I've been naughty

[Redruth]

Have you ever looked at something and thought, that is just too damn ugly for me ever to want to ride it? That’s exactly how I felt about the T9s and 749s when they first came out. Which only goes to prove, it’s not all about first impressions. That two eyed ‘cyclops’ look has grown on me and now, in my eyes, they have all of the beauty, the superb pedigree and handling, of any Ducati.

Seeing them around on the DSC meets, hearing people rave about them, thinking a smaller sports bike than the Duchess would be fun, I succumbed to a shiny black one at the DSC track event at Cadwell and took it, courtesy of Ducati UK, out on track. What an awesome bike! So quick, easy to jump onto, point and shoot. It’s a breeze to ride, my knees are as close together as they can be without actually saying ‘no’, they turn on a sixpence and have so much power that I can only imagine how much fun I’m going to have riding my brand new, termi’d up, carbon fest, RED, 749S :)

My downfall came yesterday at Ducati Aylesbury. Took a 749S and a 999S for a test ride. The T9, a black one, was just to reassure myself that I shouldn’t be buying one of those. Although immensely fast, it felt a bit too big for me and I really don’t need another 1000 cc motorbike (well, not at the moment, anyway). But I did need the 749S, which I shall be collecting next Thursday. I’ll be looking for track fairings and I’ll be looking to get the Duchess tidied up but probably won’t sell her, unless I get an offer I can’t refuse ;)

So, there we are, three Ducatis now and hoping they don’t bring out any more models I can’t resist or I’ll have to sell the house and buy a tent to live in, because this passion is now getting completely out of hand :devil:

[TP]

Woohoo!!

A new addition to the stable is a worthy cause to .... GET THE DRINKS IN!

:D

Seeing as I'm not doing a lot how about a round of stuntmen?! :D

[MJS]

Nice one Ruth... :) :)

[keefer]

congratulations.
hope you don't like the new bike when it comes out
you will need a new garage

[Redruth]

Thanks TP. The one I rode had a pretty hard suspension set up. I bounced out of the seat at one point. But the one I've bought was owned by a small guy and has been set much softer, apparently, so shouldn't need too much tweaking.

You're right Keefer, I already have to make arrangements to keep the Duchess elsewhere, after she's had some surgery and a face lift. I'm thinking, polished pipes, repair the tank, tidy up all the paintwork and then keep her in my Mum's garage (where there's space for four bikes :)) and just take her out occasionally, on dry days, to enjoy my real Ducati Icon and that throbbing 996 engine. Just have to break the news to my Mum when she's back from Cornwall (eek!). She thinks I'm mad for riding one bike, let alone three.

Do I sound smug? :)

[TP]

Do I sound smug? :)

Bearing in mind I no longer own a motorcycle of any description - YES!

You'll love it though, well done :D

Shouldn't you be out riding it!

[Steve M]

nice one woofey

and while I'm here, thanks for the Pronto Assen write up, 'twas good.

[NBs996]

Oooo ruthie, you are a bad girl!
Have to admit the same thing about those cyclops bikes - they've grown on me too. Prefer the satin black, but red's good for any italian motor.
Enjoy :)

[Redruth]

Bearing in mind I no longer own a motorcycle of any description - YES!

You'll love it though, well done :D

Shouldn't you be out riding it!

She's being serviced and cleaned up for collection next Thursday. Would love to have taken her away yesterday but the offer of the service, MOT and a clean up was too good to turn down. Also, I have to go there with Joanna next week as she has to bring home the standard exhaust.

[antonye]

Nice one Ruth, welcome to the 3 Ducatis club :D

[chris.p]

I’ll be looking for track fairings and I’ll be looking to get the Duchess tidied up but probably won’t sell her, unless I get an offer I can’t refuse :)




Nice one Ruth, shame she is not yellow, but never mind, for your track fairing give Dave a ring at http://www.hcracetech.co.uk/, he will do a good paint job on it as well.


Chris.:burn:

[Redruth]

Martin - hope you're back in the UK soon to join a BHCN rideout. I'll be out on the Duchess on Sunday but hope to take the new one through her paces with the boys later this month. When are you next back from Poland?

I'd also hoped to join Gizmo and Linzi, Lily and JPM on a trip to Scotland this month but their dates clash with the Riders For Health night.

