Can 90's Superbikes still cut it? We Compare Ducati 748R and 2020 Panigale V2 With Bikeiconics

[@Raez_XL]

All these years and the 916 design still looks good. I remember being a kid and seeing the 916 and falling in love.

[@hugot12]

your still a kid, I was a 39 yr old when I bought my 916 in 1995 Sold it a month later for a Bimota SB6 with the GSXR1100 motor in it, look them up. The Ducati is a brute that abuses bodies on the street, burns your leg off from the exhaust. Ten min after I drove off I knew this was a smooth road track bike only. My glasses wouldn't stop bouncing on my nose. I lived in Santa Barbara California close to canyon riding, plenty of great roads for these bikes. I cant see why anyone would street ride these bikes unless you live where these bikes were meant to be ridden, in the twisties. The Bimota really puts the rider in the bike, not on top like Ducati. Easy reach to bars, not punishing your wrists. The Bimota took donor motors and put them in better chassis. Lowered the center of gravity for better handling. At 65 I ride one bike, my Bimota DB4ie with the 904cc air-cooled Ducati motor. I have a frame that weighs 11 lbs, The whole bike weighs 365 lbs, if it weren't for my beautiful Antera 3 spoke wheels, I could cut off about 30 lbs with lighter rims Imagine, with a slim motor, not complicated to work on, no special electronics, with a weight of 335 lbs, plenty of torque. If you can see the evolution of bike choices to get to this place for street riding, I wanted comfort, unique style, able to do all the work on it myself. It's hard to find a bike you are passionate about that does it all.. My bike is a new-looking 2000 yr bike. You keep good care of something that only about 6 other guys own in the USA I finally stopped looking for another bike, not much out there can give me all I want to finish out my days riding.

[@tyrefryer6884]

Me to mate! Wasn't a 916 But.. A Ducati 900sd Darmah was my first bike love and fell for every Ducati that came after that 🤜🤛

[@tedmarakas2626]

It still looks FAST and beautiful.

[@tedmarakas2626]

@@hugot12 Today's world consists of tons of horsepower and lots of electronics to keep you alive because there's absolutely no need for 200-250hp for a street bike. Everybody wants the latest and greatest even though their skills are good enough for a scooter. I own old school bikes like the Aprilia Tuono V2 and Moto Guzzi V9 and V85TT and many others. I like being in control of the bike instead of Siemens, VDO, Bosch and Spaghetti Marelli.

[@Raez_XL]

@@hugot12 Kind of patronising since I'm 33yo. So definitely not a kid.

[@oldman748]

I sold my R1m last year as it was a bit to much for the road and ended up buying a low mileage 748. I absolutely love it and it’s definitely a keeper like you say I’m not bothered it doesn’t have the latest gadgets I enjoy every ride on it an that’s what it’s all about

[@letsreviewit8925]

Well said and I completely understand where you’re coming from.

[@ampassionstruck9138]

....but !! Ducatis r notorious for having very harsh engines , which also require a lot of maintenance unlike the japanese machines . But , ducati 748 has an l twin engine which produces a lot of torque and the torque is available across the rev range which makes the ducati a super fun to ride machines, twitch open the throttle in any gear , on any rpm and the bike throws u back , but the harsh nature of the engine is a big let off , thud thud thud !!!, tik tik tik !! 😂😂😂

[@Irishesbox11]

I looked at a 748 last year, it's aged amazingly well.

[@keithjanko6849]

what's your age Steve r1?

[@KingCast65]

I have a tuned '06 Multi, sold my Triumph Triple (had 4 of them) and I absolutely love it. I will keep her forever if I can.

[@gblan]

90s Ducati owner wants to consider a new bike but he's still making payments in 2020.

[@joezen2rise701]

Lol true

[@DoubleJThe]

Don't forget maintenance, my 996 costs the same as a used car just to keep the valves and belts done. Subaru belt = 100K miles. Ducati belt = 0 miles if it's 2 years old. How does that work.

[@Matt-iy2hk]

@@DoubleJThe Yup, my local motorcycle dealership stopped selling/servicing Ducati's because the parts were too expensive.

[@tdb922f]

@@DoubleJThe at least the belts are pretty easy to change yourself compared to a lot of cars!

[@craignapoli]

@stirange and me.

[@stevegee218]

On the 748, you forgot the "Italian Mirrors designed to let you admire your arms of your jacket as you ride" feature. 2001 748 owner.

[@pierrebroccoli.9396]

Not to worry, my 04 Fireblade has that exact same feature. Got to elbow tuck if you want to see anything in the mirrors. Gone back to after riding a ZX10R Gen 4 for a bit and the Fireblade - does feel that bit more, raw. Great fun though and a hoot to let rip even if it is 30hp down at the rear wheel. No nanny aids but then I left the ZX10R in lowest Tracktion Control and rode it in every condition in Full Power Mode. The hydraulic clutch of the Fireblade is much nicer and still quite solid after almost 90k kms of use with nothing more than fluid changes and a slave cylinder gasket rebuild. Gets me thinking about a 90's RGV 250 ........

[@danivanon]

This feature is still being offered 2014 899 owner

[@chadvalliere8697]

That’s all sport bikes, period

[@frackyouasshat5531]

loved my 748s right up till it burned it self up 3 days after i made 1st payment $6000 in damage

[@NYGiantsDiEhArD]

You know, as I've ridden along in the motorcycle hobby for a few years, I've come to realize that possibly everyone bitches about the mirrors on their bikes, lol. I have a Ducati 748; the mirrors suck. I also have a Yamaha R6... the mirrors suck. Lol

[@tdb922f]

I've had my 748 for well over a decade. Never selling it. Choose right, choose once!

[@letsreviewit8925]

Well said!

