Comments on: Ducati Riding

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 01:31:06 +0000

Steve, not exactly a Ducati, but here is an interesting two-wheeled adventure

http://adamthetraveler.blogspot.com/2011/10/journey-to-mekong-delta.html#more

By: Jack Riepe

Jack Riepe — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:29:03 +0000

Dear Steve:

I have heard great things about the Ducati Diavel (Italian for "steamed broccoli") from a number of middle-aged BMW riders, who claim it is the bike for guys who swore they were too old to get in trouble again.

I am told the acceleration is smoother than a line of shit from a Washington, DC lobbyist.

Why do you tantalize yourself with these machines, when you always return to the safety and security of the VESPA (which is Italian for the kind of women I like to pop — WASPs).

Fondest regards,
Jack/reep
Twisted Roads

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 23:16:59 +0000

bobskoot: I think there is a niche buyer for a Ducati. When I look at my dirty, well used Vespa I imagine I am not part of that group.

Different machines for different riders.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 23:15:51 +0000

Charlie6: They are pretty. And when you look close at the construction and assembly of them compared to other machines you can see what accounts for a lot of the cost. Fine welds, machining and even the fasteners are top end. You don't see many Phillips head screws on a Ducati.

You would look good in one if you abandoned your motor officer riding gear and opted for some fine Italian leather riding jacket and some snazzy boots.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 23:13:43 +0000

Brady: I know the Multistrada has multiple ride settings but not sure about the Diavel. It rode so nice that I wasn't concerned with changing anything.

Bryce: I share the same impressions with you about the Ducati brand but with little experience I can't say how much is myth and how much is true.

People who have them seem to really form an attachment. The Ferrari analogy may be right. My friend Paul has a Ferrari and a Ducati.

With a Ducati dealer in town it really changes the equation about service. Whenever anyone asks me about the purchase of a motorcycle or scooter the first thing usually out of my mouth is, "make sure you have local service available." A lot of people must thing these things never need service...

By: bobskoot

bobskoot — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:20:42 +0000

Steve:

I'm not sure I would own or even try out a Ducati. From what I have heard they are maintenance intensive, perhaps if we had a Craig nearby I would change my mind, but they sure look like works of art

bob
Riding the Wet Coast

By: Charlie6

Charlie6 — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:39:26 +0000

I've always thought Ducatis as rather sexy looking machines...but following the analogy...as "high maintenance" and expensive machines to keep in one's stable. I could be wrong but the tales I hear and read re their servicing.

Still, they do look nice.....thanks Steve.

dom

Redleg's Rides

Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner

By: Bryce

Bryce — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:30:08 +0000

A motorcycle that rides like a Duc, walks like a Duc, and talks like a Duc must therefore be a Duc.

To me a Ducati is an over-rated machine, maybe because it is way too small as a motorcycle for me.
Then too servicing such a device has always been fraught with possible problems. Like owning a Ferrari and your nearest dealer is 2000 miles away and no mechanic in your area will even allow the machinery in the shop, for fear it will give other vehicles problems..

Mind the new FIAT (Fix It Again, Tony) looks cute with a face only a mother could love.

By: Brady

Brady — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:21:54 +0000

Steve,

Interesting – not the review I expected to hear. Has the new Diavel got multiple ride settings? If so, I think you should pop it into race/track mode (and presumably out of rain) to see what it does. I’ve heard that the new K1600s are a bit jerky unless they’re in rain mode, which changes throttle response. Ah, modern technology… unlike my old Honda, which cannot jerk the passenger (too much weight, no power) so they were happy to keep ride by cable.

Brady
Behind Bars – Motorcycles and Life
http://www.behindbarsmotorcycle.com