Well, it was rainy and I was bored so went down to Ducati yesterday to check out all the Italian Exotica again. I really enjoy visiting, the salespeople are so great, they had all the bikes ready to demo outside, they even had the new Superleggera on display.
I browsed around and sat on eyeballed several models, but of course always end up back at the supermodel, 1199 S, here is my take on the various models.
Hypermotard SP - sounds like so much fun on paper, but sitting on it feels so tall and naked
Monster - nice bike, but doesn't inspire me
Diavel - likely a great bike, just seems kinda big
Multistrada - supposedly a entertaining fun bike, but too sensible
1199s - this bike is pure sex, I am drawn to it, the insane noise it makes at start up feels like you are at a racing paddock. The TFT screen and all the adjustments make the bike seem so futuristic (engine power, engine braking, ABS level, front and rear suspension) all right there on a very clear color screen. The Marchesini wheels, carbon and magnesium bits, Ohlins suspension, it is the Ferrari of bikes.
So, is it worth $25K? I mean it is no faster than a Japanese Liter bike at half the price, it runs super hot, it is apparently a harsh unforgiving ride, with the still somewhat questionable reliability and maintenance costs. Well, chances are I will never get one, kinda like I will never have a supermodel girlfriend, but do I lust after it? Hell yes. Do I want it? Again, hell yes! But, in the end the Japanese bikes give me plenty of thrills without all the heartbreak, but I do understand the passion involved with owning one of these bikes. Maybe I should just stop going there on boring, rainy days.....
I browsed around and sat on eyeballed several models, but of course always end up back at the supermodel, 1199 S, here is my take on the various models.
Hypermotard SP - sounds like so much fun on paper, but sitting on it feels so tall and naked
Monster - nice bike, but doesn't inspire me
Diavel - likely a great bike, just seems kinda big
Multistrada - supposedly a entertaining fun bike, but too sensible
1199s - this bike is pure sex, I am drawn to it, the insane noise it makes at start up feels like you are at a racing paddock. The TFT screen and all the adjustments make the bike seem so futuristic (engine power, engine braking, ABS level, front and rear suspension) all right there on a very clear color screen. The Marchesini wheels, carbon and magnesium bits, Ohlins suspension, it is the Ferrari of bikes.
So, is it worth $25K? I mean it is no faster than a Japanese Liter bike at half the price, it runs super hot, it is apparently a harsh unforgiving ride, with the still somewhat questionable reliability and maintenance costs. Well, chances are I will never get one, kinda like I will never have a supermodel girlfriend, but do I lust after it? Hell yes. Do I want it? Again, hell yes! But, in the end the Japanese bikes give me plenty of thrills without all the heartbreak, but I do understand the passion involved with owning one of these bikes. Maybe I should just stop going there on boring, rainy days.....
