Should I buy my dream bike, or play safe?
Discussion
I've been debating this, with myself and my other half, for a couple of weeks now.
Background: I've had my bike licence for nearly nine years, but I've only owned one bike since then, a Kawasaki ER5, which I've had from new, since 1999, (so that's what, 7 years?)
I've done all sorts of stuff, mostly rallies, but I've also toured Norway, and commuted, and Sunday blats etc.
My ER5 has been lowered for me, (because I'm only 5'2"
, with short shocks, and dropping the forks through to even it up.
I felt it was time to move on up, so I've been trying out the new ER6-N or ER6-F, and we've been pricing up aftermarket short monoshocks etc to make it rideable, and it's all very familiar.
A couple of weeks ago, though, I had an epiphany. If it was that straighforward to take a standard bike and lower it enough for a short-arse like me, then why not consider doing the same to my dream bike, which I had always considered beyond me because I couldn't touch the ground?
I've always desired a Ducati 748, (has to be yellow!!) in fact I have a little model one on the shelf above the computer! SO...
A 5/6 year old 748 is about the same price as a new ER6
A short monoshock is about the same price
The weight is about the same
There would be a difference in insurance, but that would be within budget.
THE PROBLEMS
It's a big jump, from basic learner/commuter bike to focussed sportsbike (although I managed the transition from Fiat Punto to Lotus Elise fairly well)
I may be able to reduce the height problem, but the reach problem remains, I just don't know if I'll be able to ride it without dislocating my own neck.
Realistically, I doubt I'll do any track days, and most pleasure riding will be in the company of hubby, who (regrettably) rides a Harley. We also have two small kids, which further restricts time available.
When we do go to rallies, I NEED to have a basic minimum of luggage space. (I'm a girlie after all) Will the bike carry it?
Ultimately, I'm not that brave. It's not the open roads that are a concern, but the stops and starts, junctions, difficult cambers, uneven terrain.
It could just go terribly, terribly wrong, and I hate the Ducati, and can't ride it more than 5 miles.
THE DECISION
Im I insane to keep hankering after this incredibly impractical sportsbike, which I will have to compromise to make it even viable
OR
Should I be realistic about my physical limitations and skill, and buy a bike that I can easily adapt to.
Advice appreciated
Background: I've had my bike licence for nearly nine years, but I've only owned one bike since then, a Kawasaki ER5, which I've had from new, since 1999, (so that's what, 7 years?)
I've done all sorts of stuff, mostly rallies, but I've also toured Norway, and commuted, and Sunday blats etc.
My ER5 has been lowered for me, (because I'm only 5'2"
, with short shocks, and dropping the forks through to even it up. I felt it was time to move on up, so I've been trying out the new ER6-N or ER6-F, and we've been pricing up aftermarket short monoshocks etc to make it rideable, and it's all very familiar.
A couple of weeks ago, though, I had an epiphany. If it was that straighforward to take a standard bike and lower it enough for a short-arse like me, then why not consider doing the same to my dream bike, which I had always considered beyond me because I couldn't touch the ground?
I've always desired a Ducati 748, (has to be yellow!!) in fact I have a little model one on the shelf above the computer! SO...
A 5/6 year old 748 is about the same price as a new ER6
A short monoshock is about the same price
The weight is about the same
There would be a difference in insurance, but that would be within budget.
THE PROBLEMS
It's a big jump, from basic learner/commuter bike to focussed sportsbike (although I managed the transition from Fiat Punto to Lotus Elise fairly well)
I may be able to reduce the height problem, but the reach problem remains, I just don't know if I'll be able to ride it without dislocating my own neck.
Realistically, I doubt I'll do any track days, and most pleasure riding will be in the company of hubby, who (regrettably) rides a Harley. We also have two small kids, which further restricts time available.
When we do go to rallies, I NEED to have a basic minimum of luggage space. (I'm a girlie after all) Will the bike carry it?
Ultimately, I'm not that brave. It's not the open roads that are a concern, but the stops and starts, junctions, difficult cambers, uneven terrain.
It could just go terribly, terribly wrong, and I hate the Ducati, and can't ride it more than 5 miles.
THE DECISION
Im I insane to keep hankering after this incredibly impractical sportsbike, which I will have to compromise to make it even viable
OR
Should I be realistic about my physical limitations and skill, and buy a bike that I can easily adapt to.
Advice appreciated
Phew! Difficult one.
At the other end of the scale, I always found the 750SS I owned surprisingly nice and big for folding my 6' 3and a bit" frame around!
So I can't easily believe that at 5'2" it would be reasonable. Except that MFW (never rode it but she) was 5'3" and sat on it and could reach.
