Re: And You Thought Harleys Were Expnsive - Page 3

 
Thanks, I'll have to check that out.

- Kurt

 
What are you expecting to find? Maybe your "more talented journalists" would
have a more believable viewpoint?

http://www.webbikeworld.com/ducati-motorcycles/desmosedici/rr/ :

"Loris Capirossi, Casey Stoner (winner of the San Marino GP and leader of
the Championship and points) and Vittoriano Guareschi, official Ducati
tester, ... all experienced a very familiar feeling and performance with
this bike, very similar to that experienced with the bike they use for the
GP. Actually, the blinkers and mirrors are the only hints that give away the
road-going nature of this “made in Borgo Panigale” joy, but the sensation
felt by riders on the track is absolutely that of a racing bike."


60k euros absolutely makes it a luxury bike, your sense of esthetics
notwithstanding. Excess is the essence of luxury. Very few examples that fit
the defintion better.

 

I think you mean a Honda CBR 600?

The battery is mostlikely under the seat.  There are 2 bolts at the back of
the seat (10mm or 12mm) that hold it in place.  You may have to push the
seat foam back to find them.

Good luck.

 

Yes, ones that don't work for Ducati, that is....


Was that supposed to be a smartass remark?  I haven't seen any reviews
on the bike at all.  My assumption is that the ones who would write about
the bike would the the journalists, not riders.  Most of the journalists
are a bit of a joke.  However, some are former accomplished racers whose
opinions are worth something.  Sure, I'd love to hear what some of the GP
riders have to say about the Ducati - but I'd prefer to hear it from riders
who don't work for Ducati.  No matter how you cut it, they would all have
a conflict of interest when it comes to reporting what they really believe
about the bike.  Ducati isn't paying Stoner money to mention weaknesses, and
Honda isn't paying Nicky money to talk about how great a Ducati is.  While
the below quote is interesting:


It is very vague - no substance at all.  Someone who has experience in
reviewing motorcycles and describing how they handle, and who has the
skill to ride such a motorcycle to the extent that the difference between
it and a production bike will be noticed, would be worth reading.  Road
Racing World is one magazine I could expect such a review from.  Kunitsugu
from Sport Rider would probably be another as he has gotten some seat time
on most of the MotoGP machines.  I don't know much about the other magazines
because those are the only two I read on a regular basis.


OK, this is still very vague....  Sounds like a politician.


I typically associate luxury with comfort, not just excess.  Being an
American, I don't automatically associate excess (having more than
I need) with luxury.

- Kurt

 
Be that as it may. I expect very real differences just from spec, and an
expectation that any production bike makes compromises for streetability. If
I personally couldn't tell the difference, it would only confirm what you
guess and I already know. Should we care that a journalist/ex-racer wants to
go on record as being similarly unskilled, hamfisted, and unrefined? Would
it change your purchase decision? Change how you look upon those who stood
in line and spent the money? Diminish its collectability and cachet? It
wouldn't do any of those things.


It's either an outright declaration that the factory riders said it feels
like a GP bike, or a line in the sand they dare a journalist to cross.
You're right; it is rather vague. I can't tell which it might be.


What's the opposite of luxury? Does that fit the RR any better?

Either way, I doubt very much anyone would characterize the ride as plush.
And you can order it with data acquisition, but not a stereo or drink
holder.