Bike World Dream Rides | Ducati 998R On The Road

Dreams can come true, Chris gets to ride the iconic Ducati 998R. This is the first part of a new series, we've joined up with the guys from The Bike Specialist to ride some stunning dream bikes. The list is long!
#ducati #ducati998 #classicmotorbikes

[@TheSar]

That last 2 minutes from Chris was so genuine and relatable. Honestly the best bike show on youtube with the most informative and skilled presenter. Well done lads.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks for that!

[@Showmetheevidence-]

It’s still a beautiful bike. Perhaps, looks wise, the best design ever? To still be so good looking 2 decades later is just incredible.

[@yammienoob]

The passion comes through in spades. There's nothing like meeting your heroes and then they're everything you always dreamed they would be!

[@chirag4]

Yes ! True !! Right !!! Correct !!!!

[@TxetxuIzco]

The most beautiful motorbike design ever made. Great show mate! 👍🏻

[@7rslender]

I can totally relate. I promised myself I would rent a 998 for a day when I turn 30. I read every single article about that bike since the 916 came out. Shortly before my birthday, a 998S came up for sale for a good price and I went for a test ride with my dream bike. Coming from a ZX-7R it was totally different to ride, demanding at times and certainly nothing I would hand over to a beginner. And it was exactly what I hoped it would be. Of course, I bought the 998S. This is now 10 years ago. And I don't regret it. The smile I had under the helmet on the first ride, returns every time even if I only see her standing there in the garage.

[@girishs1755]

That's a stunning work of art when its static on a paddock stand but its simply sublime and gorgeous leaned over, belting that v-twin bellow in the hands of a capable rider like Chris. Awesome, I got flash backs of Bayliss and Edwards going at it.

[@CastrolHondaSP2]

Quite possibly the best looking bike ever made. 🤤👌❤️

[@chrisa1965]

My first ride on a Ducati...any Ducati....was a base 998. 2002/2003. Hence my then ongoing love of Ducatis. 🙂

[@bsmukler]

“Bike World Dream Rides” may devolve into “How Chris Became Broke But Ecstatic.” I love the fact that, looking at the 916/998 or the Desmosedici, for example, you can see and FEEL the artistic and engineering basis for today’s Panigale variants. What is it about Ducati’s design aesthetic that just melts our hearts?

[@superten1780]

I couldn’t afford a 916 or even a 998 in the late 80’s or early 90’s…..for that reason I bought a Suzuki TL1000s in red and just squinted a lot. The 916 onwards up to the 998 have to be the most gorgeous looking bike period! Great vid and you are truly a lucky boy Chris 🤘🏻👍

[@tonypammen3033]

I haven’t even got to the riding bit and I’ve got a smile on my face watching Chris 😁

[@montoya197803]

Great video. Its so good to see you enjoy that much. Ive got a 2002 998 with over 43000 miles. Ive had it for nearly 3 years now and ride it almost every day. I sometimes think about selling it and getting something else, but that never happens when Im actually riding it. The way it engages the rider is hard to describe. I rode some much newer bikes a few months ago at a demo event involving several different manufacturers. I rode some seriously good bikes, but it just wasnt the same.

[@dmaxcustom]

I am not a sport bike fan. However I know art, and that bike is art. So few bikes and vehicles can say that. That one is of them.

[@TazawaTanks]

I am kicking myself for selling my 998 many years ago. It was mint…and I loved it.

[@tomme2314]

Awesome episode of a series I’m looking forward to immensely!! One thing I would really love would be to film the start-up of the bike without any background music, just pure, close-up engine note. Im super pumped for the next week, can’t imagine it can get any better bike-wise

[@jonmercer8390]

I loved my old 996 and 998 (Bostrom), watching this makes me want to get another one in the garage to sit alongside the Pani... Hmmmm.

[@richjones859]

Best series ever, I remember as a kid having little models of those Ducati’s, very cool seeing these things ridden in adult years

[@simon916sps]

Chris, so glad you got to ride your dream bike and really enjoyed it. 15 years ago I visited a dealer and all the sales guy had to do was start the bike and I was sold. So my 916 SPS Foggy Rep (#164 of 200) has been with me for over 15 years. I rode about 1100+ miles from Surrey to Misano in 3 days for World Ducati Week 2010 and had a smile like a Cheshire Cat by the end of the journey; especially flying through the long tunnels in Europe. No aches, no pains, just pure fun. If you ever come to Cyprus, then you are more than welcome to take it for a ride, or hop on either the Ducati Scrambler or KTM 690 Duke. The roads are superb, the food and beer are cheap and the weather is gleaming. Keep up the awesome work as Bike World is by far one of the best channels out there!

