Firstly, this is my wife's idea to "get me out the house more". So I'm gonna do as ordered. What gen of Ducati sports bike would you choose for a weekend track toy? Used throughout the year but only on track. I'm torn between a 916 with a 1098 engine in it (theres a 1098 engine in the classifieds and I'm sorely tempted). But that's a high risk to cost factor should (when) I bin it. The latest gen, sure, dreamy, but damn expensive for a toy. Maybe a 1198? I don't know! I'll take the mutly on from time to time. But I want something, that when it does try to find out what the underlay material is in the gravel pit, it's not going to cost me a bollocking to fix
Ooooo, lighter, more fun. The pearl white 848 with a black belly pan was always a beautiful bike to me.
Nowt wrong with my 2010 Multistrada 1200, it’s an absolute hoot. Okay, I threw a bit at it, fitting an EVR slipper clutch, a steering damper and lightweight wheels but it’s worth it. Andy
916 with a 1098, from the little I've seen, you'll spend most of your time in the pits with a soldering iron scratching your head.
No way I'd use a 848 or 1098 as a track bike...Italian chocolate bottom end! Are there even any left?
Tbh never heard of a 849 letting go, well maybe one, even with all the racing. Bit with you on the 1098
Here's one at Cartagena last Feb........ Never missed a beat until I opted for the gravel at turn three
probably a 959 I would say, they are actually cheaper than 899's generally and have a slipper clutch as standard. failing that, probably an 1199, it will be a handful but tbh they all are.
Hmmm, really depends, I'm in no rush to buy, so as time goes on, that budget will increase. I think the question is, what is the limit on a bike that I'm likely going to dip into the gravel a couple of times over the years, 15k GBP is probably the ceiling for up front bike cost. I'd prefer to stick towards more 12k-13k so I can spend a few shiny pennies on cheap bodywork and performance parts. Going off the suggestions in here, the 1199 is actually my biggest vote right now. This week, I'll be researching what tracks are available within distance (bike will be on a trailer) and reviewing which bikes would suit what tracks. If I find most of my nearby tracks are shorter, then the smaller engine will be better, if they are long tracks, then the 1199.
