It's almost decided

[bull]

I havent ridden the Duc but have a Futura 2002 model in Ash Black and I absolutley love it, had mine since Nov 2007 and apart from a wiring issue it has been brilliant, used as commuter and also took it away on road trip - Welly, Ohakune, Rotorua, Gisborne, Wairoa, Napier Welly. Never missed a beat and the comfort was fantastic, the trip from Gisborne back to Welly was 6hrs in the saddle less 2 fuel stops(ride report here) and no sore ass at all. Even tho its a big tourer its still alot of fun in the Rimutaka Hill road and i manage to throw it around up there ok.
The biggest issue I have found is try and get one with factory panniers as they are expensive as hell otherwise.

A wealth of information here for them too.

If you can get a ride on both then decide.

[Jerry74]

Thanks guys... Hamptons in ChCh used to deal Aprilia may be an option for servicing repairs etc

[Winston001]

I was going to mention the same thing. A bike shop down here in Dunedin has had an Aprilia parked up out the back for months and months waiting on some parts. They recommended going for a Ducati if hankering for an Italian V-twin even though they had an Aprilia in the showroom for sale. They just can't get parts for them.

Being exotic and different has its downside.

My thoughts too. I was tempted by an Aprilia RSV but the guys on KB made me see sense - getting an Aprilia serviced in Invercargill would be harder than a Ducati. Aprilia are lovely bikes but I'm very happy with my decision.

Just out of curiosity - have you considered a 916? Priced about the same as a Futura and a solid powerful Ducati engine.

[Jerry74]

916 hmmmmm nice !!!

[R1madness]

come in and check out our 916 on Wednesday. No back seat on it tho... Might have to find ya a 916biposta. Happy to trade your 250.

[426crasher]

What about the Aprilia Tuono? Basically it's an rsv mille with high bars small bikini fairing and a reasonably compfy seat. Great handling strong motor with mile eating ability. Done 54000km trouble free on mine. The 900ss is still a great bike but having ridden both only a 916 engined Ducati would do it over the Tuono for me. Emoto are Aprilia agents in CHCH now and they can do all the servicing for you although i do all my own i can't say how good they are. Just to throw a spanner into the works have you considered any of the new Buell range. I used to think they were antiquated tractors lashed up to look good until i rode a few and totally changed my opinion. Go try one and be surprised, the 1200s are the ones.
Cheers Tony.

[DUCATI*HARD]

900SS all the way.

WHAT HE SAID