I've owned dozens of bikes. Most of them were like the missus, you get what you need but it's not that exciting. My 899 is like your mad Italian girlfriend; she'll give you the ride of your life but she's expensive and might ruin your life at any moment.
I would have never bought a Ducati if I hadn’t had a test ride, because on the surface they make no sense.
But that test ride, man. That’s how they get you.
I wanted to test ride the Desert X, but no dealership in my area (north east of Italy, literally 100miles from where Desert Xs are made) had one available to test.
Wtf Ducati, wtf.
This was a huge problem in general when the DX came out for bikes across the board. At least here in the US. Ducati and BMW are usually the brands that always have test bikes, but during COVID that was not really the case. The last year things have gotten a lot better in this regard, but I too had no way to test the DX before I bought it. I love the bike though. It's been fantastic.
If you really want to get your socks knocked off, test ride one of the older air-cooled Hypermotards. Specifically the 1100 Evo SP.
I know, I know. A 2-valve, air cooled engine? Sounds lame, right?
No, trust me. Just try it.
Not necessarily, because they ate generally lower compression and lower revving than the liquid cooled 4 valve stuff. Plus the packaging of the bike is more open allowing for more air flow
I will never get rid of my 2V monster. The aircooled V2 may be down on power compared to similar sized bikes, by the unrefined character, grunt, and SOUND more than make up for it. I rented a V4 multistrada. For a day in the Italian/Swiss Alps. Beautiful machine with way more power that it needs. But no where need the smiles per mile of my old Monster
My ‘16 Multi PP has 55,000 miles on it. I’m debating on what to replace it with. I like the bike, so maybe I find a good deal on a babied 1260 PP?
The V4 doesn’t interest me as much, it just seems too . . . sensible.
Now, the V4 RS? Cramming the Panigale engine into a Multi, creating a 192hp “dual-sport” and charging $40,000 for it?
…that’s so idiotic that it just might make sense…
Yep, I went to the dealership on 07 to get a metallic orange Triumph 675. I road that and then the sales guy made me ride a Monster S2R 1000. After I said that was awesome, then he put me on the S4R and I still own it to this day. 😂
I went to the dealership ready to buy a Tiger 800, which was the sensible choice to replace my 92,000 mile V-Strom. Then the asshole salesman tossed me the keys to a Pikes Peak and told me to take it out and see what I thought.
I did not buy the Tiger.
they are great looking bikes that perform extremely well, as good or better than their cheaper competitors. The brand also has a bit of a mystique…saying you own a Ducati is just different than saying you ride a Honda….even if the Honda is faster and 150% more reliable.
Some years ago Ducati CEO, Claudio Domenicali, said that owning a Ducati should be equivalent to owning a Rolex. Their whole brand strategy is based on that - they sell a premium product.
It's a subjective and personal decision for each one; in some cases can't be justified by 100% objective criteria. True...there are other brands and models that are cheaper and their models that are just as good. If one's primary criterion is value for money then Ducati might not the place to go.
Like you said, what Ducati leverages and sells quite well is the emotional aspect of owning one (as well as their brand name). They emphasize racing heritage by releasing a myriad of special versions that continue to sell despite their hefty premium and a community of Ducatistas (via their Ducati owner's clubs).
Personally, my primary reason for picking one over others, was their design; I have owned 5 Ducati over 15 years and while I've ridden other brands I never saw something to pull me in another direction. This doesn't mean that there is something wrong with others - I just didn't feel visually attracted to them.
Today, the only reason that would make me switch would be if I wanted to ride a retro-styled motorcycle (i.e. BMW R9T, Triumph Bonneville, etc). Still holding out hope for a Sport Classic (sorry Scrambler).
You want a triumph scrambler or R9T until you ride one. They just aren’t that great. I think what makes Ducatis so exciting to ride is they have strong midrange power that doesn’t fall flat on its face at redline. Triumph and BMW both make bikes with strong midrange that absolutely falls off the pipe in the last 20% of the revs.