[@rideroll9609]

No matter if it is Ducati or Honda but 996 and 998 V twin engines are masterpieces.These engines have soo much character. Riding VTR firestorm with Scoprion titanium slip ons and every time when i start the engine that sound make me goosebumps. It will give you big smile for low price 👌

[@SpoolinVR]

I am loving this new series. I am a Ducati fanatic as well and that is all I own now. To ride a 998R would be an absolute dream come true for me as well. I fulfilled my dream of owning a Ducati R and bought a Panigale 1199R last summer. Ducati builds beautiful machines and they make the soul smile when ridden.

[@HeyAddieImTojo]

Lucky man. The 1199 is the best looking of the modern Ducati’s in my opinion!

[@TheDucpilot]

Completely agree on that.

[@davidelizabeth4933]

This was our favorite Bike World episode of all time. ❤❤

[@theonlyredspecial]

Ive a 998S Final Edition with around 1,000 miles on it. From december 2003. I had it restored and its in my office in mint condition. Still gives me chills all these years later…..

[@sunshowerpainting1]

I totally agree with Chris on every aspect of his experience and the way he felt in that moment. I owned a 2001 very low miles 748 model and often regret parting with it. I've owned many bikes over the years, some real gems but the little duck has stuck with me more than the rest. The unique character of the bike made it most special to me. I was most happy when on it and the pride of ownership stood head and shoulders above the frey. Great video. Thanks!

[@doca8792]

Love my 996s. Just stare at it most of the time.

[@mickkkkyy]

What a fabulous review , I felt the genuine excitement and obsession you have had for this bike.

[@michaellangton2431]

Previously i owned a 996 in 2004 and sold it that regret followed me for years I have now purchased another in 2023 and wow I love it more than ever the design the ride it really is art on wheels. Way ahead of its time in style and stands out from the crowd to this day and the sound with the termis ... love this bike.

[@nando03012009]

This is my dream bike. Hands down the most beautiful bike ever made. Keep in mind I own a v4r

[@ApriliaRacer14]

Blasphemy…if you own an Aprilia! 🤣😆😂

[@justinmckeown9029]

I used to own a 748S years ago and sold it. I regretted it so much, I wound up buying a 996 mono last year to scratch that itch. Just go out and get one, they’re unbelievably good (when they’re actually running).

[@davepyne62]

I've watched loads of your videos for bike world and this honestly seems like the most blown away you've ever been by a riding experience and was so glad you thought it was as good as we all dreamed and hoped it would be should our numbers ever come up.

[@alanprice9938]

Just wait til you ride one on one of those perfect days, with warm tarmac. Nothing compares. I bought the 996 in my thumbnail picture, back in 1999, and I thought I’d buy a 999 or 1198 or Panigale when they were released, but when I tested them, none of them ever felt as good, nor had the same sense of occasion. So I still have it. I’ve still only just less than 8,500 miles on it, as it never goes out in the rain, and it still looks like new. I’m living in the south of france now, and make do with a Multi V4s, but whilst it’s got more power, it’s not got the same character. I have thought about selling the 996 as it’s currently stored in the UK, and would be a faff to get it imported to France and re-registered, but it would tug on the heart strings.

[@markputnam6371]

Actually had a tear in my eye Chris. You put into words my own feelings of my first Ducati a few years ago. Nothing as flash as this, 1995 M900 but had the same fears of being let down. Actually was so much better and fell in love. Really looking forward to more tests and hearing you reaction

[@machinehead9334]

“Motorcycling’s not logical… why not have the one you’ve always dreamt of?” That has just become my favourite ever quote. Great review!

[@georgegrubbs3763]

I remember when I bought my Ducati, what a day! I had to wait until our kids were grown, I felt like a kid again staring at all those magazines. I did really believe it would happen. Just buy it and enjoy.

[@samiam4240]

I just bought mine...2002 998 in Yellow...I thought I was buying an investment bike, but I started it up (OMG) and then rode it. I think I bought my forever bike.

