Ok folks, here it is, the question that maybe you never thought of and maybe you don't have an answer for. I have been reading posts from you guys for a couple weeks now and I have heard more reasons why I am right that a ducati is the bike for me, but you are mostly ducati owners yourselves and as such are also justifying your own purchases. My question is this, and I am looking for honest answers, Why would I not buy a Ducati? Here is the thing, I have wanted a Ducati for years, and the price for a monster is reasonable, but Ducati's are rare, not exactly the bike you see all over the streets, why is that?
I look forward to your answers!!
Well in the Bay Area I see at least one every day.
Parts are more exspensive, Servicing is more Exspensive than other run of the mill bikes.
I use mine as my only mode of transportation for the last 2 years or so. Mine has been very reliable so far...
All I can say is get what you wan't. What ever bike calls your name and who cares what other people think.
Well, service, reliability issues certainly detract from the Ducati aura.
Not to put to fine a point on it, but they are made in ITALY. Don't you know the old joke? In heaven, the cars are designed by Italians, made by the Germans, and the french do the cooking. In hell, the cars a designed by the French, make by the Italians, and the Germans cook.
My 2 cents?
I have only had my Ducati for about 3 weeks. I had not been on a bike in years. I didn't want just any bike, I wanted a DUCATI. If you are posting here, I suspect you are in the same boat. I don't know your $$$ situation, but I frankly could have bought anything Ducati offers new off the showroom floor. But I didn't do that. I researched, and watched craiglist like a hawk, and looked at a ton of bikes, and ended up with a 2000 900S. Absolutely printine, adult owned it whole life, all service records including original purchase documentation. I would recommend you do the same. Take your time. The hunt is a blast.
Don't just focus on the bike, talk to the owners, get a feel for what they are like. Idiots that write, "THIS BIKEZ IS BAD AZZ BOYZ!!!!" in their ads should be avoided. I bought my bike from a business owner in his 40s. I went to the guys house, and his garage, his lawn all immaculate. Might seem like a silly thing, but that stuff matters. It says something about how they treat their possesions.
If you want a Ducati, then take your time, and find the right bike for you. Don't get emotionally attached to a particular bike and DON'T gloss over the cost for service items. "Oh, its just the tires, brakes, and the chain. That stuff can't be that expensive to have it done, right?" Ummmm....yeah. It is. So don't make light of that stuff.
I am VERY happy with my decision, and that includes the epic battle I had to fight with my wife. Zero buyers remorse. The wife has warmed up to it, and I LOVE riding the bike. I just enjoy scooting around in my neighborhood. We live in an area with steep hills, and just gotta love the bark from the Termis when you push it up hill....
you have answered your own question with ,i have wanted a ducati for years , so whats the problem you dont need any body to justerfie your actions but there is one thing about ducatis they have the sweetest sound and when you ride by they turn heads , just go and buy one [thumbsup]
I've had two monsters and they have both been bullet proof as far as reliability goes. But I always do the scheduled maintenance. Maybe I've just been lucky.
Reason NOT to buy a Ducati:
If you open your dry clutch cover (because it looks cool), you WILL get tired of people saying, 'Is your bike broken?'.
Quote from: brickdogg on October 18, 2008, 11:56:46 PM
Why would I not buy a Ducati?
Quote from: brickdogg on October 15, 2008, 10:21:47 PM
but I have about 2 years of riding experience in the past (Honda Nighthawk 750) but it has fallen into a state of disrepair.
Because your last bike stopped being ridden because it "fell into a state of disrepair."
so when your wife buys you a Duc as a graduation present and you do the same thing to the monster, someone on the forum will get upset, steal your wife away, and you won't be able to ride either.
