My first close encounter with a Ducati was my elder brothers mate's 860 Desmo in 1979. I was riding a CD175 which as a 17 year old was enough for me. Wind the clock forward and many bikes (road and dirt) later, I've just bought my first Ducati an MTS 1220ST. I did this for two reasons. Firstly, had a fantastic week crossing Spain in June on my VFR800 which is 12 years old and I needed a bit more and a technology upgrade. So reason two was 2 hours on the MTS demonstrator at my local dealer. That was enough, I needed no more convincing. I had to have one so tracked the right one down and had it about three weeks now. All the reviews and comments I've read are sooo accurate, it's incredible. Thanks to all on this forum for the advice and entertainment:wink:
A Ducati after so many years... Me too. I bought my 1991 750 SS in Feb 2001 and now, 11 years and over 45000 miles later, haven't looked back. I really enjoy its look and feel and the grace it shows towards me when I ride. I find it a really kind motorcycle with its low centre of gravity and handling. I was also riding a CD175 when I encountered my first Ducati! Mine 175 was red (a very important quality) and I'd bought it with the proceeds from working as a chambermaid at weekends and a waitress after school - I was also 17. The Ducati was a yellow 450 Desmo Single and I was in love with its owner. I did get to ride it just a few times, but I had immense trouble kicking it over, which meant I had to either get a bump start, or do my own bump start (rare - not easy with the clip-ons) or he started it for me and then handed me the bike. I don't know if its still out there somewhere, but I remember clearly how much he enjoyed it and the days spent awaiting some new part or other from Three Cross. With no pillion catered for, if we went somewhere together on it, rather than our individual bikes, I had to sit on that little postage stamp of yellow fibreglass behind the single seat and tuck in my feet as tightly as possible to get a purchase on whatever I could find sticking out. I still feel nostalgic about those memories. I just wanted to say Hi! and I hope you continue to enjoy your new Ducati as much as I'm enjoying mine
My CD175 was red too. Riding that bike made me feel free and exhilarated. However, when I saw and heard, the 860 Desmo I had never experienced anything more sexy in my life! It was Newcastle 1979 so I hadn't actually seen that much. What I'm now astonished at is that it's taken me this long to get my first?
Ha Ha Ha! I laughed when I read this, Martin. I was in Somerset - and hadn't seen that much either. Great days.
Welcome to the forum from another Ducati first timer....also an MTS1200 Look forward to seeing you in the Multistrada section of the forum......put yourself on the map: http://ducatiforum.co.uk/f6/multistrada-owners-maps-490/ ;-)
