Morning all and Happy New Year! I'm currently riding a Triumph Tiger 800 (roadie). Unfortunately because of various medical reasons, I'm finding the T800 just too heavy and unwieldy these days. Which is a damned shame as they are an excellent all rounder! I've owned a fair few different bikes over the years - and one thing I avoid is IL4s. So thumpers/v-twins/triples are where I usually end up. I had an older Aprilia RSV Mille for a while - and I regret selling it. So I'm looking for something fun for a decent blast around Cheshire/Derbyshire/North Wales. I've looked at the VTR-1000 Firestorm, SV1000, Speed/Street Triples - they just don't fire me with any kind of passion. I keep coming back to the Ducati 848 range. I've never owned a Ducati so I've been for an internet dig for info. Seems like the 848 started to be built when Ducati were addressing their reliability issues (or did I get that wrong?) It just looks... well... gorgeous! I don't need the biggest/fastest etc. Just something that gets me down the road and handles well. So I'm now quietly watching eBay/Autotrader/local dealers to see what pops up. I am very taken with the traditional red - however it seem to look lovely whatever paint you put on it! Am I right in thinking that (from what I have read so far) that servicing is best done by Ducati John rather than a Ducati Stealership? Are there any of you experienced Ducati owners who might help me take a look over any potential new bike - in return for beer tokens/whatever? Cheers all, Andy T.
Welcome Dave. You’ll find the 848 a bitch to ride after what you’ve had. Very head down, arse up and focused. But stick with it.............it’ll be the most rewarding bike you’ve ever ridden. Fact.
Welcome to the ducati forum I agree with El Toro my Pannigale going through towns etc is a pain but as soon as you get on an open road it is the best experience ever
A scrambler probably best for you in red and don’t forget your bin pics we like them it’s a forum law Welcome into the mad house
Welcome, 848 would be a nice choice if your looking for a baby Duc... If you fancy something a bit more and have some balls, 1198 is an outstanding bike. Not for the faint hearted though, they're a bit wild and command respect. As pointed out by a couple above, you will possibly think you've made an expensive mistake at first. Persevere with it though and all will come good once you've re-calibrated your riding techniques and learnt how to ride one... At this point, you'll realise you have made an expensive mistake as you'll be hooked for life Main dealers seem to vary for servicing, my local dealer is superb and have never taken ours anywhere else... Take recommendations on places near you from here and you shouldn't go far wrong. Ducati John dies seem to get many peoples vote for 1098 work. I'm sure you won't regret buying your first Ducati though.
Morning all, Thanks for the warm welcome and advice. Ducbird - I'm curious about the "scrambler would suit you best" comment - any particular reason. I'm open to ideas? As the sub-forum that covers the 848 is "848/1098/1198" - am I right in thinking that the overall riding stance of all three is similar if not the same? The local "big bike shop" has a 57 plate 1098 in stock (£6k). Is it worth me at least slinging my leg over it to get a feel of the riding stance? I could probably arrange a test ride on it - is the 1098 "quite a beast?" :-D
No harm in going for a look and throwing a leg over to get a feel for the head down, arse up riding position... If contemplating a larger displacement bike (1*98 model), it's worth doing some homework as the 1098's can be prone to expensive bottom end issues. The 'R' variant and 1198's dont suffer the same issues though
FWIW don't overlook an 848 S/F I've had a couple of 848's and a 1098, great bikes but maybe too focused for what you want? and in my mind the 1098/1198 are a bit of an animal, sure others will disagree though! Try an 848 S/F the 11 degree motor is a gem, riding position is greatly improved with Rizoma bars, set of Termis and a quickshifter makes it great fun and will do whatever you want other than off road of course.
I have an 1198s, it's a beast! Awesome awesome awesome! But don't expect to jump on one ( and I'm guessing the same is true for the whole range) and expect to love it from the off. They take some getting used to when coming from other bikes. Persevere and thou shalt be rewarded with motorcycling FUCK YEAHINESS! Low speed around town, trafficy,commute stuff is pure agony....anything and everything else is sublime!
She's a girl and doesn't know - if you want a more relaxed riding position consider an 848 Streetfighter
I thought scrambler as I felt it had a nice relaxed riding position should I be in the position to buy one Diaval could be nice too
