Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > General Motorcycles only > Friendly advice to someone who's new to this

[Sammy_C]

Well I've been around bikes for ages but I am now just getting round doing it for my self better to walk the walk and talk the talk. So what do would everyone out there suggest as a Ducati for a novice I was thinking about a 748. How do I go about looking for a used Ducati in good order and what the price be remember I am on a budget. What about insurance?
Cheers labs for helping a damsel in distress

maybe consider an SS if you want a fully faired bike ... or a Monster if you don't ....

A 748 probably isn't the best bike to learn on unless you have 12 months + experience .....

As for finding one .. well complete your profile with your location and teres bound to be someone local that can help.

Dibs

[Twinfan]

If you're on a budget a Ducati is probably not the best option. Servicing is costly, as is insurance. A first timer on a 748 will pay a £2000+ premium I would think.

How about an 800SS/1000SS or the M800/S2R/M1000 Monsters?

What level of budget are we talking about here?

[Steve M]

Hi Sammy, welcome to the board and hopefuly to Ducatis.
What have you ridden before and where about are you?

[JPM]

Welcome,

As has been said Ducati's are great bikes, but if you're a new rider I wouldn't recommend one, I'd been riding for several years before I took the plunge and they definitely aren't an easy bike to ride, that isn't saying they're a bad bike to ride, just not very forgiving and you'll end up with aches and pains everywhere.

Servicing costs and insurance are something to consider too, but hell if you've got the money and you want a Ducati go for it.... live the dream, all of us pretty much are!!

Now did I hear the mention of a drink?

[Lily]

Ignore them all Sammy!!

If you want a 748 then you get one :P

I had only been riding 10 months when i got mine and as long as you are sensible it will be ok.

Having said that they are not really the economy ducati for servicing etc, but insurance might not be too bad depending on where you live etc.

If you want a sportsbiek and want a duc then a 748 would be fine, if not then maybe an ss or even a monster.

Welcome anyway

[rcgbob44]

There all old fools on here, just go and get yourself a nice sensible Honda!

You meet the nicest people on a Honda!

[webbyc]

748 or 9** not the best choice for a beginner - if you really want to get into the duke thing then start with a monster. Good starter bikes are honda hornet, suzuki bandit or SV650, bit gentler and easier for the beginner. Whereabouts are you?

[Rob B]

Welcome Sammy.

What Webby said, Monsters are ace, and then you can spend your time getting to know the 888 or 851 and pick up a real classic. Not that I'm biased at all. LOL.

I can't see where you're based, but if it's roughly South, why don't you drop by for a chat on Sunday's mini Megameet.

Rgds. Rob

[Paul James]

See if you can find a 750ss, they are really good fun and easy to maintain. If you are a bit more of a headbanger you could always go 900ss instead.

Not so demanding on the wrists as a 9*6

You can ride them hard on the road and have just as much fun as the 4 valve bikes. Wish I'd kept mine but I'm a bit short of space now. The latest ones aren't universally liked, IMHO the version before looks better and a few people I've talked to who ride the latest ones prefer the older version.