Duc Truck in PHX - July 4-6

[NAKID]

So, who's going tomorrow? Last two days I was unavailable but tomorrow is looking good.

[PragB]

Not sure if you got to ride the 848 Maureen, but don't be trading anything in just yet... What follows is simply MY opinion:

A. I think you'ld be nuts to try to commute on it, or ride it in traffic in AZ, people complain about heat on the 675, holy crap the 848 was cooking my left inner thigh...

B. I know you have had a few Ducs so you're familiar with the feel, but when I left there, the 675 felt as smooth running & shifting as a Japanese bike... the 848, while nowhere near as agriculteral feeling as a Buell, wasn't very smooth running or shifting I just expected it to feel a little more refined...

I also rode one of the Sport Classics, that was a very nice bike, if I was looking for a commuter bike in that type of style it'd be between that and a Thruxton...

Now the bike I really did enjoy and would overlook any negatives was the S4RS Tricolore... That thing really deserves the title "Monster", my wife hated it (but the heat was really getting to her, she's still not completely well, and I psyched her out talking about the power and stuff) and from what I overheard not many people who rode it liked it, but I absolutely friggin' loved that thing... Unfortunately there is a huge price difference, but I would get one over the Speed Triple any day (if I could afford it, that is)... It was one of the funnest bikes I've ever ridden, the power was phenomenal, awesome brakes, even better than awesome suspension, more comfortable than I would of expected seat... It just fit me like a glove, my knees fit perfectly in the cutouts, the ergos fit me very well... It just clicked with me... If I could have 2 bikes I'd probably still get a KTM Duke 690 to commute on, because I don't need 2 fast bikes... But if money was not a factor that S4RS that they have on display in the showroom would of went home with me...

[SheMonster]

David and I went early Sunday and were able to sign up and got our wishes, me on the 848 David on the TriColore S4Rs.  I rode the 848, and you are right it is absolutely the most miserable bike ever to ride,  the heat issues worse than any I had with the 749 and that was one of the reasons I sold that!  When we got back to the dealership after the short demo ride, the entire back of my left leg ankle to upper thigh was burned, much like a 1st degree sunburn.  OWWWIIIIEEEE!   

David LOVED and I mean LOVED the Tricolore.  If we had an extra $16K laying around, he would have went home with one.  He also rode the 696 just to see what it was like, and he equated it to riding a dustbuster. 

[Dietrich]

Remember, you're not supposed to wear shorts while riding!  ATGATT! 

I actually thought the 848 was a very sweet machine.  Sound (even with stock pipes),suspension, power, clutch, and handling all were great.  Very purpose built however.  Plus I don't mind not having any more kids.     I expected the aggressive ergos, but it would take some getting used to for me coming off the Grandpa's Tractor (GT1000).

One of the things that might have swayed me on the 848 was riding the 696 first.  I had high hopes that it would be a very fun bike, but that bike needs some work to even be acceptable.  Didn't help that the demo was a bit ratty with wooden, squealing brakes, etc.  If I didn't know anything about Ducati, and rode that bike as my first example, I would be promptly looking at other brands.  Sorry. 

On another note, if anyone is considering a Sport Classic, take one for a ride!  The people coming off the demo GT had great things to say.  If you're real serious maybe I can set you up with a ride on mine....but beware, you might be hooked!

[SheMonster]

You know, it was only 105 out yesterday ....