Decisions decisions decisions.

[Banditbandit]

It's a very very pretty bike .. but ...

A standard 748 would be fun, but the R will not.

The R was homologated for world supersport rules and is different to a 748 under the bonnet, and is much less forgiving in the real world, it needs to be ridden hard, or just parked and admired as it sits, nothing in between.

Commuting, you will hate each other, on the track, if you set it up properly, you will love each other. If you do go down this route, message me and I will give you a base track geometry and suspension setup to start from.

Belts and shims evey 20k in the real world-and if you use Casbolts, you will not see any change from a grand, make it a full service and you will reach even deeper in your pocket.

If you want a bike that will happily commute, and will fang along on sundays out, but is still able to hang with (beat) your mates on their R1's and similar on a track day, get a 675 Daytona.

Everyone is different and has their own opinion. Mine is based on ownership and lots of mileage.
My Ducati history: 600ss, 900ss, 748, 748/853, 916, 996SPS, ST2, 999. Last is current aquisition as race bike.

I've never owned a Duke - because I hear they are fiddly, temperamental .. and great track bikes lousey road bikes ... as above ...

I'd love one - but it would be an expensive shed/lounge ornament ...

[Asher]

It's a very very pretty bike .. but ...



I've never owned a Duke - because I hear they are fiddly, temperamental .. and great track bikes lousey road bikes ... as above ...

I'd love one - but it would be an expensive shed/lounge ornament ...

well that's what this thread is sort of about, im trying to sort through the hearsay and rumours to find out what they are really like to live with.

Honestly nothing has been said has really put me off, the idea of riding a uncomfortable, loud, asshole of a bike around town doesn't really scare me

[silver_duck]

I've owned a few bikes (just short of 10 I think) and two of them were/are Ducati's.

One was a 2000 750 Super sport and the other a 2002 900 Sport Tourer (my current ride)

I've never experienced any over the top servicing or parts costs but I've also never had a serious mechanical failure... (touch wood)

As with most reputations, there's always an ounce of tuth to it, but if the bike you WANT is the Ducati then it doesn't really matter because you'll pay whatever it takes to own it.
If later on the love fades, then the costs will make for an easy excuse on why you must sell it and move on to the next toy.

They are really great bikes on the open road and they're not great bikes around town. (except to look at)

All things are forgiven for love (read as lust)

[sharp2183]

You dont have to be tall to ride a 748! I'm always surprised when people say that. The dukes are comparatively small when compared to other bikes of a similar age, despite looking large. I found my R6 to be larger than my 748 and 996.

Belts need to be replaced every 20k but a major service is required every 10. Depends who you use but 1000 is cheap for a big service.

R.e. Difference between the base model and the S, often there isnt any! Ducati were in financial trouble in the late 90s and were slapping bikes together with whatever parts they had on the shelf. My base model 748 and base model 996 both had ohlins shocks, which were supposedly a S model upgrade. If you get one with Termis and ohlins then you are away.

Great bikes. Try for the new model if possible (generally distinguishable by the lightweight 5 spoke wheels).

[Asher]

Whats typically involved in a 10k service?

The grey framed, 5 spoked wheeled ones are the only ones im considering. I hate 3 spoke wheels.

[Asher]

Anyone have any opinions on aprilia rsv's?
Other than they are sexy wee things with inappropriately large mufflers.

Should I stop trying to be a Guido and just buy a jap

[onearmedbandit]

Your money.
Your life.

Do what makes you happy, what spins your wheels. Good or bad, life is about experiences.

[ducatilover]

I'm almost 5 ft 7 and I rode a 748 just fine.
It was an S, it wasn't silly fast in a straight line (any 600 Jap will have it) but it was one of the most entertaining rides I've had on one of my favourite roads. When you're getting a bit of a wriggle on, they work. If you get in to the rhythm of it all, they're seriously fun.

Then there's the noise and the dry clutch, yum!

I never got to ride it around town much though, but it was set up on the stiffer side of things.

The chap who owned it never really had any issues with it, he kept the servicing up to date and it wasn't hugely expensive, it'd cost me around the same, or more to send my ZX to a dealer for a valve clearance check and general service (not that I need to, I am god)

I say, go ride one and see how you like it

The RSV are cool, also seem a bit on the extreme side if you're commuting.
If you go a Jappa, it'll have to be a TL, because they rule and SP1 etc are expensive

[slowpoke]

Anyone have any opinions on aprilia rsv's?
Other than they are sexy wee things with inappropriately large mufflers.

Should I stop trying to be a Guido and just buy a jap

Nothing wrong with being a guido (916 in my past and 749R in my shed) but you're all over the shop like a mad woman's poo and comparing apples with oranges. There is no right or wrong, and asking people you don't know and have never met their opinions on bikes is just a waste of pixels. There is actually some really informed opinion here but in your position you've absolutely no way of separating the wheat from the chaff. Even the reputable 748 write ups online aren't relevant these days as they are usually written from the perspective of testing an expensive "exotic" bike, not something 12 years old from the bargain bin.

All I'll say is this: on the right bit of road all the inevitable angst and compromises of owning a 748 will be forgiven....compare that with a newer 600/1000 where nearly every road is the "right" road. There will be highs and lows, not just the same experience everyday.

Now go buy the Jappa (nothing wrong with 'em, I've a GSXR too). If you are trying to "logic" your way out of your quandary I'm thinkin' an older Duc probably isn't going to be your cup of limoncello.

[Asher]

I think you have hit the nail on the head. I'm just not the sort of bloke who window shops and buys things on a whim, I do hard research.

I think I like the idea of owning a duc more than I would actually like owning one.
Much like my relationship with my rgv, when its running well im in love, but when its in pieces in my shed (which is far too regularly) im not a happy person. In fact my bike currently in pieces has sparked my quest for sometime else.
I will still consider a 748, it may just have to be a price i can't refuse.

Unless i ask my rgv to only break down when the ducs running well but it likes to play hard ball

[Asher]

I'm going to visit the bank this week to beg for some money to buy a 636cc zx6r.
There are a few on trademe that have tickled my fancey.
Hopefully I will be posting a pic of a new here in the future.

[ducatilover]

Good choice bro, only bike in that category I'd prefer is the 675. The Kawasaki is an addictive rev-spaz

[imdying]

Yeah as your current ride is an RGV, I'd be looking at a 636, then some pasta machine that may or may not go.

[Asher]

I have decided on the 636. I have been talking to a guy with one in Auckland. I will find out on Monday if the bank will approve the loan, and will fly up and ride it back on Saturday.

[SVboy]

Nothing wrong with being a guido (916 in my past and 749R in my shed) but you're all over the shop like a mad woman's poo and comparing apples with oranges. There is no right or wrong, and asking people you don't know and have never met their opinions on bikes is just a waste of pixels. There is actually some really informed opinion here but in your position you've absolutely no way of separating the wheat from the chaff. Even the reputable 748 write ups online aren't relevant these days as they are usually written from the perspective of testing an expensive "exotic" bike, not something 12 years old from the bargain bin.

All I'll say is this: on the right bit of road all the inevitable angst and compromises of owning a 748 will be forgiven....compare that with a newer 600/1000 where nearly every road is the "right" road. There will be highs and lows, not just the same experience everyday.

Now go buy the Jappa (nothing wrong with 'em, I've a GSXR too). If you are trying to "logic" your way out of your quandary I'm thinkin' an older Duc probably isn't going to be your cup of limoncello.

THIS-logic and common sense at a level rarely seen on KB!!