My bet is your biggest problem is going to be getting feet down, depending upon the width of the seat and whether your 5'2" is more body or leg??? This will still be a potential problem even if you manage to lower the seat height. With the turning circle of an oil tanker the only drawback with Ducatis will ever (in my mind) be low speed manoevring and the odd need for a foot to save the day!
At the other end of the scale, I always found the 750SS I owned surprisingly nice and big for folding my 6' 3and a bit" frame around!
So I can't easily believe that at 5'2" it would be reasonable. Except that MFW (never rode it but she) was 5'3" and sat on it and could reach. My bet is your biggest problem is going to be getting feet down, depending upon the width of the seat and whether your 5'2" is more body or leg??? This will still be a potential problem even if you manage to lower the seat height. With the turning circle of an oil tanker the only drawback with Ducatis will ever (in my mind) be low speed manoevring and the odd need for a foot to save the day!
ignoring the obviously size issue, I wouldnt worry about the transition from commuter bike to sports bike - you'll get used to it surprisingly fast. I went from Bandit 600 to ZX7R and it was the best decision I ever made - opens up a whole new way of riding! I certainly do not regret it one bit (though running costs are rather higher).
words from the wise? or is that just old?
The 748 is an massive change in riding position to the ER. I made a gradual? change in riding position when I got a 916 (some time ago now) and had moved from fzr1000 (sit in) 900SL sit in/on and more drop to the bars to 916 (sit high and huge drop to bars)
Its not easy to describe what effect that will have on your long distance endurance as its effected by your body shape. I'd say thats probably the biggest issue over the change in HP or riding dynamics, sharp(er) steering etc.
PS a work mate is rather short (prob 5'4"?) and he's got a stock 749, these appear more real world in terms of rider ergos than the 748/916 bikes...
PPS now back on a 1000SS myself and finding that a bit of stretch but not in the 916/748 torture stakes also I kept my 916 for 5 years! but ended up getting a ktm duke to keep it company.
The 748 is an massive change in riding position to the ER. I made a gradual? change in riding position when I got a 916 (some time ago now) and had moved from fzr1000 (sit in) 900SL sit in/on and more drop to the bars to 916 (sit high and huge drop to bars)
Its not easy to describe what effect that will have on your long distance endurance as its effected by your body shape. I'd say thats probably the biggest issue over the change in HP or riding dynamics, sharp(er) steering etc.
PS a work mate is rather short (prob 5'4"?) and he's got a stock 749, these appear more real world in terms of rider ergos than the 748/916 bikes...
PPS now back on a 1000SS myself and finding that a bit of stretch but not in the 916/748 torture stakes also I kept my 916 for 5 years! but ended up getting a ktm duke to keep it company.
Test drive one, for a decent length of time. Couple of hours minimum.
The difference in riding will be huge. The position will feel very unnatural and the ride will be uncompromising compared with your ER5. You'll soon get used to it, though.
My sister is about 5'8" and had only ridden inline fours with their easy, tractible power delivery. I let her try my Aprilia (a very tall bike) and thought she'd hate it. She absolutely loved it - the extra confidence from a few years riding meant the tall bike didn't faze her. The torquey engine better suited her riding style.
So test it and buy it. Sell it if it doesn't agree with you. You'll never know otherwise.
The difference in riding will be huge. The position will feel very unnatural and the ride will be uncompromising compared with your ER5. You'll soon get used to it, though.
My sister is about 5'8" and had only ridden inline fours with their easy, tractible power delivery. I let her try my Aprilia (a very tall bike) and thought she'd hate it. She absolutely loved it - the extra confidence from a few years riding meant the tall bike didn't faze her. The torquey engine better suited her riding style.
So test it and buy it. Sell it if it doesn't agree with you. You'll never know otherwise.
As a 916 owner, I would say you will find a 748 (same frame) very high, unless you have long legs (in proportion to height), I'm 6ft and can comfortably reach the ground with both feet flat, a mate of mine who is about 5'7" had a 748 and it was a toes only or one foot flat job for him, I'm guessing the seat height is about 30". Bear in mind that lowering the suspension will affect the handling - If you lower the rear then the front/rear setup will be wrong, if you lower the front to suit then the front wheel may hit the radiator under braking, it's also quite a stretch from seat to bars and the forward lean makes the reach to the ground seem longer and the racing 'crouch' position means you need to bend your neck back as far as possible - this is of course true for all sports bikes but the 748/916 is a particularly extreme example. Also mentioned the poor turning circle means that manouvering can mean a lot of footwork, so it could be a big problem especially if you need to push backwards up a slight incline (parked up to a kerb?) in short they are not very comfortable or user friendly at the low speed stuff, on the plus side having shorter legs would mean you'll be less cramped when riding the bike as the footrests are very high.
