I rode one of these today.

[Ross]

From this ...



..to the TL sure was a sign of apoplexy at Bologna.

Australian Police model huh? Not sure where in Oz. maybe a pre purchase trial?

It could have been WA or SA from memory.

[Major Softie]

Mine was the most fun thing on the universe - right up till the moment where it tried to kill me by going into a full-blown tank-slapper at 70 mph going straight down the freeway and pitching me over the bars, F'ing up my shoulder, knocking me out until the paramedics got there (in spite of my Aria full-face helmet, which took multiple hard shots to the side), and breaking a number of ribs. The rest of my body was well protected by my First Gear leather jacket, Held gloves, and BMW boots.

So, good luck to your buddy.

Major, correct me if I'm wrong here...didn't you make a mod to the front end back then? Other than that, do you have any idea what caused the violent wobble?

The stock forks are crap. I put better ones on from another Ducati model, and MUCH lighter cast wheels, also from another Ducati model. Triple clamps were stock - forks and wheels were stock size. Both these mods were very common among the owners of Sport Classics. Many other owners have had wobble problems, though I only knew of one or two who had problems as bad as mine. Both stock and modded bikes have had problems. Many have no problem, while many have found steering dampers a necessity.

I found nothing to have failed on the bike - not even a flat tire. When I was keeping track of such things, no one had found a cause, only solutions (steering dampers).

[Ross]

A Ducati 1000GT. A mate of mine recently bought one with 12000 km on it ,just about new .After market mufflers and shockers .What a brilliant bike ! Bucketloads of torque and power from 2000 rpm up , a great riding position, brakes, lovely finish, especially the instrument cluster and handle bar controls .

He let me out for a 30km run, what great mate !

I couldn't possibly afford one but wow ! What a machine !

HERETIC

[Sibbo]

Um ...yes ! As often as possible !

[Zombie Master]

From what I've seen Ducatis are a PIA to own. The romantic notions about Ducatis, are just that. There are better bikes available for far less money for sensible riders.

[dougie]

From what I've seen Ducatis are a PIA to own. The romantic notions about Ducatis, are just that. There are better bikes available for far less money for sensible riders.

Haven't had any "modern" Ducati experience, but during the time I had my Pantah the company was a PIA, parts were stupid $$$ and sometimes took a long time to get.
For $20,000 I could get a Yamaha R1 and a GSPD.

[Sibbo]

From what I've seen Ducatis are a PIA to own. The romantic notions about Ducatis, are just that. There are better bikes available for far less money for sensible riders.

Mate,I don't own them, I just get to ride them occasionally .

[Steve in Golden]

Haven't had any "modern" Ducati experience, but during the time I had my Pantah the company was a PIA, parts were stupid $$$ and sometimes took a long time to get.
For $20,000 I could get a Yamaha R1 and a GSPD.

"parts were stupid $$$ "

That certainly applies to BMWs as well. Oh, you want parts for your BMW motorcycle? 'scuze me while I treble the price, OK here ya go!

[Jeff in W.C.]

I found nothing to have failed on the bike - not even a flat tire. When I was keeping track of such things, no one had found a cause, only solutions (steering dampers).

To have something like that happen with no known cause would frustrate the hell out of me. One would expect there to be a specific cause(s). I know life just doesn't wrap itself up neatly all the time, but it would still be frustrating as hell.

[dougie]

Haven't had any "modern" Ducati experience, but during the time I had my Pantah the company was a PIA, parts were stupid $$$ and sometimes took a long time to get.
For $20,000 I could get a Yamaha R1 and a GSPD.

"parts were stupid $$$ "
That certainly applies to BMWs as well. Oh, you want parts for your BMW motorcycle? 'scuze me while I treble the price, OK here ya go!

I disagree Steve. I don't recall being shocked by the price of any airhead part I have needed so far, although I go for aftermarket stuff or E-Bay when possible.