Discussion
That Ducati sportsbikes are few and far between if they are so well known?
Today i saw my first Ducatti on the road, up by London Bridge. It was only a 749, but still a nice sight and a sound.
Oh how i long for the day that i have my 998
>>> Edited by d3ano on Friday 6th February 16:28
Today i saw my first Ducatti on the road, up by London Bridge. It was only a 749, but still a nice sight and a sound.
Oh how i long for the day that i have my 998
>>> Edited by d3ano on Friday 6th February 16:28
Im prepared to be shot down but.............
I think ducatis are overrated and badly built (sorry to any ducati owners)
I would choose an aprillia over a duke anyday , and i reckon they sound better too
Of course i know nothing about the soul of motorcycling because a choose to ride a souless kawasaki
I think ducatis are overrated and badly built (sorry to any ducati owners)
I would choose an aprillia over a duke anyday , and i reckon they sound better too
Of course i know nothing about the soul of motorcycling because a choose to ride a souless kawasaki
DennisTheMenace said:
Im prepared to be shot down but.............
I think ducatis are overrated and badly built (sorry to any ducati owners)
I would choose an aprillia over a duke anyday , and i reckon they sound better too
Of course i know nothing about the soul of motorcycling because a choose to ride a souless kawasaki
I've got one of the bastard things & I'm with you all the way
It was my mates 3 clutches in 8k miles plus numerous electrical issues on his (then) new 916 that sort of hammered home to me the Duke differnces over *ahem* properly made bikes, coz 40k miles of abuse on my cheapo jap craps 8 yr old original clutch keeps my wallet happy
Must say tho the way that thing handled when it was actually running, was indeed fecking impressive.
Must say tho the way that thing handled when it was actually running, was indeed fecking impressive.
Clapham993 said:
Im prepared to be shot down but.............
I think ducatis are overrated and badly built (sorry to any ducati owners)
I would choose an aprillia over a duke anyday , and i reckon they sound better too
Of course i know nothing about the soul of motorcycling because a choose to ride a souless kawasaki
I've got one of the bastard things & I'm with you all the way
Couldn't agree more, check out whats left of my 996 after a bump with a mondeo
http://rides.300zx.co.uk/rides/2831/myducati996sps.jpg
sorry about the small pic, took it on my phone
Rich
No Probs so far touch wood! I find that it just requires some TLC and really is only for thrashing around on nice sunny days.
If you require the bike for any other reason apart from enjoyment then steer well clear. Build quality is what you would expect of a part-hand built vehicle. I must admit mine seems to be pretty good even if it does tend to lose the odd clutch cover bolt! Post 2001 models had better electrics and seemed to be a lot better in quality.
I agree with the Aprilia comment, they do tend to have a more refined finish. This probably stems from possibly a lower production level than the Bologna based firm and have stricter quality control.
I wouldn't slate these bikes as much as this thread has seemed, we all know that these bikes are not the most reliable bikes on the planet in comparison to the indestructable Rice Rockets; but bear in mind the exclusivity factor and the racing heritage. All MV, Benelli, Ducati and Aprilia decorate their machines with the finest of components - Ohlins, Brembo, Marchesini, etc., etc.
I like all bikes at the end of the day, Ducati ownership just makes life that little bit more interesting. I carry full roadside recovery and make sure the damn thing is serviced on the dot.
If you require the bike for any other reason apart from enjoyment then steer well clear. Build quality is what you would expect of a part-hand built vehicle. I must admit mine seems to be pretty good even if it does tend to lose the odd clutch cover bolt! Post 2001 models had better electrics and seemed to be a lot better in quality.
I agree with the Aprilia comment, they do tend to have a more refined finish. This probably stems from possibly a lower production level than the Bologna based firm and have stricter quality control.
I wouldn't slate these bikes as much as this thread has seemed, we all know that these bikes are not the most reliable bikes on the planet in comparison to the indestructable Rice Rockets; but bear in mind the exclusivity factor and the racing heritage. All MV, Benelli, Ducati and Aprilia decorate their machines with the finest of components - Ohlins, Brembo, Marchesini, etc., etc.
