The popular 200 55 ZR 16 size. Tyres have been discontinued now which makes aftermarket wheels a must for ownership.
I had a look at the number on it - 1001/1500 - looked it up on the internet. No wonder it looks brand new - it has only done 264 miles ! ( a few more after today's trip to the Caff. Pulling in and out of the car park it sounded all rattles and slipping the clutch but a head turning bike, as people knew what it was straight away. Fair play to him for taking it for a spin. Not sure if we will see it again at the Caff on a Sunday morning. It will be the Top Trumps over all the other Ducatis if he does bring it out again
Having previously owned a 1299s, stay the f**k away from Ducati, as much as they are the most simply stunning looking bikes and handled for me like nothing else. They are also the most frustrating unreliable poorly made bike out there. In nearly 3 years of ownership about £11000 in warranty claims, £5000 in July this year alone. Spent over £100 in nuts, bolts, & fixing screw as they vibrate out or seize up,snapped two allen key bolts that fixed the hugger to the swing arm try drilling them out without damaging the threads. Dealer broke the fairing clips first time I spotted, second time in behind side panel I didn't . Mates V4s is no better EML came on while we were boarding ferry for Santander, only just had 600 mile first service.. So its not just me, take a look on the Ducati forum regarding the V4 and the reliability recalls etc Unbelievable Jeff Buy one put it in a cabinet but don't ride it
This was at Devils Bridge one morning with only 400 miles on it its next to a Norton F1 JPS from the early 90s,
Brom I’m not sure but I get the sense you don’t like Ducati’s ..... I know quite a few Ducati riders that would beg to differ with your view, me included imho the V4 is epic. First gen bike few recalls all sorted pronto no biggie in my book. I’ll be getting a new 20 plate next year to run alongside my GS I’d almost convinced myself I had done with Superbikes but the pull is too strong for me nothing comes close to the V4 for me. I would bet if you were honest your new firebland doesn’t stir your soul like the Ducati did.
Not sure about the reliability of the new V4 - not really researched it, but they are quite popular. Even locally there are at least 4 of the new model V4, including the V4R. I have seen them together at bike night events. Only took a couple of pictures of the Desmo, slightly different angle..
Personal experiences will always be wide and varied, BUT the bad experiences are enough to pierce one's heart. Just ask the Blade owners affected by the C-ABS catastrophes. How many of those owners stayed with Honda?
It's Italian . It's beautiful . Your friends will want to ride it. They will say your not man enough for it and then she will break down. Luca in parts will be on holiday and its only him who makes the bit you need ect. It's a ducati. These are the facts. And yes I'm jealous.
red5 the SP2 "does not stir my soul" like my 1299s, is that honest enough for you. I loved my 1299s. I guess you didn't read this in my post "as much as they are the most simply stunning looking bikes and handled for me like nothing else.". I've done 3 trips round Europe 10 days each trip around 8000 miles in total for the 3, each time I came back it went straight into the dealers for warranty basically 30 days £11000 in warranty Ruined the trips and forever wondering what is going to go next. Also I said my mates V4s has had issues with the EML coming on after 600 miles, but I didn't mention the poorly fitted panels that have rubbed through the paint on the tank. I've ridden his V4 loved it, so basically I was looking to change for a V4 Corse until then. There have been loads of recalls, issues and faults with the V4, for a circa £25k bike that's poor in my book. I personally can't ever see myself buying another ducati which in itself saddens me Wish you luck if and when you get a V4 just take out the extended warranty worth its wait in gold..
Did you steal that from the MV forum? (There's a few MV guys similarly unimpressed with out Italian brothers!)
Ha no not at all . My mate used to slab off my gsxr srad when he had a 999. My srad never let me down but that 999 spent its summer's on dealers bench waiting for parts 3 years in a row. I'd love an 888 but I'd only use it for a gentle track day once a year . I wouldn't buy a ducati as my only bike even if I could afford one. Just heard and seen too many problems be it poor build or dealer waiting months for parts ect. I think owning a ducati is like being married to a pornstar whos fridged at home. You know she goes like a demon and everyone wants her but it's never available for you to use.
Sorry for the delay! The 959 is a Mega bike... I’ve had no issues other than a slight crack in the dash screen (common issue) Was like that when I purchased it but had it replaced under warranty with no problems, The new V2 will appear anytime soon so I would definitely recommend waiting out if you have the extra funds. Perfect blend of performance and handling... Ride one and your be Hooked!!
Same as above but worth noting that the new V2 will appear very soon.... Having said that the soon to be replaced bike will be super great value.... Mine has been returned to stock and will be on the market in the next week or two. The only thing I would say is try and opt for the Akropovic underbelly exhaust option, also comes with sprint filter and an up map. Very costly so if you can find one that’s already been fitted. £2800 option from dealer including the new lower fairing. Would highly recommend the 959.... Mine will be deeply missed! Next project has arrived .....