[@writenamehere0000]

15 years owner of a 916. Will never sell. It is an instant head turner even today.

[@theonlyredspecial]

Sorry I ever sold my 916 back in the day. Still looks and sounds great.

[@nealefrazer4247]

I own a 04 749r and will never get rid of ..love it

[@elpistolero9394]

Mine was stolen. Gutted.

[@2gj906]

90s was the golden era in terms of aesthetics design and overall proportions both in 4 and two wheels

[@mrsnezbit2219]

And the worst era were early 2000s

[@williampickles1449]

Had a 996 a few years ago,it wasn't the fastest or most powerful bike out there but it wasn't about that,it was the sound,the looks,and how it handled that made it special

[@neuregel]

i had one too, wish I never sold it

[@robertgutheridge9672]

But the looks and sound still get attention and good comments

[@robertgutheridge9672]

I have a 1986 Paso It not the fastest. Or best handling.

[@nando03012009]

Exactly. I wish I had a 998. But my 1299 is a beast!

[@charleswindsor7835]

@@neuregel I still have my 996, she's beautiful... but it looks like I might have to sell her... I'm gutted

[@benjaminpowell9758]

Best looking bike ever made. 748 998 anyday over new bikes.

[@philrodrigues9270]

I completely agree with you I own a 996 916 998 748 the most beautiful design

[@masterofpuppets1985]

916 was the first Ducati with that design and undertail exhausts, 748 came 4 years later. Btw I agree, 996 is the reason why I am a rider and I've owned only Ducati for 13 years.

[@arlisb7238]

There is one for sale in my area lmao

[@TheLoneTrader]

I would bite somebody's arm off for an 888

[@craignapoli]

Ditto to that mate.

[@geeftw69]

My favorite thing growing up was the single swingarm that makes the bike look beautiful 🤫🤫🤫

[@theczar3290]

Fuck yes. Same here, man

[@gerokron3412]

I´d like to upvote that video 100 times, as it explains 100% my thinking about riding motorcycles. Thx, mate.

[@nakibsayyed4999]

The sound of that dry clutch is pure eargasm.

[@nathanbanks7091]

Motorcycles peaked 15 years ago when manufacturers perfected suspension valving. It's all been downhill since manufacturers started adding a bunch of unnecessary electronics and technology.

[@Ramps_818]

My old man had a brand new 2001 model 748r in yellow. Most exciting bike I’ve ever ridden. I wish I could’ve bought it off him at the time. He upgraded to 999R which he still has. No electronics just man and machine. Both awesome bikes

[@steveshawks115]

You have just backed up my reason for not changing my 2006 ZX10R after 14 years - no fancy bells and whistles, power connected directly to the throttle!!! Give me the 748 any day of the week. 👍 Great video.

[@letsreviewit8925]

steves hawks I have fond memories of the 2006/7 Zx10r won me many races them 😬

[@CorePathway]

ZX10R - why sell it, ever? For a street bike that is.

[@heavypaulb6248]

And you can modify your ZX10R to be an absolute beast, ECU flash exhaust system, brembo master cylinder, that’s what I have done and love it. But then you have to keep it long term, as you will never get the money back

[@heavypaulb6248]

Really excellent production quality, very professional, love that 748

[@steveshawks115]

@@heavypaulb6248 hi Paul, the Brembo was a must anyway due to the wooden front brake that nearly had me in the back of a few cars on more than one occasion. (Very strange problem that was) never looked into a ECU flash so will have a look around. But yes although I don’t get to ride much she is still in the garage. 👍

[@lrowlands53]

I had Ducatis in the 70s, raced various bikes and was generally obsessed, but moved away to a rural university leaving all behind me. Forty years later I was considering a ‘utility’ bike as an addition to a motor home for shopping. - as you do. Perusing local ads for bikes was my undoing. I missed out on the progression from Dell Ortos to fuel injection, etc., but a 748S beckoned and 18 months later I feel I know how to ride again. The 748 is hot, noisy and physically challenging, it carves, is supremely balanced and poised, and brings a smile during every ride. The sensations from the 70s of being connected to the bike, especially when racing are there in spades. The 748 rescued me as much as I saved it from a sad decline. Going for a ride - and F the notion of a motor home. Being and feeling alive is abundantly more fulfilling than being comfortable.

[@letsreviewit8925]

Lindsay Rowlands brilliant! It’s amazing how revitalising motorcycles can me, like a form of meditation

[@lrowlands53]

Lets Review It Thanks. I tend to fall asleep when meditating! Yes, the 748 is ultra real in every way and I still can’t believe I’ve been so lucky to score one. Keep the rumble alive.

[@eddieace345]

Old school Ducatis are becoming something I long for. I haven’t been on a bike for close to 13years after an accident, but now I feel like I’m ready to get back on. Way older, more wise but still have the same passion I did when I was in my teens. I’ve been looking at 2004-09 Aprilia RSV factory models and playing with the idea of going with an 2006 749S, though I’m beginning to understand the appeal of the 748 and 998. Great bikes that you just don’t see on the road too often anymore

[@michaelshoaf2039]

Not gonna lie, teared up when I saw that 748R. This is one of the bikes growing up that made me love motorcycles. I’m blessed to have attained one of my goals of owning a Ducati at 33 years old. I will always have the pull on my heart to the desmosedici.

[@marinjeam]

Love the 916/748 era. everybody declared me crazy buying a 900ss with 2 ratling cilinders and noisy clutch. I love it !! What matters is the feeling the bike gives to YOU and nobody else. After I mounted a pair of Termignoni,s I never heard a better sound again from any bike. except maybe a 851.

