S model 'fly screen', CF Leo Vinci Hi-mount pipes, Napoleon bar end mirrors
Like most liter class bikes it pulls hard all the way to redline. I bounce off the rev limiter on quick acceleration if I don't keep one eye on the tachometer. Stock fuel injection is a little lean and cruising around between 4500 and 5500 rpm will give you a little backfire occasionally. Definitely needs a computer reprogram (there is no 'chip' to replace). With the Leo Vinci's on it it sounds awesome and is very loud. Sounds like the 996/998's that race AMA/SBK...well almost :-)
Best brakes I've ever felt on a bike. The back one is kinda weak and squeals a little bit but who the heck uses the back brake anyway? A little fade from the front on heavy use in the summer (in Texas) but they still drag the bike down quick when you need them to.
Even without the S model's adjustable forks the standard (from a 916) front suspention is awesome. In my case no adjustment is necessary. The rear suspention is perfect except when going two-up.
Overall I like the bike a lot. It may not be the fastest thing out there but there really is something special about Italian machinery. Best of all it doesn't look or sound like any other bike out there be it harley or sportbike. And just in case you do see another one in town Ducati and Road Racing make enough aftermarket parts that you could totally change the way it looks very easily.
List any modifications on this bike suspension: Ohlins forks and rear shock. Remus high mount pipes. Scotts stearing damper. High rear sets. Remov snorles from air box. Changed to gripper front brake pads. Add "city" wind screen Sargent seat. One tooth less rrear sprocket.
Fuel injection. Improved mid range intake and exhaust modifications.
Better after changing to grippier pads.
Better after full on ohlin forks and rear and scotts steering damper. Metzler Sportech M-1 tyres made a big differnce too. Putting on higher rear sets and pipes allows lean it like a 996.
I have a 996 a St4S and a 900 monster. I mbought the monster thinking that it would handle close to the other two bikes. I was very disapointed after I got it. It's been a project bike for me. After all the mods, it rides as good as it looks. Why didnt they make it right in the first place?
Termi exhaust, 944 cc kit, mikuni flat slide carbs. Wheels have been polished and frame is painted metallic black.
Since installing the 944 kit and carbs it flies. Noticibly faster than an S4. Will keep pace with 996 with an average rider.
Brakes are stock. Rear brake a bit inadequate. Front brake just enough to pull it up.
Stock suspension has been rebuilt. Just as ducati intended it to be.
Really nice bike. Turns alot of heads, goes well, sounds superb.
Arrow CF Low Pipes Sidestand down / engine run mod CF fenders, side covers drag bars 14 tooth counter shaft sprocket Michelin Pilot Road tires 1/4 Ducati fairing with smoke shield bar end mirrors Dunlopad HH+ front brake pads foam airbox filter Sargent seat
Fuel injection functions great with occasional slight leaness at mid-throttle. More low end torque than my 916 but obviously, not as much top end charge. Great fun coming out of a corner and rolling on the throttle.
With installation of Dunlopad HH+ pads, front brakes are awesome, surpasing my 916's brakes. Adjustable levers are nice as are the remote resevoir master cylinders.
I had to lower the fork legs to get the controls to clear the drag bars so steering slowed up a bit. I added as much ride height in the back as I could and now it steers very nice and has improved ground clearance. The Dark does not have adjustable forks and the rear shock is good although the spring is soft for my 195 lb weight. I'm considering upgrading to a "regular" M900 or maybe an "S" although they are substantially more expensive.
This bike is an absolute blast to ride. It reminds me of my 850 Commando the way the engine pulls. Nice seating position and excellent handlebar height. Footpegs could be a little further back. Lots of accessories out there; easy to make something pretty nice or unfortunately, look like a bunch of mis-matched parts. A bit more expensive to maintain but worth in, IMHO. I'd love to try an SV650, just for comparison.
List any modifications on this bike supertrapp exhaust, k&N filter,
any flat spots etc. lean but can be tuned to by dealership using tpi. Geared very high, bigger rear sprocket 1 tooth, plus you can tune the supertrapp exhaust either higher or lower end based on disk. Not bad once it's tuned in right.
Feel, Strength Front breaks are very solid, they match the power of the engine.
Overall handles well up to 90-110. Anything above could use steering stabilizer.
Fun bike to ride, higher maintenance than most but worth it if you can afford it.