Definitely need to get out and about on her. Anyone got any weekend trips planned later this month that I could tag along with?

What is it about Ducatis that make you not be able to sell them? Managed to ditch 2 husbands, no trouble, but can't bring myself to sell one Ducati. I think I need counselling :devil:

[TP]

She's being serviced and cleaned up for collection next Thursday. Would love to have taken her away yesterday but the offer of the service, MOT and a clean up was too good to turn down. Also, I have to go there with Joanna next week as she has to bring home the standard exhaust.

I hope you've got a big ride planned for Thursday then!

I hope you enjoy her! :)

[Redruth]

Nice one Ruth, shame she is not yellow, but never mind, for your track fairing give Dave a ring at http://www.hcracetech.co.uk/, he will do a good paint job on it as well.


Chris.:burn:

There you are, I've just looked at those track fairings and thought 'how gorgeous'. How can I have changed my mind so completely about the 749 look? I'm not buying until the start of next season but thanks for the link Chris. I fancy shiny black for the track, although I still have the problem of needing to ride to track days so I'm not sure that I'll go the whole hog on the fairings, just the side panels and the mono seat unit. I do want a cover for the bip seat straight away though. I'll give Dave a call. Cheers.

[chris.p]

There you are, I've just looked at those track fairings and thought 'how gorgeous'. How can I have changed my mind so completely about the 749 look? I'm not buying until the start of next season but thanks for the link Chris. I fancy shiny black for the track, although I still have the problem of needing to ride to track days so I'm not sure that I'll go the whole hog on the fairings, just the side panels and the mono seat unit. I do want a cover for the bip seat straight away though. I'll give Dave a call. Cheers.


Dave does have a 749 road nose fairing that he still has not made a mould from yet, so if you badger him enough he will sort you a road & track nose fairing, also he can do full black no problem.

Chris.:burn:

[Iconic944ss]

Congrats Ruth - I'm sorry to say I didnt get chance to catch up with you at Cadwell and yes, I had a ride on the very same 749 as well - just after lunch.

Impressive bike but, I couldnt cope with the stretch to the bars for any length of time, superb trackbike though.

Looks like you and Lisa will be able to start your own riders club soon.

Enjoy.

Frank

[Redruth]

Dave does have a 749 road nose fairing that he still has not made a mould from yet, so if you badger him enough he will sort you a road & track nose fairing, also he can do full black no problem.

Chris.:burn:

Thanks Chris. Just spoken to him about the mono seat for now and the fairings for next year. The nose cone isn't a problem as he can do a road legal one. So looks like I'll have to find storage space for a full set of track fairings. The fastenings look a bit more tricky than the 996 but it is the kind of fiddling around I enjoy so I'm sure I'll master it with a bit of practice.

I need to get the bike here before I can decide on what cutom paint job I want for the mono seat unit. As with all my purchases, I will do a bit of research but prices look good, I have to say.

[JPM]

Great stuff Ruth another one come over to the "dark side" with a 749/999 :DPity you can't make next week :( we collect our new bikes tomorrow :D ready for the Scotland trip, ideal for running them in I guess ;)I got my trackday kit (black) from QB carbon prepreg black, I had to do a bit of trimming on the belly pan for the swingarm as their bellypan was taken from an early 999 but that's literally a 10 minute job.So when are we going to see this bike then?

[TP]

Great stuff Ruth another one come over to the "dark side" with a 749/999 :DPity you can't make next week :( we collect our new bikes tomorrow :D ready for the Scotland trip, ideal for running them in I guess ;)I got my trackday kit (black) from QB carbon prepreg black, I had to do a bit of trimming on the belly pan for the swingarm as their bellypan was taken from an early 999 but that's literally a 10 minute job.So when are we going to see this bike then?

New bikes? :D

Do tell!!

[chris.p]

Thanks Chris. Just spoken to him about the mono seat for now and the fairings for next year. The nose cone isn't a problem as he can do a road legal one. So looks like I'll have to find storage space for a full set of track fairings. The fastenings look a bit more tricky than the 996 but it is the kind of fiddling around I enjoy so I'm sure I'll master it with a bit of practice.

I need to get the bike here before I can decide on what cutom paint job I want for the mono seat unit. As with all my purchases, I will do a bit of research but prices look good, I have to say.


You will not find a better price or fitting than that seat unit, it really looks the the dogs doodars, what ever colour you go for.