[@letsreviewit8925]

Jean Marin well said 👌🏻

[@zacht9447]

VFRs man those things are the best sounding bikes out there

[@marinjeam]

@@zacht9447 almost ;)

[@kawishjaved6376]

Videos like these only makes me want to work harder. So one day I can have a collectable garage of my own. Every car he mentioned in this video is my dream cars and many others. This type of videos make me feel motivated. Also hungry for success. Like I want to do it now.!

[@SabanTX]

I own a 998 monoposto, and I just did another track day with it last weekend. I was surrounded by Panigales and the like. All the electronics let riders use the higher horsepower with more confidence. That's all well and good, especially for safety. We can argue about the virtues of analog v digital bikes, but I guarantee that I had just as much fun as anyone and can't wait to go back. So, I guess as long as the smile factor is there for you, then you have the right bike.

[@anthonybariek997]

To be fair, I bet every real rider there was jealous of your bike

[@nando03012009]

Honestly I prefer an analog bike. My 15 gsxr1000 has over 200 hp ( highly modified) and my 1299 also has over 200 hp but I feel more I control without the electronics. The drive by wire takes time to get used to and the electronics Honestly I feel like the limit me.

[@k1ortia]

Always loved the look of the 916 in red, in my teens.

[@Discotechque]

There's that feeling of a throttle cable being pulled that I can't explain. I've ridden a newer Honda CBR1000rr and I can't help but feel like I'm playing a video game whenever I pull the throttle, there's to tactile feedback. I've gone back to riding a carbureted bike, a 1991 Honda CB400.

[@casperi2]

NIce welcome back to the 400cc club. More and more of us are coming back to the older bikes as I said in my thread about this vid.Oh and bancon "below" you are correct there isn't fi bike will ever give the feel like a Carbureted bike nor even after all these years of fuel injection "fi" have the gotten the smoothness of a carb bike.

[@rrs_13]

I completely understand. I have migrated to two less cylinders and plus 100cc; nothing like a good ol' mechanical thing. And I've owned my bike for 4 years and 20.000 km: no carb adjustments needed, everyone that rides it say it's like clockwork. So much for the "carbs need constant tuning" myth. (although It was kind of true in older/smaller bikes, particularly 2 strokers.)

[@-smp-scientificmethodpersp838]

I own a Ducati superbike, and I miss my carbureted Honda. I'm buying a smaller cc old sports bike again. It's a better feeling in my opinion. FYI I'm keeping both bikes when I do haha

[@fcjc2976]

Agreed. That’s why my 98 7R will never go away

[@shane864]

This is why I have four bikes. A Multistrada for safely commuting and road trips, a Monster for city riding, a ratted bobber KZ650 for feeling cool, and a modded to shit Honda Hobbit vintage moped for giggling

[@MrGutfeeling]

I rode a mate's 1998 748R around 2000. So utterly mechanical, tractor-like power and a front-end very nearly as good as the aprilia RS250 - which is saying something for a 198kg vs 142kg bike. So good! And yeah, you absolutely do not need 200hp for a road bike.

[@drewiediggler1]

Best ever real world,road going Ducati for me was the 1000SS ie. Two valve heads give it immense low down strength. Coupled with razor sharp fuel injection meant you could fire yourself out of tight A and B road bends like a bullet. Masses of traction and trellis frame. Awesome and massively underrated bike at the time. They rarely come up for sale now and for very good reason.

[@flyingdutchy01]

I own a 748. I wanted one since I was 14. Sure there are faster bikes, and bikes which are cheaper or more reliable. But there's not a bike out there who can match its handling, sound or looks

[@letsreviewit8925]

Totally agree ☺️ thanks for watching

[@toddposton869]

I have three, including a 748L Neiman-Marcus edition. Great bikes!

[@peterjennings8258]

I bought a grey 2002 748s this year... bought with the heart.... i love it..... really takes skill to get the best from it but im sure on a smooth track it would be amazing... not that i would track mine though.. Get one while you still can.. i think they will only go up in value.

[@lrowlands53]

David Pimentel Ahem! A real rider does their own maintenance. It’s an integral part of the experience, otherwise you are just a passenger on a missile. Also, no one, but no one touches my bike except me - and I know it is then done right. My 748 is a dream to work on and maintain. It’s people who flog the crap out of their machines with no respect for or knowledge of engineering who then expect $ to keep their bike alive that are the ones giving exotic bikes a bad rap. I’m sure a neglected R1 is a nightmare of crap too.

[@peterjennings8258]

@@lrowlands53 totally agree.... i have 6 bikes....all maintained and repaired as required by me...all reliable... inc the 748.

[@ridingwithwolves1764]

My hero was the RSV4 when I first saw it. I fell in love with it. The sound, the speed, the style, everything. I was riding a GSX-R 600 and I get the feeling of "Mechanical" and the whole needing to be connected. the RSV4 had the "Controller" like feel, the padded throttle that kinda made it feel disconnected when I first got it. I loved the power but the switch there was something missing. And then I reflashed the ECU to race mapping, and that padded feel was gone. The real thing that ride by wire lacks in street form is the response. it's padded to prevent you from whiskey throttling or chopping in corners. The response curve can be programmed. Now my RSV4 feels as if I am directly connected to the throttle bodies, and it feels good. the RSV4 is my dream bike, and will always be. the Panigale has tried to sway me and failed. Great bikes but it's missing that something the RSV4 has. The technology is growing for sure, and you are getting more disconnected when in stock trim. Safety is driving motorcycle production, yet wrapping us in bubble wrap gets rid of the visceral feel superbikes always have had. We want to feel like part of the machine, and for me, I want to feel like I am strapped to a death rocket that is trying to kill me. Great video and beautiful bikes!

