A Duc in my garage...at last!
 

Sold my BMW GS Adeventure after only about 9 months of ownership. Came back from a ride and proclaimed to my wife that it's an old man's bike....and I'm not that old yet. Craigslist did the trick. Great guy flew in from Long Island, bought the bike and rode it home. Fast forward to yesterday.

Found an ad for an 08 S2R Monster 1000 about 3 hours from home. Original owner, 3400 miles, full Termis, bar end mirrors, bunch of SpeedyMoto stuff, CF front fender, etc. Full maintenance records, flawless, except needed a rear tire (done...replaced both). Worked out a fair deal and brought her home.

Now I understand. Took my new-to-me Duc for a long ride today and can say I now have an Italian mistress. I love the sound and feel, the thrust is breathtaking and the handling is feather light and flickable unlike any bike I've ever owned. It's a bit rough around the edges compared to German 4's (BMW K bikes), but with a feel, vibe and finesse that they couldn't match. Really enjoying this bike. Glad to be aboard. Here's a pic:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1318206705.jpg

Too bad about that GSA. Mine just started leaking at the final drive today, just shy of 40k miles. Good thing I got the dealer to throw in that extended warranty. It will have paid for itself after this next repair.

She's a beauty! Congrats and ride safe.

Congrats. Beautiful bike. And they're a blast to ride. One of those bikes where the sum experience is greater than the specs on paper.

Gone to the dark side huh? They are very nice bikes and not to worry, hopefully you will get old and enjoy a BMW again. If I rode a Duc I would kill myself...

My Hypermotard 1100 has twice the power down here at sea level then it had in Montana. With the upright riding position, the thing will not keep the front on the ground with anything more than 30% throttle. They are intoxicating!

I went to a local dealer's (Pro Italia) annual Cafe Desmo today. Ducs of all persuations, though mostly the newer stuff. I think intoxicating might be the right word. Thank God the local constabulary wasn't enforcing stock pipe laws.

Was Marco there?

You guys are killing me.

Beautiful bike Mike! I had a 2000 900S. Full Termi pipes. Always regretted selling that bike.

I'm on a Guzzi 1100 at the moment. Its a cool bike, I like riding it. But its pretty milk toast compared to a Duc. Ducs have fire in the belly. They snarl at you and they can back it up.

You know, I've never had the chance to meet Marco (we're talking TLG, right?), so I don't know what he looks like.

Sweet! Congratulations!

That's the bike that brought me over to Ducati. Friend had a silver one with black stripe (with Termis, loaded with CF too) that he let me ride. I started looking the next weekend.

Yes, TLG Marco. He moved to just a few blocks away from ProItalia apparently, and not far from ACH. I can't believe you haven't seen photos of him. Have you checked his facebook page? I think he has one there.

nice ride. welcome to the club.

I've clicked on this post about 5 times just to look at your bike. Absolute sweet spot for the Monster. Full Termi, 5 spoke Marchesini wheels. Trellis frame.

Blue chip bike.

+1. that bike is sweet.

That.

That is not a motorbike.

That is a work of art on wheels.

Pro Italia is a fun shop to visit. I've bought some of my gear there and have test ridden a few Ducs over the years. They also did service on my Multi before it turned into a flaming hulk.

I can't do the Monsters these days - even those are too tight for the knees. I'm pretty much limited to my old man GS :D

I like...alot. But sadly it's no Triple...;) Damn I miss that bike. Another is in the cards...among other cool things.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1318216544.jpg

Ride safe!

david, you should look at the triumph 675.... what a bike.

that said, the ducati's are amazing.

This is what happens when you start to stray...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1318216934.jpg

Cool - check
Personality - check
Unique - check
Fast - check...but...
Italian - check++

Better - NO!

I don't see myself riding a 4 ever as do I never see riding a twin again ever. Triple is the sweet spot. :)