Curious who here rides sport bikes?
I just got rid of my ninja 636 recently, and I just picked up a slightly used Ducatti 996s.

Anyone here ride? Whatca got?

I don't have anything, but mayyyybe sometime I'd like to pick one up. My best friend has an '82 Yamaha YZ552 (I think thats what it's called, but I'm not sure) They only made it for a few years, and they're quite rare apparently. He wants to trade it off on a used R6 sometime soon. I don't know much about sport bikes and crotch rockets, but the idea of having a vehicle that can do 200MPH, run the 1/4 mile in 10 seconds and get 45MPG is VERY appealing nowadays!

What are the good ones? I know nothing about sportbikes so you'll have to fill me in.

What are the good ones? I know nothing about sportbikes so you'll have to fill me in.
Well....hmm. All the major affordable brands are pretty equal. If were talking 600cc's (Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda) they all are about the same price, about the same speed, and have pretty much identical gear/specs. Each put down about 105-110 whp stock, iirc. The Kawasaki 636 is considered a 'cheater' bike, as it has an extra 36 cc's over the rest of the 600's. What I liked about 600's was the very hi redlines, 15000 rpm give or take. Sounds INCREDIBLE when going hard. Very hi-whine, F1 style.
Basically, if youre in the market, or your friend is, you wanna ride each, as the seating position is slightly different in each, and each dealership can give different rates. Each bike is close enough, that loan rates and seating position are deciding factors. The seating position changes with each model of bike too. Take for example a Honda F4i and a 600rr (bascially the race version of the F4i). The F4i has a very upright sit, whereas the 600rr is more aggresive, bent over more. Each company has their own versions of this too.
Another thing you may consider is a bike with a side-mounted exhuast. In the event of a crash of any speed, the side-mounted exhuast pipe (worth $2-300) may save alot of the bikes plastic from getting scratched and broken. Buying new plastic could easily run $1000, then you've gotta repaint on top of that price. Thats why a side-mount exhuast is good.

Hope it helped a bit.

Yeah thanks :)

I have no motorcycle licence or permit yet, but I'll look into getting one soon, it seems to be the trend among my group of friends anyways.

I probably have my head in the clouds, but would a R1 or a Hayabusa be fitting for a first bike, or would it be like giving a kid a 360 Modena for his first car? What would be a good starter newer sport bike?

The hard thing for me anyways is that I'm 5'6", so there arent many bikes that I feel comfortable on, most are too tall for me as I found out when I was at a local dealer. Speaking of which, I'm gonna go to the same dealer and pick up some brochures on the main companies so I can delve into this field. The local dealer has Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Ducati and a few more

I thought this thread was gonna be about quads and dirtbikes lol...I have a quad!!! My man's is MUCH cooler though.

Yeah thanks :)

I have no motorcycle licence or permit yet, but I'll look into getting one soon, it seems to be the trend among my group of friends anyways.

I probably have my head in the clouds, but would a R1 or a Hayabusa be fitting for a first bike, or would it be like giving a kid a 360 Modena for his first car? What would be a good starter newer sport bike?

The hard thing for me anyways is that I'm 5'6", so there arent many bikes that I feel comfortable on, most are too tall for me as I found out when I was at a local dealer. Speaking of which, I'm gonna go to the same dealer and pick up some brochures on the main companies so I can delve into this field. The local dealer has Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Ducati and a few more

R1 and Hayabusa are far from beginner bikes. Like you said, it's like getting a kid an exotic sports car as a learner car. They will get you from zero to dead in no time flat. I say 600 is a good size to start on and you can carry that on into much more advanced riding. Once you are able to ride the bike hard enough to get rid of the chicken strips on the tires, you may consider going larger. I've been riding for 5 years and I am just now getting to use the full power available on my 600 (Yamaha YZF-600R) through the curves.

Hmmmmm... I like the way that sounds, I'll pick up some brochures Wednesday and begin the exhaustive research!

