the most honest answer please

996racer said:

had a 998 Mono, then 996R. Now I ride the Pani Tri. The 998 was like that hot girl in high school who loved to party and .... but you know you couldent take home to mom because she was too much fun. The 996R was her even hotter best friend that he met while in rehab. I loved her, but again she was just too hot to handle for anything other than short trysts. The Pani is different.

The Pani is hot, real hot. However even in LIE traffic in August, she wont blow a gasket. her beauty evokes jaw dropping stares from young and old, male and female alike. When it is time to strut her stuff, she leaps into action with the ferocity of a lion and the reflexes of a cheetah and bests her competition while not breaking a sweat. With the poise and grandure Grace Kelly and the skills of Steven Segal, this Italian is the one for me.

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man your words are really really deep , you made smile reading them , yes this is the kind of girls i like

Trauma said:

There's guy on another thread with the same name, doing the same thing you are. You guys should get together when you get your bikes. Congrats.

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guy with the same name ?? i just joined here and this is my second post after the welcoming part , weird .

TimMozart said:

guy with the same name ?? i just joined here and this is my second post after the welcoming part , weird .

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I was kidding, you started 2 threads with the same theme lol. Anyway, as a former Kaw/Ninja fanatic (1978->1992, Z1R->ZX11), the Ducati is a major difference in beauty, speed, reliability, and 100 times the fun. The thump-thump of a twin in pure heaven over an inline 4 whine.

We must be related...

TimMozart said:

hello guys,

i hope you dont mind someone who was hating ducati to the core and curse everything related to it , i am here to make the big move and be one with this brand , i used to have 08 FIREBLADE and my last bike was VMAX gen 2 , now i am on my way to buy what my heart always wanted no matter what the haters said , you only live once.

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Saw some similarities in your history, so I figured I'd nudge you toward our Italian friend.

Coming from an '03 Fireblade, took me a year and a half to make the plunge into my Italian roots and invite this Italian home. Let's just say that my dear Japanese friend sits in the garage, all alone, looking longingly at me when I return with the fiery Italian, hoping that some day I'll tire of such favoritism.

Recently, my Fireblade put a rusty nail in the Italian's rear (who else could have done it?), so while the Italian was getting a tire replaced, I was back on Old Faithful. Ahh, mid-range Torque (ported and polished), trunk space, easy starting, back to the good ol' days...TIL the Italian called my up and said two little words...so simple...no begging...just "" and "I'm ready..."

Well, needless to say, the Fireblade is once again awaiting that moment.

So what about the old "good for the track but not for the street?" comment?
Well, can't argue that if your commute is city riding, you may need to do a walk-through of your local hospital's BURN unit and Orthopedic unit (specializing in wrists)...BUT after ~5500 miles, with 600 miles in 2 days, I'm more hooked than ever.

How about ergonomics? Arguably, the Fireblade has ergonomics down pat. Honda just knows how to make a Superbike feel comfy (road to LA no problem), but this here Italian lets me commute 40 minutes each way without punishing me. Wrists are fine and, more importantly, back is happy--even happier than on the Fireblade--despite multiple spine/pelvic fractures a few years ago.

Perfect bike? Of course not. But here are a few perspective questions:

Would you rather stuff groceries in a Ferrari Enzo, or evenly space them in a Ford Econoline van?
Would you rather fill up more often in Bugatti Veyron, or poke past the gas stations in a Prius?
Would you rather wear earplugs in a Lambo Aventador, or enjoy Mozart in a Hyundai Equus (now we're hitting home, TimMozart)?
& last one, Would you rather feel like your body, soul, and spirit (and right thigh and foot) are on fire on this Italian superbike, or be sheltered from the outside world in a Volvo station wagon?

Do your research, ask your questions, make your lists of pros and cons, but don't be surprised if the Star Trek Borg mantra begins to echo in your ear...Resistance is futile...resistance is futile...resistance is futile...

And, TimMozart, we won't be surprised if one of your next posts is...
...Hey, guys, just wanted to let you know...I got it.

Trauma said:

I was kidding, you started 2 threads with the same theme lol. Anyway, as a former Kaw/Ninja fanatic (1978->1992, Z1R->ZX11), the Ducati is a major difference in beauty, speed, readability, and 100 times the fun. The thump-thump of a twin in pure heaven over an inline 4 whine.

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hahaha your really got me bro , well thanks for the input and i put almost same theme because i was in a war with my self but guys like you and the rest here did great help for me , thanks again.

No worries. We've always known the people who hate Ducati the most really want one.

rocdoc said:

Saw some similarities in your history, so I figured I'd nudge you toward our Italian friend.

Coming from an '03 Fireblade, took me a year and a half to make the plunge into my Italian roots and invite this Italian home. Let's just say that my dear Japanese friend sits in the garage, all alone, looking longingly at me when I return with the fiery Italian, hoping that some day I'll tire of such favoritism.