Quote from: Statler on October 19, 2008, 05:44:30 AM
Because your last bike stopped being ridden because it "fell into a state of disrepair."
so when your wife buys you a Duc as a graduation present and you do the same thing to the monster, someone on the forum will get upset, steal your wife away, and you won't be able to ride either.
only the ducati will fall into the state of disrepair quicker. [cheeky]
I think Ducati reliability has increased in the last decade and made that particular specter a non-issue. Expense of service and parts are still a big detractor though. There are fewer Ducati mechanics in most areas so there are fewer options other than dealers for your service. The parts, in many cases, are very specific to these comparatively low production motorcycles, so you're going to pay more. Not really show-stoppers, but they are matters to consider.
Good stuff. And yes, I fairly convinced that I will own a Ducati, I just wanted to see if anyone had any downside. Not really looking for justification, just want to know both sides of the story before I go get one. As for my last bike falling into a state of disrepair, it is because I moved 2200 miles away from it and it has been sitting out in the elements in New Jersey with no one taking care of it. I now have a garage in Arizona, completely different.
Any other comments are welcome!
Generally the media here in the states give alot more time to the Japanize bikes. Most young riders want to go fast. We all know that Duc are not the fastest. Other manufacturers choose to build fast-cheap bikes. Something that "kids" like. Given that younger people (for the most part) do not have alot of money to spend on luxurious items, the popularity is lower. The Harley riders know this. Most of them are older, make more money and can afford the high cost and maintaince. M2C
just get a ducati. you'll love it. even just sitting on it not riding .. it gives you inner peace.
I"d never even driven (ridden) a bike before I bought my Monster and I could tell I wanted it just by sitting on it on the showroom floor. I had no idea about the maintenance costs or what kind of power it had, just that I wanted THIS bike. I do know some local guys that have switched over from Ducatis to Japanese and have been very happy. From what I hear, the Big Four sport bikes are smoother and a bit more forgiving than your run of the mill Ducati, but I have people that want to "talk bike" with me all the time that have ABSOLUTELY no idea what they're talking about in regards to their own bike, let alone mine. I'm rambling. If you want a balls to the wall, horsepower ridden, straight up race bike, go get yourself a Gixxer or something. You won't be disappointed because they're not bad bikes. But if you want something that will make you grin like an moron every time you give the throttle a blip or even when you're just sitting watching it cool after a ride, get your monster.
You should get a Suzuki SV (650 or 1000, depending on your skills and desires).
The Suziki just makes more sense. It is a 90 degree V-twin, just like the Ducati. Performance, power and handling are very good. It has timing chains, not belts, so the maintenance costs are very cheap compared to the Ducati. Price out the door is a lot lower, too.
The dealer network is huge, you will get great service and parts support for a decent price. There are oodles of aftermarket goodies like exhaust systems and ECU's, suspension compenents, clipons and rearsets, etc.
However, when you ride the Suzuki, you will be kind of . . . invisible. When you pull up to an intersection, people will not crane their necks sideways to get a better look. No one (or very few) will stop to ask you about your bike or how much it costs or who makes it or where it's made or say "Man, that is a gorgeous machine". Little kids will not stare in admiration and ask you how fast does it go or can you do a wheelie. Women will not spontaneously stop as they walk along and tell you "hey, I like your bike". When people see you in your gear carrying your helmet, they will ask, what kind of bike do you ride? You say, Suzuki SV, they will not respond with "Wow! Don't those cost like $50,000?", they will respond with "Oh."
You probably will not go to a local bike gathering of as many as 14 riders where all 14 bikes are Suzuki SV's (you will go to gatherings but there might be 1 or 2 SV's). Your list of friends and your contact list on your cell phone will not get filled up with names and numbers of other SV owners who are kindred spirits like yourself.
When you wash your SV, you will not grab a lawnchair and a beer and sit in the garage or driveway just staring in admiration at your bike until you finish your beer (or 2nd or 3rd). So, in that sense, you'll be saving yourself quite a bit of time.
You can rest assured in the satisfaction that you saved lots of money and got a bike that is "just as good as a Ducati".
I estimate that you will put about 3000 miles on it 2 years and then you will sell it on Craigslist. Your ad will say: immaculate SV, well-kept, low miles. You will get a good price for it, too.
Pride of ownership is overated. Get an SV.
[bow_down] JohnnyDucati
great post
A lot of people think that ducatis are very expensive, which is justified when they walk into the dealer and look at the 1098. They then use this ignorant view to assume that all people who own a duc are rich and they couldn't afford one. I'm often asked at work how I could afford mine, people are stupid. Also a lot of folks won't buy a used bike, this confuses me, but then I've never bought a new anything when it comes to vehicles.
Quote from: Raux on October 19, 2008, 10:44:11 AM
[bow_down] JohnnyDucati
great post
That post, from JohnnyDucati, illustrates a bit of the narcissism that seems to affect, to some degree or other, those of us who own Ducati's. Some identify it as being snobbish and for some folks the shoe fits. However, not for the majority of Duc owners that I know. We do seem to have a bit different level of pride of ownership character though. They are beautiful machines, they make a great sound and they get lots of attention (sometimes embarrassingly so). If all of that is important to you then by all means have at it.
On the con side they are still relatively rare machines with a pretty sparse support network. Not so bad on the east coast, I suspect, but still. Service outlets are rare and good quality service outlets even more rare. There are aftermarket parts to be had but nowhere near the amount and availability of the major brands. While reliability has improved they are not necessarily the rock solid machines some make them out to be. There are those lucky folks who have had no problems but there are many more that have more than the average share of problems. You never know until you get one and live with it for a while. If it's good, great. If not, then it can drive you crazy. It is possible that your bike could have a problem that takes months to sort out. All part of the Ducati mystique I suppose. I've owned them for over three years. Not long by some peoples standards but certainly long enough to get a proper taste. My carby Monster has been mostly great. My 999, not so much. It's been an interesting journey and it still goes on. Get one. You'll see.
the service intervals of 6k or 7.5k miles for the bikes is more often than a comparable bike from any other company, these costs if you ride a lot ie, 6k-10k miles a year will add up quicker than other bikes from other companies.
the dealer network in some areas is harder to find but usually you can find them with some effort, but its more effort than finding a honda/kawasaki dealer that knows those bikes.
basically if you are looking for a powerful, cheap, low mantainance bike the ducati is not it. basically they keep theirvalue better than some other bikes but the problem is that finding a cheap ducati that has been well maintained and such is hard if not impossible for that same reason, otherwise how can people ask for 6k or more for a 2001 748 superbike? you can get a faster, lighter, r6 that is 1 year old with more modern technology and easier srvice intervals for that amount. now you see why not to get a ducati?
you get a ducati for the simple reason of you like it, and its usually irrational and makes no sense except to you.
Thank you all for your comments. My mind was already made up, and much for the reasons that JohnnyDucati listed. I don't like common, I don't like what everyone else has. This was more of an attempt at playing devils advocate. So thank you all for indulging me and I can't wait to get done school and get my bike, my Monster!! Glad to know I will be becoming part of such a great community!
JD .... didn't chuck say a bunch of girls flashed him when he was on his monster? I think thats a good reason to get a Ducati. ;D
Quote from: brickdogg on October 18, 2008, 11:56:46 PMWhy would I not buy a Ducati?
Here's a few reasons that come to mind:
Reliability. Generally it's very good but if
rock solid reliability is a priority for you then you're better of to go Japanese. My 800 has been trouble-free but this hasn't been the case for all models. The surging issue has been the most prevalent problem I've seen reported. It's not incurable but just be aware of what models it can affect. And part of the story with reliability is because the monster is so modable, people are making changes to their exhaust systems without, in some cases, the ability (or desire) to correspondingly modify their EFI settings. Thus performance issues.
Modding. It's a thing that's loved about the monster. The ease of and number of customizing options are impressive. That can hit your wallet at times but of course that's up to you. What you may resent however is having to spend more money after purchase to get the bike you thought you were buying in the first place. The sound of the stock exhaust may leave you a little underwhelmed. Of course most stock exhausts don't sound too impressive but you probably have an idea in your mind about how a ducati should sound, and to get that sound it's very likely some modding will be required. The other 'essentials' are better looking and more effective mirrors, replacing the front sprocket with a 14t (almost everyone agrees it should have come stock), new seat (I think the stock is atrocious), and possibly a different bar or clips-ons to fix up the ergos how you like. So, the bike can be improved enormously with just those few changes. But you might ask, why should I have to make those changes? Can I find a bike that comes ready-to-ride just how I like it? Maybe you can.
Ducati Mystique. This sounds like a nice thing and depending on your personality it may be an appealing factor of owning a Ducati. But there's a degree of unreality about it that gets old. People, often those with little or no knowledge of motorcycles, will react to the fact that you ride a Ducati as if you're some kind of superhero. In most cases it's a reaction to the name alone. It's as if you're carrying a bag and someone comes up to you and reads the label on it and says, 'Ooooohhh Guchi!'. Maybe that wouldn't bother you but after two years I'm tired of it. Now if people ask me what kind of bike I ride I just give them a stupid answer like 'Samsung'. I really feel that. Ducati are just another bike company. No greater than Honda or Harley Davidson.
Riding Style. I can't speak for other Ducatis, but I feel that a Monster suits a particular riding style and that may not be the style you want. If you're after smooth and slippery power delivery at all speeds, particularly lower speeds, you might be better off going with a smaller engined Asian bike. I'm not saying the monster can't handle lower speeds. It can and it will pull hard from low revs. But it doesn't like to live down there. The monster
begs to be pushed harder. If you've seen that Tomb Raider movie (the first one I think) when she's tearing thru the streets on that bike - that's the kind of spirited riding the monster wants. If that's not you at least part of the time, maybe look elsewhere. I'm serious. That kind of riding may not be for you.
OK That's it! :)
"The monster begs to be pushed harder."
That's true. Had her at the track, much faster than I usually ride - and she ran better. Like it blew out all the crap on the plugs (that I KNEW wasn't there - plugs replaced <2000 miles ago). Monsters want to be taken on back roads and flogged.
Get a monster. Happy flogging!! [evil]
Having had two Monsters (S4R and a S4Rs) the first totalled by a deer, the second most recently sold I think that I may be able to give you a perspective from someone who's been there, drank the kool aid initially, and then got a really big headache...
First, the bikes. Imo Ducati's are great bikes and it's true that they have character. They have the V-Twin motor nailed. They're good quality bikes with high grade components over most Japanese bikes. They handle, accelerate well, good low end torque and they brake really well too, all of them have Brembo brakes. The finish is really good too, good tight solid polished bikes. The range on most of them positively sucks though but I don't think that matters to most Ducati owners for the reason below...
Ducati sells image even moreso than the bikes themselves. I think it's really lame and I personally feel that it is the reason why Ducati isn't truely respected by real motorcyclists, just like Harley. This 'image' is what lures most potential owners into the dealership in the first place. Look at some of the hollow comments in this very thread. You will see more Ducs at coffee shops than you'll ever see in the twisties as most of the guys who buy them want the attention more than they want to ride the bikes. Sure they love them and their Termis when they're tooling around the neighborhood, to hear and feel the bark and torque of the motor but more than anything they bought a Ducati because of this image of urban chique, young and with it and successful and whatever else you want to throw into it, metrosexualism, whatever, but it's not MOTORCYCLING So I'll go ahead and say it, Ducati is the sportbike equivalent to Harley. Ducati, more than any other sportbike brand, has owners who bought into an image that they want for themselves as it's easier to buy into than to become. It's the very definition of poseurism lol. This is why many Duc riders feel a bit alienated from the rest of motorcyclists. It's not because the others can't afford it or any other pompous excuse for lacking true character. It's a shame really because they make really great bikes but because of their own marketing the owners, in general, are not respected. I know many Ducati owners who are into it for the right reasons but I know what the stereotype is and it's true...
Wow! I just finished cleaning all the bugs off my Foggy after a long Sunday Tennessee high speed twistie ride, and read this.
Guess anything less than pure track riding is posing?
Did you ever consider those of us that have been riding Ducati's for a long time like to ride the piss out of them, but also clean them up and show them off at Buckies? Nothing wrong with that in my book. In fact, most of the Ducati riders I know fall into this category.
Personally I am OK with people buying them, spending thousands on great goodies even though the bike stays in the garage, then dumping them for a bargin. That makes them much more affordable for me.
If you are who you say you are than why would you take offense to what I posted? Good for you, you should be flogging your Foggy... [thumbsup]
The negative connotation of owning a Ducati did, and still does bug the hell out of me.
Quote from: Rotten Randy on October 28, 2008, 11:32:48 AM
Having had two Monsters (S4R and a S4Rs) the first totalled by a deer, the second most recently sold I think that I may be able to give you a perspective from someone who's been there, drank the kool aid initially, and then got a really big headache...
First, the bikes. Imo Ducati's are great bikes and it's true that they have character. They have the V-Twin motor nailed. They're good quality bikes with high grade components over most Japanese bikes. They handle, accelerate well, good low end torque and they brake really well too, all of them have Brembo brakes. The finish is really good too, good tight solid polished bikes. The range on most of them positively sucks though but I don't think that matters to most Ducati owners for the reason below...
Ducati sells image even moreso than the bikes themselves. I think it's really lame and I personally feel that it is the reason why Ducati isn't truely respected by real motorcyclists, just like Harley. This 'image' is what lures most potential owners into the dealership in the first place. Look at some of the hollow comments in this very thread. You will see more Ducs at coffee shops than you'll ever see in the twisties as most of the guys who buy them want the attention more than they want to ride the bikes. Sure they love them and their Termis when they're tooling around the neighborhood, to hear and feel the bark and torque of the motor but more than anything they bought a Ducati because of this image of urban chique, young and with it and successful and whatever else you want to throw into it, metrosexualism, whatever, but it's not MOTORCYCLING So I'll go ahead and say it, Ducati is the sportbike equivalent to Harley. Ducati, more than any other sportbike brand, has owners who bought into an image that they want for themselves as it's easier to buy into than to become. It's the very definition of poseurism lol. This is why many Duc riders feel a bit alienated from the rest of motorcyclists. It's not because the others can't afford it or any other pompous excuse for lacking true character. It's a shame really because they make really great bikes but because of their own marketing the owners, in general, are not respected. I know many Ducati owners who are into it for the right reasons but I know what the stereotype is and it's true...
I've seen fewer Ducs at bike events centered around not riding than one would think given your spin on it, but they were certainly over represented at the track events I've been to.
It might be geographical.
It might be that I just don't hang out where the posers are so my overall view of Duc riders has been scewed. Easily more than 2/3 of the Duc owners I have met have done some track time....and the others want to.
The owners in general are not respected? haven't run into that yet....at least not due to brand of bike (versus biking in general).
Is it that bad where you are?
Quote from: JBubble on October 28, 2008, 11:56:51 AM
You make a HUGE negative generalization on a DUCATI board and expect people to be ok with it? [roll]
You basically said that everyone on this board is a poser. Thats a really awesome thing to do.
Furthermore, I'd say that maybe 5% of the Ducati owners act like you say. I've met and talked to a ton of people on this board and none of them are posers. The alienization you talk about is non-Italian owners thinking that Ducs are prohibitively expensive and only rich people own them. We all know its not true.
Not at all, I'm simply bringing up a statement of fact that many, very many motorcyclists see Ducati's owners as being this way. If you're offended I apologize but this is an image that Ducati has perpetuated in its marketing. And I don't think you're giving owners of others bikes any credit for their own intelligence. Ducati's are priced above many bikes they compete against, but if you're buying one of their competitors bikes than Ducati isn't prohibitively expensive, they're a mere few thousand more. As I have already said, the reason isn't because they're the rich guys and everyone envies them, that's ridiculous. The bikes aren't priced out of the stratosphere for anyone to come to that conclusion.
I love my ducati........and she loves me ;D, she never talks back except when i am not giving her more gas.
I really have only heard of two instants that involved "poser"/"asshole" ducati owners and that was someone on this board pregnant doging about what an jerk the poser was. And they had every right to be pregnant doging. You want to see posers? Go to port jeff, ny one night, or bald hill and watch how long guys with beautiful bikes sit there just showing off and then take the straightest line home. I rode with that crowd once and they couldn't wrap it around their small brains why the hell i took the twisty way to port jeff instead of the expressway. I never rode with them again after that.......
Quote from: Statler on October 28, 2008, 12:10:24 PM
I've seen fewer Ducs at bike events centered around not riding than one would think given your spin on it, but they were certainly over represented at the track events I've been to.
It might be geographical.
It might be that I just don't hang out where the posers are so my overall view of Duc riders has been scewed. Easily more than 2/3 of the Duc owners I have met have done some track time....and the others want to.
The owners in general are not respected? haven't run into that yet....at least not due to brand of bike (versus biking in general).
Is it that bad where you are?
I wouldn't say they're overrepresented here in Portland anymore than any other area. I know a few Duc owners who ride them very well and many at the track too. But I would say at least from my experience that the stereotypical Ducati owner is the butt of a lot of jokes. A lot of disrespectful jokes lol...
Hey I've never meant to be disrespectful to any Duc owners here or elsewhere but I do feel that it is a well known fact that there are quite a few that bought Duc's for or were heavily swayed by the image alone. If you are not one of those people than there's no reason to be offended. It sucks to have to deal with it, that you by being an owner alone, reflect that image to many people whether you like it or not, but that's the way it is. It's the baggage that comes with being an owner, maybe that's why Tumi makes luggage for Ducati lol...
Quote from: Rotten Randy on October 28, 2008, 11:47:52 AM
If you are who you say you are than why would you take offense to what I posted? Good for you, you should be flogging your Foggy... [thumbsup]
The negative connotation of owning a Ducati did, and still does bug the hell out of me.
Sorry Randy. I wasn't really taking offense with your comments. It was more of a discussion. That's what is so frustrating about the 'net. It doesn't show context or tone.
Truthfully, I really do find attitudes with riders from other bikes when I try and strike up a chat. So, either they are jelous, or really do think I am a poser. But at this point, I don't really care.
Last Saturday (at the end of the bug ride) a guy on a Kawasaki struck up a conversation and it sort of threw me off guard since it is rare. He even ended up taking pictures of the Foggy. If I see a bike that I think is even remotely cool, I'll ask all sorts of questions and chat it out.
In my dirt bike days, I judged a rider on the condition of his/her equipment and bike. If it wasn't completely trashed and scraped up, I knew they weren't riding at a pace I would enjoy. At least if they had a pristine new dirt bike, their gear should be all crapped up. Now that I am back into the street bike, I am on the other end of the judgement. :)
And, maybe it is different in other areas of the country. I've heard that San Fran has 1/3 of all Ducati's sold in the US (or something like that). More room for posers.
But here in Central Tennessee there is one dealership but most don't like them. There is also a guy that JUST wrenches on Ducati's, and he is a racer. His shop is in a not so good part of town (he keeps his shop doors locked during the day unless he hears knocking on the door, or the sound of Termi's outside), and his reputation is steller. So, people here that have a Ducati have to jump through a few extra hoops to own them. So, maybe more real riders have them here.
Just a lame-o theory of mine.
Quote from: JBubble on October 28, 2008, 12:29:44 PM
Have you ridden with the Portland Ducati owners from this board? Krolik? SaltLick? Mother? Neikos? Any of them? I don't remember seeing you at any of their events or even posting up in that section.
No I haven't. None of my comments have ever been directed to any of them.
Quote from: Rotten Randy on October 28, 2008, 12:32:55 PM
No I haven't. None of my comments have ever been directed to any of them.
[roll]
Quote from: JBubble on October 28, 2008, 12:35:11 PM
[roll]
You're right, how could my opinion have any thread of truth since I don't know four local Ducati dudes...
Quote from: Rotten Randy on October 28, 2008, 12:45:54 PM
You're right, how could my opinion have any thread of truth since I don't know four local Ducati dudes...
And once again: [roll]
Its closer to 15. You should have given us a try. Oh well.
BTW, my comment about knowing the Portland riders doesn't having anything to do with whether your opinion is true. An opinion is an opinion. Its not true or not true.
I still can't figure out where you get your opinions or "facts from". But whatever. Think what you will. Make huge generalizations. Your mind will never be changed.
Apparently you've been offended by some of my comments. I never meant to personally insult you, but I'm assuming from your feedback I may have struck a chord with you.
Quote from: Rotten Randy on October 28, 2008, 01:02:25 PM
Apparently you've been offended by some of my comments. I never meant to personally insult you, but I'm assuming from your feedback I may have struck a chord with you.
Offended? I don't give a crap what your opinion is about me or my ride. Your comments just don't have any basis in my opinion.
But they're your opinions and opinions are like assholes.
If that was the case you wouldn't have responded...
Quote from: Rotten Randy on October 28, 2008, 01:17:50 PM
If that was the case you wouldn't have responded...
Bullshit.
You made a comment that I think has no basis. So I responded.
Keep trying. Better yet, move on.
Quote from: JBubble on October 28, 2008, 12:52:48 PM
Its closer to 15. You should have given us a try. Oh well.
Are you saying that I couldn't now, because I don't have a Monster..? Just trying to clarify?
we're now at an entire page of you two snipping at each other for language choices rather than topic matter.
In terms of steering back on track...... it is interesting that some people see more of an attitude towards Duc riders than others do. I can certainly see how it would be frustrating dealing with it often, and mystifying to hear about if you haven't seen it at all.
I think there is a bit of a disconnect in Ducati's advertising between Europe and US cultures. The types of riding typical, the dress, the attitude...lend themselves to the critiques of Rotten Randy.
He and I have debated this here and on the old forum too. I don't care if someone buys a Duc to put in their living room...it's theirs and it makes them happy...fine. I wouldn't do it, but whatever.
Any stereotyping is just that...if someone holds a certain opinion of me because of what I ride, whether a good opinion or bad opinion, then it's not someone I'd like to ride or drink with anyway. Maybe that's why I don't see it.
Why do people get so upset (me included sometimes) when someone has an opinion about what riding is. Remember when Nate said going to the store wasn't riding? People threw a fit.
so...can we chalk this one up to one possible negative of Ducs is that some people see a real negative attitude and preconception about their riders? Balanced with some riders finding real camaraderie and skilled riders?
Quote from: Statler on October 29, 2008, 08:30:51 AM
we're now at an entire page of you two snipping at each other for language choices rather than topic matter.
In terms of steering back on track...... it is interesting that some people see more of an attitude towards Duc riders than others do. I can certainly see how it would be frustrating dealing with it often, and mystifying to hear about if you haven't seen it at all.
I think there is a bit of a disconnect in Ducati's advertising between Europe and US cultures. The types of riding typical, the dress, the attitude...lend themselves to the critiques of Rotten Randy.
He and I have debated this here and on the old forum too. I don't care if someone buys a Duc to put in their living room...it's theirs and it makes them happy...fine. I wouldn't do it, but whatever.
Any stereotyping is just that...if someone holds a certain opinion of me because of what I ride, whether a good opinion or bad opinion, then it's not someone I'd like to ride or drink with anyway. Maybe that's why I don't see it.
Why do people get so upset (me included sometimes) when someone has an opinion about what riding is. Remember when Nate said going to the store wasn't riding? People threw a fit.
so...can we chalk this one up to one possible negative of Ducs is that some people see a real negative attitude and preconception about their riders? Balanced with some riders finding real camaraderie and skilled riders?
[thumbsup] Far more diplomatic than I've been and I agree with you. Although I do feel that there is an image that some buy into in regard to Ducati I always give someone a fair shake when meeting and talking to them. Even though imo it's incredibly lame when someone buys a 1098R for their first bike and clad themselves in fresh Dainese I personally would never alienate them. You gotta start somewhere I suppose, but some try to graduate without doing the homework so to speak. And I've always liked your froofy white bike Statler... [beer]
Quote from: Rotten Randy on October 29, 2008, 09:12:33 AM
And I've always liked your froofy white bike Statler... [beer]
My dream is to catch Rotten Randy in front of a Starbucks on his new Duke and get pictures. :-*
preferrably wearing matching orange and black leathers. [cheeky]
ride hard [beer]
Perfect....!!! I wish the pucks were orange though, and slighty worn when you got the suit. I wonder if it'll make my butt look big... ;)
(https://www.ktm-parts.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/3PW081022.jpg)
Quote from: Rotten Randy on October 29, 2008, 09:12:33 AM
------------snip----------------
And I've always liked your froofy white bike Statler... [beer]
That's good, 'cause I'm sure Statler won't laugh at you for buying a bike that looks like halloween origami.
DON'T UPSET ME... ;D
Sorry to change the subject and go back to the topic. :)
I got my M696 because I've read a few articles referring it as a girls bike. I figure this may bring me one step closer to understanding women. You know, like we have something in common so we can base everything in life on that point. [roll] So, if you're single this may be a good enough reason to get a M696. ;D
I suspect that spending time with any motorcycle is not going to get you too much closer to understanding women. Just my 2c.
Quote from: yotogi on October 31, 2008, 08:13:58 AM
I suspect that spending time with any motorcycle is not going to get you too much closer to understanding women. Just my 2c.
not unless she rides a bike. hubby and I have been married for so long, life was dull. We got into riding, and it's fun to share a common interest.
If she doesn't ride, it's just another way to put space between you and her (which works for some!)
Quote from: yotogi on October 31, 2008, 08:13:58 AM
I suspect that spending time with any motorcycle is not going to get you too much closer to understanding women. Just my 2c.
No, but it did earn "Molly" my M750 the name "the other woman" from my fiancée [laugh]
JM
i think it is true that a lot of people buy motorcycles bc they "look cool" or what have you.
that is the marketing of any brand, no brand is immune to that.
let's face it, if it was only based on performance numbers you could literally buy a bike based on that, but people won't bc that bike may not fit their definition of "cool looking" and they wont ride it, are they a poser then for not buying the best bike? no of course not.
the better statement is that "everyone is a poser" to an extent, we are all buying motorcycles in part bc we "like how it looks" or some other illogical reason or marketing reason to an extent.
Quote from: lauramonster on October 31, 2008, 09:31:29 AM
not unless she rides a bike. hubby and I have been married for so long, life was dull. We got into riding, and it's fun to share a common interest.
If she doesn't ride, it's just another way to put space between you and her (which works for some!)
Oh my, I think that you misunderstood what I meant! Motorcycling, like many other social hobbies, encourages you to meet people who share common interest. And indeed, common interest can fuel relationships.
What I meant was that you get into a sport to learn more about yourself. That might help you in a relationship, knowing yourself is really important in healthy relationships. I just don't think you understand the fairer sex any better for having ridden.
All the guys at work are begging me to let them ride my bike. They go out and stare at it. No one is staring at there R1's.
I owned the first Monster in my town. The nearest dealer is 5 and half hours away. Now there are at least three...
As far as why not... I have to haul the bastard in for some warranty work and I missed the last month of riding.... but it's free.
Lately, I have my eyes on KTM more then Ducati.
I sold my baby Bonnie this year to get the 696. I miss her. She was comfortable (sort of), got lots of looks, and sounded very nice!
I loved being able to wind through the gears and only be doing 75mph.
Why the Monster? Looks, sound, sportiness, Italian design. I don't want a crotch rocket on the street with 150+hp that can't be used to the full potential. She handles just a wee bit better than the old Triumph. [moto]
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b5/kf6vgz/Triumph%20Bonneville/IMG_0192.jpg)