R1 and Hayabusa are far from beginner bikes. Like you said, it's like getting a kid an exotic sports car as a learner car. They will get you from zero to dead in no time flat. I say 600 is a good size to start on and you can carry that on into much more advanced riding. Once you are able to ride the bike hard enough to get rid of the chicken strips on the tires, you may consider going larger. I've been riding for 5 years and I am just now getting to use the full power available on my 600 (Yamaha YZF-600R) through the curves.

agreed but at the same time I have to say dont get a bike, even though I want another in the worst kind of way.......had an 04 or 05 I think :confused: either way 2 weeks into it, I was doing under the speed limit, and so you know I was on a red r6 with red gear/helmet....basically a strobe light....and a damn navigator cuts into a decel lane slamming my foot into her bumper, ripping the side of the bike apart, I kept it up, but spent my birthday on crutches....albeit I had a cruiser for 1 1/2 years before that with no probs, cars ALMOST respected me as another car....I should have known better though everyone of my friends with a bike as wrecked it (and yes I know the saying 2 types of riders, gone down/will go down) along with my cousin being decapited on a sports bike........basically what Im saying no matter how careful you are something WILL not MIGHT, WILL!!! happen so you must be ready to face that...other than that stick with a steel cocoon, I know I did.....even though I'd kill for a V-Rod.....I guess my good sense will never kick in.

Yeah thanks :)
I probably have my head in the clouds, but would a R1 or a Hayabusa be fitting for a first bike, or would it be like giving a kid a 360 Modena for his first car? What would be a good starter newer sport bike?

The hard thing for me anyways is that I'm 5'6", so there arent many bikes that I feel comfortable on, most are too tall for me as I found out when I was at a local dealer. Check out Suzuki's. I find those fit a little small its seems. You might also look at a Katana, maybe an F4i, more upright comfortable riding positions, still 600's, slightly detuned i think. Look the same, same big ass brakes.
Also, a stock Hayabusa will eat a Viper in a straight line. I rode a busa about 2 years after I started riding, and it scared the shit outta me then. A supercharged 360 modena is a better comparison for a first car. :)

Once you are able to ride the bike hard enough to get rid of the chicken strips on the tires, you may consider going larger. I've been riding for 5 years and I am just now getting to use the full power available on my 600 (Yamaha YZF-600R) through the curves. Sounds like you've got a good handle on the bike. I wasn't sure about going to a 1000 so soon either, but I got such a good deal on the 996s.

agreed but at the same time I have to say dont get a bike, even though I want another in the worst kind of way.......I guess my good sense will never kick in. I dunno, I think you could simply ride when theres no traffic. I NEVER ride in heavy traffic, or even moderate. It's always early on a wknd morning too.

I want a bike, but know better than to get one. I'm too lead footed to be on a vehicle with no cage, and able to do 120-190 mph.

I used to ride gixxers, but my riding days are long gone now. Most my buddies who are now racing rode gixxers too. To me its the perfect bike. I just never liked the way the cbr rode, and r1's were ok, just felt weird compared to my gixxer. I LOVE ducati though. The 996S is sex on 2 wheels. Post up pics when you have a chance!

Sportbikes are the ultimate thrill machine, but they are also the ultimate suicide machine. I mean you're on the freeway, and a car merges into your lane without seeing you, hits you and BAM! You're gone! It's definetly not something for rush hour or crowded streets and highways. I'd want a lot of space to feel comfortable on one.


Side note, isn't the Hayabusa the fastest bike in a straight line?

I have owned many many bikes... fave was my Duc 996s... pics on my myspace page.

http://www.myspace.com/hitmoney

Also Co-Owned California Sportbike Racing in early 90's out of Costa Mesa California.

How much is a Ducati new compared to a new Honda or a Suzuki or a Yamaha?

How much is a Ducati new compared to a new Honda or a Suzuki or a Yamaha?

I would say on average 1/3 more on regular sportbikes and double on special models like the "S" or "SPS".

Mine was 20k back in 1999, then invensted another 10k in an eye blink! :confused:

But there is nothing like a Duc... might not be the fastest, but the handling is world class and well... it's Italian machinery. :thumbsup:

MSRP on a Hayabusa is $13k which is pretty much top of the line for Japanese sportbikes. R1s and R6's are around $11k

Side note, isn't the Hayabusa the fastest bike in a straight line? Not just the fastest bike in a straight line, its the fastest production vehicle on the road in a straight line. The only thing that comes close is the new Bugatti. Busa's are good for around 17 secs or so 0-200mph. Thats a couple seconds faster then the Hennessey Viper 1000tt and almost 10 seconds faster then the McLaren F1.

But there is nothing like a Duc... might not be the fastest, but the handling is world class and well... it's Italian machinery. :thumbsup:
Might not be the fastest, but it's gonna take a little while for me to get use toa 1000cc :) This bike does handle incredibly well tho, so balanced. And its certainly not the wheelie machine the R1 is.