I like all bikes at the end of the day, Ducati ownership just makes life that little bit more interesting. I carry full roadside recovery and make sure the damn thing is serviced on the dot.
DennisTheMenace said:
what problems have you had with yours pete ?
a mate bought a 996 and had numerous electrical problems charging etc ,leaked oil , corrosion ,got ripped off for parts , and the bearings in the front wheel broke up
The usual electrical 'quirks', a siezed ignition barrel, corrosion you just can't believe (haven't had a vehicle rust like that since my Fiat 128 3p coupe), slow running/tick-over that requires more constant servicing attention than a helicopter, clutch that has my hand aching for about an hour after my 20 minute ride to the office (Ducati tell me this is 'normal') an insatiable appetite for rear shocks....need I go on??
Suffice it to say, if the business has a good enough year, its making way for another 'blade in the spring.
have they improved things with the newer 749/999 ?
Im seriously tempted...
www.emapadvantage.com/ducati4bikes/ducati/749/Ducati_Email_749.html
Im seriously tempted...
www.emapadvantage.com/ducati4bikes/ducati/749/Ducati_Email_749.html
stooz said:
have they improved things with the newer 749/999 ?
Im seriously tempted...
www.emapadvantage.com/ducati4bikes/ducati/749/Ducati_Email_749.html
Where do we sign?
DennisTheMenace said:I was looking at a 750SS before i got the kawasaki i think the SS range are underated and overshadowed by the 748/996
Im prepared to be shot down but.............
I think ducatis are overrated and badly built (sorry to any ducati owners)
I would choose an aprillia over a duke anyday , and i reckon they sound better too
Of course i know nothing about the soul of motorcycling because a choose to ride a souless kawasaki
954 girlie said:
He he he... The urban 'unreliability' myth was actually started by Ducati themselves as part of their marketing & brand strategy.
The philosophy behind the plan was to exclude it from mass appeal by ensuring that only the high earning intelligensia would be able to afford and run them. Thus maintaining its elite status.
Nice one
I think it depends what you expect from a bike, I didn't by my Ducati for commuting through the winter, (far too uncomfortable & impractical) I didn't expect Honda reliability, although in nearly 6 years of 916 ownership I have only had one real problem and that was a warranty issue (rear wheel nut not correctly tightened during pdi and worked loose - knackering the hub & wheel and at the same time a part of the hub fell into the rear caliper and locked the brake part on, which slowed me down until it locked and the pads caught fire
) - since this I have found that it is wise to check the wheel nut torque regularly Otherwise the bike has been fine, although the servicing costs are high but I can put up with this as it's a fookin' good ride and plenty fast enough/handling enough (if you can ride it at 100%, or even 80%, you are a god
), for an old git like me, who is past riding a bike every day in the rain/snow etc (been there, done that, got the scars & sore joints to prove it), besides I need to use a car for work and an MPV for family days out! As an aside many PH'ers drive TVR's and these to me are the '4-wheeled version' of a Duke whilst being even more expensive to maintain - you buy it with your heart (not to mention a fat wallet
), not your head. Anyway each to their own, but if you have only ridden Jap' bikes then you need to to beg, buy or borrow (but please don't steal) a ride on a 916/748/996/998 if only to see what all the fuss is about - you won't regret it.
Not ridden a 999 yet but I'm told that they are less 'focused' and a little more 'Jap-like' in the user friendliness stakes whilst still going/handling like a Duke.
:makesnotetogetatestrideon999:
Oh and I think you can still get a new 998 'final edition' but be quick as they have finished making them.
And besides all the above, don't you just want to get something big'n throbbing between your legs?
ummm, I think that no matter how "nice" a Duke, if it p*ssed me off big time, I couldn't forgive it, no matter how nice it was.
Be real for a mo, the giggling blonde in the office may have great assets, but if the giggles wind you up, it doesn't matter......... (no, Mrs Biker, I am not referring to anyone in particular!!!)
C
Be real for a mo, the giggling blonde in the office may have great assets, but if the giggles wind you up, it doesn't matter......... (no, Mrs Biker, I am not referring to anyone in particular!!!)
C
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