Recently, my Fireblade put a rusty nail in the Italian's rear (who else could have done it?), so while the Italian was getting a tire replaced, I was back on Old Faithful. Ahh, mid-range Torque (ported and polished), trunk space, easy starting, back to the good ol' days...TIL the Italian called my up and said two little words...so simple...no begging...just "" and "I'm ready..."

Well, needless to say, the Fireblade is once again awaiting that moment.

So what about the old "good for the track but not for the street?" comment?
Well, can't argue that if your commute is city riding, you may need to do a walk-through of your local hospital's BURN unit and Orthopedic unit (specializing in wrists)...BUT after ~5500 miles, with 600 miles in 2 days, I'm more hooked than ever.

How about ergonomics? Arguably, the Fireblade has ergonomics down pat. Honda just knows how to make a Superbike feel comfy (road to LA no problem), but this here Italian lets me commute 40 minutes each way without punishing me. Wrists are fine and, more importantly, back is happy--even happier than on the Fireblade--despite multiple spine/pelvic fractures a few years ago.

Perfect bike? Of course not. But here are a few perspective questions:

Would you rather stuff groceries in a Ferrari Enzo, or evenly space them in a Ford Econoline van?
Would you rather fill up more often in Bugatti Veyron, or poke past the gas stations in a Prius?
Would you rather wear earplugs in a Lambo Aventador, or enjoy Mozart in a Hyundai Equus (now we're hitting home, TimMozart)?
& last one, Would you rather feel like your body, soul, and spirit (and right thigh and foot) are on fire on this Italian superbike, or be sheltered from the outside world in a Volvo station wagon?

Do your research, ask your questions, make your lists of pros and cons, but don't be surprised if the Star Trek Borg mantra begins to echo in your ear...Resistance is futile...resistance is futile...resistance is futile...

And, TimMozart, we won't be surprised if one of your next posts is...
...Hey, guys, just wanted to let you know...I got it.

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WOW , this is really a joy to read and you said it all , and yes we are almost had the same mind f--ing issues in which we have to follow our heart rather than chasing comfort and peace of mind , the honda was really good but i remember that whenever i see ducati i was like wow that sound and look was epic , if you think about it you are already on a superbike with super speed but the only bike that made forget that i am on a superbike was the ducati and that tell how much the heart wanted it but i lied to my self and said whatever reason i had before , and i am planning actually to commute on it no matter what fire she spits, i mean the honda was really hot actually.

i really appreciate your long great reply it is really helpful and you will be the one to know the day i get the bike.

I've had 7 or 8 ducatis starting in 1998, all but two were bought new. I typically put lots of miles on my bikes and most have been daily transportation (especially my streetfighter, multi, and couple monsters).

I've had almost no issues in all that time, I think the only warranty claims I've had were a new tank for the streetfighter, and a leaky head gasket on my multi. I also had an out of warranty flaking rocker issue on my 748 that ducati did a goodwill fix on. I did have a regulator blow on my 748 as well (it was a 97)Probably on all the bikes 70 or 80k miles. That's actually pretty good.

That said, they do have issues, tho reading bike specific forums can really distort that as owners with problems tend to be more prolific and vocal about problems they've experienced than the owners who've had no problems.

No ducati, or any bike is problem free, as long as you keep in mind that you may indeed have some probs with your duc, you'll be fine and probably very happy.

TimMozart said:

rocdoc said:

I had some fun in responding to your question about whether to go with Ducati or not.

Welcome to the forum

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actually it was the best answer and i liked it really , do you recommend the R or the normal 1199 and seriously how bad it will be as commuter. i mean antihero i think showed as that if we loved something we can do the impossible and the ability to adapt is really something we forget sometimes.

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My Fireblade was having issues, and, like you, I wasn't bathing in enough $$ to get a Multistrada AND a superbike, so my next bike (current bike now) had to possess a few key qualities:

1. good on the track- Amazing! What a blast! Only bike that got close to passing me on the straights was the BMW S1KRR and a Dave Moss-modifed Honda. And hey, if I can only achieve the equivalent of 8th or 9th in WSBK times, I can live with that.

2. fun for the commute- oh, yeah! (Understand that I do mostly freeway, with a bit of lane-splitting.) Makes my short commute to other work locations a bit disappointing. No regrets in that department in 5500 miles, eh AntiHero?)

3. Traction control- Priceless for me. Only way I knew it was on was the little yellow light blinking at me AND reviewing the DDA later (talk about a lot of stealth intervention!). Scared about the power? Put DTC on 8 and have at it. Too skilled for DTC? Turn it low or off. Riding in sub-freezing weather, but like the higher HP? Put DTC on 8 and keep the 195 HP on. Riding in the rain? Dial it in the way you want it. (Of note, BMW doesn't allow personilizing the riding modes.)