No, but on the twisties (once you get comfortable) you will OWN an R1.. and thats what counts.


Wheelies, heh... My Duck was a wheelie machine... But I had upgrades out he whazoo. Power Commander, Sprockets, Head work, hand made pipes, tranny mods, you name it.. I had it.

I miss the rattle of my dry clutch.... <starts weeping>

My Duck was stolen very shortly after it was 100% completed... the thief crashed it, lived for a month in a coma then they uplugged him and he went straight to hell.

Not just the fastest bike in a straight line, its the fastest production vehicle on the road in a straight line. The only thing that comes close is the new Bugatti. Busa's are good for around 17 secs or so 0-200mph. Thats a couple seconds faster then the Hennessey Viper 1000tt and almost 10 seconds faster then the McLaren F1.


Haha wow so you mean by the time my cars at 80MPH, this things at 200?! Wow! Good lord!

My Duck was a wheelie machine... But I had upgrades out he whazoo. Power Commander, Sprockets, Head work, hand made pipes, tranny mods, you name it.. I had it.

I miss the rattle of my dry clutch.... <starts weeping>

My Duck was stolen very shortly after it was 100% completed... the thief crashed it, lived for a month in a coma then they uplugged him and he went straight to hell.My 636 was much less modded. Arata slip-on,PC3, 520 chain, and a whole bunch of visual mods (signals f/r, fully black paint, powdercoated black wheels, etc..). I wanna get into more performance mods with the 996 tho...can you suggest a good forum and/or website for parts?

Hate to hear your bike was stolen, but man, talk about revenge happening quickly...

Haha wow so you mean by the time my cars at 80MPH, this things at 200?! Wow! Good lord! Yeah, the Busa is a wild machine. The crazy thing is thats stock. There are numerous videos of the Busa with NOS and/or big bore kit and/or turbo! Yes, turbo'd Hayabusa.

I know, I've seen those videos :cool2:

My 636 was much less modded. Arata slip-on,PC3, 520 chain, and a whole bunch of visual mods (signals f/r, fully black paint, powdercoated black wheels, etc..). I wanna get into more performance mods with the 996 tho...can you suggest a good forum and/or website for parts?

Hate to hear your bike was stolen, but man, talk about revenge happening quickly...

Sorry, I don't have any websites... I am sure there are plenty out there.

All my work was done at two different shops in Atlanta... one of them doesn't exsist anymore...Ducati Atlanta. :eek: The second shop was a local machine shop where all the motor work was done.

What I do suggest is a good set of pipes, I first had a set of Carbon Termignoni pipes which worked well before I got the quads. Power Commander is a must as well as gearing to your needs.

Have your suspension professionaly set up, this can make the difference between hating and loving your 996. You should have no more than 1 inch of suspension sag when you sit on the bike. Rebound and preload settings will take some time to get right. There is almost to much adjustability in the 996s' suspension.

The bike is not a HP monster but does produce enough torque to make you think twice about how much right hand to use on corner exits. Many a time I came out sideways with the front wheel aloft up in the North GA mountains. Georgia Pines are not a good site when sideways with front wheel aloft BTW. :tisk:

I might as well mention that nothing brakes better than a 996 or 999 as well. They are so good that other bikes have crashed trying to brake when I did. I had a friend on a ZX-9 clipping with me on the way to Ellijay GA... there is one corner that always creeps up on me... I had to brake hard to enter the falling away sweeping left, when on my outside comes a locked up ZX-9 which stopped abruptly when the secondary emergency brake was engaged.... we call this brake the gaurd rail. My friend was ok, save some bruises and a busted ego... ZX-9.. bent front end, totaled body work, tank, radiator, oil cooler etc... Great thing was I had plenty of brake left over going in... Gotta love the Brembos. My 996s loved to be trail braked once keeled over in a turn.

A Busa and a Duck's only similarities are that they both have 2 wheels. Two machines built for totaly different set of riding styles. Duck is the jet fighter, fast and agile... the Busa is like the SR-71 Blackbird, extremeley fast but handles like a couch. Also the new Kawi ZX-14 claims to be a Busa beater. <shrugs> I dunno... as these type of bikes aren't my style. I like to use more than just the center of my tire. ;)


These pics taken 2 weeks before her kidnapping from this very lot. I ran a bike night behind the Riviera in mid-town Atlanta on Friday nights..... Only thing different from these pics and her kidnapping was I had installed a full Carbon Fiber swing-arm.. an EXTREMELY expensive piece also destroyed in the crash.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hitmoney/Toys/IM001576.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hitmoney/Toys/IM001560.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hitmoney/Toys/IM001566.jpg

sportiest thing I have is my Honda Pacific coast, it s bit shy on horsepower compared to the Duck and does not come equiped with a long legged model in a short black dress either:bouncy:

A lobng time ago, in a galaxy far far away, I raced sportbikes....