Chris.:burn:

[JPM]

They're not Itailian :o But they are European, someone else on here has one of their range that I know of, it's a watercooled twin and usually they're orange in colour but we've gone for stealth black :D

[Steve M]

They're not Itailian :o But they are European, someone else on here has one of their range that I know of, it's a watercooled twin and usually they're orange in colour but we've gone for stealth black :D

Motard styled one?

[Redruth]

Jon, as Oulton park is now my favourite track and your house is my favourite hotel for that venue, first chance next season, I should think ;)

I knew you and Claire had bought new bikes as Mike told me but what did you buy? I hope you have a great trip. I'm sure you will but I don't feel too bad about missing this one as I'm thoroughly looking forward to the Brands Hatch evening and obviously picking up the new bike the day after will be a highlight in an otherwise ... thoroughly exciting year, actually :)

[JPM]

.......maybe ;)In September's bike magazine as the best bike for british roads.Only got something like 94 ponies but you can extract another 10 with pipes and jets, got titanium akra's thrown into the deal so 1/2 way there :DT9 now sorned and my track bike for the foreseeable future
Oh did toy with a mutli for the road but servicing/running costs compared to the SM are sky high as ever. Plus parts are so cheap it's a joke! Complete seat unit plastics £60, side panels £40 compare that to a multi for example.

[JPM]

Jon, as Oulton park is now my favourite track and your house is my favourite hotel for that venue, first chance next season, I should think ;)

I knew you and Claire had bought new bikes as Mike told me but what did you buy? I hope you have a great trip. I'm sure you will but I don't feel too bad about missing this one as I'm thoroughly looking forward to the Brands Hatch evening and obviously picking up the new bike the day after will be a highlight in an otherwise ... thoroughly exciting year, actually :)
Sorry not trying to hijack your thread Ruth! You know you're welcome anytime what you should do is get some Euro tracktime booked now ready for it's first (of many I hope) Oulton outing :D

[Brent]

Very bad girl Ruth! How are you going to keep all three happy? There will be jealousy in the garage....!! :D

[Harv748]

Nice one Ruth...

JPM...the 950 SM is superb. I test rode one a couple of weekends back and it was stunning.

In the end I will probably go for the 640 lc4 when they bring the new ones out in 2007. I just don't need 1000cc, and the 640 does it all for less than 5K!

Out of interest, where did you get it from?

[JPM]

Nice one Ruth...

JPM...the 950 SM is superb. I test rode one a couple of weekends back and it was stunning.

In the end I will probably go for the 640 lc4 when they bring the new ones out in 2007. I just don't need 1000cc, and the 640 does it all for less than 5K!

Out of interest, where did you get it from?
Got it from Triple-D up in Kendal, great place Gizmo knows them well and come highly recommended even though there are a few dealers closer to me.I believe they're stopping selling road bikes now though just stocking off -road stuff something to do with KTM and sales targets??? They did say they would still sell them but would buy them in from another dealer etc

[Henners]

... by far the nicest of the 999 family - hope you got a yellow one :)

[rcgbob44]

A woman on a motorcycle!.what next, the vote!

[Redruth]

Sorry, Henry, I don't do yellow. I would have happily bought the yellow Ducati Aylesbury had and taken great pleasure in getting it sprayed black :devil: Getting another yellow bike off the road was quite an enticing thought, but not as enticing as the RED one I eventually chose. With the VERY GENEROUS DSC discount George gave me, I now have the money for BLACK track fairings so I'm a very happy biker bunny :)

[Annette]

Good girl!
I anticipate a naming ceremony, Ruth, with copious amounts of Champagne involved :sing:

[Lily]

Way to go girly... I love spontaneous purchases and us women are so good at them :)

Be good to see you up here soon now we have road bikes and can take you out for some fantastic rides without the need to travel too far :)

[Redruth]

Good girl!
I anticipate a naming ceremony, Ruth, with copious amounts of Champagne involved :sing:

Champagne, mmmmmm. Sounds like a good idea, Annette. I was thinking of the Black Cat but as she's red, I have to come up with something else. Black Cat for the track though, and my daughter Kate, the artist and anarchist, is going to design some artwork for the fairings so I'll probably be more precious about this one on track than I am with the Mucky Duchess, whose last outing on track will be next week.

