Monday, May 24, 2010

Had a chance to ride something I've never been on before

A Ducati 748. Never been on a crotch rocket before.

Impressions:
0 to 70 in AAAHAAHHAAAAAH! I mean, DAMN. And at 70 the thing was obviously just loafing along.

It'd be real easy to get in trouble on it, the handling is much different from the Vulcan.

Good brakes, good suspension, but the riding position would kill my hands after a while.

Did I mention the sucker is fast?

In 6th gear, at 60, you had to watch it because it just seemed to creep back up to about 70; took very little throttle change to affect speed quite a bit.

A very impressive bike, but not the thing for me; I need to sit more upright.

9 comments:

Roger said...

Excellent choice in sport bikes. My Ducati 900 SS was the most fun motorcycle I ever owned. Wide and deep power band, superb handling, an exhaust note that would make Mozart weep in shame & painted RED red. Mine was quite reliable too. Italians make some superb machinery.

Firehand said...

I can honestly say the owner is thrilled with it; I'll stick with the Vulcan. Or if I get another bike, something with a more upright riding position than the Ducati

Jay G said...

You're a better man than I. I'd be far too tempted to push it...

Firehand said...

I took it around the block a couple of times before hitting the highway; like I said, the handling was different enough from what I'm used to to kill that idea.

Believe it or not, I HAVE learned some things over time.

Keith said...

A pal has a couple of Ducatis, he says with the newer one (late 90s), the wind balances the weight of his upper body on his hands at about 100 MPH, and 140 MPH comes up all too easily...

Anonymous said...

I've had two 1500 Vulcan Classics. Put over 100K on both and never had a problem.
Next time (within a year or two) I'm getting a Triumph Thunderbird, just for something a bit different.

http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa/2010_NewThunderbird_Overview_2010Thunderbird.aspx


Dick @ BDP

MauserMedic said...

The only sportbike I've ridden is a Buell, while checking it out for a friend. It constantly felt like I was getting ready to fly over the handlebars; I'll stick with baggers that carry my ample weight over the middle of the frame.

Anonymous said...

60 in 6th gear!!??? Hell, my 750 Paeso will do that in 1st with a whole lot left, heh, heh.
emdfl

Firehand said...

Just to cover: 60 in 6th while on the highway inside the city area in lots of traffic; I think the thing will get you to 60 in first if you're in a hurry. First time on it? I wasn't in that big a hurry.