[@kevinfletcher7471]

I'm a old guy now been riding on the road since 1975 , I've owned probably over 70 motorbikes . Started riding bsa bantams , norton doms triumph etc modern age fireblades gsxr ducati 996 , 900 , 749 etc for me riding has always been about how it makes you feel , the power the sound and scaring yourself ! Maybe it's my age but it's so easy to go fast on modern bikes you have to do stupid speeds 130 plus to get a buzz. One of my favourite bikes was a 749 did everything for me old is gold. Enjoyed your vid thanks for sharing.

[@NCudi]

The 748r still looks so good!

[@letsreviewit8925]

nxo ovo it’s a gorgeous looking machine

[@miroslavm2553]

Some people are having trouble to go with the technology. Ducati 748 was a great motorcycle, a real masterpiece, but a modern Ducati Panigale is a masterpiece now. I never looked back. I don’t need anything old, it is more than enough that I am old, ha-ha.

[@-smp-scientificmethodpersp838]

I have an old bike because it's always been the prettiest and best looking of all the Ducs to me. Then again, I have multiple vehicles instead of just one. But, if I had to choose just one, I'd go for the old one. It's like having a 1970 & 1/2 Camaro vs a 2020 Camaro --some people like different things. To me, one is not good and the other not good. They are both good in their own way.

[@Purowalangkwenta]

Yes, you are correct. that 748 is my dreambike when I was a teen. Now that I'm all grown up i bought a1299 Panigale. But the real dream is that 748, 916 and 998

[@cratecruncher6687]

I've owned a vanilla 748 since 2000 and it's so much more sophisticated than my '82 Suzuki GS1000 Katana that it feels like a spaceship. A Panigale would probably make my head explode.

[@skippyyoung7872]

The mechanical sound of the Ducati V twin is pure poetry.

[@Incountry]

skippy young Obviously you’ve not heard Suzuki’s TL1000R threatening behaviour of Big Bang sound.! Or Honda’s VTR1000SP deep rumble like the V4s Hondas are known for..!! If Ducati twins are Poetry then Suzuki Twins are operas and Honda Twins are sonnets that draw on the heart.!!!

[@Incountry]

Kjell Eriksson Ok, I can go for that then... 👍🏼

[@Roberta_Esposito]

🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹💯💯💯 Perhaps the Harley Davidson of sport bikes

[@Roberta_Esposito]

@@noidontthinksolol Yes I think he might’ve been talking about two different things

[@Roberta_Esposito]

@@Incountry I’ve had a few interceptors… Each of these engine configurations are unique in their own way

[@duc899]

My first daily driver bike was a brand new Ducati F1A in 1985, which I took cross country as a young Marine one week after purchase. I was an idiot but it was amazing for the whole 20,000 miles I rode it. Now THAT was simple, and a tad slow but lovely.

[@wilfredprins9718]

I hope you still have that F1A beautiful bike

[@leighjordine4031]

I like how you describe the mechanical bond on the 748R between man & machine.

[@TheDenVamps]

Instant sub from me. What a wonderfully put together and thoughtful piece of brilliance. I have been needlessly purchasing bikes over the last few months. Chasing that garage and always returning to my wonderful but ratty 749. I'm going to ride tomorrow and just remember how much I wanted that bike and now I get to actually enjoy it. Well done sir.

[@letsreviewit8925]

Jamiedenny thanks for your comments great to hear 👍

[@iant1891]

I'm new to this channel and don't get how this only has 2.8k subs this is the most interesting and fun to watch youtube channel i've ever seen. The way the videos are edited the speed of the talking it's all so nice!

[@chrisandshazza01]

There used to be a Ducati dealership down the road from where I worked. I did shift work and sometimes in the early hrs of the morning I used to park out front, light a smoke and admire the gleaming yellow 748’s, just beautiful to look at, I was hypnotised and in love. I could never afford one at the time. Watching this brings back great memories.

[@TheDe3th]

I really don’t care about the performance anymore I can use it anyway, I like the classic motorcycle

[@nealefrazer4247]

The most be-fitting comment ever penned about an old/er Ducati.

[@pritvader8]

I’ve only been riding for 6 years and my first bike was a Monster 696+ Having watched your video I’d love to experience a ‘real’ bike, no electronics, just pure rider/bike interaction 😊

[@letsreviewit8925]

Pritesh Gajjar it’s not for everyone but it’s one of the purest riding experiences I’ve had 😉

[@MarkJones-re3po]

I have a 2017 959 panigale and I love it. I also have a 1990 vfr400r nc30, which is 100hp less than the panagale, but in no way is it any less fun to ride. It really is a difficult decision which one to ride Everytime I open the garage door. I think everyone should have a modern bike, and a modern day classic to enjoy. Top video 👌

[@massivemikeh]

I had a gsxr400 back in the 90's...was one of my fav bikes ever. I rise a Duc s4r now.

[@apollontv1078]

BEEN HERE SINCE U HAD 1000 SUBS...I LL STILL BE HERE WHEN U GOT A MILLION...CAUSE THIS CHANNEL TOTALLY WORTHS IT

[@letsreviewit8925]

APOLLON TV thanks for you support we really appreciate it

[@sunshowerpainting1]

Out of the many bikes I've owned, the (2001) Ducati 748 stands beyond the frey. Its loudly pronounced personality and character gives it an undeniable charm and uniqueness that results in nothing less than a love affair with its owner. Like the infamous "lady in red" the lil duck stole my heart with the first twist of the throttle. The way the bike felt planted to the ground was surprising and the chatter of the dry clutch, along with the sound the L-twin ceates it a one of a kind experience. Bravo Ducati for a most unique motorcycling experience......

[@conradpurcell3164]

Loved the 748 as a teenager although the closest I got to owning a super-sport was a CBR600RR - which was brilliant!

[@joezen2rise701]

Bro, my 1st was a CBR600rr.. So smooth, riding position an decent power band.. Miss the bike. A friend crashed it into an ambulance. Got his bmw out of it

[@QuincyPoaches]

600RR will run away from a 748! They weren't that fast.

