So, farewell then...
 

Well, it's so long to my doughty 748.

Insurance intransigence means that I shan't be able to salvage it from my current insurance claim, as they wanted silly money for a salvage fee.

So my dreams of clocking up that 100k miles, and that glossy colour spread in MCN, lie in tatters :)

Cut off in the end just shy of 60k miles. I'll be buying another bike as soon as, and it will of course be a Ducati. Maybe not another 748, though; I'm aware that if I do that I may suffer from "it's never as good as the first one" syndrome.

I'm thinking about a 900SS for my declining years. Anyone with one for sale is welcome to get in touch.

Oh dear Fred. Still 60k isn't bad I suppose?

Did you get much for it in the end?

RIP Sad loss of an old friend.

I understand how you feel loosing a bike.

I'm satisfied with the settlement, less so with the exorbitant fee they were charging for salvage.

Since most people have been urging me to get rid of it ("It might blow up at any minute!") I suppose I'm doing the rational thing by looking for a bike which, if not newer, at least has a few less miles under its belt. :)

The 748 remains by far the best bike I've ever owned, and has really done me proud over the last five years. Meanwhile, in the short-term, I'm looking for something a little cheaper to run, frankly. I was looking for a 900SS, as I mentioned upthread, but have been offered a very nice low-mileage ST2 which has just had a big service, and would do me nicely for the winter at least, if not longer.

Sorry to hear the 748 is gone Fred, a real shame, especially as it didn't need that much to keep it going!
Anyway, aircooled is the way to go, you know it makes sense! :)

moto748
I felt a real pang when I killed my 58k mile XJ900F some years back, but I can only imagine what it feels like where a beautiful 748 is concerned. Big sympathy, mate.

ST2 was liquid-cooled, last time I looked! :p

Ooooo Nooooo :(

I feel I know that bike personally too :(


Oh I do :)

Sorry to hear that Fred - we have shared some happy miles though :D

Well I'll be back on a Ducati soon enough, Lin.


Whatchoo doing still here? :)

Thats a shame mate - surpised about the insurance company trying to turn you over on the salvage though - there normally pretty good.

Is that Riches ST2 your sniffing around then ?

Nat

Natty> Yup.

The insurers told me they'd been promised £975 (!) by their salvage people for the bike. Presumably these salvage people haven't seen it; I can't see it making that sort of money at auction or elsewhere in its current condition, so it doesn't sound like very good business for them as far as I can see.

But that's not my problem. What it meant for me was that the insurers wouldn't offer me the bike for less than £975. So I called their bluff (if bluff it was), and said they could keep the bike and I'd take the money.

So it is, thought you were after a 900SS though, at least that's what it says in your original post!!! :)

I'm sorry to see your bike go like that Fred. I derived a lot of pleasure in pointing the knockers and doubters towards your bike. It usually had the desired effect of shutting them up! :D

Cheers guys.

Zimbo> At the moment I'm thinking ST2 now and maybe 900SS next year.

Have a lovely 900ss for sale,
 

Have a lovely 900ss for sale, not yet advertised, 8500 miles from new - X reg - I have had it from new, bought from 3 Cross. Full service 300 miles ago, new belts, new chain, new fluids. full MOT til July. Garaged. full Veto alarm,

Personal reg Numner if required S900 GUY - Yellow

Looking for a 916 as wifey had enough of pillion so here comes my single seat...

Wisemonkey>

Private message me the ball-park of money that you're looking for.

Be more comfy on that for a tour of Oz Fred ;) Obviously I won't be doin Scotland 07 :( But you're more than welcome to do Wannerro, Serpentine and Yanchep 07 instead :D Pack yer swimmers :lol:

Wouldn't I be better off with a trials bike?

I know how poor the roads can be in these Third World countries... ;)