Advice Needed

Vienna

New member
I posted this in the 748 section but thought i may get a better response here? here it goes. Im 24 and have not ridden before. i plan on taking the certification course this summer, and plan to start out on a 600. I have extensive knowledge of dirt bikes and had ridden them for years when younger. How foolish/not foolish would it be to start out on a 1995-2001 ducati 748 monopost? thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Mike

if it factors in, im not a 24 year old with a need for speed. i got that out of my system with cars when i was younger. now im looking to enjoy riding, and the 748 has been a dream bike of mine since i was 10-12 years old and now i can afford it. hence my wanting it soon.
 
the 748/916 series are race bikes, pure and simple. they are brutally uncomfortable (don't believe them), they are very fickle and costly to maintain. They are however, gorgeous. And, when ridden fully committed, they are quite simply stunning.

I think I know where your head's at. you're whole goal of getting into road riding is to ultimately get that bike, so you're toast. you gotta have it. so, eventually get it.

but definitely, definitely, definitely spend as long as it takes on a "starter" bike, and try to take in at least 1 track day. otherwise, you won't get out of the 748 the magic that is truly in there.

but honestly, cruising and extended mile is not only a waste on a Ducati Superbike, it's painful
 
About 10yrs back friend of mine was complaining about how uncomfortable his 916 was. He commuted 60 miles a day on it. I asked him he didn't buy something more suited for daily riding and he said it was worth all the pain in the ass for the feeling he got when he laid it into a fast sweeping corner. I lusted after the 748 as well. I plan to buy one for track use. You can find a good 748 for far cheaper than a new 600. They are costly to maintain. But as long as your willing to deal with that I would say go ahead. The bike is comparable to the power output of the 600's in it's day. I know plenty of new riders who have ridden much more powerful machines. I think just the fact that its a 10yr old sportbike that can still draw a crowd is worth the price of admission alone.
 
I totally agree with sfyamr1. 748 is a pure race bike and even if you are not in need for speed, that 748 will make you need that for sure. You will find yourself speeding no matter what limit you put to yourself in your mind. Do not get it as a first bike. Get it after you get some experience on a lighter bike.
 
I know it sounds crazy to suggest something with an even larger displacement, but have you looked at one of the Sport 1000's? These are light and quick and handle very well, and I think they'd make a good starter bike, one you could use for a number of years.

Pjk
 
I'm kind of like you, rode a 1977 Kawi kz650 back then. Quit riding in 1985 or so. Now I'm back since my boys are grown so I bought a 1098s despite all saying I'll get killed. Hey, put in over 600 miles already and enjoyed every minute of it. I'd never riden a superbike ever. Respect it and just take it easy. Riding position takes some getting use too and wrists work-out certainly helps. I do agree doing some track time will be a lot of fun and that's on my list of TTD. The Duc 999 is my dream bike but i got a 1098s instead. I still want the 999 though. Go get it and have fun, slowly.
 
Agree with you. My 18 yr old took the riding course, got his license a month ago and he's riding my 1098s though the first few rides I follow him in my car. It's not that I don't trust that he can't do it but I like to look at my beautiful Duc too. Haha. Little possessive? Well....
 
The saftey course is definately woth it. I bought a 03 999 as my first bike then 8 months later I got the 1098 I wanted. My suggestion is get the bike you want so you won't go get another after you've been riding for a few months.
 
I am amazed how comfortably you guys can recommend a race bike for a first bike....your experiences are good for you and you only and you making no mistakes with an overpowered bike does not give you the flexibility for recommending it to another person. IMHO.
 
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