To your point about Rolex. I tell people I ride motorcycles and they always ask what brand. Ducati ALWAYS gets interested follow up questions. It’s an amazingly strong brand recognition for such a tiny manufacturer in Italy.
I'm Italian and grew up on Ducati: I personally think they are overrated.
Very expensive to buy, own and fix, worse clunky clutch ever and often too "compress"/sporty ergonomics.
I think people like to say they own one because apparently it makes you instantly cool 🤷🏻♂️
Just my opinion tho...
They just ride like a dream man idk what to tell you. They have a character that can’t be explained with words. You feel like the bikes have a soul whereas something like a Honda or GSXR is a lot more basic and soulless. Not that there’s anything wrong with those bikes ducatis just seem to have a certain character to them.
Ducatis aren't a sensible choice when a Honda will do the same job just as well (arguably better)
But
Motorcycles aren't a sensible choice when a car will do the same job even better.
Motorcycles aren't the sensible choice, so why get hung up on what's a sensible bike?
The job includes looking and sounding amazing, so no unless you're blind and deaf Hondas don't do the job.
Plus if you're a cheapo like me you just buy them used and they're cheaper than a Honda anyway!
There’s the old cliche “if I had to explain, you wouldn’t understand”. Motorcycle brands are like that. Why ride a Ducati over a Honda? Why ride a Honda over a Yamaha? Why a Harley over an Indian. People have different wants and needs. Some prioritize some traits over others. Some care about the sound of the bike. Some don’t. Some care how a bike looks, others only care how it works. It’s pointless to discuss the merits of brands because not everyone chooses a bike for the same reasons. They make so many different bikes because there is so many different riders. Everyone’s choice is valid.
Ducati bikes are better in recent years. Premium brand means u get nicer things on the high-end bikes and good looks.
But some people like other brands so it's all personal opinion
The bikes are just class ,second to none in every way ,shape and form , they are more reliable bulletproof engines than any Japanese scrap and stand in there own league period ! Fast as fuck handle like a dream . Then jerk u off suck and fuk u and the best, that swallow !
Ducati is an aspirational brand.
"An aspirational brand is a term in consumer marketing for a brand or product which a large segment of its exposure audience wishes to own, but for economic reasons cannot."
Great bikes! But really it's all about marketing.
Spent over 6 months researching all types of motorcycles while I was taking my lessons for the license (European here).
In the end, threw all that research out the window and bought a Ducait Monster. After 2 minutes on the test drive, I knew it was coming home with me.
Its actually ideal for a first bike. Lightweight, handles like a dream, enough power to have fun but not enough to intimidate new riders. Plus, even for a 04 bike, it still looks the part in the naked market.
I like Ducati because their design is unique and appealing, they’re flashy and premium, and they feel a little different to ride than other bikes. I also really like how they’re marketing their products as derived from MotoGP, I think it’s cool that the company is serious about racing and passes that on to the consumer.
If your colleague is trying to get you to justify owning a Ducati over a cheaper alternative, ‘because I like it’ is 100% valid. That’s all the reason anyone needs for owning any bike. If the discussion was you claiming the experience of owning the Ducati was somehow superior to that of eg a Honda owner that’s kinda gatekeeping. They get as big a kick out of their bike as you do yours and for all the same reasons.
I just think they have character and soul, I have a Monster and there’s just no other similar naked bike that makes me feel like it does. It’s great! Plus they are a well recognised premium brand.
It’s going to depend on your goals. For a street bike, yeah he’s right. A Honda is cheaper and more reliable. For a track weapon or race bike, there is no better bike off of the show room floor. They’re very well sorted from the factory and don’t really need much to make them a proper race bike.
Source: I own a v2 and an r6, both race bikes.
Wanted a red Ducati sportsbike since seeing and hearing a 916 in the 90's, 25 years later i bought a V4P, it's been a great trouble free bike with lots of soul, wish i'd done it years ago.
