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.

[@TxetxuIzco]

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

[@CastrolHondaSP2]

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

[@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.

[@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 !!!!

[@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.

[@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 🤘🏻👍

[@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

[@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.

[@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?

[@chrisa1965]

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

[@tonypammen3033]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@davidelizabeth4933]

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

[@AndrewMacmillan-e5z]

I really enjoyed the seeing and hearing your excitement riding the bike. In the late 90’s I was an instructor and first had a 1999 916 SPS, then a 2001 996SPS as my personal bikes. I used to instruct on them both using vox 2 way radios. The engine noise was enough to open the vox channel, and trainees often remarked on how good it sounded (I was behind them) I agree that the clutches were a bit heavy in town work, but the overall ride was a soul enhancing experience. The chassis was awesome, I first got my elbow down on one of these, and as long as you were at the legal limit speed wise, the air cushioning made them very comfortable. I used one to commute from Llandudno to Basingstoke, and can honestly say it was a more comfortable ride than my VFR800. I also learned that the feedback was good enough to allow me to place the tyres either side of an ice berm and then flip them side to side. Also I learned to drift both wheels into corners on these. The 1999 bike with the race chip and pipes was a vicious beast, and all the more rewarding for it. By 2001, the power delivery had been softened somewhat, and it was much easier to ride, so much so, that when a trainee failed their DAS test through nerves when they really should have walked it and was really beating themselves up badly, I swapped out the bikes and allowed him to ride mine the 15 miles or so back to the training centre. We stopped at a McDonald’s on the way back and he was so excited he couldn’t hold the coffee for literally shaking. As you can imagine, he passed a couple of weeks later. Of the 80-100 (lost count) bikes I have owned I would say that the later bike with the full ohlins, and the earlier mapping would have been the very best. It was a dream and an honour to introduce people to bikes and I consider myself very lucky to have been able to do so. If anyone ever saw an SPS in boxhill car park missing both fairings and heavily scratched on both sides, that was me on the first one. Keep up the great work, I love your enthusiasm and delivery.

[@mickkkkyy]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 👌

[@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!

[@doca8792]

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

[@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! 🤣😆😂

[@TrulyUniqueOne]

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

[@nickmayfield6951]

Goosebumps! 👍👍👍👍

[@ghowells5433]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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…..

[@mrmv6290]

Italian art work you can ride, perfect.!!

[@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!!!

[@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

[@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.

[@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).

[@karthikk273]

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

[@Schmitzelhaus]

An absolute icon of a bike! 🤤👌

[@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

[@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

[@Vforfreedom]

the most desireable Ducati ever made!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@Shinysideup]

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

[@garyhutson6361]

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

[@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.

[@portaltwo]

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

[@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.

[@Marc99999]

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

[@michaelduffy8128]

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

[@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.

[@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 👏👏💪🔥

[@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.

[@jemararapan3418]

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

[@ADEngineeringUK]

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

[@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!.

[@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!

[@ingeebeltoft]

Simply Fantastic. Ducati in my soul ❤️

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 🇪🇨

[@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😉👍🏽

[@duncanelliott5120]

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

[@philc4520]

Awesome - loved it!

[@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

[@forzavale5303]

Nema dalje,to je to!!

[@jasonsand]

what an amazing series!! cheers mate!!!

[@mullet107]

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

[@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 😉

[@davidebbs2797]

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

[@sverremoe4087]

love this series

[@Fastade80]

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

[@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.

[@williamcb78]

Loving this new format!! 🤙🏻

[@robertarthur3711]

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

[@spirobouloukos511]

A thing of beauty!!

[@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.

[@toivonencresto]

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

[@greyanaroth]

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

[@williamtshort4303]

Keep them coming 👍

[@jimpanzer07]

Oh yeah, stellar review Chris!

[@mickkkkyy]

This is going to be a great series

[@stevejknowles]

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

[@robertyork4041]

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

[@Jeff_Klein]

Very excited about this series! Especially the japanese bikes 😁

[@MrAdambinnie]

More videos of Chris just having a lovely day please 🤘

[@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

[@TazawaTanks]

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

[@leequigley2077]

I felt your passion and excitement there..Good video

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 ,

[@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)

[@eatsblades]

What a great idea... and a great first choice.

[@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