Unless you have insane money, I humbly suggest you stay away from Ducati....

Way back in the day, I had a Honda VFR750R INterceptor, and a 900RR. Heavily modded. I THOUGHT they were super fast bikes.....

My neighbor down the street, younger guy, just bought a Yamaha R1. Holy crap, what a machine! 1000 CC's of pure terror. Very very sweet. He wanted me to ride it, and let him know what I thought. Heh heh, I thought I wanted one for myself. Sweet.

If you're just getting a FIRST bike, you do NOT want that.... find an older used CBR600 F3 or somehting like that, learn how to ride, take riders edge or something like that... it'll definitely save your life. Actually, if you find an old VFR 750, or a VFR 800, those are V4 bikes, super smooth, plenty fast.... the Acura of sportbikes.

Riding that R1 was like being young again.... amazing bike.

My heavily modded Harley gets 48 to the gallon, though, which is nice these days.....

Roadraced many years..Duck won't own an R1. Ridden many Ducks....good tuner of ducks Doug Lofgren. Riddin and raced many of Doug's bikes...he's the best out there and expensive...
Nothing bests a Gixer 1000 that is built and tuned right.
Here's my 190rwhp in action....

Hehehehe... bringing back the memories now!! My first bike was an Interceptor as well... an 84 VFR 750. I too thought it was the fastest thing on the planet. Then I learned what fast was all about when I got my 86 GSXR which pound for pound has still got to be one of the nastiest machines ever put on the tarmac.

Embarrasing Pic!! LOL Whooohooo thats a long time ago.. taken in '87 I believe.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hitmoney/Toys/DennisToys028_small.jpg

The 1986 GSXR 750, Pretty much unmolested... Taken in '88
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hitmoney/Toys/DennisToys032_small.jpg

After transformation, stuffed a 1340cc Big Papa Yoshi Motor with 40mm push/pull smooth bores into her... Thing was insane.. even by todays standards. We are talking 160-170hp in a 400lb bike built for street racing and mountain carving in days before fuel injection,power commanders etc... it was all about tunning the old fashioned way with mercury sticks, jet kits, and a screw driver. She had to be launched in second gear... and you still had to have some steel balls to do that... with a rear sproket set-up of 44 and a front at 13 it would stick it straight up 100mph with out trying. Bike was borderline un-rideable. I got a nice Evac helicopter ride and over a month in the hospital courtesy of mixing this beast with turn 8 at Williow Springs.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hitmoney/Toys/DennisToys033_small.jpg

Addition of lots of good stuff, like Slingshot rear wheel, White Bros Steering Dampener, Gusseted Frame... Sick.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hitmoney/Toys/DennisToys035_small.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hitmoney/Toys/DennisToys034_small.jpg

Only Pic I can find of my 1995 900RR. My neighbors loved me. <Evil Grin>
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hitmoney/Toys/DennisToys014_small.jpg

Some of my race team bikes from around 1994-95 FZR600, Tricked out SRX600, CBR F2
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hitmoney/Toys/DennisToys040_small.jpg

This was Frakenstein, our Formula USA Endurance Bike. Its a Katana 600 frame used cause its steel and survivable, a 1340cc Yoshi Big Papa GSXR Motor, Race Tech inverted front end, GSXR wheels, and half GSXR body work and half Katana bodywork. It would look like a big GSXR was coming up on you, then on the straight it would blow by you and you would think you just got passed by a Katana!! LMAO! This bike was incredibly stable but a lil heavy. FUSA Racing was awesome, you could do anything to the bike you wanted except turbo and nitrous, but the bike would have to be able to survive a 6, 8, or 12 hour race. Every thing had releif cuts like the levers so they would break off where we wanted them to if and when the bike went down leaving enough stub to be able to pick it up and ride it back to the pits or continue racing. Good times!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hitmoney/Toys/DennisToys039_small.jpg

Roadraced many years..Duck won't own an R1.

Huh, Ducati owns almost everyone almost every year in World Superbike...