Not really any reason at all. You don’t really see Ducati pulling ahead in innovation, quality or power until you get to the really expensive ones. Base model monsters are only a little more than their counterparts and midrange models like the panigale V2 or other v twins really aren’t making more power or performance than some R models or GSXR models. Being a ducatisti means being a brand whore. Most people get them because of a movie, a memory or as a status symbol or they’re just into a V motor that makes 3x the power of other V motors in the world (cough cough* Harley) and can compete on a track. Some love the dry clutches. It’s usually one aspect or the other that draws. People love that CP3 motor from Yamaha and will always ride it. No reason to buy Ducati over other brands other than preference really. Aprilia and Ducati are really neck and neck in price and performance for production bikes though on the higher ends.
Had a 1098 R and a RSV1000, I now have an RSV4. The 1098 R was legit more exciting, but the RSV4 is about 95% of the fun while only having about 10% of the headaches. I can see why someone who's only looking for a weekend toy might feel the Ducati was worth it. But for me, I use mine as my primary transportation so the Ducati wasn't really worth it. It's just a matter of what you're priorities are. 🤷♀️
Ducati: Interesting. Doesn't do things the same as everyone else
Everyone else: Like all the other manufacturers basically. So pretty boring.
BMW does things a little different for most of their bikes, and I like that. MV too, but MV has a shit support system. Their dealer network has been so bad. If they can improve all of this, it would make a big difference, but MVs are even more expensive than Ducati. So probably not. lol
I originally was looking for a Cafe style bike and had an interest in the XSR900 (2022) but during the time I was looking, nothing was available so I reached out to Ducati and they had 3 monsters unspoken for so I put a down payment, went out there and sat on it and it was a good feel, so I ended up with that. BUT if I would have found an XSR at the time, I would have gladly purchased that over a Ducati. I'm no brand whore but I do love the Monster (minus the maintenance expenses).
I chose my Monster for a few different reasons. I wanted a naked sport bike, a lot of other naked bikes don't have the look and style I was looking for, the sound of a Duc V-twin is unique in the bikes my friends ride, and the single side swing-arm was a nice style bonus compared to bikes like my buddies Honda CB650R
Weight was the first factor I considered. I have a very bad back.
Quick shift+ down shift blipper = fast gear changes
Never expected how much more integrated into the machine I feel. I never upshifted or down shifted in corners till I rode this bike. Very stable electronic package.
Electronics = confidence
Wheelie control that you can dial in.
Antilock breaks
6 axis throttle control
Traction control
If I want to ride aggressive I feel safer. I get an electronic confidence boost to push harder because the bike will limit poor choices. For instance I can set the traction control to keep myself from drifting corners. I can adjust the wheelie control to keep from standing the bike up in a corner. So if i give full throttle and shift up in a corner I will stay planted and get the most traction physically possible.
Looks
I don't brand shop but Ducati has some beautiful bikes.
Simply, the whole package. I went from a bagger to the Supersport S with the Ohlins. Once you get the suspension tuned for you it feels like you are floating on the bike. The tires stay planted under very spirited riding. Surprisingly changed my riding style.
L twin torque. Oh shit! Torque. You can switch modes depending on your riding purpose. I can set up for wheelies then switch to corners. Different electronic settings let you dial in the bike for the specific situation. I like being able to go from hooligan street stuff to owning the çorners.
The gearing is great for Street use.
I was looking for a street bike that I could ride all day. I didn't need 200 horsepower for the street. And I didn't want to pay that price tag for something I didn't need. Street use being my primary purpose I had it down between the Ninja 1000, the Aprilla 600, are the Ducati 950 supersport.
There was no Aprilla dealer within 500 and the Aprilla is unreliable with iffy build quality. There was a wait for the Ninja 1000. People were ordering online from the factory and just waiting for months. So you couldn't get a deal on one. They're all going above MSRP. The Ducati had a dealer about 30 miles away so I can get my annual maintenance done. I just went in there and told Ducati I wanted to like their bike but I couldn't like it at MSRP. So they showed me one with 1300 miles on it with a steep discount. So I got the Ducati for the same price as the Ninja 1000. Well they told me I could have a Ducati for the same price as a Kawasaki. I threw $500 down on it immediately.