The after-track party next week (that I wasn't planning to attend because I have to ride home) would be a good place for a glass of champagne, wouldn't it? I'll have to see if I can persuade someone to drive me home in a van and then I can enjoy the festivities in full :)

[antonye]

The after-track party next week (that I wasn't planning to attend because I have to ride home) would be a good place for a glass of champagne, wouldn't it? I'll have to see if I can persuade someone to drive me home in a van and then I can enjoy the festivities in full :)

I know someone with a petrol can you can borrow, just in case ... :lol:

[Ozz]

Sorry, Henry, I don't do yellow. I would have happily bought the yellow Ducati Aylesbury had and taken great pleasure in getting it sprayed black :devil: Getting another yellow bike off the road was quite an enticing thought, but not as enticing as the RED one I eventually chose. With the VERY GENEROUS DSC discount George gave me, I now have the money for BLACK track fairings so I'm a very happy biker bunny :)


You are easily led lady! Henners she could not be Redruth if she bought a yellow one could she?

I am just jealous - you have 3 Dukes and I have still to buy the first!

[Glyn]

told ya
well done
:D

[Chaz]

Ruth is your monster a 620 & can we turn it into a DD bike?:D :D :D.


Now you have a new one.

[Jools]

told ya
well done
:D

[Jools]

Unfortunately Chass it's a Monster with a 1080 kit, nitrous oxide and a turbo...

I don't think you would turn it into a DD bike, but I might...

[Chaz]

Just the same spec as ours then:D :D :D :D

[BDG]

You naughty girl, well done getting on another bike Ruth, enjoy.

JPM calls his Quasimodo, but i'm sure you'll come up with a better name than that:lol:

[JPM]

You naughty girl, well done getting on another bike Ruth, enjoy.

JPM calls his Quasimodo, but i'm sure you'll come up with a better name than that:lol:
That's what I call you deaf lugs!

[Redruth]

Oy you bunch of buzzards (Jools, Chass), I'm not selling the Monster. I need her for winter riding, for non-aerodynamic, fully laden panier type trips and for those 'it's a cr@ppy day but I still prefer to be on a bike than in the car' days :)

Ozz, I didn't realise you haven't even got one yet! What's keeping you? As a woman of limited means and even more limited willpower, I can't see what's keeping you? :devil:

And yes, Shaun, I shall come up with a better name than that. Esmerelda, maybe?

[BDG]

That's what I call you deaf lugs!

EH, WHAT!

[Redruth]

Very bad girl Ruth! How are you going to keep all three happy? There will be jealousy in the garage....!! :D

Dave, I think it's more a case of them keeping me happy, don't you? Besides, the Duchess will be going into semi-retirement. Her status as a stunning bit of kit will be returned to her and then I'll take her out and show her off from time to time, which is how she spent the first two years of her life with me and didn't seem to mind. At least in those two years no-one tutted over her or told me what a disgrace she was, which is what she's had to put up with since I've been a member of this club :devil:

[ricco749s]

Ruth - glad youv'e seen the light - the only draw back is that you'll now have to endure the constant negative vibes from those that still prefer the now 'getting a little dated looking' previous model in its various forms! Stick a power commander on it and it will be even sweeter - mine was the best all round (and I use those 2 additional words with care) Ducati of the 10 Ducatis I've now owned including my current 999r....

[Chaz]

[QUOTE=Redruth]Oy you bunch of buzzards (Jools, Chass), I'm not selling the Monster.

Don't want to buy it was thinking you could race it, we could do with some girlyeeees around the paddock.:D :D

[BDG]

Ruth - glad youv'e seen the light - the only draw back is that you'll now have to endure the constant negative vibes from those that still prefer the now 'getting a little dated looking' previous model in its various forms! Stick a power commander on it and it will be even sweeter - mine was the best all round (and I use those 2 additional words with care) Ducati of the 10 Ducatis I've now owned including my current 999r....

Glad you reminded me,

hmmm! negative waves man, shame it's not as stylish as the Duchess

;)



































don't take it seriously, i only **** them off to JPM

Gods teeth, the censored word is 5LAG, how rude!

[Redruth]

[QUOTE=Redruth]Oy you bunch of buzzards (Jools, Chass), I'm not selling the Monster.

