Interesting post. While I have not ridden any current MG or Ducati bikes I have 2 old Dukes and 1 old Guzzi. The Dukes are both way quicker and more nimble and yet the Guzzi is always at least as enjoyable albeit in a different way. I fitted the aftermarket pipe and slippers to it to enhance the comfort levels and now I just potter along on it smiling to myself and watching the wildlife playing in the fields.
The Multi 950 was my chosen Ducati, originally, but then I decided I wanted something sportier that I could even track day - but that is a bit stupid of me. My track days are over and I absolutely cannot risk another crash. As my other thing is touring and I know that I can get all of the panniers and touring stuff for the Multi, I think that I'll need to rethink and go Multi rather than Supersport. I'll have to wait for the end of time to see if there is any possibility of getting my driving license validated by DVLA, but when/if I do (the DVLA have chosen sides and they have sided with the driver, despite giving her 6 points) I'll try to arrange back to back test rides on a Multi (950 if available) and a Supersport. Then to Fowlers to test a Guzzi V85 and the Triumph. I think that I need to ride the bikes to make a decision but it will be from that group but I'll try to test ride a Triumph Tiger 900 and visit a BMW dealer. So that means that I'll probably get a KTM as nothing, ever goes to plan! And then there is my nearest dealer to consider the Aprilia Shiver and a Kawasaki Versys!!! Decisive me!
What this boils down to is: Ducati Multi 950S v. Guzzi V85TT Travel with Triumph, BMW, and Aprilia still in the background. This is all really for my benefit so that I don't forget. Car... still not sure about if it is worth getting one. ... and the KTM still in the shadows!!!
19 inch front wheels p1ss me off. So back to original plan - Ducati Supersport S. I haven't checked yet, but I think that most of the follow up plan is trashed as well. I'll check when I'm bored. Riders would have to do something spectacular to p1ss me off. I have a part ex which is not of great value (I just want it out of the way) but I'm not expecting the deal of the century. This 19" front wheel thing seems to be the "thing" now. When you are an old fart, you can remember 17" mag wheels being "the thing". Now we have gone in a full circle helped by young "journalists with no memory. Fook, I can remember a bike coming out with a 16" front wheel (although I can't remember what it was : some Honda?) I really don't get this adventure thing. I've never bought a new bike and taken it out for a ride on A-roads and thought, "fook, this road it crap. I need to find a trail!" Maybe that's the future of MotoGP. They ought to have an off-road section!
Triumph out. Backups are Kawasaki Versys (1000 or 650) and BMW F 900 XR That's simplified things - Ducati Supersport S, BMW F 900 XR, Kawasaki Versys (1000 or 650 depending on how I manage the weight). The claimed weight of the Ducati is 183Kg dry, so that is OK. All dealers not very far with Riders in Bristol the furthest.
Ducati have pissed me off and I feel that they have moved away from me to a place that I don't want to go with them. So, Desmo was always necessary was it? And I just want a 20k Garage Queen or track day-only Queen. My aim for European touring without taking the bike in the back of a van seems to be the actions of a weirdo, according to Ducati - unless you feel the need to take 150hp bike off-road on a nice convenient flat road with a hint of gravel on them to count as "off-road". If I ever get my license back, I'm gonna stick with what I have (ST2 and ST3 - when Ducati made bikes for riding). If I was to buy anything (and part-ex one of the Ducatis to simplify my life - I don't want three bikes) then it will be a BMW 800, 850, or 900, so could be belt drive or chain drive. I've got an independent place that is BMW workshop and used dealer in Stroud (my very close and nearest town, apart from Dursley) or there is Bath Road Motorcycles in Bristol and Thunder Road in Gloucester and Cwmbran who have second hand BMWs of the type I want and I can get them for less that 7k. These being bikes intended for riding as opposed to polishing in a heated garage in preparation of being trucked back to Spain for the next track day. I won't buy new as, apparently, the BMW dealership goes to the highest bidder. Hence, why Bath Road Motorcycles (who were BMW dealers in Bristol for 30-odd years) lost the franchise to Dick Lovetts, who let me see, have zero record of selling any motorcycle, ever, but have franchises for Porsche, BMW cars, Ferrari, Jag, Aston Martin, etc - just like your normal run-of-the-mill motorbike dealer. I think that you are only allowed in if the turn up in a Porsche or Jag as they don't want the CAR park filled up with oinks on motorbikes. I think that Ducati may be on the same gig where you pay Ducati for the honour of selling their bikes for them. No doubt that if Riders don't pay enough and loose the Bristol franchise then it will go to the highest bidder - probably Dick Lovett again.
What’s wrong with a scrambler I think that would be better for you and not as scary getting back into bikes again simply. If I had the strength to ride that’s what I would go for decisions decisions what about an m4 competition or a nice Porsche GTS
Poor range and luggage carrying options but more importantly, I can't stand the new ")(" exhaust look! Ducati is supposed to be about style, not damage to the eye!
Need a bit more than a rucksack and those exhausts would still offend me, just from the memory of walking up to the bike! When I can get a bike that does exactly what I want for a fraction of the costs!
I'm sorry but if you think the Caponord is visually appealing and the MV Turismo isn't then IMHO you're beyond help. Only slightly offended as a previous owner of one of the former The dealer network might be a disappointment in terms of being a local shop for local people, your nearest likely to be MotoCorsa, I found them to be pretty good though. I was an excellent bike with a few minor issues on the electrics side of things, not insurmountable and only became an issue after 2 years and 18,000 miles. Otherwise light and fantastically sporty ride and engine. Not much good for two-up due to space. Design elements great at a distance and also close up, a lot of attention to detail well executed.
Pretty much decided now (that didn't take long did it?) but if I ever get my license back and compensation, I would buy a Kawasaki Versys 650 Tourer/or Grand Tourer from a local shop - either Frasers or Thunder Road in Cheltenham. I'll look for second hand and if I get bored waiting, then I will buy new from Frasers. I've had two Kwackers before (zxr400 and z650) and they were both excellent. The 650 has got over 240 mile range and will top 130. That will do. BMW and Guzzi still in the background and another Ducati even further in the background.
I have tremendous problems sleeping now. I don't rush to bed as I really don't look forward to the nights. I can get to about 4:30am but then the drugs wear off, so it's up for some more and a wander around - just like being a student again as I sleep well in the morning! The drugs don't work - there's a song in that. Anyone? And I said that I would buy a Kawasaki and none of you feckers criticised -and a BMW before!!! What is going on? This is a Ducati group!!! I've got two Ducatis, that may be old but perfectly serviceable (if I fix them) AND although I can't go out walking (coz it's raining) but I can tidy my workshop and fix bikes. Time to man-up! The ST3 hasn't even done 10.000 miles yet for fecks sake!!!
@PerryL I dont know what other forum members think but I dont comment on your bike suggestions anymore as you remind me of The Boy Who Cried Wolf. Or is it The Boy Who Stuck His Finger In A Dyke ? That was a good film wasnt it, try watching it before bedtime, it may help you sleep.
