| Well one things clear the middleground seems to be missing ;-) . Having been an ducati owner (on and off but mostly on) since 1996 I'd have to say those that mourn the 916 range styling are being a bit myopic . It was great while it was current but now its gone(I was a 5 year 916 owner from 97 to '02. Same with the SS's, I had a very big softspot for the old 94 on SS range especially the SL (I even bought one!) but they were of that era, and were updated with the SSie, some would day an uglier bike (blimey I even bought one of those 1000ss. So now I've just bought a 999 . Y? cos its the most characterful V-twin available at the moment.
Each ducati generation isnt meant to be the same as the one before its meant to be different. The 999 isnt pretty however it does have strong style. Compared to current japs sports its far more to look at, imho. Local dealers have 999r near a new cbr1000rr and the honda just looks bland.
If you are happy with jap il4s then you always struggle with the cost burden of a ducati. And if you buy any bike as a means of keeping your money safe? well keep taking the tablets.
as to service costs, lifes hard, the desmo a ducati tradition does not come with an easy service plan, if its a problem buy a honda/aprillia?/SV suzook... PS VTEC VFRs allegely need 2days to service the valves (how much labour charge would that be!). All just my spin...
[Edited on 16-5-2006 by IainMac]  |