[@craignapoli]

@@QuincyPoaches 748 yes but not a 748R

[@Roberta_Esposito]

@@craignapoli Can you please explain the difference briefly I am in the market

[@Roberta_Esposito]

R non R

[@bradsmgads1302]

90s superbikes are about to be the only bikes (normal) people will be able to afford

[@7rslender]

well, a 998S was about 30'000.- $ when released. Ducatis were never really "affordable"

[@canismajoris6733]

Well you can get 2000s superbikes for 5k...

[@anthonywhite9264]

I gotta say I have the same model 748R and everytime I start it and ride it I understand completely, Amazing machine

[@ducatimale]

The new breed of sport bikes are for people to feel safer setting ever faster lap times. The 748R is such a sweet, sweet bike to ride with power you can use all the way - even on the road if you're feeling in the spirit. I've had two in the past.

[@deepbreath3555]

Booth beautiful bikes but 90s was the golden years for me old bikes have a special carachter...

[@Wann-ez4wl]

Soul...they have soul...and the most important...its a bike YOU ride...no electronics what so ever...the BIKE don't ride you...

[@richardwanamaker9080]

Some newer bikes have soul also. I have a 17 Thruxton R in silver with the fairing. the machine is magnificent. The way the brakes work the responsiveness and torque of the engine not to mention drop dead gorgeous styling. I think in fifty or a hundred years this machine will still be gold. It's one of those motorcycles that literally speaks to you if you have the soul for it.

[@deepbreath3555]

@@richardwanamaker9080 pleanty of beautiful new bikes out there don't get me wrrong I like bikes in any form and style ...I don't know I can't explain I think anyone who drive an old carburated motorcycle without electronics will understand my statement is a different acceleration a difference in motor behaviour that you won't get in a new bike ...after that is just a question of personal taste I like old bikes love the lines I like them big maybe by nostalgia maybe because was the bikes of my time when I was a young boy or something like that ...

[@EEDad401]

I ride a 2003 fully naked SV1000 and I love it. I've had newer bikes. But this old bike just speaks to me. I'd love to see things like lap comparisons between old vs new bikes. I'm thinking of getting a 1098. Rode a buddy's when that bike first came out. But couldn't afford it. Now I can.

[@theonlyredspecial]

Came to this video a few times Over The last year. It’s really a great bit of work. Spoken from the heart.

[@justme2604]

At 45, this was a well made almost beautifully made video, 1 that any sportbike fan with a bit of appreciation for old school meets new can appreciate.

[@letsreviewit8925]

Thanks for your comments don’t forget to check out our other videos

[@jocky2]

Loved this review it touched my heart - the love we have for bikes and the experience they give us. You conveyed it all very well.

[@michaeledwardlenzi]

I love the slab-sided, exposed ladder 748R oldie the best. What a purposeful beauty.

[@m7jnu]

Great vid, your reviews are top and they capture the essence of riding for me!

[@letsreviewit8925]

m7jnu thanks for watching and supporting the channel we’d love to turn it into a proper series eventually

[@kilabot749]

I prefer the thicker tail design of the older bike. Makes it look more voluptuous.

[@BatmanYZFr1]

Agrees

[@leanit5756]

I remember wanting that 748 badly back in the 90s. I still have a memory of a yellow one going the opposite direction at high RPM while under heavy declaration. I thought then, and still think that was the best sounding engine noise I have ever heard.

[@flashsgarage]

The way forward is going backward - I love the accessibility of the new stuff, especially on track, but they don't give you anything like the same feeling of actually riding a bike (usually at more sane road speeds) as the older stuff

[@bangonthedoortwice]

That was so good! Thank you for that, you touched on some points manufacturers completely miss and it filmed very good. Now all the 748r are sold off ebay!

[@camalexander8564]

This is some incredible and beautiful cinematography.

[@casperi2]

Bravo for explaining this issue better than anyone else i think I have seen here on YT. I had the privilege of racing bikes from the early 90s to the early 2000's. I have also ridden pretty much every new type of bike out there for the sports bike market. You are correct though in your thinking that 200HP isn't really needed on the road, Hell you can go to jail on a R1's first gear its so long. The more tech put into the bike the more numb they seem to become. There's a massive difference from putting a leg over a Honda CBR 900RR or a Yamaha FZR 1000 putting down 165HP vs any of the new bikes out today. On the older bikes YOU control the throttle, you control the wheel spin, you control brakes "NO ABS back then" etc etc etc. There's a respect to bikes like these on the road that one knows even on say a 748 or Honda CBR 954 that in itself is a rush to ride. You know that it takes talent, skill, experience and maturity to ride those bikes because one knows that you can't just "pin it" and the computer will work it all out. No that computer is your brain with those bikes and that is what makes them so great to ride. They talk to you in ways the latest and greatest just can't anymore. Sure its fun to have 200+ HP for a few weeks until basting up on "on ramps, entry roads" to the highway gets old. Then after that rush gets old you have a bike that it just harder to work on, and don't even get me started on CATs on motorcycles and that Euro 4-5 is just beyond dumb. I have had many bikes in my garage over the years but I always kept one of them even when others would come and go and thats my Honda NC30. That little 400 is more fun to be honest than any of the bigger bikes. One can really work the gears and ya it may be one of my old race bikes and yea the HP is alot more than 45 but even with that its all I really need on a sports bike. Sure you can't go 160 on it and no it doesn't pull power wheelies in 3rd gear and 4th gear but take this bike to mountains or your fav back roads or hell just city riding and it will sing to you like you fav bike does to any of us. The bikes being put out today frankly don't need 200+HP on the road, I know , I know it sounds insane for someone to say that right? Like I'm taking some right away from us or something but its really not. The Supersport of the mid 200'0's has been enough power for a long time, a 130ish HP really does seem to be the sweet spot on a liter bike and no your not going to go mach one on it but after riding bikes since I was 6 and now 47 and 12 years of road racing, tire and bike testing under my belt I think its going to be a time soon that the manufacturers will finally understand that we the road riding community don't need the modern day Supersport but something in between the mid 2000's and todays bikes. Younger people might not understand this now but you will. There's something missing in the new bikes for some time now and I have been trying to find the right term for it. Someone on here said that they had a Ducati 1098, I have ridden that bike on a track day and on the road and it has the perfect term I have been looking for, it has HEART and talks to you. That is what is missing in the new bikes of today and people have already started to understand this and starting to buy up the older bikes instead of slapping down a house down payment for 2018-2021 bike. Thanks for this vid and I'm so glad you got to ride one of your dream bikes !!