Also, (and this may not be a problem but), worth mentioning that even if a 748 is in budget, have you considered the high running costs in the budget?
The 749/999 models are a bit lower with a shorter reach, not sure by how much though & the Monster has a low seat and handle in a sportsbike kind of way - could be an option.
However if you 'have the need' then nothing else will do but I would look into what lowering the bike will do to handling if I were you - or get some high heeled boots!
I may sound negative but I'm not trying to put you off, if you do get the Ducati and can deal with it's issues, then it will reward you with the best handling and most enjoyable ride you could wish for
BTW Loris Capirossi rides that GP Ducati which looks just as high and he's only about 5'2" although I don't suppose he does much low speed manouvering - and apart from starts it wouldn't matter if he couldn't reach the ground.
Also, (and this may not be a problem but), worth mentioning that even if a 748 is in budget, have you considered the high running costs in the budget?
The 749/999 models are a bit lower with a shorter reach, not sure by how much though & the Monster has a low seat and handle in a sportsbike kind of way - could be an option.
However if you 'have the need' then nothing else will do but I would look into what lowering the bike will do to handling if I were you - or get some high heeled boots!
I may sound negative but I'm not trying to put you off, if you do get the Ducati and can deal with it's issues, then it will reward you with the best handling and most enjoyable ride you could wish for
BTW Loris Capirossi rides that GP Ducati which looks just as high and he's only about 5'2" although I don't suppose he does much low speed manouvering - and apart from starts it wouldn't matter if he couldn't reach the ground.
I'd say go for it - I've had a 748 - never had any probs with it, I think you should always get what you really want rather than the 'sensible' line but that's just me. eg. I'm currently hankering after a 911 - but I'm finding the budget a bit of a challenge, mates have suggested a Boxster S as a stop-gap however I just would not feel right! I don't really like them..... so I will wait until such time as I can - couldn't live with compromise! 
As for the Duc:
*Get the newest one you can possibly afford, older uncared for ones can be problematic.
*Make sure you have FSH!
*No problem with carrying luggage! I took mine to trackdays all over Europe.
*Go for a decent demo ride - no amount of forum advice & opinion will give you a 'feel' for the bike.
Good luck with your decision
As for the Duc:
*Get the newest one you can possibly afford, older uncared for ones can be problematic.
*Make sure you have FSH!
*No problem with carrying luggage! I took mine to trackdays all over Europe.
*Go for a decent demo ride - no amount of forum advice & opinion will give you a 'feel' for the bike.
Good luck with your decision
Why try a ducati monster before going to the 748; I know it's not the same look etc, but you'll get the same poor turning circle and the same type of engine etc in a riding position that is familiar. If you like the Ducati feel, swap it for a 748 later on. Be prepared to struggle a bit with the riding position though, especially in slow traffic.
I've owned my '98 748 SPS from new and it's definately the nicest bike I've ever had. However, that needs to be qualified : I had various bikes before that including an Exup and an original early Blade - both quicker and a lot cheaper than the Duke. The SPS is like a torture rack to ride below about 50mph (I'm 5'8" - no seat height or bar reach problems) due to weight on the wrists. It's expensive to service, although I intend to do my own now, with the exception of the belts which I've now found my dealer will do for £120 (plus belts - which I'll get on ebay). But as an example - a full, and I do mean full service to include changing all fluids, oils (inc. forks), belts etc - a massive 615 +VAT at standard main dealer prices. There are independants around at considerably less but if you can't do any maintenance yourself, or have reasonable access to an independant specialist, then you do need to bear these costs in mind, my '02 XJR1300 costs pennies in comparison. So why is my Duke the best bike I've owned? Simple - I saw one once and fell in love, no bike before or since has had the same impact on me. I still go to the NEC every year and come away thinking my 748 is better looking than anything I see. It feels special when I'm on it, and even at 8 years old it still gets masses of compliments (mind you I keep it mint - there's a pic in my profile). It also handles very well as all the magazines reported, some say better than the 916/996 due to a 180 tyre rather than 190. You do also need to consider the effect of lowering the rear ride - as said on here already.
So, bottom line - it's a heart thing, not a head thing. s2rrkitty is absolutely right - if it's what you really want - have it - worry about the rest later - it's always worked for me (so far)
>> Edited by yellowvette on Wednesday 1st February 10:44
So, bottom line - it's a heart thing, not a head thing. s2rrkitty is absolutely right - if it's what you really want - have it - worry about the rest later - it's always worked for me (so far)
>> Edited by yellowvette on Wednesday 1st February 10:44
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