For me, a 1976 900ss bevel in blue & silver. It was about 1980 and at the time I had a Suzuki GS750. My brother-in-law had owned Ducati singles since 1969 and started my interest in Italian bikes. I had heard that someone local might be selling his 900ss. I went to see him and he said he wasn't sure about selling but I could take it for a spin if I wanted to. How could I refuse such an offer? It was a rh gearchange and kickstart only. No indicators or any of that modern stuff, a road-legal production racer. I remember how long (wheelbase) it felt, the open bellmouth DellOrto's sucked furiously when the throttle was opened. Oh, the torque! It felt like it could pull the side of a house down. So utterly different from the Jap four I was used to. The acceleration was visceral. I wanted it so much but he didn't really want to sell it and in reality I don't think I could have afforded it anyway. Over 30 years later I bought my first Ducati, a Monster S4R. I now have an ST4S and a Paul Smart. I love the bikes but just as importantly, I have met so many great people through Ducati ownership over the last 7 years. I have been to the factory & museum in Bologna & would love to visit again.
A 95 916SP, was surprised how lazy it was, fast but linear, wasn't convinced initially tbh, seen the light since tho by way of not owning anything other than a Ducati - the rest can go swivel
The first Duke I rode was Nicky's 1999 600 monster, and that was the day I brought it home! It has 2700 genuine miles on the clock and has been lowered. I had a half hour ride around Ipswich then rode it back to Norfolk! A freezing cold November day, but it was the start of my love for the marque. It may only be a 600 but it was such fun although I looked a bit of a numpty riding back up the A140 with my knees tucked under my elbows! I then tried out a 1000ds but although it was great for me, Nicky wasn't comfortable on the pillion, so I started to look for something more suitable, and there was only 1 bike that fitted the purpose and that's my 2006 ST3. Roll on the better weather, and the chance to get out and enjoy that wonderful engine and sublime handling, and hopefully meet up with some more of the great folk on here! Chris
First Duc I ever rode was my friends 748. I had an old VFR at the time and the difference in ride quality was immense.
First Ducati I rode was right after passing my test, I got myself a Monster S4 for my first bike back in 2007, on my 2nd now a 1098s..! Stu
My very special 998s (very special to me, that is) in march 2009. To go from trailies, commuters and hacks to her was something else. now, to treat her better, I have an ST2 for day to day and poor conditions. maybe a matter of timing, possibly, but short of financial disaster, she will be with me till I grow a gut too big to reach to the clip ons.
For me it was when I took a mates 996 around the Nurburgring for a lap with another mate on his 999s. Promised not to go mad or drop it but by the time I got to T13 I was knee down with any self control thrown out of the window. Handled and sounded fantastic and felt special to ride compared to my Gixxer thou. As we went around Galgenkopf I started to go around my mate on the 999 but as he started to drift towards the outside kerb I was punted onto the grass, surprised at how well the Duke handled of road though. Back in the car park area and handed the still intact 996 over with an admission re the grass tracking. My mate had one lap left on his ticket so being tight he had to use it, didn't cost £20 plus in them days though. Next time we saw the bike was on the back of a low loader not looking as pretty as it did a short while earlier. Only saving grace apart from the rider only breaking his collarbone was his bike was shown on Top Gear as Clarkson was there doing his laps in the diesel Jag. Oh and after that episode was aired every boy racer in their tin boxes started to turn up. Since then the Ring has been in decline as far as bikes are concerned.
Hi, My first Ducati was my 748r. It was my first "big bike" after jumping from an RS250. I bought it without riding it. It just blew my mind away, especially the looks and the sound. The bike just felt so special and I adored it. Miss it like mad!
Couple off yrs ago at xmas was walking past ducati glasgow and decided to go in for a look, had always lusted after dukes but had always went "jap" so goes in and sittin right at the front was a 749s. Will admit when the 999/749 had came out i was a bit narffed off cause i thought the 916 series of bikes were the dogs danglies looks wise and the photos of the 999 looked a bit naff, but when i saw it in the flesh!!! Lust/love ,must have came straight to mind. Bought it there and then as a xmas prezzie for meself, haddent even heard it running nevermind had a test ride. Was delivered a couple of weeks latter in early january with bloody snow everywhere!! Couldnt help myself, so winter gear on and off i went. First junction, she stalled! Second one....stall(bloody tps!!!!) finally hit some open rds and fick me!! The corners like rails ,the soundtrack love!!! Never looked back and on my second duke now, cant see myself goin back the jap route. Just everything about ducati ownership brings a smile every time i open the lock up door(even the servicing!)
907ie for me. Belonged to a mate. Loved every minute of it until the brake lever started to come right back to the bars and it didn't want to stop. His comment of "yeah, it does that" didn't really help. Got me hooked though. Took a while before I could afford my own Ducati.
A 1999 748. Did the trick! It was on a fantastic road in the South of France under blue skies. Vivid memories.
My first Ducati was a 748 SP, the audio soundtrack was amazing! went to the moon and back on that bike and managed to clock up 30,000 miles on it before i traded it in.
Only ridden one! I've ridden a fair few bikes in my 14 years since passing my test but never a Ducati until I tested the 848 Evo demo bike at Ducati Glasgow. I thought they were meant to be a pain to ride. But it wasn't. I loved it! Less than 3 weeks until I get my Corse!