[@michaelduffy8128]

I have a 2007 1098 with 63k miles and I love it as much today as when I first purchased it 13yrs ago.

[@TrulyUniqueOne]

Still the best looking bike ever made by a long way.

[@tomevans4078]

Not in the same league but I had a grin on my face like yours the first time I rode my SRAD 750. It’s amazing how bikes can make you feel, the pain, inconvenience and discomfort is all irrelevant when you get on the gas out of a corner. That Ducati is beautiful.

[@nickmayfield6951]

Goosebumps! 👍👍👍👍

[@jonnytheboy23]

I love Chris's genuine enthusiasm and excitement, the 998R is beautiful! I test rode a 996S back in 2001 and loved it, I can see how it would feel like a real occasion each time you rode it. I had the opportunity to buy one a couple of years ago but decided against it due to the riding position, lovely bikes though. I am really looking forward to future instalments of this series.

[@danielmcnally9352]

Great review an this really hit home as I came to a similar conclusion after years of watching the prices on bikes like These go up n down an constantly having that internal debate of should or shouldn’t I buy one then last week I had a fuck it life’s to short I work to much at least I can say I had one rather than I wish I had got one. So I did exactly what Chris said you should do, I went an bought my dream bike not a 998r but a 999r ! I know most will tell me I bought the wrong Ducati but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I too had read every review and buyers guide out there but to my delight the bike rides miles better than any review every said it does an most say its good to ride an went miles past any expectations I had built up in my head which blew me away even more making me even more in love with the bike. So basically what I am saying is this video hit the nail on the head meet your hero’s and GO BUY THE BIKE!!!

[@lukeiamyourfather3511]

1996 Ducati 916 Strada owner here. Iconic bikes for sure.Found an original owner 3689 mile no mods on original tires example in 2001. A 996R was also produced. Nearly the same bike . Came out before the 998 R, I believe.

[@seanc6754]

I remember when the 916 came out when i was like 13.. i tore every bike magazine i had up put that bike all over my room lol..i was unbelievably sad when Ducati went away from the V-Twin engines

[@marksmallman4572]

My first Ducati, sadly not a 916,998, was a 900ss with a stage 2 tune by Baines racing, glorious sound, I loved it.

[@Shinysideup]

Still looks amazing, one of the most beautiful bikes ever made followed by the MV f4

[@SJN302]

The genuine joy & excitement shown in this video is what motorcycling is all about. The most enjoyable video I've watched for quite a while. Great work

[@ghowells5433]

What a great video, really captured how special these bikes are. Buy one, now

[@greyanaroth]

It is a special day when you meet your heroes and they're everything you thought they would be, and then some

[@Turbinepilot]

I can tell how giddy you are the last couple mins. It’s what bikers live for! I love my beautiful 998 and won’t ever sell it. It’s an icon and will go down in history as one of the most beautiful bikes ever made. Great video, I look forward to the next episodes!

[@jamesastbury15]

I absolutely love this video I relate to it so much as a kid in the 90’s sitting on the back of my dads CBR600 and my uncle on his Kawasaki ninja 750 off to my grandads house, with drinks and sandwiches watching the motoGP or anything bike related on the TV and just absolutely loving life

[@livingbeing1113]

The last Ducati i truly liked. Can't beat that Massimo Tamburini's 916 design, almost perfect for a superbike. The 998R Testastretta is the last of that lineage. Rare and expensive, an absolute keeper.

[@mrmv6290]

Italian art work you can ride, perfect.!!

[@cecilwilson5442]

Your love for motorcycles is infectious,, and this series is going to be awesome,, I did and bought a 2006 gsxr 1000 low mileage and love it,, motorcycles give so much back through who you meet but the feeling you get when on something special to you ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️from Northern Ireland so enjoyed watching this,, thank you and the shop for letting you make it

[@Schmitzelhaus]

An absolute icon of a bike! 🤤👌

[@karthikk273]

What a way to start a new series !!! Absolutely enjoyed this being a Ducati fan boy ♥️🥲

[@Vforfreedom]

the most desireable Ducati ever made!

[@desmo999]

Absolutely, the greatest bike ever!!! I am always laughing with you looking this great video, I love it! Thank you very much for it!