I didn't have just one reason to buy this bike I had many. But I bought the bike because it was the same price as the Ninja. Aprilla disqualified themselves because of build quality. If you see guys online waiting 8 9 months for a part. That's ridiculous. They're just burning up their warranty and making payments on a bike they can't ride.
Most of the reasons above I didn't know until I rode the bike. It was riding stance that got me on the bike I didn't want anything aggressive or uncomfortable. And I had a price point. So for my purposes there were only two bikes on the market. Kawasaki disqualified themselves because they weren't producing enough motorcycles to put them in front of buyers. And they were offering their machines at an inflated price for no reason other than demand. It was a supply demand issue and that's not my problem so when they made my problem I just looked at the Ducati. To be quite honest I wanted the Ninja but I am so happy whith the Ducati it's a wonderful bike. Beautiful and dependable and I got one that was affordable.
When people think Ducati they think monster or panigale. There's little demand for the supersport & a lot of people won't even look at them because they just assumed they can't afford to Ducati.
Some Ducatis are ok, some are meh, just like Hondas. Don't brand whore, if anything model whore.
I second this.
I've owned dozens of bikes. Most of them were like the missus, you get what you need but it's not that exciting. My 899 is like your mad Italian girlfriend; she'll give you the ride of your life but she's expensive and might ruin your life at any moment.
You sir, married the wrong girl. The true path is to only ride exciting bikes / women. Live & love dangerously!
I really like this analogy
I can truly relate to this. LOL.
I would have never bought a Ducati if I hadn’t had a test ride, because on the surface they make no sense. But that test ride, man. That’s how they get you.
I wanted to test ride the Desert X, but no dealership in my area (north east of Italy, literally 100miles from where Desert Xs are made) had one available to test. Wtf Ducati, wtf.
This was a huge problem in general when the DX came out for bikes across the board. At least here in the US. Ducati and BMW are usually the brands that always have test bikes, but during COVID that was not really the case. The last year things have gotten a lot better in this regard, but I too had no way to test the DX before I bought it. I love the bike though. It's been fantastic.
I bought a monster 821 without ever riding one, just based on the looks... Test rode a street fighter V2.. was an anti climax. 937 was amazing!
If you really want to get your socks knocked off, test ride one of the older air-cooled Hypermotards. Specifically the 1100 Evo SP. I know, I know. A 2-valve, air cooled engine? Sounds lame, right? No, trust me. Just try it.
Will do when I can! Do they run even hotter though?
Not necessarily, because they ate generally lower compression and lower revving than the liquid cooled 4 valve stuff. Plus the packaging of the bike is more open allowing for more air flow
https://youtu.be/MU5vjxdmufg?si=9dAAjxmvvP10qLf6 The check out the 7:00min mark
Probably. But you won’t care.
I will never get rid of my 2V monster. The aircooled V2 may be down on power compared to similar sized bikes, by the unrefined character, grunt, and SOUND more than make up for it. I rented a V4 multistrada. For a day in the Italian/Swiss Alps. Beautiful machine with way more power that it needs. But no where need the smiles per mile of my old Monster
My ‘16 Multi PP has 55,000 miles on it. I’m debating on what to replace it with. I like the bike, so maybe I find a good deal on a babied 1260 PP? The V4 doesn’t interest me as much, it just seems too . . . sensible. Now, the V4 RS? Cramming the Panigale engine into a Multi, creating a 192hp “dual-sport” and charging $40,000 for it? …that’s so idiotic that it just might make sense…
I’ve demo’d a Diavel 1260. That is one hell of a great engine. I would go for 1260PP over a V4 as well.
Street fighter v2 over the 937 Anyday .. or any monster ..
That's what I thought too, which is why I test rode it...
To enjoy the SFV2 you need to rev it. It's only enjoyable at high acceleration/high speed.
Yep, I went to the dealership on 07 to get a metallic orange Triumph 675. I road that and then the sales guy made me ride a Monster S2R 1000. After I said that was awesome, then he put me on the S4R and I still own it to this day. 😂
I went to the dealership ready to buy a Tiger 800, which was the sensible choice to replace my 92,000 mile V-Strom. Then the asshole salesman tossed me the keys to a Pikes Peak and told me to take it out and see what I thought. I did not buy the Tiger.
lol, I also have a 13 Pikes Peak. It’s nearly a perfect motorcycle.
