Bye Bye 749....
 

Well, its done, made the decision to swap in the 749 for something a little more japenese. I know, I know, I wont get the character and feel from those bikes, but tell the truth, at the moment, i need something that feels a little more comfortable and road worthy.
i cant seem to get comfy on the 749 even after 1500+ miles (right wrist is now bandaged up after injuring my wrist years ago that the 749 seems to just be making worse) and the riding position, for me, just isnt right.
Nevermind Im getting brake judder, its steering off to the left and it conks out, for no reason, every so often.

I will be returning to the ducati fold once I can afford to, something like an S4r, as its in the blood. But for now, its off to part ex it...

Oh... bits ive got left over:

ive taking off the carbon rear hugger (extended streamline carbon one)
ive got the original bars (as I fitted helibars to try to get more comfort, but didnt work)
R&G crash bobbins that are still in the plastic (werent arsed to fit them) if anyone wants to make me an offer on them.
Original rear sprocket, done about 600 miles.

Although, i might try and get them to take off the Helibars and renthal +2T rear sprocket and sell them if anyone is more interested in instead...

Cheers all! im still a member though, so you cant get rid of me that easily ;);) Can i still come on rideouts without getting slated ?? ;)

[Edited on 5/8/2005 by sonic]

Thats a shame, but I can understand where you're coming from. Some of the newer UJMs seem very inticing!!

What are you gonna go for?

I've sent you a u2u re hugger and bars.

Yea, gone for a new zx6r in blue, tried it yesterday and was blown away, great bike, very smooth etc, only gripe would be the lack of torque (well, obviously coming from a duke) and the motorway miles will be a bit of a ******* cause it cruises at 90 going around the 7krpm mark, which means its howling by that point. No nice quite rides for me then...

Sad news sonic - you'll just have to get the s4r as well!!

Sonic you have a u2u

I just got back from the congleton meet and my wrists are feeling a little so I know here your coming from on that one.

Shame your giving the duke up, but if it hurts then it makes sense.

If you get the rear +2 rear sprocket, I'll be intrested.

Okey dokey, thats the hugger and bars gone...

Ill try to get that rear sprocket for ya tricky, but cant give any promises, already pushed them pretty far on the deal so might not, but ... if you dont ask, you dont get...

That's a shame mate. Is it still cutting out? How many miles haved you done on it?

You must have taken a big hit (financially) on the trade-in. Is the new ZX6 much more comfy?

Yea mate, still cuts out every so often, maybe once per ride for no reason cause tickovers quite high. Done 1600 miles on it, got around 5000 for it part ex (sheeeeeeet) but there you go, far too lazy to sell privately... yea, its miles more comfortable, took it for a test drive and didnt want to give it back, foookin flies as well, once you hit around 9,000rpm it takes off. Dropped it off with a smile on my face that i couldnt shift, never got that with the 749, which means a lot i reckon. I will come back to dukes, maybe a 999 if I can survive it, but for now its just gooootta go...

Speechless, and no doubt MrP&H welcomed you with open arms and big eyes?:lol::lol::lol:

Should have gone on a detour Saturday to keep you away from P & H.

I feel guilty.

Well, that's what it all about mate. :burn: Different strokes for different folks I guess, as I get that feeling from my 749.

When do you pick the zx up?

Errr......:puzzled: :puzzled: NO :bouncy:

hahahahah, probably right Jon! in both cases, open arms indeed... although they matched the best offer I had from all the places. Same as taz, and that one was an import! Although i wouldve preferred taz cause of the service side, but hopefully P&H will be cool.

As i said before, its only a temporary measure till i can get on something with a little more power... or at least how to go round corners properly...

Im having a toss up at the Mo (No Jokes)
Im thinking of going for a either 2003 CBR 600RR or 2003 ZX-6R ive heard some very good reports of the Kwak and am swayed more that way.
Going from a 996 I am worried about the lack Mid range. Although I rekon a good Pipe/Filter and Power commader should give more back?
Much as i loved my Duke I was always wondering will it breakdown on rideouts etc and i'll be glad to see the back of the servicing costs. Sometimes a UJM is a good option, Thrash it n Forget about it

Pretty much what I was thinking. Ive got a couple of looooong trips planned and dont fancy having to memorise the ducati assistance number. Although, tell the truth, its not really broken down on me, just niggles. But its those niggles that make you lose a bit of confidence.
Ill definately buy another one, a black 999, or when the new design comes out, when i have a bit more money for the servicing (walked out on my job today) and can actually use tools (i havent got even the slightest clue).
Decided on the new kwak because its the latest model, hopefully wont lose too much money, its comfy, fooooking quick and doesnt look tooooo bad (although i have been spoiled by the admiring glances on the 749)

Weird though, when i tested the kwak i got a lot more nods from other riders than when i drive the 749...

Paul - that's a real shame. Sounds as though there is something wrong with the setup of the 749 as they are normally fantastic handlers, mine was!! Still enjoy the ZX6 and of course you can join us on rideouts - at the back!!:lol:

Hahahah, the backs better than nothing I suppose ;)