“It’s been 10 years since I last had a bike and after renting one on holiday I thought it was time to get back in the saddle.
My previous bikes were all sports bikes but I wanted something completely different this time around. I had looked had several alternatives but when I saw this, then this was the bike I had to have.
I bought the bike without test riding it and I took delivery of it a little over 3 months ago, and I have to say I’ve definitely made the right decision. I’m extremely impressed, it’s not only a great looking bike, it’s a great bike to ride.
The compact design, aggressive look and that Red & White colour scheme, that matt bronze colour on the engine casing and swing arm really sets the bike off, it’s pure Italian design, it looks fantastic and with the huge fuel tank and sculptured front end it retains that muscular Monster look.
I opted for the Termigoni exhausts which don’t only look great, but they also increase that famous Ducati burble making the bike look and sound, that it means business from the off.
There are so many things about this bike that I like, one of which is the adjustable ride height, which allows you to adjust the seat from 810mm to 790, with the standard seat, and so if you’ve got short legs like me it’s perfect, and gives me that confidence at lower speeds or when doing those awkward three point turns, allowing me to have my feet flat in the ground.
I also like the wide seat and position of the bars which provide a comfortable seating position, however, on my first ride, I initially found the riding position a little unorthodox, certainly compared to previous bikes I’ve owned or ridden. I found it a little awkward as the foot pegs are positioned slightly rearward, but after a few minutes in the saddle I soon got used to them and settled in for the first long ride.
I’ve heard several comments about how it doesn’t have a coloured instrument panel similar to other Ducati’s but personally I don’t think it’s an issue. I think the display is clear and easy to read in all light conditions and provides the rider with almost all the information you need. I say almost as like many other comments a fuel gauge and gear indicator would have just completed the package.
The 3 riding modes that come as standard are great, as it was the middle of winter when I bought the bike I initially set it in the Urban mode which reduces the engine power and provides you with maximum ABS & traction control, which was ideal for the first ride in wet and slippery conditions on a brand new bike. As I got used the bike I moved it to the Touring mode giving me the full power but also retaining the assistance of the ABS and traction control. Over the last couple of weeks the weather has been great and I've been able to push the bike to my limits in the Sport mode and it's simply awesome.
This bike is so much fun to ride, the torque, the sound and the overall performance of it is totally addictive.”
“With a Ducati motorcycle it's about how you feel when you ride it.
It's not about top speed or being the fastest 0-60 time it's the thrill of riding it and feeling good on the bike.
It looks fantastic just standing still as Italian styling is great, all the Ducati models are such good looking bikes.
For me there was only one choice.”