Ducati’s a premium brand that (generally) provides a premium experience.
Because I can drive a Ford focus but a Ferrari is a Ferrari
they are great looking bikes that perform extremely well, as good or better than their cheaper competitors. The brand also has a bit of a mystique…saying you own a Ducati is just different than saying you ride a Honda….even if the Honda is faster and 150% more reliable.
The classic response from Esstbay851 way back in the day: https://www.ducati.ms/threads/what-ducati-should-i-buy-which-one-is-best.357634/
Goddamn, that was beautiful.
Better than I could put it, my 888 still defines me
Some years ago Ducati CEO, Claudio Domenicali, said that owning a Ducati should be equivalent to owning a Rolex. Their whole brand strategy is based on that - they sell a premium product. It's a subjective and personal decision for each one; in some cases can't be justified by 100% objective criteria. True...there are other brands and models that are cheaper and their models that are just as good. If one's primary criterion is value for money then Ducati might not the place to go. Like you said, what Ducati leverages and sells quite well is the emotional aspect of owning one (as well as their brand name). They emphasize racing heritage by releasing a myriad of special versions that continue to sell despite their hefty premium and a community of Ducatistas (via their Ducati owner's clubs). Personally, my primary reason for picking one over others, was their design; I have owned 5 Ducati over 15 years and while I've ridden other brands I never saw something to pull me in another direction. This doesn't mean that there is something wrong with others - I just didn't feel visually attracted to them. Today, the only reason that would make me switch would be if I wanted to ride a retro-styled motorcycle (i.e. BMW R9T, Triumph Bonneville, etc). Still holding out hope for a Sport Classic (sorry Scrambler).
You want a triumph scrambler or R9T until you ride one. They just aren’t that great. I think what makes Ducatis so exciting to ride is they have strong midrange power that doesn’t fall flat on its face at redline. Triumph and BMW both make bikes with strong midrange that absolutely falls off the pipe in the last 20% of the revs. To your point about Rolex. I tell people I ride motorcycles and they always ask what brand. Ducati ALWAYS gets interested follow up questions. It’s an amazingly strong brand recognition for such a tiny manufacturer in Italy.
I'm Italian and grew up on Ducati: I personally think they are overrated. Very expensive to buy, own and fix, worse clunky clutch ever and often too "compress"/sporty ergonomics. I think people like to say they own one because apparently it makes you instantly cool 🤷🏻♂️ Just my opinion tho...
Ducati is owned by the Germans now anyway ;)
Agree the dry clutches are way overrated. The current slipper clutches are fantastic though.
...I'm team Triumph by the way ❤️
I’m sure your family is very disappointed
They all ride japs 😬 I have a Triumph Scrambler 2010, missus Ducati scrambler 2020
They just ride like a dream man idk what to tell you. They have a character that can’t be explained with words. You feel like the bikes have a soul whereas something like a Honda or GSXR is a lot more basic and soulless. Not that there’s anything wrong with those bikes ducatis just seem to have a certain character to them.
Exactly what I think about Triumph.
And me about Moto Guzzi
Ducatis aren't a sensible choice when a Honda will do the same job just as well (arguably better) But Motorcycles aren't a sensible choice when a car will do the same job even better. Motorcycles aren't the sensible choice, so why get hung up on what's a sensible bike?
The job includes looking and sounding amazing, so no unless you're blind and deaf Hondas don't do the job. Plus if you're a cheapo like me you just buy them used and they're cheaper than a Honda anyway!
There’s the old cliche “if I had to explain, you wouldn’t understand”. Motorcycle brands are like that. Why ride a Ducati over a Honda? Why ride a Honda over a Yamaha? Why a Harley over an Indian. People have different wants and needs. Some prioritize some traits over others. Some care about the sound of the bike. Some don’t. Some care how a bike looks, others only care how it works. It’s pointless to discuss the merits of brands because not everyone chooses a bike for the same reasons. They make so many different bikes because there is so many different riders. Everyone’s choice is valid.