[@ChrisMag100]

I had a similar experience when I rode a 996S several years ago. It was intoxicating. I’ve ridden the 748 and 749 also. 748 is underpowered and wouldn’t be my first pick. 749 was better overall. That said, the grunt of the 996/998 , RC51 and RSV1000 Aprilias are what make those bikes worth owning. I’m not sure I’d want to own a 916. The later revisions are better machines.

[@Patriiiiick]

I'm really glad to hear this wasn't a case of 'don't meet your heroes' 'cos i'm another one who was obsessed with any 916 shaped bikes from their early teens. Still something I haven't had a chance to ride one yet but I hope that day isn't too far away.

[@robertarthur3711]

1994 916 strada to the 2002 998R all of them are absolutely fabulous. Get one.

[@Marc99999]

Yep, that was the one! lucky men. Many thanks for sharing.

[@flashsgarage]

Awesome video - can’t wait for the rest of the series. I adore my 996R (#311) - it just feels like a very special thing to ride and any speed, all the time

[@jemararapan3418]

"Motorcycling isn't logical" Pure passion. 💯 Truer words have never been spoken. 😂👏

[@toivonencresto]

916/996/998 and F4 most beautiful Bikes ever. And same Dad.

[@willfischer4767]

I think hero bikes are just what makes motorcycling fun. All enthusiasts can pick out a point in your life when that first car or bike made you fall in love with the hobby. For me I was 8 years old playing a James Bond 007 video game and there was a yellow 2004 Triumph Daytona 600 that was a getaway vehicle. Ive just dreamed about owning that bike ever since.

[@paulcartledge708]

Great review and well put. I've owned many bikes but nothing is quite as good as a 998S/FE/999R IMO. Totally organic, direct, responsive and a wholly visceral experience. No electronics to "neuter" the effect and so rewarding ride. Try one. Stunning motorcycles.

[@garyhutson6361]

Ues Chris. Fantastic work. Can wait to watch your journey through all this classic bikes. Well done you 👍🏼

[@anthonywhite9264]

They are so special ,style, sound out right beautiful, I hv a 2002 748R will ever sell it as owned for 17 years ,Dont.ride it often but when I do it's like yep ,

[@stevejknowles]

Bought mine new in 2002, sold her in 2015 . Fantastic bike, regret selling it but pleased to have owned one

[@M_Proximo]

Great idea for a series. I’ve owned and sold my share of bikes. Even during my 9 year lull from riding the one constant in my garage is my 2002 748r. Every time I look at it, it puts a smile on my face.

[@arrow0872]

1996, I had just gotten back from a ride on my ‘97 ZX-7R (model years for vehicles were like that back then), and I was just sitting on the couch watching TV. My mom had been staring out of the window, looking down towards the car park of our apartment for a while when she said “There’s a really interesting looking bike downstairs, you should come and take a look”. I thought that she probably saw a scooter or something and didn’t really take her seriously but she kept saying that I should come and check it out. I kept ignoring her when she finally got fed up with me and told me to get off my ass and see what she’d been talking about (I’m sure she would’ve used all my names if she were American!). I was just mumbling something like “ Yeah mum, it’s probably a scooter, sure do you see, it’s a…. Ducati 916…????!!” The reason I was so shocked was because it would take another 3 years before Ducati would have an official importer in my country. I ran downstairs to check the bike out and luckily met the owner too. He was a super nice dude who explained to me that he imported the bike on his own at great expense. It looked so gorgeous and so exquisite, even better looking than in pictures. It appealed to even my mom, who has absolutely no interest in motorcycles. Fast forward to ‘99, I was able to ride my buddy’s 748 SPS which he bought to race in the national supersports cup that year (he finished second overall). Even though I rode it slowly (due to break-in period), the torque, the handling and the noise blew my mind. There are no second hand 748/916/996/998s in my country because I think their owners hang on to them. I bought a ‘21 Panigale V4S a short while ago but after having watched this awesome video, I’m again searching the classifieds in hopes of finding a 916 series bike. Thanks Chris, I love this series!

[@ingeebeltoft]

Simply Fantastic. Ducati in my soul ❤️

[@chrisflemington819]

What a beautiful bike whether it’s on its stand or on the road twisting and turning on the bends it looked truly magnificent. Well if only I could ride! I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@portaltwo]

What a fantastic start to what promises to be a superb series by my favourite bike reviewer/ commentator/ racer/ enthusiast/ lovable idiot!

