[Athelstan]

I wrote a long and detailed reply after reading this board a few days ago, but our new website "lost" it. So here it is in brief. HOPEFULLY!!!

Bought my ST4s new from Phil at Italia in Lincoln in June 2001 - been serviced there ever since. Never been charged twice for the same thing on the invoice - never been overcharged for the excellent work and care n attention - never been charged for work not done, and always been given free advice over the 'phone. But most important of all - my bike has never dumped me at the side of the road anywhere in 5yrs of fantastic touring all across Europe.

Now I live in Switzerland and the round trip to Lincoln is 1,500mls door to door - when I leave Lincoln I need to do so in a complete peaceful and content frame of mind as I do not want to be dumped at the side of French N road because some spanner passers monkey failed to torque a fastner correctly or forget to refit a bolt on the calipers if you get my drift.

So if you feel you're not getting value and quality from your service - change workshop - and - if you feel Ducati Ownership costs are a rip off - change Brand.

I'm not a millionaire, nor do I earn a huge salary - I'm an ordinairy type of chap whose been motorcycling for 35yrs now, and in that time I've seen enough dreadfull servicing to know when I'm getting excellent quality and great value.

It's Italia for me - (whilst they continue to maintain their high standards)