Insurance says yes but...
Discussion
First week back from holiday and I'm really fed up of getting the tube to work and back every day.
As yesterday was a bit slow I had a look at doing a direct access test to get a bike licence. Cost seems reasonable enough, the job's a good'un!
Next, onto see what bikes are around for a reasonable sum. The thing which really gave me the horn are the 748 Ducatis, they're within budget but thought to check the insurance before putting it down to just being a pipe dream. Scarily enough the man who usually says no gave the thumbs up all for about the same cost as the direct access test!! :D
Two questions, am I going to regret getting a 748 as my first bike? Secondly, I've heard that they're a bit tempremental so am I still going to be dependent on getting the tube to work? :irked:
As yesterday was a bit slow I had a look at doing a direct access test to get a bike licence. Cost seems reasonable enough, the job's a good'un!
Next, onto see what bikes are around for a reasonable sum. The thing which really gave me the horn are the 748 Ducatis, they're within budget but thought to check the insurance before putting it down to just being a pipe dream. Scarily enough the man who usually says no gave the thumbs up all for about the same cost as the direct access test!! :D
Two questions, am I going to regret getting a 748 as my first bike? Secondly, I've heard that they're a bit tempremental so am I still going to be dependent on getting the tube to work? :irked:
I've got a 916, which is the same thing as a 748 just a different engine.
I don't want to pi55 on your bonfire but they do not make good commuting bikes as they are;
1. Uncomfortable
2. Temporamental
3. Expensive to run with high maintenance costs if you maintain them properly or big repair bills if you don't (and big repair bills even if you do!)
Regarding a 748 as a first bike; many will tell you to start with something less extreme and I would tend to agree but if you really want one, just be aware what type of bike it is and that the riding position is pure race-bike and extreme to say the least, it is not a bike for pootling around on, you will want to ride it fast. Would advise that you get some advanced training, trackdays etc and be careful.
On the other side of the coin, it is a fantastic handling sportsbike, capable of so much more than most riders can give and at least the 748's power delivery is less extreme than the bigger models, 998 etc.
If you are getting a 748 and want to commute by bike I would advise that you get another, cheaper, less extreme machine for the commute and save the Ducati for fun, it will probably cost you less in the long run and you'll get less problems.
Either way enjoy.
I don't want to pi55 on your bonfire but they do not make good commuting bikes as they are;
1. Uncomfortable
2. Temporamental
3. Expensive to run with high maintenance costs if you maintain them properly or big repair bills if you don't (and big repair bills even if you do!)
Regarding a 748 as a first bike; many will tell you to start with something less extreme and I would tend to agree but if you really want one, just be aware what type of bike it is and that the riding position is pure race-bike and extreme to say the least, it is not a bike for pootling around on, you will want to ride it fast. Would advise that you get some advanced training, trackdays etc and be careful.
On the other side of the coin, it is a fantastic handling sportsbike, capable of so much more than most riders can give and at least the 748's power delivery is less extreme than the bigger models, 998 etc.
If you are getting a 748 and want to commute by bike I would advise that you get another, cheaper, less extreme machine for the commute and save the Ducati for fun, it will probably cost you less in the long run and you'll get less problems.
Either way enjoy.
I'm seriously considering selling mine, as it hasn't had the use it deserves this year. If you're interested drop me a line via my profile
But for a commute, I would, as has been suggested, get something else
You can get insurance policies that will do 2 bikes for the same cost, whch would obviously be a good idea if you go down that route
I would suggest a bandit ER500 or SV650 for the commuter
But Dukes are the bussiness
But for a commute, I would, as has been suggested, get something else
You can get insurance policies that will do 2 bikes for the same cost, whch would obviously be a good idea if you go down that route
I would suggest a bandit ER500 or SV650 for the commuter
But Dukes are the bussiness
I commute by bike, first one was a ZXR400, really cheap to insure and strong engine.
Then changed to ZXR750 for some extra fun on the way to work, I expect it would be even better on a ZX7R.
You may have noticed a common theme here, but I'm in the same position as you - if I didn't have to commute on it I would have a 748
plivesey said:
If you want a twin, the Firestorm isn't bad but is hard on the wrists.
As a former Firestorm owner I would have to say it is pure luxury on the wrists compared to a Ducati and it is a far better commuting bike than a 916 apart from it's very short tank range...yes there is one area as a commuter that the Ducati beats the Honda - Fuel economy.
catso said:
As a former Firestorm owner I would have to say it is pure luxury on the wrists compared to a Ducati
In my youth I toured Scotland on a KR1S. Don't talk to me about comfort, tank range and fuel economy.
Currently commuting on my storm.
>> Edited by plivesey on Thursday 25th August 22:45
Hi there
I would reccommend try before you buy. If you havent rode certain bike before you may get on it to find the riding position just isnt for you. I made the same mistake, I had my heart set on a CBR600RR (great bike). I went into the show room not even having passed my test to order one without riding it. The salesman refused to take my order before I had tested one,
unbeliaveble I know. Anyway he even let me have a quick blast in the car park on one, I hated it. because of my size it hurt my wrists, back, stomach and so on.
As soon as I passed my test I tried all sorts of machines, I eventually fell in love with a blackbird and bought that.
some may say not the most practical first bike but it suited me, before I rode one it was the furthest thing from my mind, I wanted a little pocket rocket instead I ended up with the starship enterprise.
John
Edited to say just have just read this and it goes on like the rabbiting of a mad man but Im sure theirs a moral to the story somewhere, you just have to find it!!
>> Edited by j-k on Friday 26th August 08:07
I would reccommend try before you buy. If you havent rode certain bike before you may get on it to find the riding position just isnt for you. I made the same mistake, I had my heart set on a CBR600RR (great bike). I went into the show room not even having passed my test to order one without riding it. The salesman refused to take my order before I had tested one,
unbeliaveble I know. Anyway he even let me have a quick blast in the car park on one, I hated it. because of my size it hurt my wrists, back, stomach and so on. As soon as I passed my test I tried all sorts of machines, I eventually fell in love with a blackbird and bought that.
some may say not the most practical first bike but it suited me, before I rode one it was the furthest thing from my mind, I wanted a little pocket rocket instead I ended up with the starship enterprise.
John
Edited to say just have just read this and it goes on like the rabbiting of a mad man but Im sure theirs a moral to the story somewhere, you just have to find it!!
>> Edited by j-k on Friday 26th August 08:07
DennisTheMenace said:
Get a zx6r j1-j2 excellent bikes , feels like a second engine comes into play at 9krpm , and they are comfy enough for commuting/scratching whatever takes your fancy
Another vote for the Ninja 600. Very comfy for a sportsbike, with a decent sized fairing to keep the weather off you.
>> Edited by rsvmilly on Friday 26th August 09:32
Both the Ninja and the Honda would be a good choice. Confortable, but fast when you want it.
If it doesn't need to be a sportsbike then Fazers and SV650S are both ideal half-faired commuters, which are also good for a bit of fun.
Faired bikes give better wind protection and keep the crud off the engine. As a general rule, they are more expensive to buy and insure than unfaired bikes.
If it doesn't need to be a sportsbike then Fazers and SV650S are both ideal half-faired commuters, which are also good for a bit of fun.
Faired bikes give better wind protection and keep the crud off the engine. As a general rule, they are more expensive to buy and insure than unfaired bikes.
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