Ducati 916, Buying ones dream bike.

[whizz]

im still sticking to the fact that i loved both of mine and they wernt that bad to work on ...its only nuts n bolts .... ;D loved the ditch pump reference ....lol

[t3scn]

Nice project,

The 916 looks lovely once restored, I keep meaning to start a project like this myself.

Once a Ducatisti allways a Ducatisti

[470four]

It's so funny how defensive Ducati riders become.. ;D

I had a test ride on an 851 in 1990 when they were all the rage and found myself completely underwhelmed, couldn't see what the fuss was all about (and it was a genuine half hour ride on roads I knew well). Last month Bike mag had a Panigale for testing duties and one day it just refused to start... Character my arse! There is simply no excuse for unreliable bikes nowadays, especially when they're brand new and cost the far side of 20 big ones... all the "they're as reliable as Japanese bikes nowadays" is no more than wishful thinking.

SP1/2s aren't a copy of Ducatis, they were a necessary move in order to compete under the rules written especially for Ducati by the Italian WSB series owners. It was particularly satisfying to see Edwards beat Ducati twice, especially in the classic 2002 showdown at Imola... You can fire all the "plastic missiles" barbs that you want Darren, but I prefer a bike that I service when it needs it and doesn't break down, no matter how much abuse it receives. You ride your preference and I'll ride mine, but don't look down your nose at people who don't ride ditch pumps....

The 1990 851?? A parts bin special, the 2nd generation 851 was a far superior bike, the 888 which followed was a World-beater, the 916? Say no more...

Every marque has its not-so-greats, the 1990/91 900ss was also challenged, the 1998+ 900SS injection was truly bizarre in its choice of clothes, as was the Paso?

So - you havent rode a Ducati for TWENTY-TWO YEARS? Well thats an up-to-date review then...

I remember riding some truly terrible bikes at that time but to be honest am open-minded enough not to write off the entire make? That would be a truly bigoted decision.

NO machine, motorcycle or car is 100% reliable. New cars & bikes break down, all part of the shakedown period, if they didnt the AA etc would be short of business... Not for one second did I say they didnt have issues? A 17-year old car/bike/whatever will always show its age from time to time.

Im sure Honda did kick ass with its 90deg L-twin, how predictable that a multi-million dollar multi-national company such as Honda could out-budget, out-preform a small Italian company? It took them long enough to do it tho, on what was a hi-budget L-twin. Clapclap.

Doesnt matter to me, as much as Rossi not doing so well on the Ducati today? Wouldnt buy a Harley either but each to their own.


Horses for courses - & mine is red. 8-)

[470four]

Found this a few months back...




House is in England, bike supported by:

"mounted on two 20 inch 6mm plates with 6 M12 rawl plugs holding each to the wall which had 20mm bar welded onto it that went through the wheel centres. Also had an eye bolt in the wall with a strap round the frame "just incase". Safe as houses at that time I also had an RSV Mille and Honda SP1 still have and ride the SP1 and the Duc is still mine and running."

[Last Train]

8-) 8-)

That is top interior decor.

Had a smililar sort of thing, though not wall mounted, in my gaff a year or so back. Made a great coffee table. ;D

[DC]

I reckon his mrs told him if he ever rode that bike again she would leave him so he conceded and thought he would teach her a lesson in the process !!! ;D

[Jon_W]

The only ducatti I've ever really wanted is the 888..... don't ask why...

but

I'll still stand by my Sv!!! Top bike!!!!! 8-)

[470four]

The only ducatti I've ever really wanted is the 888..... don't ask why...

but

I'll still stand by my Sv!!! Top bike!!!!! 8-)

Why, are you waiting for recovery?? ;D

LOVE the 888's! The SP5 in particular... My mate in Westbury has an SP4 which he keeps in his Front room.

The 888 is a hairy-assed bar-room brawler to the 916's professional boxer, in another light - Brad Pitt to David Beckham... Everyone seems to have had a 916 nowadays?

Would like:

888 SP5

Bevel 900SS in black & gold

A Multistrada 1200 for touring etc

Panigale? maybe next years... test rode one a month or so back (Crosbie took the Diavel out at the same time, never seen him look so wide-eyed, lol) TINY bike, like a 600?? Stuck to the floor, firm but forgiving suspension... they have somehow worked the exhaust flap-valve to silence the bike at 5500rpm for noise testing purposes, above and below that it is nothing short of an aural delight... 8-)

Rode around for a few miles getting used to the thing, on the way back the lead bike gunned it off down the carriageway... I opened it up in 3rd & it SURGED off down the road... peak power came in, the world went backwards and at 90mph the front wheel rose a few inches off the floor and pitter-pattered down the road... ;D


(OMG)

Giggled all the way back... with great power comes great irresponsibility.

[470four]

Bevel 900SS - the LEGEND.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8yEIQbFV8c

SP5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucYOlKcgIiI

The clanking dakka-dakka sound is the infamous Ducati dry clutch...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcIr75i_h_M

It is NOT low on oil

- not a diesel

- doesnt need a new camchain

- doesnt need a rebuild. ;D

More bevelness...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ5Xv7O6he0