[@Bumbaclot213]

A guy who drank at a bar I used to work at owned a 996 and would turn up regularly on it - I was blown away how beautiful it looked, so much it encouraged me to get my full licence (fun fact, this bike is actually in GTA 5)

[@Underbreath]

Always wanted the 996. Bought one 3 years later still loved it but only to look at, first few months you don’t care about comforts but after 3 years you will, got the 749R now and I can honestly say it’s got it all., let’s see how I feel about it next 3 years

[@JNAMOTORSPORTS]

I also loved these maybe it’s because it’s my first Ducati I’ve ever seen and heard. It was so cool and rare at the time. It was the days when you never saw a Ferrari ever or a Lamborghini. They just didn’t exist even in Chicago they were extremely rare bikes and cars in those times.

[@ribalderr6052]

great idea. we lov Chris's 'take' on bikes too u know. when he talks tells us about them., who better to explore AND ride dream bikes. gonna follow this series closely!.

[@Designer_Opine]

Hard to believe this was his first ever ride on the platform. I own a ‘01 748. Regardless of the smaller displacement the bike has the goods. 748, 916, 996, 998-if you get the chance to own/ride, take it.

[@leadsled8961]

Love to see a Suzuki RG500 GAMMA test. The bike I had when I was a kid.

[@mullet107]

Love the bike, love the Peak District and Chris is the man!

[@duncanelliott5120]

Fantastic review. It’s all about how bikes make you feel emotionally. I want one now too…..

[@stephencole4498]

What a great review Chris, I only have a 996s mono in comparison but it is thrilling to ride in all aspects. The noise, the looks, the vibes, and that torque rewards in a way no other bike does.

[@davidebbs2797]

Sometimes alive and logical are some waves apart, awesome review!! 😁

[@flyingdutchy01]

I own a Ducati 748. Absolute dreambike. It might not be as sexy as a full spec 998r but damn I enjoy riding it so much

[@dumitrascuraul4729]

Love this series and channel. From an amateur point of view, the honest soulful way of making these videos is the best type of motorcycle jounalism ever. Keep ot coming 👏👏💪🔥

[@robertyork4041]

Viewers can feel the excitement ;) Get what you desire while you can.

[@skts2610]

Cracking vid Chris, they’ve never been my cup of tea as I’ve always been into the Japanese stuff, but I can really relate to your genuine excitement about something you’ve always wanted… My personal dream bike is the RC45….One day ay😉👍🏽

[@ADEngineeringUK]

Great episode Chris .. what a great way to put your emotions together , keep it going pal

[@philc4520]

Awesome - loved it!

[@joeblow5037]

Well done, Chris. I got to ride my Dream Bike, also. I test road my friends perfect red '96 900SS SP after a full on restoration (it didn't need much...very low miles). Those Staintune's belting out music only a Ducati can make 😎 do that CBX next 😉

[@agustincuevae]

Awesome series! Really like the format, I felt all the emotion and enjoyment myself true your ride and description, it feels so genuine, thank for sharing top videos. Getting front Ecuador 🇪🇨

[@Icem4n84]

I wanted a Superduke for quite a while. After the Gen 3 came out, I rode it, loved and bought it that day. Life's too short not to have the bike you want!

[@leequigley2077]

I felt your passion and excitement there..Good video

[@Fastade80]

Words can’t describe the feeling of riding that bike, a true legend of a machine, I literally cried riding one of these 🏍👌🏻🤤

[@jasonsand]

what an amazing series!! cheers mate!!!

[@jimpanzer07]

Oh yeah, stellar review Chris!

[@paulf3616]

Great review. I used to race big Japp bikes back in the 80’s90’ always admired the 916, but so much more expensive to buy and run at the time. I’ve got a 916 now with over 20k miles on it and every ride is 100% enjoyment. What a sound and what a feeling. Wouldn’t swap it. Buy one now while they’re still reasonable !

[@MrAdambinnie]

More videos of Chris just having a lovely day please 🤘

[@dickyh7811]

If you look at the 998 final edition, they are fitted with a lot of the same bits. Ohlins, the later engine same as the R, carbon lower belly pan, same wheels etc etc and cheaper. I love mine and can’t wait for the sun to come out.

[@williamtshort4303]

Keep them coming 👍