Don't want to buy it was thinking you could race it, we could do with some girlyeeees around the paddock.:D :D

You'll be getting girlies next year, the lovely Lucy is still in, isn't she? And Kelly and I believe there's another Ruth thinking of racing. Is that Dom Clegg's girlfriend? Besides, I don't think I could have been around the paddock much more than I was this year as a fan ;) and I shall be again next year, but I'll be arriving on a shiny 749S instead of the Monster.

[Ozz]

Ruth I was planning on one this year but with: a Wife, 2 kids, a house move (hopefully) and now buying a share in an office building for my business money is shall we say tight. But you never know....

[Redruth]

I suppose that's the downside of being an accountant, Ozz. You are obliged to take account of everything. I, on the other hand, don't bother to do the maths, don't have a wife (although one would be quite handy as I have a pile of ironing upstairs that needs attention) have already moved house and my daughters are grown up.

Shaun, I agree with you about the Duchess but my latest love affair began with a bang at Cadwell when I experienced the black one and I've never taken much notice of negative vibes so I don't expect they'll bother me now :devil:

[Fordie]

Well done Ruth, Ill have to get used to looking at a differant rear end now shame just got used to the first one :lol: 4D

[Redruth]

Fordie, you know as well as I do, you never look at my rear end. I always look at yours though ;) Is there a 3rd Sunday of the month rideout in September? I'm going out on the Duchess on Sunday with the boys but I'll have the new bike on the 14th and I'm itching to show her off :)

[Carbon749]

Great stuff Ruth another one come over to the "dark side" with a 749/999 :DPity you can't make next week :( we collect our new bikes tomorrow :D ready for the Scotland trip, ideal for running them in I guess ;)I got my trackday kit (black) from QB carbon prepreg black, I had to do a bit of trimming on the belly pan for the swingarm as their bellypan was taken from an early 999 but that's literally a 10 minute job.So when are we going to see this bike then?

Enjoy the new toy, I've always liked the bike .... just think you need to get them out of the showroom and in to the real world. This shows them off at their best.

As for the Track fairings. Agree with JPM. I have the QB red set that are pre impregnated with the red .... no scratches to worry about :) Their fairing without the light cut outs will actually go over the headlights without having to take them off. All I do is take the fuse out of the low beam to stop it melting the fairing. I posted some pic's of my 749r in the QB track fairings. They will do gloss balck as well.

[749er]

Sorry, Henry, I don't do yellow. I would have happily bought the yellow Ducati Aylesbury had and taken great pleasure in getting it sprayed black :devil: Getting another yellow bike off the road was quite an enticing thought,


oh come on now thats unfair. Yellow is great not least because everyone else has red !!

I wish I hadnt read this post. Am up here in Glasgow spending a week running roon the heelands. But on Tuesday I went to see Martin at Ducati Glasgow, and he was tempting me with an S2R, with black wheels. It was calling me, his assistant Kerry was flattering me by asking if I would like to model some clothes for ther catalogue...................................the pause is to let those who know me get up of the floor and stop laughing, and all the time I am thinking, I can't have 3 bikes, I can't have 3 bikes. Then this post. You can have 3 bikes, you can have 3 bikes. Its just too much......!!!!!

Have fun on the new baby

[KeefyB]

Ruth,at the risk of repeating myself,....I told you so.
Enjoy your new bike,cant wait to see it.:)

[Dibble]

nice, at your best when naughty .... happy riding .. :)

[Redruth]

oh come on now thats unfair. Yellow is great not least because everyone else has red !!

I wish I hadnt read this post. Am up here in Glasgow spending a week running roon the heelands. But on Tuesday I went to see Martin at Ducati Glasgow, and he was tempting me with an S2R, with black wheels. It was calling me, his assistant Kerry was flattering me by asking if I would like to model some clothes for ther catalogue...................................the pause is to let those who know me get up of the floor and stop laughing, and all the time I am thinking, I can't have 3 bikes, I can't have 3 bikes. Then this post. You can have 3 bikes, you can have 3 bikes. Its just too much......!!!!!

Have fun on the new baby

If you look closely, you'll find people in this club with even more than the three bikes. I think three is the statuory minimum, actually ;)

[Fordie]

Fordie, you know as well as I do, you never look at my rear end. I always look at yours though ;) Is there a 3rd Sunday of the month rideout in September? I'm going out on the Duchess on Sunday with the boys but I'll have the new bike on the 14th and I'm itching to show her off :)

Ruth Ill be up for getting out on the 17th Could keep local (Fox's Cafe near Oxford) or Grafham Ill put some thing up on the Ride Outs. 4D

[Redruth]

Ruth Ill be up for getting out on the 17th Could keep local (Fox's Cafe near Oxford) or Grafham Ill put some thing up on the Ride Outs. 4D

Oh goodie :) That's a date then.

