Hi, I'm Dusty and I've just registered as I have got my first Ducati. I am a 46 year old Firefighter living in Ashford, Middlesex, near Heathrow. I've had bikes all my adult life, including Dt50m, Rs100, Rs125, Gt250X7, Cb250 Superdream, Rd250d, Rd250e, Rd400d, Rd400e, Rd400f, Rd350lc hybrid x2, Ypvs Lc2, Ypvs F1, Rd350 Ypvs F2 Yamasaki, Gsxr1100g, Gsxr1100h, Fzr1000 Exup,Tzr350 ypvs, Xjr1300 and a Gsx1100efe. The Efe was my last big bike and sold that in February. I love modifying my bikes, and two strokes are my first love, with 3 powervalve engined bikes in the garage at the mo. Anyway, last week I went to Wolverhampton to collect a crank and rebored barrels for my 350lc as I dont like them being posted, and I took the missus with me as she has a cousin living in Rugely, Staffs. As we were leaving to come home, Linda ( wifes cousin) said did I know a bike called something like a Spaghetti 900!! or something. Long story short, the neighbour over the road is selling his, and Linda wants to know if I know anyone on the forums I go on that may be interested. So we go over the road and meet his wife as he is out on his pedal bike. In the corner of the garage, under a sheet and surrounded by kids bikes and toys is a 900SS, W reg in red. It looked nice but It was a bit chaotic in there so only had a really quick look. I asked how much they wanted so I could post it on the forums with their phone number. I was told they would like to get £500.00 if possible !! We left their house in a state of shock, and hadn't even reached the M6 toll when we rang back to say I would have it. Now remember, I haven't even met Jason, the owner yet, and his missus has just virtually sold his pride and joy without him knowing ! I convinced myself that he wouldn't let it go for that, and went to bed that night sure that it was all a big mistake price wise. Friday morning dawns, and I get a call from Linda. Jason had come home and his missus told him she had a buyer for his bike. Jason gave it some thought,and agreed to £500.00, but only with the standard pipes put back on. If I wanted the Ducati Performance pipes that were fitted, he would want £700.00. Needless to say, I rented a van this week, and drove to Rugely to meet Jason, and bring home my first Ducati, and here she is;
Jason had bought the bike brand new in July 2000. In 2004 he bought the pipes and had them fitted. He had a service done by Ducati's at 5800 miles and then unfortunately had a stroke. He recovered but never rode the bike again, hence it sat under the sheet in the garage. His wife gave him the nudge he needed to sell it. He cleaned it after every ride and it is absolutely mint. The battery is dead after all this time, and I am not even going to attempt to start it before I have had the belts changed, plus fresh fuel and filters. I believe it has a K&N type air filter, and he liked the rattle of the dry clutch so he bought a carbon open style cover. I've met two lovely people this week and found a beautifull Ducati for very little money I feel like I've won the lottery ! Sorry for gassing on but I'm pretty stoked at the moment. Hope to be talking Dukes with you all soon. Regards Dusty
welcome to the forum, and I am sure we will see you on Telly soon with Matt Alright jumping out saying you've mugged a Ducati owner, £700 kerching bargain, I am lucky to have a 2000 996 which is clean, but must say that is a very pretty bike
Hi, Thank you. I still cant believe it really. I need to buy a battery, and there is an ex Ducati race engineer with a place near me in Walton, and he's quoted £250 to supply and fit belts. So with van rental, it will owe me about £1000.00 as long as it doesn't need anything else. I have just checked the service book and it was actually 05 it was done - 5729 miles. Its got 5811 on it now, so it 's gonna be worth doing brake fluid too. Only downside is I'm having to sell one of my strokers, but It's worth it.
Mike Dawson is the fella - small world ! I'm selling my 350lc hybrid. I cant get 4 bikes in the garage, plus I sold it for double what I paid for the Duke, so I can afford to get a few bits done, plus finish my Ypvs engine build ! If ever you are over Ashford way, my kettle is never cold !! Dusty
If your near Ashford why not try Eric for servicing? He does a pick up and delivery service and his work is top notch. Ducati Pro Team
You mean Alec methinks! He's top notch, looked after my stuff! Highly recommended. You got a bargain by the way! Welcome
Mike Dawson at MD Racing will sort you out, he's just down the road in Walton on Thames and comes highly recommended.
Hi all, Thanks for the warm welcome. I am planning on taking it to Mike at MDR. I went over to see him the day before I got the bike and he seemed like a really nice fella with a good set up. I was gonna drop the bike to him whilst I still had the rental van, but I was too excited, so dropped it home and then returned the van ! He will pick it up and return it as part of his service so I will book it in once I can stop myself staring at it for hours on end haha. Dusty