4. ABS- ever gone down on the street due to gravel? rain? Could ABS have prevented that? And at the track, I've felt it kick in and knew it was worth the $.

As for the R vs standard/S/Tri, I best not touch that with a 10 ft pole, lest I get lambasted by the kinfolk here, 'cause they're all pretty amazing machines and they all give that undeniable, unforgettable visceral feeling everyone talks about...
...but I will say that I planned on keeping mine a while, putting lots of commuting miles on it, and tracking it hard so I went for the Titanium-laden engine. The extra 500 RPMs (without the risk of voiding the warranty by adding them yourself) are pretty useful on the track, too.

Just add up what you're going to do to the bike after you buy it and see which price that total is closest to. For example, do you want electronic suspension, Termi exhaust, swingarm slider/puck, CF tidbits, DDA with GPS activated lap times, LED headlights, ABS, taller windscreen, lighter wheels, mirror blockoffs, different seat, etc...? Starts to add up after a while.

Zvez, Trauma, MrKO, Phil, Duc One, Zaster, DucSyd, RandallNYC, ScrapperX, 996Racer, Wilkson, Fireman, etc... summed it up well with one common thread...

The negatives will be incinerated like rubbish (and like your right thigh) when you get on the Panigale and GET ON IT!!!

TimMozart said:

well that i will remember for sure the cost is something held me back from Ducati in the past but i dont care if i am gonna get what i want i think. thanks

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That's the only way to approach the matter.

Just do it.
Suck it and see if it's right for you

These DUCATI's are really only for people who can appreciate and truly understand what they are, and what they've got. IMO.

Kinda a silly question to ask on THIS forum when ya think about it

Trauma said:

Kinda a silly question to ask on THIS forum when ya think about it

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Where ekse do you suggest he asks???

wilkson said:

Welcome . Apparently when you buy one you hate them even more . Let the hate continue .

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4TLiiY5VCE

Stw said:

Where ekse do you suggest he asks???

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The BMW forums.

It would be good to get their feedback.
As long as one were not trolling

I was a lover then a hater..and a lover again. I openly admit i had some issues with the Pani that drove me nuts..and I was vocal about them. However, alot of it was my fault to not take the time and get the bike set up more to my liking.Be patient..it takes some time, but once there it's great. Ducati evokes a passion that can't be described. Honestly,I think my aprilia is the better motorcycle on a whole but it doesn't quite get the mojo going the same as a Ducati does.There's just something you learn to love even in the faults. The Aprilia evokes alot of passion as well but just not quite in the same way..hard to describe. Running a bit more compression up front helped me a bunch and running the P setting as opposed to F. Everyone is different but once I was able to take some of the "punishment" out of the equation, I found love again. It's a Ducati..it's gonna have it's quirks but if you want your heart to beat everytime you look in the garage..take the plunge

Those who speak negatively are afraid (Be Very Afraid) that this fiery devel will steel their sole.

yodafro said:

As long as you don't expect perfection you will be quite satisfied. You won't get perfection in any bike... However, what you do get is that feeling like you're a kid again. Euphoria... Only on a Ducati. Congrats on your decision.

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Well said!

Good on you for starting this thread TM and welcome aboard. Have thoroughly enjoyed reading the excellent input you've been getting and agree with all of it.
Have been enjoying motorcycles for many years but never more than since hooking up with Ducati (916, 1098, 1198, 1199). It's a special brand that offers up a very special experience.

TimMozart said:

I smell a sarcastic note here but thanks you bro ;-)

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Just messing with you. Glad you're joining the club. I've ridden many, many bikes over the years and this is definitely one of the most thrilling.

Ride safe out there.

zvez said:

I've had 7 or 8 ducatis starting in 1998, all but two were bought new. I typically put lots of miles on my bikes and most have been daily transportation (especially my streetfighter, multi, and couple monsters).

I've had almost no issues in all that time, I think the only warranty claims I've had were a new tank for the streetfighter, and a leaky head gasket on my multi. I also had an out of warranty flaking rocker issue on my 748 that ducati did a goodwill fix on. I did have a regulator blow on my 748 as well (it was a 97)Probably on all the bikes 70 or 80k miles. That's actually pretty good.

That said, they do have issues, tho reading bike specific forums can really distort that as owners with problems tend to be more prolific and vocal about problems they've experienced than the owners who've had no problems.

No ducati, or any bike is problem free, as long as you keep in mind that you may indeed have some probs with your duc, you'll be fine and probably very happy.

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I think with this kind of history it would be crime actually to go with another bike , and as I see from what you have went through with the bikes it is pretty good overall , let us see how our ownership will do as this is gonna be my first ducati ever , thanks a lot for your answer sir.