Hi everyone - I'm new here and live in West Sussex. Been riding bikes for a while and currently got a VFR 800 which I enjoy. I'm currently looking to get something a bit more special - I've always fancied a Ducati and the time seems about right to start looking - thinking of a 848, 1098 or 1198. I've seen lots of questions on the forums regarding which to get and they always get many different perspectives so I guess the answer is that everyone is different and it's down to personal preference.. Given that the dealers I've contacted are so reluctant to give test rides unless you are ready to buy the bike (understandably I suppose) how on earth can you make a decision? I've haven't ridden any of the above bikes but would like to try each before making a decision. What are people doing to try out different bikes?
I've never had any problem getting a test ride, especially from my local Ducati dealer. I wasn't even in the market for a new bike a few months ago and just visited to have a look at the new Panigale in the flesh. All I did was ask if the demo bike was free for a test anytime and the salesman happily booked me in for the following day It's certainly worth going along, being upfront about what bikes you're interested in and seeing if a demo's available
As the 848, 1098 and 1198 you mentioned aren't in the 2015 range, the dealer wouldn't have these models in their demo fleet. I'm guessing you're after a second-hand one in which case it'd be a case of trying the exact machine before buying. My dealer has always openly encouraged test rides on their new fleet as they want as many people trying them out but are understandably not as keen for this on individual used stock as they don't want loads of unnecessary miles added by people who aren't serious about buying.
Ha, maybe it's just me then... I get the impression it would be ok if I wanted one of the latest bikes and they had a demo available. Problem is I am after a used bike - apparently I can't because they are A) prepped for sale B) not taxed C) not insured All valid reasons I guess but makes it hard to decide what to get. I wouldn't spend 10k on a car without test driving it to check it was what I wanted. Maybe I should just go for a 1198 and if it's too much of a handful for me trade it in for a 848.
Just bite the bullet and get a new one on PCP, you can have a new one every 3 years then and you'll easily get a test ride
Take out the latest models they have a go from there for buying second hand Hello and welcome to the mad house
Its tough because they are used bikes. WM Snells are pretty good, so are Motorapido, no idea if they have any in stock or even if close enough to consider
I know what you mean-you can't try an "obsolete" model 'cos the secondhand ones in stock are no longer taxed. I'd like to trade up from a single-spark Multistrada to a twin-spark, but as it's been superseded by the DVT, I can't try one out, and would be reluctant to shell out £10K on something I'd not ridden. My local Ducati dealer had a nice BMW S1000R with tiny miles on, but I couldn't try it out, so had to go to my local (50 miles away) BMW dealer just to find out if I liked it, and that was for a current bike - you've far less chance of getting a ride on a bike that's an "old model". This new arrangement from the DVLA has really buggered up trying out bikes.
If you go into Snells, MotoRaido etc just be warned that you'll probably walk out with the keys to a Panigale.... I was looking for a 1098s, wandered in had a test ride on an 899 and 1299 and plumped for a used 1199....
Maybe I should just go for a 1198 and if it's too much of a handful for me trade it in for a 848.[/QUOTE] 1098 a good compromise. Welcome.
Thanks for the input. For those with experience of these machines.. How does the 848 compare to the 899 in terms of power / power delivery and ride ability? Likewise with the 1198 and the 1199? If I was to test ride the 899 & 1199 would this be valid for making a decision between the 848 / 1198? Thanks
That's what I suggested, but my local dealer declined to do that! They only have a few Ducati demonstrators (current models) available-everything else is "buy on sight'!
no not really 1199/899 totally different to 848/1198 848/1198 have alot more grunt down the rev range new bikes like to be revved to get the power out of um. id go 848 over 899 havent ridden a 1199 so cant comment on that one but i know my 1198 is bonkers.
I would not buy a second hand bike, or car for that matter, without a demo, if no demo was offered I`d go elsewhere. Any decent dealer will have trade plates and insurance that covers test rides so if they either don't have these or wont let you take advantage walk away. Plenty of second hand bikes around, why give your business to someone who cant or wont give you the best opportunity to make sure you are spending your money on what you want as opposed to what you might want. Surely one of the reasons dealers charge more than private individuals selling bikes is because they are supposed to offer test rides ?
I usually would buy from a dealer but the last bike I bought privately was a 796 Monster for Mrs Dukesox. We both tested one at a dealer, she loved it so we were comfortable with the exact model but could not find a secondhand one at the right price and spec at any local dealers so we found a private one and went ahead based on what the owner was like to talk to , service history, condition etc. I called the dealer who had been servicing the bike and got good feedback so we went ahead without a test ride. I would not give a test ride if selling privately so would not expect to be offered one if buying privately but as I said before, you pay more to a dealer so should expect more.
