I almost bought a 1098 when they were launched about six years ago but was put off by the customer service I got from the dealer at the time. They were very dismissive of simple questions I asked and couldn't believe I'd cancel my order and asked for my deposit back after more than six months waiting and not getting any info as to when delivery would be made. I've since had a Blade, GSXR1000 and R1 and enjoyed them all immensely............but the the Ducati itch was still there and needed scratching. And I'm not entirely sure why. All the jap IL4s I've had have been really great bikes offering good looks, superb handling, stonking motors, they had the latest developments technically at the time and they went like stink! But I still had a yearning for a Ducati sportsbike. So what is it that makes you desire a Ducati? Or is it just very clever marketing from the Italians?
Nothing to do with marketing, the scale of their sales might have been smaller years ago but i would argue the the loyalty felt for their bikes was at least as high as now and probably more. This is when they were actually fragile temperamental and expensive with virtually no marketing activity. Marketing allows Ducati to spread the goodwill that already exists for their bikes and surely helps their sales but you cannot create a desire from nothing.
Everything !!!! From the smallest logo on my watch ..... To the loser in the carpark telling me " Oooh lovely I've always wanted one of them but they always go wrong so I bought a gixxer like ALL my mates"..... To seeing Emm in a duke bikini in Cyprus this year buzzing about her new 748 ...... EVERYTHING !!!!! "its a lifestyle"
As you say 'it's an itch that needs scratching'. Once you scratch it you'll never go back. Well you might, I won't tho.. It's a well thumbed argument but, well, those Jap bikes, they just got no soul man!!!
When I first got into biking 15 years ago, the 916 was the first bike that really stood out from the crowd, from the other pictures in magazines, as something special. It made me want to find out more about Ducati. The Monster is about the only sexy bike for short legged riders like me.
It looks like your dealer was pretty rubbish. They are loads of dealers out there that actually understand the brand rather than just a bike. Get over to JHP, it always feels that the team understand why Ducs are special. You don't get that at a Jap dealer!
Dukes are special to ride ,to own, to look at and are just so different from anything else. Once bitten thats it.
Oi oi ya crazy angel o the norf , anth did ya get anywhere with the side panel graphics ..... Don't me send Emm up there!!!!
- owning a bike with a lot more character than a lot of other Jap plastic missiles I've owned... Something so indescribably red, loud, Italian & "Fak your Jaap sheet!" it made me stroke it every time I passed it in the garage today whilst working on my car. My Grandad summed it up quite well: "Well that SOUNDS like a proper motorbike!"
Now then Duke.... I still haven't been oop norf since I seen you, I haven't even seen a bike since, let alone seen a side panel. I'm still lurking in the area.......kinda....almost. I'm going home on Wed or Thurs, so I'll be starting on the things to do this time home list after that. If you do send Emm up....pay the extra and send her next day delivery will you :wink:
