Someone help with the Ducati dilemma...

**The_Dover** · 4th April 2007, 20:36

Originally Posted by jimjim

what are you saying when you buy a harley

that you're impotent?

**James Deuce** · 4th April 2007, 20:51

Originally Posted by slowpoke

Personally I don't see the attraction with the 748's.
They are, for all intents and purposes, identical to a 916/996 except for 20 less horsepower. Sure it's a revier (is that even a word?) motor but why would you pay similar money for less grunt and less rideability. The extra torque with the bigger bikes makes 'em much more forgiving, especially once you've done the mandatory mod of gearing it for more real world speeds rather sticking with the the moonshot OEM sprockets.
.

Actually I thoroughly disagree with that and find the 748 to be a better bike than the 9 series. You'd think the 9 series would be more torquey but the 748 is way easier to ride on the throttle.

IMO of course

**Fatjim** · 4th April 2007, 22:05

998's rock!

**surfchick** · 4th April 2007, 22:33

Originally Posted by Keystone19

Yep Alex - I've got one - feel free to swing by and take it for a spin anytime.

Personally, I'd go for the Triumph 675 but they're all a bit different in riding position from what you've been on ! Might take a bit of getting used to.

About time you got that license too! Congrats by the way! When we going riding?

damn straight they're a different riding position, soooo can't wait to get out of the lounge suite position and mine's not even that bad! absolutely love to go for a spin-also i'd love to have a wee run on yours

easter could be the go...

**Keystone19** · 4th April 2007, 22:37

Yep, I'm away until Monday - are you working Tuesday or AUT got the day off?

Should be around Monday afternoon though? Txt me or something and we'll arrange it.

'bout time we got you out on the track too isn't it!!!

**surfchick** · 4th April 2007, 22:41

Originally Posted by Keystone19

Yep, I'm away until Monday - are you working Tuesday or AUT got the day off?

Should be around Monday afternoon though? Txt me or something and we'll arrange it.

'bout time we got you out on the track too isn't it!!!

funny you should mention the track-so wanna go there, just couldn't be bothered with the way my current bike's suspension is. i bank it right over and then the malching begins...don't care too much but someday I'll come unstuck if i keep on it

time for bigggger and more powerful things

i got a nu cell no 0211036110 - I'll have lost yours due to mine getting nicked last year at the beach!

**Keystone19** · 4th April 2007, 22:44

OK, got it, now edit yer post and delete yer number - just in case!!

I'll txt ya so you have mine...

Track day on Wednesday next week at Pukekohe - or...because you'll have yer new bike by then, there is always the KB day in May...

**Kickaha** · 4th April 2007, 23:05

Originally Posted by surfchick

-but almost everyone is warning me off them due to fickle engine and gearbox stuff.

how many of those people have actually owned one long term?

**spudchucka** · 5th April 2007, 06:55

Being a recent Ducati convert I'd have to say have you considered a Monster.

Lower seat height, simpler engine, air cooled, two valves, lower maintenance costs, better torque & mid range = more fun & better value.

**Kflasher** · 5th April 2007, 07:20

Hey dude, being an ex 748r owner, I can offer this:
1. Good spread of power throughout (plenty for road use)
2. Feels free-er that the 916-998 (i.e. revs out better)
3. Commuting not so good due to riding position (race stance)
4. Fully adjustable suspension front and back (typical most bike nowadays)
5. Take note on maintenance (i.e. de-chroming of rockers was common)
6. Very good track day bike (small mods – chip exhaust)

I only sold it due to the v-twin power caristics, I personally refer the inline 4 feel, great bike overall, with plenty of trouble free miles (just do the reqd. maintenance).

p.s. I still have spare fairings/ stand if you keen.

**idb** · 5th April 2007, 07:54

I personally wouldn't consider any Ducati sprotsbike for communting.

**Devil** · 5th April 2007, 07:58

There's a brand new Triumph Daytona 955i in BLACK sitting in Holeshot at the moment, they're asking $16,999 but expect they could be talked down.

I want it

**Paul in NZ** · 5th April 2007, 08:53

I'd worry a bit less about the name on the tank and a bit more about why you want the bike. If you are going to be mainly commuting on it, I'd personally would not consider either one.

The 748 / 675 have a pretty radical riding position (for me) which is probably OK for a young, sporty type like yourself but it does make it a pain in traffic for me (even turning the head to look over the shoulder is harder).... Long term, I could not face riding them on my 100km commute every day - but then I'm a fat old man (still got me looks though). Ultimately you decide of course but try them, the 675 has a surprisingly high seat.

BOTH of those bikes will require some personal involvement and setting up to get the best of them but both are bloody gorgeous and I'd be proud to own either as incredible toys. The sound the 675 makes as it winds out is like a drug, a BAD drug that would make me OD and I'd be on the train or walking within a month..... sigh...

Paul N

old fat and badly behaved....

**MikeyG** · 5th April 2007, 09:05

Fire flame a PM. Shes owned many a ducati in the 748 and 916-998 range.

**Her_C4** · 5th April 2007, 10:26

What does your heart say? I recently owned a Ducati 748 (yellow

) as well as a Honda 600F4i. You cannot really compare oranges with apples and expect to get a clear direction. I loved both bikes

for very different reasons.

I totally loved the sound (termi's) look and feel of my Ducati which had a character all of its own - but I am 5ft 3 in the shade and as many here can attest,

I had difficulty manouvering it about at low speed (or stopped even) as I did not have a good grip on the ground

and therefore struggled with the weight.

As Paul says, I too had difficulty seeing behind me as in order to ride I basically leant ON the tank in order to reach the controls - looking behind me properly and keeping clutch / throttle control was impossible. The riding position can also be unforgiving for those of us that are older and have joints that are not as free as they used to be

The Honda was great to do anything on - anywhere..... but had no personality.

At the end of the day though, you are not me. You are younger, presumably fitter and taller

(and in my opinion), how you FEEL on the bike should be the decider, not the name on the tank

Now go out and ride all bikes - all models before yoiu decide and have fun......

Good luck with your decision