[@7rslender]

Thank you for sharing this experience with us. As a 998S (and ZX-7R) rider, I would take the 748R over the Panigale any day. It's Massimo Tamburini's design language i did fall in love with. It was the bike I saw every other weekend on the screen when watching the WSBK back in the days. Don't get me wrong the Panigale must be a great bike. But I don't need 200+ PS and an iPad as dashboard with wich I can fiddle around and setup the bike every morning differently. It's cool, but not for me. She is the way she is. And I have to adapt. I love the sound of the 998 when she finally starts and warms up. The pling pling of the dry clutch, the Termis and if you listen carefully you can here the Desmo Valve System doing it's work. It will always be something special to me. Maybe one day I will try a Panigale. Sometimes it would be nice to have ABS on the bike.

[@grahamsmith2390]

I love the misery of my old Laverda, a hero bike I met after a 30 year wait..

[@NinjaNik]

Awesome review! I own the same red 2002 748R, recently been thinking of going to get a panigale cause my bike is just 18yrs old ... but after watching this, I don’t think I would ever want to sell it now.

[@letsreviewit8925]

I own a Panigale and its an amazing machine - i'd love to own both :(

[@NinjaNik]

@@letsreviewit8925 oh that would be a dream. Unfortunately, don't have the wallet for it.

[@eduardogonzalez738]

I bought a 916 in 1997. Still have it and still love it, I also have a mc28 nsr. Bought other bikes thru the years but kept these two as they are timeless

[@sakura-valley]

I own a '01 748s and a '22 v2 and they are the only two bikes I've fallen in love with after driving them for the first time. Never going to sell either, they've become part of the family :)

[@zacht9447]

Man I love my 2002 VFR V4 with a Cable throttle it is soo much better than electronic, I also love the character that the Vtec adds to it

[@DeathAngelHRA]

I've owned and built just under 70 motorcycles so far (still own 15) and my '98 748 Carl Fogarty clone is still one of my all time favorites.

[@SteveMuir]

I was lucky enough to ride a 748 R years ago. What a fantastic bike . (It was yellow.)

[@NinjaZXRR]

I saw a ducati 916 speed past the school bus I was in back in 1994, at the time I didn’t know about V-Twin Sport bikes. I was only 11 at the time, and I was hooked on them. I’ve now been riding for 15 years and finally got a Panigale V4S back in 2018. And out of all the bikes I’ve ridden the Ducati is my favourite.

[@peterjennings8258]

This year i bought a 2002 748s mono posto... in matt grey..... absolutley love it. Used it whenever I could. Roll on the spring.

[@scottmurray2239]

I agree, you should always meet your heroes. My first ever ride of a Ducati was a Ducati 999. At the time all I could afford were Japanese bikes. I roadraced for a number of years on R1 Yamaha's and ZX10 Kawasaki's. But I always hoped to be able to get a Ducati. I always was more drawn to the roadracer style with fairings and such. But I recently purchased a 2000 Ducati Monster (fully restored and modified). Never did I think I'd get a naked bike, but I fell in love with the classic styling. What a Beautiful ride!

[@MRryuhayabusa]

There's like an autotrader vibe to this video hahaha. Great review and comparison once again! My dream bike has always been the 748,/916/996/998 line. Would be cool to have a cagiva mito park beside it

[@letsreviewit8925]

Is that a good thing? Haha thanks for watching

[@philrodrigues9270]

The 996 was my dream bike for years remember fall in love the 916 996 remember going to the Ducati dealer as a young guy and being shot down on a loan but happy to say few years ago purchased same spec with very low miles don't think I will ever sell it

[@renevanderkraats224]

My bikes are pretty basic when it comes to electronics. (Mandatory) ABS and non-cornering TC, that's it. Love the simplicity and lack of distractions. I once rode a yellow rental 748SP for a glorious day. So small, felt like my knees were almost touching. But what a bike. Flickable, and those booming Termignoni's. I didn't extract it's full potential for sure, but I still vividly remember that ride from 20 years ago.

[@hotrod34rod41]

Really nicely presented video. I'm sure someone that has never ridden a bike may think its all a bit weird and not understand what your talking about, but for those who really feel that connection to their bike The whole "raw" experience of rider/machine/road.......your commentary makes total sense.

[@letsreviewit8925]

HotRod34 Rod thanks for your feedback 😬

[@JRodzTv]

Nice video, my first bike was a 03 749s testaretta. Had it for four years and maybe one day I’ll have another one.

