Hello from France. I've joined this forum to re-aquaint myself with the bikes that have given me loads of pleasure over the years. I moved to France from the UK in 2010 and had to sell my old 748 to help finance the move. 18 months ago I bought a 2008 Guzzi v7 classic as I was having severe bike withdrawal symtoms! I don't have a large disposible income and this lovely looking little bike fell into my price range and was meant to cure my "illness". I have tried to get on with it and love it like I did with all my previous bikes - and up to a point , I did - BUT, if I'm honest, it just totally UNDERWHELMS me. I should be completing the sale of it this weekend and am already turning my gaze to the RED Brigade again. As the 1998 748 was my last 'duke' (previously owned a 500 paralell twin; and 907ie ) I'm not really up to speed with the current eclectic range of ducatis and will be asking for lots of advice and probably too many silly questions that have been monotonously answered before. I'm a little bit like the boy in the sweet shop with money burning a hole in his pocket. Unfortunately, I can only afford a limited type of "chocolate bar" and not ANY "chocolate bar !!" I suppose I should post my queries on the appropriate sub-forum but I'm not sure where to start. For example, I have always liked the supersport range and in particular the 1000ss and possibly the 900ss too. I love the look of the half faired 750ss but am afraid it would be too similar in performance to the v7 that i have (hopefully) just sold. I also fancy the ST4/4s/3 range with their touring but sporty abilities. However, I'm a little wary of the 996 engine's (unfair?) reputation with flaking rockers and the general well-being of the ageing 916 engine. The ST3 has the 1000ss engine watercooled I believe. I know nothing of this mill as regards performance or longevity. The current range of sports bikes and multistradas are up on a shelf too high for me to reach ! So, there we have a general over-view of who and where I am. Hopefully, someone can help me choose a nice chocolate bar that fulfils all my needs and brings back that flush of enjoyment and pride of ownership that has been , up to now, lacking. Cheers for any/all help and advice, Best regards, conkers (john.)
Buy a 916. You know you want to. You're in denial. Everyone wants a 916 and anyone who says otherwise is a poor deluded fool to be pointed at with condescension and derision. Spare yourself this public humiliation and follow the lead of us wise sages and be prepared to beat the women off with a stick and accept the general enrichment of your overall life that the 916 will bring you. Bon Chance
how do, searching is half the fun.not that i would know i generally buy in moments of madness when time to kill in bike shops.
Hello and welcome There will be many opinions on the way I'm sure Me I like the retro look and love the SS the 900 may suit you Enjoy tasting many chocolate bars because no sooner have you eaten one you will try another you like Enjoy
Like yourself I have just returned after a little break from the Ducati. I always missed the bikes but the touring thing had to be done. I bought a Triumph Sprint and then the 1200 Triumph Explorer. Really happy now that is over and I have bought a low miles 996. The spending on little bits here and there has also started. Good luck with your hunt and don't be put off by this range of engines they are all good they just need treating like a good women. What ever you buy ride safe my friend, Au Revoir mon ami
Hello and welcome! As the owner of an ST3 I can recommend them as being great fun! Give one a try if you can, it may not have the sporting abilities of some, but in my opinion, it's not far off! Chris
Thanks to all for the warm welcome. Within my budget , I think I am going to be spoiled for choice. Some useful info already! Cheers again. John.
Bonjour John ...Comment allez-vous? Welcome to the forum. There is some useful info on here and some very helpful people. Regards vj Vince
Bonjour John, Welcome to the forum. Also I live in France following a move many years ago. Lots of Ducati fans over here. Get yourself a nice 996s but make sure you get the suspension well set up, not too ard! A bientôt! Greg PS Ducatis are easy to register from UK to France if you find a good un in Blighty
Hi Greg, I may be mistaken but I thought that re-registering from UK to France would be a nightmare! What about all that headlight dipping ; mph /kph speedo thing ; cert. of conformity etc. I take it you have done this before. Any pointers would be most helpful as it would open up a much bigger market for me to find my "ducati". Cheers, John.
Bonsoir John, Depends upon the Duke. the easiest to register are the new ones, there is a mechanical restrictor that costs 20 quid'ish. you then take it to a Duke dealers, they control and charge 150 euros. A couple of weeks later you will receive the papers in the post. I registered a Streetfighter and Desmosedici like this. Next easiest are 749 - 999 models, restrictor + light + 150 euros fee. 996's are light + black box (restricted electronically), also done this but never actually changed the box. Make sure they have more than 4k miles or 6k klms otherwise you pay the VAT! No matter what age. If you buy new, like I did with the SF and D16 you buy then without vat in UK and pay VAT in France. Voila! Greg
Cheers Creg, Easy peasy, lemon squeezy ! Although I'm not in the league for a "new" bike - malheureusement !
Hey John so what are we talking about in the way of budget. Would it be a Tesco, Aldi or Lidl chocolate bar or would we be looking towards a Belgian or Swiss variety. Just as a matter of interest is there import or registration tax on vehicles imported into France from another EU country.
Stop showing off.............he's already told you who he is...........you should have said "comment ca va" :wink: AL
