Hello everyone, from not quite a Ducati owner at the moment but all being well I will be soon! From an early age I've been a bike fan, very much biased towards Brit bikes so much so I managed to get a job at 14 in a Brit bike shop working in exchange for a knackered out James. I had another couple of bikes after that, BSA Bantam then a C15 which were off road bikes, then a Vespa which I used for commuting prior to getting married. I always regretted not taking my bike test when I was younger (I'm 49 now), especially considering what a lengthy process it is these days. Anyway, after years of grumbling I had a good kick up the a**e from my wife who booked me in with a local bike school training for direct access as a Christmas pressy. Although I love Brit bikes the other attraction for me has always been Ducati. Something about the look and the sound of the Italian V twin engined bikes. So, although not having a Ducati at the moment, if everything goes to plan it's first on my shopping list, maybe even before I pass my test in readiness!! Hopefully you guys may be able to help with advice on the bike, what I'd really like is one of the supersport bikes, maybe a 600 for a first bike, there seems to be some really nice reasonably priced examples knocking about, maybe you can offer some pointers? Good to be here! G.
Welcome Gino , a 600 sounds good have you priced up insurance , and what style of bike are you after or aspire to . Bit quiet in here tonight all the members are on the lash.
Thanks Peter, I haven't priced insurance just yet, I think that might be my job for Monday. Hopefully it'll be like my car insurance which has surprisingly got cheaper as I've become older!!?? I really do like the sports bikes, with full fairing & bright red!!
Oh Geno ! I'd go straight up there and go for a ST good all rounder, little more upright, got to think about your back at our age! you'll soon be wanting some more power if you get a 600.So happens I have an St4 for sale? not that I'm a salesman welcome to the club.
Welcome Gino, You sound like me, would still love a old British bike but funds won't allow. If you are capable of doing some maintenance yourself then a 748 would be a nice bike to start with, really depends on your budget as the 749 has the newer and smoother engine. Keep us up to date with progress and good luck with the test. Steve
Thank you Steve, At the moment I do have a bike on the go which I'm rebuilding, it's another BSA C15, an interesting model as it was one of only seven Police bikes of its type sold in 1966 with matching original engine and frame. I really appreciate the advice on Ducati models, from a new (hopefully) rider, would a 749 or similar be easy enough to handle - or no less difficult than a smaller model? Thanks, G.
Gino I have the 999 , the 749 is the same but with a smaller motor. Lovely handling bike that holds a line through corners like its on rails. I've never ridden the smaller motor but I would imagine it would give you a grin factor like the joker on helium. if you use the search button there is plenty about the 749 . I'm your age and have no problem with the ridding position on my bike . I think the later model 749s has adjustable footpeg positions and seat . But the 749 guys will put me right if I'm wrong . It would be an excellent choice as a first Ducati , and I'd bet not your last. The world is your lobster. :biggrin:
Welcome Gino, your story is very similar to mine. I did my direct access last year and passed in June (I was 48) first big bike has been a 600SS and have been thoroughly enjoying the whole experience, wish I'd done it years ago. don't be put off by the all the theory, CBT etc, just crack on and do it, it feels like a mega achievement every time you put your gear on fire up your bike and pop out for a blast!
Good pointer.. Buy a honda and just ride. Most say ducatis have character, I prefer to call them serious design issues Welcome
Welcome.I have a Honda and a Ducati as it happens. The Honda has only one design issue. Chronic boredom.