[@NYGiantsDiEhArD]

Great video. I also own a 748 (2001) and love it to death. Perfectly quick for its era and insanely stable in the corners. I eventually moved on to an R6 as well. One thing I do sometimes laugh at though is the overplayed romanticism Ducati enthusiasts sometimes play up. Progress is progress in my opinion. You're always going to have those old guys who, when introduced to a modern monstrosity of motorcycle technology (any modern sportbike), they virtue signal with, "Oh, you can have all the bells and whistles, the high tech and the horsepower, but old simplicity will always win and horsepower is overrated." Um, no. Most of the time it's pretty straightforward: The bike having the genius engineering of advanced electronics and double the horsepower *is* just better. Plain and simple. Like I see my Ducati as a modern classic that has a certain beauty. It has racing pedigree that backs up its beauty, but it's more like a legacy from its time, not "absolute ability" as of today's motorcycles. My R6 is a thrilling new machine that gives me bragging rights for today's standards. How about if I build a cafe racer? It's to make a quick motorcycle like my own artwork. But I'd never try to claim that it's better than a modern superbike that's twice as powerful. Different bikes are enjoyed for different sentiments. Sometimes it's for competitive performance in the now, and sometimes it's the enjoyment of a classic icon of the past. Currently, that's what the 748 is becoming as horsepower rises and weight drops year by year. Still a "quick" bike by today's standards, but not a competitively "fast" one.

[@ericreptiles]

This video touched my heart...glad I still have my 2001 748S since day 1.

[@onlyfoolriding8223]

Great video. Went from a monster 1200 down to a m1100. Love the 1100 so much more. Lighter. The clank, clank, clank, the raw, visceral rumble. Nothing better. You don't need any of the new shit, at all.

[@letsreviewit8925]

Ducatopia I love the monster I’d love to have one just for joining about

[@onlyfoolriding8223]

@@letsreviewit8925 Got a damn good deal on the bike. 09, 1100 miles. Termis with power commander and dyno. No baffles, so it's LOUD. Need earplugs. :)

[@grantzupanc7372]

I loved my 2001 748!!!!! Still looks ahead of its time

[@johnathanellis9010]

He hit the nail on the head when he said how can you get comfortable enough to push it when the bike is different everytime?

[@BigUriel]

It's not thought that whole argument is a load of rubbish. The idea that your right hand directly controls the engine even in the older bike is an illusion because it is also fuel injected and while your right hand controls the throttle plate it does nothing in regards to how much fuel actually goes into the engine, which is still a figure returned by a "calculator". Opening a throttle and not giving it more fuel doesn't give you any more power, and in fact it made these older engines prone to misfiring and bogging down under acceleration when something wasn't working perfectly. That sort of direct control ended when carbs did, and most people who rode those bikes and ride modern ones today do not miss them.

[@johnathanellis9010]

Sérgio Alves yeah I see your point but I’m not riding at that level yet

[@pattymiller2160]

this video makes me miss my '02 996. Best bike i've owned.

[@ReevesTop]

Me Too! Wish i never sold my 996s! Damn!

[@SharonD369]

Wow nice bike 👌 the last bike i owned was a Yamaha RD 350 LC, brought it new in 1985 and parted with it in 2000. Now i’ve got 20 yrs of bruising around my ankles from constantly kicking myself.

[@letsreviewit8925]

Sharon no time like the present

[@pilin1cruisemoto743]

Watching this video makes me happy that I kept my 748 and that I wished it was the R version :-). My 748 is a very reliable bike. I was caught once in a terrible rain and the bike just kept going. It never skipped a beat. The harness is simple and the connectors are very robust and tight. The bike was once in storage for 4 years. I got it out , put a new battery, checked the fluids, added half tank of gas and she cranked right up. Great bikes!!!!

[@DudeMungus]

Amazing video!!!!! I own a 2012 ducati 1199 Panigale..... love the character

[@C-M-E]

Few things quantify the end of the analog era better than a Duc v-twin. Personally the 916 was the one that got away for me having settled with a Tl1000 in its stead, but the dream still exists.

[@theonlyredspecial]

Really enjoyed this. I owned a 916 back in the day. I do somewhat agree with what you say about the electronics but on the other hand with the newer bikes making over 200hp I think having more electronics such as very extensive traction control is very important. You covered it all however so well done. I’ve subscribed.

[@letsreviewit8925]

theonlyredspecial thanks for watching it’s a difficult argument for sure and hugely subjective but great fun to make the video haha 😂

[@damansbedi]

Watching this 3am in the morning in my bed and thrilled to pull out my 1098s to go for a long ride right now down the empty streets :)

[@letsreviewit8925]

Hope you filmed it!

[@damansbedi]

@@letsreviewit8925 didn't get to film it but it was a nice ride with just me and the bike down those empty lanes. Thank you for the video!

[@winstonchurchhill3264]

Ive had sport bikes for years now from a 1995 Honda cbr , fireblade , R1, gixer , rd 350 ypvs , lol ! The roads a far to busy now an u cannot use them really 😏 , unless u wanna spend ur weekends on a track an then carry ur pride an joy home in a box , maybe . I’ve been riding since I was six years old an now 50 ...ish , so I went on the search for a more classic bike an found a 1978 Bmw r80 / 7 an now I can actually see the country side an not a blur , lol . Enjoy ur biking , what ever u ride an stay safe . Greetings from Portsmouth England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 .

[@julianmorris9951]

I love my k5 Gsxr 1000 , no rider aids , you just put the key in and go!!! and at 166 kg it’s light, been thinking about these Ducati for a while, looking at the 899

[@BatmanYZFr1]

Great vid!! So accurate. I just went through this last Christmas. I've had a 2000 R1 that I love. Decided it was time to add a new bike to my garage. I was torn between the '19 R1 and 'a 20 Panigale V2. Contemplated the R1M and V4 as well. Then I saw it!! A 2012 848 EVO Stealth. Only 1205 miles with all the fixin's already installed. Just me and the machine. I talk to it, it talks to me. None of that fancy A.I. like K.I.T.T. stuff "correcting" my wishes. Plus when it comes to looks, nothing sexier than a Trellis framed Ducati, Especially in Black. Great vid.