[AK]

congrats roof:D enjoy the new burd:cool:

[749er]

If you look closely, you'll find people in this club with even more than the three bikes. I think three is the statuory minimum, actually ;)

are you on commission from Martin at Ducati Glasgow? :-)

[Redruth]

are you on commission from Martin at Ducati Glasgow? :-)

No, but I think Ducati should offer me a job. I could sell these things, well not my own obviously, but other peoples :)

[Chris Wood]

Well done Ruth,

The plan is all coming together......what next Phillip Island???

Nice one!

[Redruth]

Hi Chris,

How are you feeling? As you can probably tell, I'm very pleased with my new purchase. I didn't even have time to get a picture and make the collage of all the things I want. It all happened very quickly, which is probably exactly how the Phillip Island arrangements will go. I have my scout, Lizzie, making enquiries for me whilst she's out there with Mike enjoying the MotoGP next weekend. :)

[andys 900ss]

Congratulations Ruth,

I like the the 'new shape' bike so much my 900ssie tries to look like one. I'd love one, but have enough in the garage as it is. Impulse buying, then worry about paying for it, thats usually me. Life is for living, eh..

Andy

[domski]

If you look closely, you'll find people in this club with even more than the three bikes. I think three is the statuory minimum, actually ;)

I have none :(

Ruth, can you give me one please? :devil:

[Lee]

Nice one Ruth - I know what you mean about them growing on you.

Maybe see you on the 17th

:)

[AK]

If you look closely, you'll find people in this club with even more than the three bikes. I think three is the statuory minimum, actually ;)

we have 5 between the 2 of us, we own 2 & a half each, but I also own a kwaker too so am ahead on the 2 wheel ownership;)

C says we need to make the numbers up so is wanting to also go shopping soon:rolleyes: :o just dont encourage her Roof:frog:

[Redruth]

Charlotte doesn't need any encouragement from me. She's her own woman. Still, might have a little word in her shell-like just in case :devil:

[Redruth]

I have none :(

Ruth, can you give me one please? :devil:

In your dreams, Dom ;)

[kwikbitch]

Wow...Knew it wouldn't be long before you could resist...The intrigue about them is too much to bare and once you've ridden it then you're hooked.

The gloss really brings out the metalic in the "satin" version and the bikes look stunning. You just having black gloss or the satin colour laquered Ruth?

I'm gonna get track fairings after having the off at Caddie (waiting for racetech to get the mould sorted) but eventually I want my satin fairings laquered :)

Congratulations & Welcome to the testrastretta club me duck, it's the new iconic Ducati IMHO :)

[domski]

I always thought the 749 was a girls bike :lol:

[ericthered40]

Ruthie, have you been naughty again!!!. :devil:

Good girl, I can't wait to have a look at it. :)

[domski]

Good girl, I can't wait to have a look at it. :)

I beg your pardon!!!! :lol:

;)

[ericthered40]

I beg your pardon!!!! :lol:

;)



You really ain't getting any are you :lol:

[Twinfan]

Nice one Ruth! A 749S eh? Mono or Bip?

Best value bike in the range ;)

[domski]

You really ain't getting any are you :lol:

I'm too busy counting my trophies :frog:

:lol:

[andyb]

OOh, just saw this...................well done mate! Welcome to the dark (read modern) side!!!!

:D

[ericthered40]

I'm too busy counting my trophies :frog:

:lol:


This is true young Cream Tea fancier, this is true :D

That reminds me, I must get on to N E to get my ones out of them. I might have to have a word with Mav if they keep ****ing me around. :lol:

Keep gloating champ ;) I would.

[domski]

This is true young Cream Tea fancier, this is true :D

That reminds me, I must get on to N E to get my ones out of them. I might have to have a word with Mav if they keep ****ing me around. :lol:

Keep gloating champ ;) I would.

Well, by my calculations, I'm missing 4!!!

Oh well, we may be lucky and get some at Cadwell...



