Hi Everyone, Way back in 2000 I had a new Ducati 748S, complete with Marchesini wheels, termi cans, performance chip and single seat! I did 600 miles on it from new before a valve dropped into the cylinder trashing half the engine, Ducati fixed it under warranty and i then did about 8000 miles on it over the rest of the year using it as my daily commuting bike to work! I finally realised it probably wasnt the best commuting bike in the world, although the way traffic got out of your way when they heard the termi cans approaching was amazing, so in the end I sold it and went out & bought an R1 and a VFR750 with the cash I got for it. Ive still got the R1 and have spent quite a bit of time on it tuning it up etc. But, ive always wanted to get another Ducati, so this summer I bought a 2000 996 Biposto. Compared to what I remember about my 748 the 996 feels a lot more powerful, it certainly pulls loads more. I was also worried that being 13 years older than I was when I had my 748 that id find the riding position uncomfortable, but I was wrong. It felt pretty much the same as my R1, although the tank pushes into your stomach more (or maybe ive more of a stomach now than i used to have). Performance wise, my R1 just blows the 996 into last week, but the noise of the 996 under full throttle with the race cans is just simply out of this world, and its bringing me a huge smile to my face. Id also forgotten just how much people stop and stare at Ducatis. The bike needs a full service & belts which i`ll hopefully find time to do this week - i do all my own mechanics, and also I will be converting to single seat as I prefer the way that looks - besides I never take pillions so no point in having 2 seats. Only other thing i noticed is that the front seems to shake and rattle a lot under braking, so i need to investigate that a little as im sure my 748 didnt used to do that.
I'm in Market Deeping, just outside Peterborough. Bourne, Corby Glen and on to Melton is where I spend a bit of time.
