miles. Bottom Line: While there are faster and more powerful bikes with less maintenance considerations this Duc makes the right sounds, has the look, has enough torque and hp to get the job done. If you want to stand out from a sea of rice-burners and Harleys you can't go wrong. Show less

First bike, although I wanted the 999, this seems sufficient when it comes to speed....haven't managed to redline it past 4th...ONLY negative is the vibration above 7000rpm....it gets annoying sometimes, as for seat and riding position it DID hurt at first but after 1500kms or so I adapted to it quite well. I'm short and the seat height isn't TOO friendly.....although the suspension HAS slightly lowered since I got it new. As for attention, this does the job ! Thumbs-ups and stares at lights, double-takes when you scream down the street, speaking of which after the 2500km FULL break-in, it got considerably louder. Amazing bike ! Show less

I have no complaints whatsoever. The bike is completely reliable. There are no leaks or any other problems as posted by others. My 600 mile service was just completed and I've spent 3-4 times as much on the first service on other bikes. I love the under seat exhaust, but you do experience a lot more exhaust heat than with a conventional exhaust. Of course in the fall/winter it's like having a built-in heating system... nice and toasty. Overall, would highly recommend. Show less

I had the bike since April no problems so far. Very fun to ride and peppy. A head turner expecially after upgrading he exhaust. The stock system is too quiet. Show less

It was scary buying this bike because I couldn't test drive it. Well now I can say it was worth every penny. If I ever buy another new bike it will be a Ducati. Go ahead, by the time you get passed your break in you will be part of the machine. Show less