Owner Loyalty

[Unity996]

Started thinking about this as I'm reading all the posts about the 1098 vs Ducati's previous offerings...

I get A LOT of crap from the Honda boys I ride with about being a Duc lover. Yet, whenever the new model R1, CBR, ZX comes out...these guys are the first to ditch their bikes and run to the new model. For the most part...these guys treat their ride like shit...and I get a good amount of crap for treating my bike like a member of the family or spending so much money putting aftermarket parts on her. (BTW...her name's Lucille...told my girlfriend that as much time as I spend riding my bike, it better be a girl. Got slapped for that one )

And now here comes an incredible leap forward in the SBK line...the 1098...and I hear quite a few people (myself included) waffling about buying the new bike...because they ABSOLUTELY LOVE their current ride and can't bear the thought of parting with it. (IF I do trade/sell my 996 for the 1098...I'll have to have a few moments alone to cry )

Now tell me...how many Japanese brands out there have a 13 year-old design (refering to the 1994 intro of the 916) that can evoke that much passion in their owners. Just think about what was being offered by the major 4 back then...would those bikes still bring out that much bike lust/envy? or still turn as many heads? I don't think so... And how many FZ1000/YZF1000 owners (if they are still out there) would drop their current ride in a New York minute for a 2007 R1?

Says a lot about a brand who's passion is racing the motorcycles they design and build...instead mass-producing motorcycles alongside their riding lawnmowers and generators.

[desmofetish]

Well put!

[DMattK]

utility996,
The other day I went to my friends house to see how he and his wife were doing, if they needed any thing. (both in there late 70s) Turned out he was in his "barn." His barn holds 63 motorcycles. Not all are mint but with a little prodding they will all run. Some are just worth too much to ride. He always has some great memories and stories attached to his favorite bikes. And he will tell you he's old enough now that he has to keep the rest just in case he remembers a good story that includes "that bike." I guess if there is any way to keep her and get a 1098 Id go that route. It would be nice in our old age to be able to actually touch our fondest memories.

[markg]

Unity996, very well said, and great point. I feel kind of dopey never wanting to sell a bike. I ride my 1978 BMW and ask myself why I still keep it, but I bought it new, and if I sold it I'd just spend the money, or do something silly like invest it.

My '92 900ss is a great street bike, and when I want something newer/faster, I just ask myself which bike I would sell. I never really liked the seating position on the 9x6 bikes, and the 999's are nice, but life is complete without one, if you know what I mean. The 1098, or maybe the 8xx variant WILL be my next bike. Keep that one forever too I hope.

A few years ago I sold a really nice 1981 Ducati 900ss to pay the tax man. To my wife's immense credit, she tried to stop me, and still tells me, (correctly too), that I was an idiot to sell it. She takes a hard line now if I even mention selling a bike, and then I come to my senses.

[Chuckracer]

I fully understand and respect where ya'll are coming from, but I have zero brand loyalty. I own a Ducati now, but I have no idea what my next bike will be. I've lusted over dozens already this year alone - Ducati's included. All I know for sure is it will not be a sportbike...I'm gettin old, ya see.

[tomy2k748]

I keep thinking I want a new bike, but my 748 is just so wonderful I cant do it. All the guys I ride with still rant about the Duc and its the oldest bike in the group.

[NappyDuc]

I feel what everyone is saying about the love n loyalty bout ducs...Even though im a newbie to ducs i couldnt live without one... I looked at my brand new 06 600rr n still had to trade it for the 749 d, though i loved the bike its not like lookin/ridin a duc every morning...

[Unity996]

After I bought my 748 (see crashed pics), I remember going out to my garage in my boxers before going to bed...not believing that I had just bought it.

The guys in my riding group have unanamously told me to keep my bike. Their initial reaction was that I should buy the 1098...but slowly one-by-one they posted back up that it would be a big mistake to sell the 996. It's the second oldest bike in the group and the most looked at and fondled (long story).

It's funny, I'll go into the dealership to buy parts or something and see one of the 916-series bikes and still get that lustful feeling even though there's one sitting in my garage.

[Bill_Anderson]

only goes so far. The bike itself has to be special. I have had two "opportunities" to change motorcycles and brands, but I keep coming back to Ducati's ST series because it is the right bike for me.

My buddy feels the same way about his yellow 996. I keep telling him that I will take that "painfully outdated" 996 off his hands so he can buy a new 1098. He says he cannot afford a new bike, but I am willing to bet he would not let go of the 996 even if he could afford a new 1098.

Note in the second photo that I would not have to change helmets to ride his 996 as we both wear identical Arai's painted in the fastest color. Mine is on the picnic table to the left. I kept my AWACS trunk yellow so I can keep his tail lights in sight.

[mad]

...which is exactly why I now have 2 bikes and want an additional one.