I've been lucky enough to have owned two Ducatis - a 1992 888 SP and a 1999 996 SPS.
The 888 got ridden to France and Italy as well as in all seasons here in the UK plus several trackdays - never let me down and the finish stayed beautiful throughout.
The 996 did more than 30,000 miles including foreign track days and many trips abroad including 10 days down into Italy and back riding through Switzerland, Germany, Holland and France in constant p*ssing rain.
She only ever let me down twice - both times with blown fuses easily mended.
Meanwhile a mate with a new Fireblade has got through three sets of front disks, the paint on his tank wore through in half the miles of the Ducati - plus he had factory recalls; and another mate with an R1 has also had factory recalls and suffered problems with the clutch.
It's all about maintenance and care. The service schedules on a Ducati are there for a reason. Not cheap, but in my experience if you look after her she will look after you and reward you with one of the most all round satisfying experiences you'll get out of two wheels.
All, of course, IMHO.
;o))
Posted: 29/04/2009 at 21:48
