Has anyone owned a Ducati before?

[Grummer]

because next year I am considering a 'baby duke' a 659, which is a detuned 696, (and can be boosted another 15 ponies with an easy mod, so would be 95 horses), this bike is a most expensive, most powerful learner's bike available in NZ. Im seriously considering one, as I miss riding (will have to put it on time payment ,interests etc, so be it) its a Naked Duke, but a real good looker too. i could, however decide on an older duke say a 600...(legal limit for learners bike is 660cc, (which is odd 660cc is quite big, and even trail bike can be a brute BUT ARE legal on the road!!!?)..hell I might even say ****it and get a nice Husaberg and don on slicks lol, a la Supermotard!! (suits me fine)...
but nah i think a sensible Duke is nicer and id behave on it too

so anything you can share of experiences with Ducatis??
Harleys piss off, Japs piss off, Germans not interested, Laverda sorry why too heavy, and Moto Guzzi is nice but its not a learners-permited bike MV Agusta yum yum, but again not for learners grrrr

anyone??

 

[whiskeyonesix]

Good on ya for thinking about a Ducati! Round here everyone just seems to own Harleys - I cannot see the appeal in these planet-sized yank tanks personally.
I have a friend of mine back in England who owns a Ducati, he says it's been a great bike - no idea what model it is though..

 

[Ausrider]

Try to consider a bike that you can crash without stressing you out too much, Lots of older guys get their bike licence after not riding for a while and endup writing themselves off because its been so long since they rode and bought a bike that wasnt so forgiving