Think I may have the bug.

[JustTheTip]

Terrible dose of ducateralus obsessus.

Now I have the 'Strada, I find myself struggling to think about bikes objectively. All I can think about now is a 999. The head says they're not as fast as 'Blades and R1s, but the heart says so what?

Talk some sense into me people!!!

[Steve_T]

You mean you've developed a previously unknown brand loyalty then? If 999's what floats your boat, fair enough. All I'd say is you could be missing out, by not looking at everything in the market place. No harm in trying the others, you never know you might like them too.

Steve.

[JustTheTip]

'tis true, but I have one foot in the Jap camp too. It's just that the Italian is better looking and makes a better noise when I ring her neck.

AAARRRGGHHHH!!!!!!

[ballon]

JustTheTip said:

'tis true, but I have one foot in the Jap camp too. It's just that the Italian is better looking and makes a better noise when I ring her neck.

AAARRRGGHHHH!!!!!!

It's exactly what happened to me.

Passed my test, had already bought ZZR600, 3 weeks later went to the bike dealership with a mate who was just about to start biking, whilst he was talking to one salesman the other was offering me a test ride on an 900ss walked out 45 mins later the proud owner of said Ducati. Mrs B spitting nails,

Have had Duke's/Aprilia's ever since except for an 18m fling with a Triumph (v good bike), love v twins. 916 was probably the most addictive bike I have ever ridden.

Now similarly smitten with the Strada as you know.

PS. I note you had an idle hour this afternoon.

Edited by ballon on Tuesday 24th October 20:04

[JustTheTip]

Yeah, if you can call furiously posting on PH idle!

[ballon]

At home today looking after the kids, hopefully exhausts will arrive today.

Suspect I will be posting a bit myself

Edited by ballon on Wednesday 25th October 09:24

[veetwin]

The £800 service bill every 6000 miles was the only turn off for me during my 18 months of 748 ownership.

No reliability problems though. The only issue was the oil sensor throwing it's guts out and spewing oil over the crank case. Remedied by a £7.90 replacement sensor.

Great bikes. Lovely noise, and before the discussions start, the ONLY exhaust that belongs on a Ducati is manufactured by Termignoni!!

[veetwin]

Forgot to add, the 7** series bikes must be purchased in Yellow and 9** series are always Red. These are the laws set down by the Saint of Bologna, 9.15 Old testament.

[JustTheTip]

veetwin said:

Forgot to add, the 7** series bikes must be purchased in Yellow and 9** series are always Red. These are the laws set down by the Saint of Bologna, 9.15 Old testament.

I still don't understand why they've stopped doing the 7's in yellow.

[veetwin]

Is that a fact!?!?

[veetwin]

Bloody Hell, you are right. Just checked www.ducati.co.uk. I don't believe it, what are they thinking!!

[anonymous-user]

I think you know the answer to your question! You don't want anyone to talk you out of it; you want affirmation for a top decision! V-twins do get to you and Ducatis more than most. My 996 was fantastic! Just traded it in for . . . a 998RS - oh yes! Get the 999 - you know you want to . . . !

[aeropilot]

JustTheTip said:

Terrible dose of ducateralus obsessus.

Yup a Duc is a hand-made bespoke and addictive joy.....with character and soul ouzing from it's oily bits.....

JustTheTip said:

. All I can think about now is a 999. The head says they're not as fast as 'Blades and R1s, but the heart says so what?

Talk some sense into me people!!!

Talk sense....yup, forget the 999 and get a 998.

Not as fast as a 'blade or R1....hmmm.....I know a few previsously 'ex Jap crotch rocket riders that were somewhat surprised after riding a 998/999 for the first time.

Both are now hooked.......although, one has now forsaken his 999 for the lunacy of a brand new S4RS Monster instead....

[JustTheTip]

Damn you. All of you.

I only hope Mrs.Tip can live with my disease!

[black-k1]

JustTheTip said:

Terrible dose of ducateralus obsessus.

Now I have the 'Strada, I find myself struggling to think about bikes objectively. All I can think about now is a 999. The head says they're not as fast as 'Blades and R1s, but the heart says so what?

Talk some sense into me people!!!

If all you want from a bike is absolute performance then perhaps the ‘Blades and R1’s are for you but .... if what you want is real character and a bike that makes you feel great every time you hear it let alone ride it then .....

Also, remember that in almost all ‘real world’ situations, the 999 will be as fast as any other bike on the road.