...trophies that is! :o

:D

[ericthered40]

God I hope so :lol:

[Redruth]

Domski, I hope you're not turning my thread into another scrap :devil:

Twinfan, it's a bip but I'm ordering a custom mono seat as soon as I can decide on the custom colour scheme I want for it.

Eric, you can see it whenever you want ;)

[domski]

Domski, I hope you're not turning my thread into another scrap :devil:

Who? Me? Wonder Boy? Never http://209.85.48.11/6237/57/emo/whistle.gif

http://209.85.48.11/6237/57/emo/angel.png

[Dementor]

Nice one Ruth, always liked the **9 shape (in Red of course :D ) have just rejoined the Testastretta gang again today :devil:

Enjoy

[Redruth]

Things I didn’t notice on the road test ride

The mirrors are ****. Have to move my head and shoulders to look in the right hand mirror, or lift my arm out of the way. Tricky when about to overtake, as checking the mirror with difficulty takes you’re eye off what’s in front. Checking it after isn’t a problem though because what you’ve just overtaken is nowhere in split seconds! The acceleration is fantastic. Seems much faster than the 996, more responsive and I was overtaking in places that I wouldn’t on the 996 because the bike feels so much more responsive.

I now need to buy a new tank bag. Mine doesn’t fit the tank properly because the magnets are in the wrong place and don’t connect fully.

The seat needs recovering. I’m sliding forward too much on the plastic. Could be because I was in Rukka gear rather than leathers but I think I’d prefer a bit more grip for my @rse. Job for Glyn I think and while he’s at it he can cover the pillion seat in black suede too as whoever buys Ducati’s red plastic obviously can’t tell that red isn’t the same red as the paintwork (same as on the 996).

Double bubble black screen required. Need more wind protection and more screen to tuck behind at speed.

Nice solid side stand that doesn’t have that silly feature that won’t allow you to start the engine, that I had to bypass on the 996. Reassuringly chunky compared with the Monster and 996.

Even with my ‘extra padding’ the seat feels a bit hard.

Long distance might be a bit of a wrist-strain but I’m sure that will be more than compensated for by how light and easy to ride it is.

Put 32/34 tyre pressure in the tyres on the way home. Is this the correct? Mechanic said this was what he had his set at but if someone would like to answer that question, it will save me wasting time reading the owner’s manual at the moment, as my priority now is to get my leathers on, and my very wet Sidi boots, and go riding, oh, and call in at a few friends to show it off but NOT the one whose husband dropped my Monster when I took it round there to show off! :)

A couple of pics.

[Annette]

Looks fab Ruth! The mirrors were rubbish on my 999R. They may as well not be there! You'll be going too fast to need them anyway.... And it's a whole different ride than the 996. More Japanesy.
On balance, I preferred the look and ride of the 916/996. But it's a great addition to the stable! Enjoy.

[psychlist]

Very pretty ;) I'd go for 32/36 tho Ruthie, purely personal choice but on the road you'll need a bit more pressure than on the racetrack as the tyres dont warm as much or as quick and the extra couple of PSI will help open the tread in wet weather. What tyres are fitted?

[KeefyB]

Looks like Diablo's in the pic.
Go for 32psi front,36 rear.
As for the mirrors,dont try to look around your elbows,look under them.
Screens,go for the MRA double bubble,..looks great and does away with the running light.There was one for sale here a little while ago,..or have a look here;http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DUCATI-749-999-03-DARK-SMOKE-DOUBLE-BUBBLE-SCREEN_W0QQitemZ120031375248QQihZ002QQcategoryZ104 48QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Nice looking bike,...but then again,I am biased.;) :D

[Sharpy G]

Good choice Ruth, nice looking bike !
and as AndyB said, welcome to the dark side

[Ozz]

Looks good Ruth.

I was nearly naughty today. I was posting an ad for my car on the adtrader site and just did a quick search for Ducati on there.

Up pops a Monster 750, 2001 Y with 6k miles. Price only £1600. Phoned the number and found it had not surprisingly gone. ****** I was getting quite excited about getting a monster (despite really wanting a 748 but not having the spare cash).