From 1988 to 2005 Ducati has 13 World Superbike Championship titles.... including every year from 1998 to 2004 finnaly losing to Suzuki in 2005.
Yamaha has 0 to date.

Ducati has had 128 pole positions to date in WSBK, Yamaha.. 10.

Ducati has 241 WSBK wins to date... Yamaha 36.

At the next World Superbike Race, which bike would you put your money on?

Now, thats not the real world, thats World Superbike Racing. In the real world The R1 is a superb bike, and probably a better all around performance machine for the street than even the 999r. This is also coming from a life long GSXR rider whos owned every model up until the 97 model year.

But at the base of the Ortega Highway (78) in California, or in the North GA mountains the Duc is in its element and there are few bikes that exude the confidence needed to ride those roades faster than you can on a Duc. There is a reason they cost almost 3 times more than a GSXR or R1. Of course it is all rider dependent...

But at the base of the mountain, all riders equal and given the above... which bike would you put your money on?

One of my very good friends is Scott Russell... Mr. Daytona... and even his short stint on the HMC Ducati had him saying
"No other bike on the planet feels as good as this one..." refering to the HMC prepped Ducati 996.

If you're just getting a FIRST bike, you do NOT want that.... find an older used CBR600 F3 or somehting like that, learn how to ride, take riders edge or something like that... it'll definitely save your life. Actually, if you find an old VFR 750, or a VFR 800, those are V4 bikes, super smooth, plenty fast.... the Acura of sportbikes.
Im gonna assume youre talkin' to me. It's not my first bike, as I wrote. And I allready have the 996 bought and in my garage. I'll take an advanced drivers course sometime, but for the kind of riding I do and when I do, I'll be fine on the bike.

Acura of sportbikes...does that mean it'll come with nice HID's and have a tranny that'll break at 70 mph ? :)

Huh, Ducati owns almost everyone almost every year in World Superbike...

From 1988 to 2005 Ducati has 13 World Superbike Championship titles.... including every year from 1998 to 2004 finnaly losing to Suzuki in 2005.
Yamaha has 0 to date.

Ducati has had 128 pole positions to date in WSBK, Yamaha.. 10.

Ducati has 241 WSBK wins to date... Yamaha 36.

At the next World Superbike Race, which bike would you put your money on?

Forgive me for being a newb, I don't watch tv. But just curious, whats the difference between World Superbike and MotoGP. I watch a bit of motogp when i get a chance, and Ducati is never a winner.

Forgive me for being a newb, I don't watch tv. But just curious, whats the difference between World Superbike and MotoGP. I watch a bit of motogp when i get a chance, and Ducati is never a winner.

World Superbike is the crem-dala-crem of Superbike racing. It's the next step up from AMA Superbike which is just about the same bike but only on US tracks. The bikes are mostly factory prepared versions of the the same bike you can buy in the showroom. Take an off the show room floor GSXR, throw at least 100k at it, and you have an average entry level World Superbike that probably wouldn't even qualify. Put it this way, the Ducati Motor costs $200,000.00, yet its still based on the production 999 motor. The bikes are EXTREMELY fast.. some as fast as MotoGP bikes but much heavier producing 190+hp. The races are held around the globe and the riders are the best of the best Supebike riders. Think of it kinda like NASCAR but on a world stage.

MotoGP is like the Formula 1 of motorcycles.... One off, factory built, very secretive, exotic, light weight, million dollar +, mostly 2 stroke 500cc machines, some say making as much HP as Superbikes. This is the no holds barred, how much money can a factory spend, effort. Ducati only recently entered MotoGP in 2003 and actualy set a record of 8 podium finishes for a debut season. its funny how secretive these teams are... when they wreck they throw covers over the bike so no one can see inside the fairings. I've read stories of how track officials/corner people are checked for cameras and have to sign documents barring disclosure of anything they might see on a wrecked bike. Crazy 007 shit.

MotoGP is currently in a Honda dynasty, before that it was a Suzuki dynasty. Nicky Haden rides for Honda in MotoGP... I rode with him and his brother every third weekend of month in the early nineties at Willow Springs. They were just kids riding Yamaha TZ 250's. Their dad used to have to hold them up at the starting line cause their feet couldn't touch the ground. Now, Nicky is one of the best in the world. :worship:

Here is Ducati's MotoGP bike... the Desmosedici GP6 ridden by Loris Capirossi and Sete Gibernau.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hitmoney/28080_news.jpg

Alright, so I went down to the local sport bike dealers, and I have to say I like the Yamahas the most, I like their exterior design the most. The R1 and R6 are just sexy..