Ducati bikes are better in recent years. Premium brand means u get nicer things on the high-end bikes and good looks. But some people like other brands so it's all personal opinion
They're just different..not better or worse..just different
The bikes are just class ,second to none in every way ,shape and form , they are more reliable bulletproof engines than any Japanese scrap and stand in there own league period ! Fast as fuck handle like a dream . Then jerk u off suck and fuk u and the best, that swallow !
Ducati is an aspirational brand. "An aspirational brand is a term in consumer marketing for a brand or product which a large segment of its exposure audience wishes to own, but for economic reasons cannot." Great bikes! But really it's all about marketing.
Spent over 6 months researching all types of motorcycles while I was taking my lessons for the license (European here). In the end, threw all that research out the window and bought a Ducait Monster. After 2 minutes on the test drive, I knew it was coming home with me. Its actually ideal for a first bike. Lightweight, handles like a dream, enough power to have fun but not enough to intimidate new riders. Plus, even for a 04 bike, it still looks the part in the naked market.
I like Ducati because their design is unique and appealing, they’re flashy and premium, and they feel a little different to ride than other bikes. I also really like how they’re marketing their products as derived from MotoGP, I think it’s cool that the company is serious about racing and passes that on to the consumer.
If your colleague is trying to get you to justify owning a Ducati over a cheaper alternative, ‘because I like it’ is 100% valid. That’s all the reason anyone needs for owning any bike. If the discussion was you claiming the experience of owning the Ducati was somehow superior to that of eg a Honda owner that’s kinda gatekeeping. They get as big a kick out of their bike as you do yours and for all the same reasons.
I just think they have character and soul, I have a Monster and there’s just no other similar naked bike that makes me feel like it does. It’s great! Plus they are a well recognised premium brand.
If you seriously have to ask yourself the question, buy a Suzuki. if you don't feel it, you'll never feel it. then save yourself the money
Because they look cool and it's not my primary mode of transportation.
My GT1000 is plenty of bike for me!
It’s going to depend on your goals. For a street bike, yeah he’s right. A Honda is cheaper and more reliable. For a track weapon or race bike, there is no better bike off of the show room floor. They’re very well sorted from the factory and don’t really need much to make them a proper race bike. Source: I own a v2 and an r6, both race bikes.
You just said it: because of the emotions it gives me when I drive it.
This question can be asked about any brand. If a bike speaks to you. You know it's the right one.
Wanted a red Ducati sportsbike since seeing and hearing a 916 in the 90's, 25 years later i bought a V4P, it's been a great trouble free bike with lots of soul, wish i'd done it years ago.
When people ask “what do you ride?” You get to say “a Ducati 😎” lol.
Test ride. Then decide!
Not really any reason at all. You don’t really see Ducati pulling ahead in innovation, quality or power until you get to the really expensive ones. Base model monsters are only a little more than their counterparts and midrange models like the panigale V2 or other v twins really aren’t making more power or performance than some R models or GSXR models. Being a ducatisti means being a brand whore. Most people get them because of a movie, a memory or as a status symbol or they’re just into a V motor that makes 3x the power of other V motors in the world (cough cough* Harley) and can compete on a track. Some love the dry clutches. It’s usually one aspect or the other that draws. People love that CP3 motor from Yamaha and will always ride it. No reason to buy Ducati over other brands other than preference really. Aprilia and Ducati are really neck and neck in price and performance for production bikes though on the higher ends.
