I seem to recall there has been a "free" servicing deal on. Martin M bought an ST3 last year late on from Ducati Leeds with two years "free" servicing.
I can't remember if it was a Dealer offer or a DUK promotion. There might be something on here.
Anyone else remember what happened before Christmas!!???
DUK and their dealers do make an effort to shift the metal, Deals I have seen publicised include free extras like hard luggage for touring bikes, pipes, finance deals, free servicing, and so on, some of this might be a dealer funded some with DUK support.
It's very easy to loose sight of the fact that Ducati is a business, it has to cover its costs and hopefully a bit more to survive in the long term.
Maybe the Factory itself is the exception to that rule!! but it applies to the dealers in a town near you?
Free lunch?, no such thing, somebody somewhere is paying, the cost just doesn't disppear, be it hard cash or lost margin.
Ray.
[Edited on 24-1-2006 by Ray]