Hitmoney - Right on. Nice picture! I'm not going to embarrass myself. My Interceptor was a later one, with a full fairing, mostly white with red & blue trim.... 86, if I remember right. Looong time ago. And yeah, back in my day, the GSXR was the nastiest thing out there. Lighter, faster... in the right hands, it was unbeatable. The GSXR, even the consumer ones, were "no compromises" pure race bikes.

AznPrydeReaglRyde - What I meant about the Acura of sport bikes was, they were fast, and comfortable. Somewhat better riding position. I always liked the VFR's smooth application of power, and wider powerband. I'm sure there are Acura horror stories out here.... however, my Dad still has an 88 Legend LS Coupe and a 97 3.0 CL in his garage.... I won't bore you with the details of ex-wives, stepsons, girlfriends who have been beating on these cars over the years.... all that's ever been done to them are batteries, brakes, tires, and oil changes, air filters, plugs, and wires. That's it. I can't speak to their entire product line, but those 2 rides are apparently indestructible. Every attempt has been made to beat these cars to death, by people who don't give a crap. So far, the cars are still there. So, sorry if you hate Acuras, but they're not all bad....

AznPrydeReaglRyde - I won't bore you with the details of ex-wives, stepsons, girlfriends who have been beating on these cars over the years.... all that's ever been done to them are batteries, brakes, tires, and oil changes, air filters, plugs, and wires. That's it. I can't speak to their entire product line, but those 2 rides are apparently indestructible. Every attempt has been made to beat these cars to death, by people who don't give a crap. So far, the cars are still there. So, sorry if you hate Acuras, but they're not all bad....Well, with all the bad luck you've had, I think you take life a little too seriously. :) I knew what ya meant.
I don't hate Acura's...I love them actually.
If your family had continued buying Acura's, you would have seen that the last gen. TL's (next gen after your CL) had alot of tranny problems.

Lighten up a little man, maybe thats why ya got so many ex-wives :P.

Alright, so I went down to the local sport bike dealers, and I have to say I like the Yamahas the most, I like their exterior design the most. The R1 and R6 are just sexy..New R1, hottest bike on the rode besides an MV Agusta

World Superbike is the crem-dala-crem of Superbike racing. It's the next step up from AMA Superbike which is just about the same bike but only on US tracks. The bikes are mostly factory prepared versions of the the same bike you can buy in the showroom. Take an off the show room floor GSXR, throw at least 100k at it, and you have an average entry level World Superbike that probably wouldn't even qualify. Put it this way, the Ducati Motor costs $200,000.00, yet its still based on the production 999 motor. The bikes are EXTREMELY fast.. some as fast as MotoGP bikes but much heavier producing 190+hp. The races are held around the globe and the riders are the best of the best Supebike riders. Think of it kinda like NASCAR but on a world stage.

MotoGP is like the Formula 1 of motorcycles.... One off, factory built, very secretive, exotic, light weight, million dollar +, mostly 2 stroke 500cc machines, some say making as much HP as Superbikes. This is the no holds barred, how much money can a factory spend, effort. Ducati only recently entered MotoGP in 2003 and actualy set a record of 8 podium finishes for a debut season. its funny how secretive these teams are... when they wreck they throw covers over the bike so no one can see inside the fairings. I've read stories of how track officials/corner people are checked for cameras and have to sign documents barring disclosure of anything they might see on a wrecked bike. Crazy 007 shit.

MotoGP is currently in a Honda dynasty, before that it was a Suzuki dynasty. Nicky Haden rides for Honda in MotoGP... I rode with him and his brother every third weekend of month in the early nineties at Willow Springs. They were just kids riding Yamaha TZ 250's. Their dad used to have to hold them up at the starting line cause their feet couldn't touch the ground. Now, Nicky is one of the best in the world. :worship:

Here is Ducati's MotoGP bike... the Desmosedici GP6 ridden by Loris Capirossi and Sete Gibernau.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hitmoney/28080_news.jpg Great read. Thanks!

New R1, hottest bike on the rode besides an MV Agusta

What about the 'busa?

Curious who here rides sport bikes?
I just got rid of my ninja 636 recently, and I just picked up a slightly used Ducatti 996s.

Anyone here ride? Whatca got?

No sports bike yet, just a dirtbike for now..... but I would like to pick up a 500 Ninja soon. This would be my first street bike so I don't think I need it any bigger for now..... :thumbsup: