Today I was asked "whats so special about Ducati's?". I went into some of the details of why I love my bike and whats different aboout Duc's compared to the others, but I think I fell way short. Beside the "you just need to ride one", what answers do you give?
L-Twin, Desmo, low weight and low CG, handles, torquey and smooth. Nothing else delivers the same with the same character. Some aren't bad-looking either. ;)
I got that question from a couple of friends who know I bought a monster, my answer was it's a great looking bike, small, light and nimble, great to beat the city traffic jam, but also powerful for spirited ride... and I love riding.
The problem with my answer is I haven't ridden a monster ;D not even a test drive, my bike won't be delivered until next week.
I found that explaining our passion to the masses is really difficult, like they say: "If I have to explain it, you won't understand"
bob
It's a sport bike, but not a whiney-ass I4 motor covered in obnoxiously colored plastic.
Quote from: scduc on June 09, 2012, 04:35:48 PM
what answers do you give?
I usually just say that I like having things that not eveyone else has. Then, if they say anything about the Ducati not being any type of rare or speical bike, I tell them I also have a Bimota at home. Most of them get a weird look on their face that tells me they have no idea what I just said, and as they are trying to process it, I walk away.
I just wanted a bike that not everyone else has. Plus, I like naked bikes so the Monster was it for me. Although, I'm pretty smitten with the Streetfighter 848 too. If that bike was available when I bought my bike I would have bought it instead.
1. the sound... the heartbeat of the 2v's or the sound of a racing twin for the 4v's
2. how slim the bike is. Sitting on i4's or i3's afterwards just feels odd due to how wide they are compared to twins.
3. trellis frames... not so much now with the new ones, but the trellis always has such a gorgeous engineered look to it
4. weight... duc is always pretty good about trying to shave off a lot more weight than other companies. this pays back dividends in handling.
5. looks. basically, if it consumes gas and italians designed it... i want it. haha
6. torque. 'nuff said.
That's a short list but what it boils down to for me is emotion really. I've always held that bikes are a emotional decision not a rational one, hence the bikes you fall in love with arent always the smart choices. Jap bikes would be the logical choice if that was drove you, but when you walk into that duc dealership... well... logic tends to just say goodbye right then and there ;)
Quote from: thought on June 09, 2012, 09:44:32 PM
... bikes are an emotional decision not a rational one ...
That is all there is to it really ... it also allows you to 'reason' away any perceived shortcomings.
its something that cant really be explained, it just is
Quote from: scduc on June 09, 2012, 04:35:48 PM
Today I was asked "whats so special about Ducati's?".
If they have to ask.... they'll never understand 8)
simply.
"ride it then you tell me."
+1 On not having something that everyone else has.
For me it was the Trelis frame, L-Twin grunt and it's the best looking naked bike out there.
Quote from: thought on June 09, 2012, 09:44:32 PM
5. looks. basically, if it consumes gas and italians designed it... i want it. haha
even when those italians are argentinians... ;)
but i will use your list nevertheless.
Soul,baby,soul.
[beer] Back in the day, my Z1 and GS1000 riding friends asked me the same question when I laid out a LOT of dosh for a Laverda Jota. I didn't know the answer then, and, now Evo mounted, I still don't know! I used to say that being half Italian had something to do with it, But that was just a cover. I just love Italian bikes!
I don't know. The feeling is so different between riding my wife's Hawk (650cc Vtwin) and my M750 it's crazy. I'm not belittling the Hawk, it is a great bike and I learned a lot about riding, body position, and knee dragging on it. It was the classic ride a slow bike fast. Same thing with my M750 really, it's only got 62HP and the Hawk has 52HP or so BUT I've never had the level of enjoyment of riding from anything. Even my 900SS didn't put the smile on my face the M750 does. The only bike that has come close was my Suzuki GS1150ES and then it wasn't the same.
JM
Ducati builds into its bikes all sorts of wonderful stuff that only very skilled, experienced riders with long ownership can appreciate fully.
And it overlooks all sorts of exasperating stuff that makes sure skilled, experienced, long-term Ducati owners have extraordinary patience, perseverance and loyalty.
So it's win-win: great bikes; great people. 8)
If you need someone to explain "it" to you, likely you will never understand "it" until you experience "it". You don't get "it" until you get "it". That's how I would explain "it" to your friend.
Quote from: ungeheuer on June 10, 2012, 02:39:52 AM
If they have to ask.... they'll never understand 8)
Yes, to ask the question is to declare no answer satisfactory.
great answers, mine is....how much ducati or monster have you saw ? in my city probably are 3 monsters.
also i wanted a naked bike, the frame is just beautiful and the sound even on a M620 as mine, is a head turner.
Guys and Gals the answer is simple. Ducati is a race company that also makes bikes, not a bike company that also races. So when in the case of the Ducati the bike is a descendant of a thoroughbred race horse so even the most minute detail is race inspired. When you go to one of the bigger companies the bike was designed for that market and loses a lot. So brands like Ducati, Aprilla, KTM and so forth have that something extra that the other bikes don't have.
Quote from: Goat_Herder on June 11, 2012, 10:00:08 AM
If you need someone to explain "it" to you, likely you will never understand "it" until you experience "it". You don't get "it" until you get "it". That's how I would explain "it" to your friend.
Sounds like a Harley bumper sticker....
Quote from: Speedbag on June 11, 2012, 12:02:20 PM
Sounds like a Harley bumper sticker....
Agreed. IMO you should be able to come up with a reason why you like Ducati. I also don't get the "soul" thing, and I've owned a bunch of Ducatis.
I like Ducatis because:
-- I like the feel of a quicker revving twin
-- In general they're light for the class
-- Their compact nature. Not just the width, but the cockpits also feel more compact than most other makes.
-- Their sound
-- Their look
The point is not that the question doesn't have an answer, but that the answer is very close to being what is known as the self-evident, that is, it is that for which no proof is possible. You either recognize it or you don't.
Try to prove to someone that the part of a thing is smaller than the entire thing.
Try to prove to someone that Ducati is desire itself.
There is no proof. It's what the words mean. Either you see it or you don't.
^^
I liked your pre-edit answer better. [laugh]
Quote from: NorDog on June 11, 2012, 12:38:00 PM
The point is not that the question doesn't have an answer, but that the answer is very close to being what is known as the self-evident, that is, it is that for which no proof is possible. You either recognize it or you don't.
Thats what I said:
Quote from: ungeheuer on June 10, 2012, 02:39:52 AM
If they have to ask.... they'll never understand 8)
'cept you said it better [clap]
the problem with the O.P.'s question is this...most times this question is asked by a non-rider and the concepts of why we ride as well as what are never fully really understood by them...so it is pointless at times to try and explain it....when this is the case, I often ask them in reply what they drive and then ask them why, which ends up in them frustrated in trying to come to terms with the best answer is.....on the opposite side though, when the question is posed by a rider, it is much easier to quantify to another rider usually in terms of explaining how you ride which answers why usually pretty quickly...
in the end...the answer is simple...."Because I can!"
Quote from: Triple J on June 11, 2012, 12:26:46 PM
I also don't get the "soul" thing
If you have to ask...well... ;D
The correct answer is ...."gee I dunno.....nothing I guess"
or if you feel confrontational...."I didn't feel like being one of 11ty billion rugged individuals on a Harley"
i dont think its as much of a soul thing as much as it is a passion thing, you can tell the bike was put together by someone who obviously cares about doing a good job, not to say that the japanese bikes arent like that either but those guys over there live, breath, bleed ducati
and i think at least my monster has a personality that makes it enjoyable to ride
I guess the all service answer could be, "Chicks dig it."
Quote from: wannabfast on June 12, 2012, 07:41:36 AM
you can tell the bike was put together by someone who obviously cares about doing a good job, not to say that the japanese bikes arent like that either but those guys over there live, breath, bleed ducati
[laugh] [laugh]
Quote from: NorDog on June 12, 2012, 08:54:38 AM
I guess the all service answer could be, "Chicks dig it."
[thumbsup]
Quote from: Ducatamount on June 12, 2012, 07:32:40 AM
If you have to ask...well... ;D
;D
To clarify what I mean...saying a bike has "soul" doesn't really make sense. I understand what people are getting at though. "Soul" means the bike is fun and engaging to ride, and it seems to correlate mainly with engine type. V-twins (which include Ducati's so-called L-twins) seem to bring out this reaction because they make you feel like you're riding a motorcycle (i.e. they aren't super smooth and refined). Harley, Ducati, Aprilia, & Guzzi riders all tend to say the same thing about "soul". KTMs also have a unique & engaging feel, although it is much different than the other V-twins because they rev quicker and are more high strung.
"It's like a Buell only Italian." [roll]
I don't try to explain
...don't want too many people in on the secret [thumbsup] ;D
Quote from: Blackout on June 12, 2012, 09:51:21 AM
"It's like a Buell only Italian." [roll]
???
An L-Twin has a heartbeat. A Hawg? Well... Some other kind of vibratory device surely. ;) A 90 degree engine has perfect primary balance.
Quote from: Curmudgeon on June 12, 2012, 10:20:52 AM
???
An L-Twin has a heartbeat. A Hawg? Well... Some other kind of vibratory device surely. ;) A 90 degree engine has perfect primary balance.
^^ This has a lot to do with it. [thumbsup]
Quote from: Goat_Herder on June 11, 2012, 10:00:08 AM
If you need someone to explain "it" to you, likely you will never understand "it" until you experience "it". You don't get "it" until you get "it". That's how I would explain "it" to your friend.
Quote from: Speedbag on June 11, 2012, 12:02:20 PM
Sounds like a Harley bumper sticker....
I didn't mean to sound like a narcissistic pig and that if you had to ask, you wouldn't understand. What I meant it, it's difficult to explain to people what you enjoy and love if they don't share the same passion for the said item/activity or they don't have enough knowledge to even comprehend what you are describing. So I keep it simple if a non rider asks the question.
If a fellow rider ask me to explain Ducati, I would then dive into details. It'd be a more meaningful and stimulating conversation. Maybe I'd learn more about why he/she love another brand/type of transportation.
I told a guy once my 800 is the same motor that Casey Stoner used to win the 2007 GP. He just goes, "Wow!" [drink]
Riding a Ducati is kinda like having sex with a Supermodel....except it lasts longer ;D
Quote from: Curmudgeon on June 12, 2012, 10:20:52 AM
???
An L-Twin has a heartbeat. A Hawg? Well... Some other kind of vibratory device surely. ;) A 90 degree engine has perfect primary balance.
it's a potato.
Quote from: Blackout on June 12, 2012, 09:51:21 AM
"It's like a Buell only Italian." [roll]
Their next question will be, "What's a Buell."
Quote from: Goat_Herder on June 12, 2012, 11:06:40 AM
I didn't mean to sound like a narcissistic pig and that if you had to ask, you wouldn't understand....
I didnt mean to sound like a narcissistic pig either, but I stand by my "if you have to ask, you'll never know" comment... (http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTGDBU7X0Hf2m9zeK_51hKSN6Cxb83TYCXUYv4Elg3T5M_6tWfwFw)
Quote from: Travman on June 12, 2012, 06:20:55 PM
Their next question will be, "What's a Buell."
What's a Buell? ;D
Quote from: ungeheuer on June 12, 2012, 08:25:17 PM
What's a Buell? ;D
This 8)
Buell Pro Stock Drag Bike Testing - Good Hit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNDFm_XNxOw&feature=youtube_gdata_player#)
That's a long wheelie bar and a heck of a launch!
JM
I'd really be impressed to see that thing steaming thru Deals Gap
Quote from: RAT900 on June 13, 2012, 06:07:34 AM
I'd really be impressed to see that thing steaming thru Deals Gap
rev it up a few times and then throw water on it....plenty of steam I'm sure!!!
Well to me, the first thing is the way the engine is balanced. They make it to feel good at typical real-world cruising speeds - 60-100mph range. My S4Rs feels a bit ragged over 8K - perhaps a bit lean from stock ECU and exhaust, but I'm not sure that is all.
In contrast, my memories of several hundred km on a couple of Suzuki TL1000s. Same 90-deg V2 configuration, very similar bore and stroke even. But nothing like the same feel. A pale imitation. Very smooth tho when revved hard. As though the designer thought that was the key design feature. But it's not, because most of the time on public roads, you are not revving a powerful bike all that hard. I've an idea Ducati gets that.
As for the alchemy they have managed with the steering ... almost the opposite. Nothing special when you are plodding along. Gets better the more you need precision. Same thing. Whoever designed that, has a deep understanding of what is pleasant about riding a bike.
Quote from: Moronic on June 14, 2012, 08:45:52 AM
Whoever designed that, has a deep understanding of what is pleasant about riding a bike.
Leave it to the Italians to understand passion.
Quote from: NorDog on June 14, 2012, 08:51:31 AM
Leave it to the Italians to understand passion.
Unts Unts Unts Unts
I tell people that it's an emotional pull. My bike makes me want to ride it. It's not a mass produced appliance that has no soul. Plus I like the fact that it's rare, beautiful and sexy.
Ciao!
I just say what do ride? after they answer, I say thats why I ride a Ducati.