So I have a long 18 months to fill here in Sunny Kandahar... And I'm dreaming of my two-wheeled reward when I get home. I am giving myself a £15k limit on a new bike. I am thinking either something commissioned through Mark at MADASL - starting with a very clean bike and making it something really special like a sleeper 916 shape superbike or 1098/1198, or a new 899. What do you think I should go for? What can one do with a reasonable budget? I'd like something to treasure rather than a new off the shelf boring job like a new R1 or GSXR. I really like the 916-998 shape but I think it might be too much hassle. Perhaps Mark could re-build the loom and make it faultless... Blue-printed engine... Nice forks and new brakes. Please share your ideas with me. I'm bored and I'm sick of getting mortared. I like the idea of something really unique
I don't think mark would charge me 5k, he's very reasonable. And he's an ex-aircraft technician so works to very high standards. And I was a welder and thus fix everything with a large hammer.
I've just been looking at those. I didn't join the Ducati crowd until after the 1199 came out so I'm not to up on the differences between them and the S model. Are they pretty special? I know the 999r is pretty unique but after my 749 experience in think to avoid that generation
I dunnot, I think the 999 series is a stunning bike. Id go for a 999r or similar. One iwht v low mileage if you can find one. Its a lot of dosh. An 899 would be a great little biek but its not a one off or anything special like an "r". Hard to decide but I would be coming up the yrs rather than the lies of a 998 etc. Just my two cents...
This will give you an idea of the differences Ducati 1098 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia although it does not mention the sand cast engine cases. I think the 1098R offers the best value for money Ducati at the moment.
Tom - take it easy in the sandy place. You know my thoughts and what different budgets could get you. £15k could get you 3 of my bikes (though not blinged up 1098s perhaps)-one for every occasion!! How about a very nice light track day bike to practice corner speed, overtaking big bikes around the outside, and a road bike for those every day runs? Have fun
The guy has been stuck in Afghan since whenever, last thing he wants is a bike that looks like its been ridden by the Taliban