What's all this about Ducati bikes then?

Buy a 998, the testastretta engine is sublime, and the fairing look so much better with no air vents.

Originally Posted by Defender

So last Saturday morning whilst I was getting my SV serviced at Powersport Bradford my brother and I took a car ride around some bike shops.

We went to a Ducati dealership in Shipley and after 10 mins of checking them out I'd had enough. So I have to ask what is the big deal with these bikes?

Okay as race bikes they're doing well in the WSBK and did well last in the Moto GP in 2007 but:

1) The tubular steel makes them look 1/2 finished what with the holes on show.
2) They look like they were built in a shed
3) The fuel tank is fastened to with a click similar to one I had on a tool case
4) Not really impressed with the sound they make - i.e. dry clutch
5) Any new GIXER looks better

One word....HEATHEN

That is all.

[dyzio]

Originally Posted by Defender

So last Saturday morning whilst I was getting my SV serviced at Powersport Bradford my brother and I took a car ride around some bike shops.

We went to a Ducati dealership in Shipley and after 10 mins of checking them out I'd had enough. So I have to ask what is the big deal with these bikes?

Okay as race bikes they're doing well in the WSBK and did well last in the Moto GP in 2007 but:

1) The tubular steel makes them look 1/2 finished what with the holes on show.
2) They look like they were built in a shed
3) The fuel tank is fastened to with a click similar to one I had on a tool case
4) Not really impressed with the sound they make - i.e. dry clutch
5) Any new GIXER looks better

NO WAY!!

[fizzwheel]

The are just different than the normal jap bikes... I've always liked the 916 shape, since Liz had her 749 I've grown to really like that style as well. Theres loads going on little touches and design details, the way the fairing is shaped, its not flat or slab sided at all, it has curves the whole thing just flows.

Every one I have seen the paintwork has been a beautiful shade of red, a camera just doesnt capture it. The welds the attention to detail, if its not needed its not there.

As my dad said, its all engine isnt it.

I dont however like the 1098, its not finished off well, I dont like the welding, it looks cheap, I dont the stylling either, it doesnt look Ducatiesque enough. All the little things are there, it looks like its been built to a price instead of built to be "right"

I like my GSXR just as much, but its just done in a different way, the Ducati feels hand made bespoke, whereas the GSXR has a real mass produced feel to it.

I think its that one off custom craftmanship build quality that does make it feel special in a way my GSXR is never going to.

Originally Posted by Defender

they
5) Any new GIXER looks better

are you blind??

you might as well admit you are gay now or something!!

Gixers are some of the worst looking sportsbikes about!!

Richie, nice one in persuading her indoors to give you the freedom to go and get a 996. I take it that you must have dropped a few hints after seeing those 2 at Helmsley.

I still cant decide on what I would buy next, strangely at the moment Im still quite happy with the SV. I dont really feel inadequate next to sports bikes, even if they cost twice the price.

I have always promised myself a 916 when they were new and still keep thinking of swapping my GSXR1000k3 for one even though it would slower,heavier and older. I still think they are the best looking bike ever. (ZX7R in second place?) Its the reliability that stops me. I want a bike that always excites me, not just when it feels like it!

I had a 916 on my bedroom wall for years as a kid (just a poster sadly), they're glorious. I'd love one at some point.

[glade]

I could pour over a ducati for ages.

I love all the exposed parts, mechanisms and joints; I always see something new. I recently saw a 1098 parked up and spent ages looking at the top yoke, amazed at how purposeful and businesslike it looked, compared to the one on my SV!

I like the ktm superduke for the same reasons and though I didn't take to the rc8 immediately its drawing me in.

That 848 is absolutely beautiful. Shame ill get nowhere near one for quite a while yet.