ScottRNelson
Adventure and Dual Sport
I had an ST2 (same bike as ST4, lesser engine) and had no issue at all with the seating position and only a few minor clutch issues. I would have been okay riding in city traffic on it, although I never had a big commute while I owned it.A 996 as a track bike makes sense. A 996 as a city commuting bike makes no sense at all. I had an ST4 for a while as a second bike, and even that was a nightmare in city traffic. Uncomfortable seating position, horrible clutch, I couldn’t imagine commuting in the city on it.
As for the 916/996/998, I also had an 888 Superbike with similar riding position and that one was truly horrible in city traffic. You don't want a Ducati superbike for commuting.
Of the three: 916/996/998, I would pick the 996 first. The 998 had a different cooling setup and had overheating issues if you didn't keep it going fast enough. The 996 just has better power than the 916.
If you have to have a Ducati and want to commute on it, get a Monster or Hypermotard. Either of those should be much easier to live with.