Dear all, I am new to the forum and at the late age of 35 I decided to get my first bike. Always fascinated by Italian bikes I would like your advice to see if Ducati has the bike I want... I will use the bike most days when weather permits for a 35 miles each way commute trip. I am not that interested in super sports because my ability and skill are just not there. I understand my limits. I want a comfortable bike. Good riding position but still with enough power for motorway and one where I can do some longer road trips with some comfort. I would also like the bike to have a good mileage range so I don't have to refuel every other day. Having the option of some touring bags would be good but not necessary. I was thinking a Monster but no fairings might mean not great for commute, same with the street fighter 848? The multistrada seems to much power... What you guys suggest. Please don't tell me to get a Ninja 250.... I had some fast cars and raced in the past. On the road I am very controlled and do not use it as a race track. I just want to enjoy the great B roads we have and enjoy riding. My mates would say a super sport would be me because of my love of speed and fast cars but I know what I want from a bike. There are so many good bikes from quite a lot manufacturers so it is difficult to choose. I intend to keep the bikes for many years. BMW make good all round bullet proof bikes too but lack the personality of this Italian brand. My budget would be max of £15k Many thanks in advance for sharing your experience with me. Kind Regards Pedro
It's a difficult question that none of us can really answer. I would say it depends on experience, skill, self control, and a host of other factors. It's easy to say get some experience on something small and easy to ride but you've already said it's not what you want to hear! See if you can find a dealer willing to let you test ride a few different bikes and see what suits you best would be my advice.
Just my problem. As you said probably in the end I will just have to go through a few dealers and sit/test drive a few bikes to see how they feel. Was hoping someone here used a Ducati as I intend to use and tell me his/her experience... Pros and cons.
Firstly welcome to the forum. A ducati is the bike you want. My 848 was my first bike. If I'm sensible I can get up to 125 miles out of a tank, but that was motorway runs. If you're not after a sports then a Monster sounds like a good choice. I'd go for either the 796 or 1100. Good for going up to 90 before the buffeting gets too much. However if you want a good all rounder the multi could be for you. Don't worry about the power, its you that controls that. Just be sensible. With your budget I'd recommend going to a dealer and doing some test rides. 15k can get you quite a bit. Matt
The street fighter 848 seems great. Do we need all that power? Is it usable to general B road cruising or engine is peaky? Good low end torque?
848SF fits all your requirements IMHO Get's you around town with ease due to the riding position and will come alive on the b-road twisties. It can also take luggage for touring.
why not buy a good used machine, hang onto it for a while and see how you like it? if you decide to sell you wont get punished with depreciation and can put the saved money towards your next bike...dont forget the added costs of your gear too..if youre using it year round you might want to invest in some leathers (probably 2 piece) AND a set of textiles..for lids i would suggest Arai..ive been using them for 20 yrs and they are the best available.
what, an 848?! ;-) 1100 Monster is a great bike if you are new to riding and somethng you wouldn't get bored with too quickly. Nothing wrong with the 848SF tho either
Aye Bradders 1100 Monster could fit the bill, Ped should buy 2nd hand and see how it goes, but you know what.............. if Ducati still made an ST of some description that would be the shot!!
Why not look for a second hand ST? Decent weather protection, good fuel range, more than enough power for motorways etc. my st3 will cruise all day at 85 and give 60mpg.
ST isnt exactly a B lane scratcher tho, heavy and needs some skill and effprt to huss.e (which of course it does and can). Multi would be better if that kind of bike wanted imho...having owned them both
Very useful info here. Might get a second hand monster to see how that goes. The multi seems to tick all the boxes tho, I am just concerned by being a more powerful and bigger bike... Pedro
Without sounding an areshole...the throttle goes both ways and the multi has power modes if you really wanted to calm it down, assuming you are looking at new/nearly new
I understand what you mean. I suppose a test drive will help my decision. Multi seems to be the right package from the lot. A good all rounder and with power to keep me happy for years to come.... Pedro
Why not an old style MS? available in 620 or 1000 versions. Relatively cheap to buy and insure (what premium for a new rider on a newer bigger bike?) and can often be found with panniers and topbox already fitted. Good for commuting, reliable and fairly cheap to maintain.