[Redruth]

Yes, well spotted KeefyB. Diablo Corsas. I upped the pressure to 32/34 but I'll up the back to 36. Had a little pootle this evening, popping over to show her off to Mr and Mrs Bisson. Absolutely superb bike. Probably the best I've owned and I haven't even been anywhere yet to find out properly. And thanks for the tip about the screen. I think my shopping list is going to get longer and more pressing. Now thinking I need the track fairings straight away and have been looking at the Oulton Park dates for October. Oh No! :devil:

[Redruth]

Looks good Ruth.

I was nearly naughty today. I was posting an ad for my car on the adtrader site and just did a quick search for Ducati on there.

Up pops a Monster 750, 2001 Y with 6k miles. Price only £1600. Phoned the number and found it had not surprisingly gone. ****** I was getting quite excited about getting a monster (despite really wanting a 748 but not having the spare cash).

Don't let a little thing like 'no money' stop you. Life's too short. Obviously, a little thing like her indoors might be more of an insurmountable problem ;)

[ericthered40]

Yummy Yummy :devil:

[rcgbob44]

My heart hangs heavy to think that yet another person has turned to the dark side. Never having been a fan of the 749/999 series I have too admit that they have a beter seating pssition than my 998 but I still don`t like the looks.

I look forward to the new bikes that are to replace the 749/999 series coz I think they will apeal to all ducati owners who like the 748/916 series as well as those who like the latter variants.

I might even be persuaded to buy another duke...........................if she lets me.

Now lets just have a really nice single pot from the factory to complete the line up.

[Redruth]

rcgbob, having been looking at my 749 in the garage this morning, currently in the position that my 996 usually occupies, I have to agree that the front doesn't have the same effect on me. The 996 is a classic beauty but the 749 is distinctive and sleek, particularly with the vents, which the newer models don't have. To be honest, I don't like the headlamp on the Monster much either, or the mirrors, or the silly 'bikini' screen, or whatever it's called. But all of those considerations are forgotten once I start the engine.

I know designers have to attract potential buyers with the look of a bike but if, like me, you're already sold on Ducatis, that's a secondary consideration. Performance and riding enjoyment is what counts, and all three bikes do their own thing fantastically well so, in spite of the fact that you consider me to be 'on the dark side' I would urge you to test ride one and then come back and explain to me what you don't like about it.

[Tonio600]

Ruth I'm sure you made the good choice with that bike... and after all that's a Duke. As you say, we're already sold to them :D

Personnaly, I think all bikes can look ugly at some point. Sometimes I find mines ugly anyway. Most of the time it's because I'm not looking at them from the right angle, or I've had a bad day, etc... A lot of things can make look ugly the most beautiful bikes...

To come back to the 749, I think it looks like a proper Ducati as it's different from the rest of the production, in a positive way. That's what modern Ducatis (post Paso :lol: ) have always been. Older ones may have, I don't know :D

Anyway, enjoy your new toy.
I can't wait of being able to afford the only bike on my wishlist at the moment, a red ST2 to take Julie touring on the continent :-)

[Henners]

Obviously, a little thing like her indoors might be more of an insurmountable problem

.... :o

[rcgbob44]

Ruth

I dare not have a test ride.......................I might like them to much!

However! I fully agree with us being sold on Ducati`s already, I have had "wop" bikes for 30+ years and would never really want any other type.


Enjoy!

[Lightning Boy]

Good Luck with the new wheels Ms Ducati a trois.....

Come down and see us one day.......It's always sunny down here..... :cool:

[Redruth]

I've now persuaded the boss (me) that it's time to go out riding. Vaguely work related as I have to drop in some of my promotional leaflets to my local friendly Funeral Home in St. Albans, a contact partly secured by the Director's interest in motorbikes, I'm sure. If anyone is looking for a funeral courtage with a bike and side car hearse, he's your man. I believe in reciprocal business as a method of securing work! Hope that's not too much of a morbid note to go out riding on.
;)

[Glyn]

the front of most dukes are horrid.
998/748/996/916 are the exeptions
look at the st3!!

[MJS]

I've now persuaded the boss (me) that it's time to go out riding. Vaguely work related as I have to drop in some of my promotional leaflets to my local friendly Funeral Home in St. Albans, a contact partly secured by the Director's interest in motorbikes, I'm sure. If anyone is looking for a funeral courtage with a bike and side car hearse, he's your man. I believe in reciprocal business as a method of securing work! Hope that's not too much of a morbid note to go out riding on.
;)

I've seen the sidecar hearse on the M25 before.... looks, er... unusual...