998 My 998 Story (long)

Ive been wanting to pass along my experience with my 2002 998 that I acquired about a year and a half ago. Hopefully, this will provide some entertainment, and maybe some education.

I started riding only two years ago and my first bike was a 2006 R6s. It wasn't the best beginner bike, but I survived. A few months later, I visited a Ducati dealership and saw (and heard) a 999. That was it for me. I was already interested before this experience, but now, I was converted. I started the predictable habit of perusing Facebook marketplace and Craigslist.

Then one day, it happened. I spotted it. The bike was advertised as "a 2003 998S." Admittedly, I did not know enough to ascertain the mistakes in the post. Furthermore, the pics made the bike look...ugly. It had hideous, aftermarket Nicky Hayden bodywork with no side panels. Still, it had the red tank, and I saw the potential.

After talking to the owner via text, he was interested in the R6! A few days later, I made the trek two hours southeast of home. I pulled up to the house and there it was! I wasn't exactly blown away, because honestly, it looked worse in person. Still, it was a Ducati and I thought it had potential.

It was now time for the test ride. As he was trying to start it (more on that later), I noticed that one of the fork seals was leaking. The owner didn't reveal this to me via text. Furthermore, he said that the side stand spring had flown off so he was using HIS DAUGHTER"S HAIR TIE to keep the stand up while riding. He had to jump start the bike to get it started. He said the starting problem was due to the battery being the wrong size because "its all the store had and I wanted to keep riding." Interpreted: "it was the cheapest motorcycle battery I could find." Furthermore, he told me that he was mistaken in the ad and it was a 996 and not a 998. More good news.

At this point, I was coming to the realization that this was probably not a good idea. After all, my R6 was in good shape considering I rode it for two hours with no problems and had full confidence to ride it home. But then, I rode the Ducati...

The Ducati felt heavy but the torque made it feel like an absolute monster compared to the R6. And the sound...the glorious sound. Within a few seconds, I knew I was in trouble. Why in the world would I, a logical person, even consider this ugly, beastly motorcycle that needed to be jump started, had a leaky fork seal, and required a hair tie to ride it?

When I got back from the test ride. The owner said he was interested in the R6 after he took it for a test ride. I expressed my hesitation, but I knew it was over. I agreed to the deal and I was the proud owner of what was surely one of the ugliest 996 (or 998) ever. Of course, it was nearly empty so the now previous owner escorted me to the nearest gas station and I filled up the tank (on my dime by the way). But at least he was nice enough to jump me off.

So there I was. Traveling two hours on a bike I barely knew, during the month of July in Florida knowing that I couldn't stop for water or fuel. Things were going pretty well until about forty-five minutes from home when the fuel light came on. What was I going to do? Well, I kept going and somehow made it home. I couldn't even call my wife to tell her I had traded my R6. Upon arrival, I had to lay down and drink a lot of water because I was so dehydrated. But I owned a Ducati and I was excited.

After recovering from an epic trip, I purchased a new battery with fingers crossed that that would fix the starting issue. It did and I haven't had any problems since with one exception (I merely needed to clean the contacts on the battery cables). I also ordered a side stand spring and that issue was fixed. I also repaired the fork seal leak with Sealmate. I also changed the oil and followed the instructions for the 996 but I noticed a difference. Then I began to notice other differences. I checked out the VIN number and happily discovered that I indeed had a 998 and not a 996.

Next, I had to do something about the looks of the thing. I dont think my friends and neighbors would get the right idea about me if I rode around with the number 69 on the side of the bike because they aren't fans of motorcycle racing. So I purchased some Chinese fairings and the bike began to be transformed aesthetically. The bike finally looked like it was supposed to look.

Since then, I have had many adventures. This includes an accident that was my fault. I wasn't injured and I was able to ride the bike forty five minutes home. I have grown so much as a rider and I am extremely lucky to own such a machine. I am no where near good enough to truly experience the potential of the bike, but I am hopefully getting closer than I was just a short time ago. The pics are below and are in order of the transformation.

 

Thanks for your comments and suggestions Guillaume. I actually do have Snyder's book, and the Haynes manual. I have also accumulated quite a few tools over the years since I worked on an old Porsche and an old Mercedes diesel for a time. I still dont think I am a very good mechanic, but I can do some things. So far, I have found the Ducati a dream to work on.

I live in the Tampa area. You are absolutely correct. Summer riding on a hot bike can be a miserable experience. Last summer, I was riding in a fairly congested area and it wasn't fun at all. On the other hand, if you are moving it isn't terrible although I suppose after several hours it probably would be. Most of my rides are less than 3 hours.

 

I agree. I do enjoy working on it. I did on a few things on the R6 but removing the fairings was a pain. Not so with the 998. I am still amazed how little time it takes to take off the fairings, seat, and fuel tank.

 

Jez, it is a good combination. The ability to ride year round is a definite plus. The downside is that the roads near my house aren't that great. There are some decent roads in Florida but they are few near where I live.

 

Thanks Pete. I can't imagine getting rid of the 998 for another bike. I find the 1098 tempting, but I still dont think I could part with the 998.

 

Thanks Bettes. It might be the angle of the photo. But either way, I do intend on getting a longer stand. It always makes me a bit nervous especially on uneven surfaces.

Im not sure about the right height. Perhaps it is high, but I am a bigger rider so perhaps it isn't a problem. I am a complete novice when it comes to suspension, so feel free to correct me.

 

Sounds like a good idea to me.

 

Thanks Henk.

It is a 998. I have verified this in several ways. The fairings are Chinese fairings so perhaps the fitment is off somewhat. Otherwise, perhaps the coil has been moved. I can't take a picture now as I am out of town. But I will post a pic when I get back home.

 

Actually, it has been moved! To be honest, I didn't know what I was looking for, but now I am certain that it is tucked under the air box. I assume that when someone installed those hideous Nicky Hayden (RIP) fairings on, they had the scoops. Thus, some previous owner moved it. Thanks for teaching me something I didn't know about my bike!