[@awrebyawe]

Lucky bugger! I've been on the lookout for an 848, 1098 or 1198 in good nick. Live in Spain though and it's slim pickings

[@StigRossi]

awesome but why not a 1098

[@BatmanYZFr1]

@@awrebyawe I just got lucky. The same seller had a mint 1098R limited as well (think it was a 2008, but I heard he finally sold it back in April this year.

[@BatmanYZFr1]

@@StigRossi I would have loved the 1098 but the one available was red and they were side by side. I couldn't stop thinking about that 848. Just loved the matte finish more than engine displacement and the suspension, brakes, exhaust, clutch etc were already upgraded on the 848. All I had to do was LED lights and mirror extenders. That being said, I did check but there weren't any stealth 1098 around.

[@gdmonks1959]

I’ve got a 2007 GSXR 750 and a 2005 VTR1000SP2 and the analog feeling of hustling those bikes along far outweighs the 200hp video game machines, riding them is real and honest with everything down to me as a rider Love is 2 wheels (analog) wheels

[@triiad4811]

My favourite bike is the first I ever revved the 1998 CBR 900RR Fireblade in yellow absolutely amazing sounding and looking bike

[@robhelenflaherty9083]

This was a really special review, well produced and tells a story from the heart. I was on the verge of buying a 748, and was researching everything I could on them. Even got the little buyers guide by Ian Falloon. But as Im returning to riding after thirty years of absence, common sense prevailed and I bought an SV650S. Maybe next year I'll get that ducati though. Thanks again for the video.

[@letsreviewit8925]

Rob & Helen Flaherty thanks for watching! You probably chose wisely, the Duke is quite rider friendly but good to get some return miles under the belt before jumping on something quite aggressive. If/when you do get one you won’t regret it 👍

[@sammysiev1645]

Brilliant video mate. Keep it up.

[@mikkelibsen4290]

Great video, thanks. Miss my old 916...

[@letsreviewit8925]

What are you riding now?

[@lappieslabuschagne2428]

Totally agree , old school is the nicest thing to ride , we don't need all these bells and whistles.....

[@devo3243]

Maybe not on the track. But on road, especially in the wet, id rather know that if someone pulls out in front of me I have a better chance of not crashing

[@lappieslabuschagne2428]

@@devo3243 maybe you should stick cars ....

[@devo3243]

@@lappieslabuschagne2428 I don't drive cars. I travel a lot on my bikes so I probably put down more k's than you per year. I just don't see how having something like abs to help you in an event you can't control while riding in public is a bad thing. You're an idiot if you think you can avoid every accident with skill alone. You can't control other people, and when you're always riding you see some bloody poor driving

[@Kaeresh]

The mechanical connection to your bike is important to me, especially because I wanted to be able to fix my own horse. Which is why I ended up getting a Honda Fireblade from 97. I've had that poor thing apart several times in the, just short of, 2 years that he's been with me. Tweaks, maintenance, a weird noise I couldn't place, cleaning, etc. I can very much understand the appeal of electronic wizardry inside bikes and what it allows you to do, working in IT and automation myself, these concepts are absolutely not foreign to me. But somehow the electronics making way for the mechanical aspect of the controls and the handeling just seems noticable. A disconnect when riding. As it stands now. Having to choose between new-age, modernised and electronically reliable or old-school, direct and mechanically reliable, I will pick the latter every time.

[@alanpritchard1768]

Brilliant! loved that video. I own a 2002 red 748R almost identical to the one here, I have always wanted one, bought a mint one 4 years ago that came from UK (I'm in NZ) its the most un practical and uncomfortable bike I have ever owned, but I love it and will never sell it! Done track days and thats where it shines, even on the road it puts a smile on my face... every time!

[@davidburne9477]

I rest rode one and hated it. Then I rode the 748S version, which is a much nicer street bike. The R version is for track days IMHO. Now of course we have twice the HP and need all manner of traction control modes to control it so we don’t highside driving out of corners etc. Seems counter-productive to me, to have all that power in an increasingly regulated world. Here in Australia you lose your license for a year for getting caught doing 40kmh over the speed limit, so really, what’s the point of these high output bikes except for blokes who want to ride them to coffee shops and then wank on about how great the bike is (and by association how cool they are). I’ll take my 1250 Bandit, my old school Guzzis (96 1100 Sport, 85 Le Mans) thanks, and keep my license and my self-respect :-)

[@blueteeth.spooker]

@@davidburne9477 yay! Right with you there. What I love about my Guzzis is not just the sound, the impeccable handling, the lo-tech but good looks... it's that I can use ALL of it, all of the power; I'm not having to hold back and only use about a third of the potential of some 200bhp hyper-drive luxo-missile! Much more fulfilling imho Knees in the breeze an' shiny side up : )

[@tommyderthomas]

I am totally with you. It's time to build bikes, that fit people. Nobody needs 200HP that are only controllable with electronics. I can not even handle my 125 HP on my 98 RSV Mille ME completely... But this bike is real - and that's what it's about!

[@FanOWater]

I owned a 2001 996 and it was a decent road bike (horribly uncomfortable though). Take it to the track and you suddenly understood why they won all those championships. I ended up racing mine in the AFM for 2 years. While I like all the modern aides on modern bikes, I do not like the styling as much. But that could be my age showing. Cheers

[@55kgwarming]

The bike that started it for me was the Honda CBX 1000, hope someday to own one. for now it is a 95 GSX600F with a laser k1 exhaust, just the the sound it makes ooooh mama

[@rrs_13]

the cbx 1000 has to be the argument winning card whenever italian bike fans talk about the sound. I have never come across any bike that sounded so good, particularly when stock. Also a huge headache to tune and carb sync.