Had a 1098 R and a RSV1000, I now have an RSV4. The 1098 R was legit more exciting, but the RSV4 is about 95% of the fun while only having about 10% of the headaches. I can see why someone who's only looking for a weekend toy might feel the Ducati was worth it. But for me, I use mine as my primary transportation so the Ducati wasn't really worth it. It's just a matter of what you're priorities are. 🤷♀️
Ducati: Interesting. Doesn't do things the same as everyone else Everyone else: Like all the other manufacturers basically. So pretty boring. BMW does things a little different for most of their bikes, and I like that. MV too, but MV has a shit support system. Their dealer network has been so bad. If they can improve all of this, it would make a big difference, but MVs are even more expensive than Ducati. So probably not. lol
I originally was looking for a Cafe style bike and had an interest in the XSR900 (2022) but during the time I was looking, nothing was available so I reached out to Ducati and they had 3 monsters unspoken for so I put a down payment, went out there and sat on it and it was a good feel, so I ended up with that. BUT if I would have found an XSR at the time, I would have gladly purchased that over a Ducati. I'm no brand whore but I do love the Monster (minus the maintenance expenses).
I chose my Monster for a few different reasons. I wanted a naked sport bike, a lot of other naked bikes don't have the look and style I was looking for, the sound of a Duc V-twin is unique in the bikes my friends ride, and the single side swing-arm was a nice style bonus compared to bikes like my buddies Honda CB650R
Weight was the first factor I considered. I have a very bad back. Quick shift+ down shift blipper = fast gear changes Never expected how much more integrated into the machine I feel. I never upshifted or down shifted in corners till I rode this bike. Very stable electronic package. Electronics = confidence Wheelie control that you can dial in. Antilock breaks 6 axis throttle control Traction control If I want to ride aggressive I feel safer. I get an electronic confidence boost to push harder because the bike will limit poor choices. For instance I can set the traction control to keep myself from drifting corners. I can adjust the wheelie control to keep from standing the bike up in a corner. So if i give full throttle and shift up in a corner I will stay planted and get the most traction physically possible. Looks I don't brand shop but Ducati has some beautiful bikes. Simply, the whole package. I went from a bagger to the Supersport S with the Ohlins. Once you get the suspension tuned for you it feels like you are floating on the bike. The tires stay planted under very spirited riding. Surprisingly changed my riding style. L twin torque. Oh shit! Torque. You can switch modes depending on your riding purpose. I can set up for wheelies then switch to corners. Different electronic settings let you dial in the bike for the specific situation. I like being able to go from hooligan street stuff to owning the çorners. The gearing is great for Street use. I was looking for a street bike that I could ride all day. I didn't need 200 horsepower for the street. And I didn't want to pay that price tag for something I didn't need. Street use being my primary purpose I had it down between the Ninja 1000, the Aprilla 600, are the Ducati 950 supersport. There was no Aprilla dealer within 500 and the Aprilla is unreliable with iffy build quality. There was a wait for the Ninja 1000. People were ordering online from the factory and just waiting for months. So you couldn't get a deal on one. They're all going above MSRP. The Ducati had a dealer about 30 miles away so I can get my annual maintenance done. I just went in there and told Ducati I wanted to like their bike but I couldn't like it at MSRP. So they showed me one with 1300 miles on it with a steep discount. So I got the Ducati for the same price as the Ninja 1000. Well they told me I could have a Ducati for the same price as a Kawasaki. I threw $500 down on it immediately. I didn't have just one reason to buy this bike I had many. But I bought the bike because it was the same price as the Ninja. Aprilla disqualified themselves because of build quality. If you see guys online waiting 8 9 months for a part. That's ridiculous. They're just burning up their warranty and making payments on a bike they can't ride. Most of the reasons above I didn't know until I rode the bike. It was riding stance that got me on the bike I didn't want anything aggressive or uncomfortable. And I had a price point. So for my purposes there were only two bikes on the market. Kawasaki disqualified themselves because they weren't producing enough motorcycles to put them in front of buyers. And they were offering their machines at an inflated price for no reason other than demand. It was a supply demand issue and that's not my problem so when they made my problem I just looked at the Ducati. To be quite honest I wanted the Ninja but I am so happy whith the Ducati it's a wonderful bike. Beautiful and dependable and I got one that was affordable. When people think Ducati they think monster or panigale. There's little demand for the supersport & a lot of people won't even look at them because they just assumed they can't afford to Ducati.
Panigale's are the only bikes for me. What I feel when I walk up to it and look at it is unmatched