I have a late 90's 748 and suggest that model. Light, reasonably reliable, very sexy... ...and not too spendy. I like the air-cooled versions more comfortable but nothing can hold a candle to the superbikes in terms of looks.

Chris, we will chat!
You going to Putnam?

The Aprilia is great fun, but naked bikes just plain suck on the freeway. Having a tough time getting comfortable to being buffeted all over the place. Was at Italian Bike Night last night with some old friends. Luca, who has Monsters and a 998, said he was in Italy a few months ago and rented a Multi. Had more fun than a barrel of monkeys.

Maybe I should go buffet in LV...or buy another Multi :p

The opinion on the 748/998 I've heard from owners is that they are *the* torture racks of the Ducati line. Owners love them, but they can be brutal. The 749/999 were easier on the body (but many hated the looks and they didn't perform like they "should" have), and the new 848/1098 are by all accounts....gobsmacking great.

What BMW is that Ray B? Don't know much about BMW's range but it looks really good.

While I will admit that the 999 line is not as classic as the 916 line, but I still would love to own one.

I have a hard time deciding if the water radiator on a Monster is cool or not.

My personal favorite is the Paul Smart replica. I like 70's superbike/cafe racer style with modern components.

I agree, very nice bike:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=130209762302&ssPa geName=STRK:MESO:IT&ih=003

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1209669302.jpg

'hyper:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ducati-Hypermotard-S-2008-Ducati-Hypermotard-S-1100-HYM1100-S-HYM1100S_W0QQitemZ130218869122QQihZ003QQcategoryZ6 026QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1209669432.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1209669445.jpg

The HYM is a hoot. The Smart is a torture rack - beautiful but I wouldn't want to ride it that often. There are some issues with the HYM though...evidently it likes to low-side due to too much front brake, light weight and forward seating position. The main problem is that it brings out your inner hooligan quicker than you can say "v-twin."

Thanks Alexander. It's a R1200c Phoenix edition they made in 2001-2003.

Okay,

How about a new Monster 696? Riding impressions here:

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Apr/080430-696.htm

JR

Oh it's not that bad, I've done a 400 mile day on mine and it was fine. ;) I'm riding it to the MotoGP this year.

Cute Girl!!!

916 based (and the 99+ SS models as well) bikes benefit GREATLY from bar risers. A good set of risers won't turn them into VFRs or STs, but will make them pleasant to ride for more than 50 miles.

Keep in mind when dealing with older ducs that 2v 750/800 and 900s are totally different engines, not just pertaining to displacement.

The 900 has the classic duc dry clutch whereas the 600/620/750/800 are all derivatives of the early 80s Pantah line, with wet clutches and in the case of the 600 and 750, limited aftermarket perf gains if you are not happy with stock or minor mods.

The classic bevel drive 900s are very expensive. Figure $10-15k for a 78-82 900SS, right?

Danny Ocean's 750 sport is a completely different animal than the softer 750SS that came out a year or 2 later. The 750 sport was a pretty wild bike, extremely rare, and in a much hotter state of tune. It may have the same bottom end as the 851, I can't remember.

Road trip to Monterey? Hmm....