It looks good! I look forward to see her for real and maybe test drive her…
![SBK-1098_0006_[800x600].jpg](https://londonbikers.com/uploads/default/original/2X/c/c794b915b30267316b4374d9b74c262b0bd23565.jpg)
![SBK-1098_0015_[800x600].jpg](https://londonbikers.com/uploads/default/original/2X/a/a8a00ce424623c68469c26a9f1b0b1f441be67b0.jpg)
OK, I’m loving that. Looks kind of like the special paint job they had for the anniversary on the GP bikes.
Welcome back Ducati! Okay, I think it’s fair to say that everyone and their dog wants one now. How much are they? 
There could well be a Gixxer K5 up for sale soon…
I am pretty tempted too, I hope I can get to see the bike in the flesh soon and maybe get a test ride. Getting it? Not next year but the year after… maybe… depending on how a few things will end up and cash situation.
Prices? Are at the end of Foxy’s article:
http://londonbikers.com/story/57a3ef49-76f9-4c51-b7c3-d82bd5e6bb7f
probably the one to go for is the S version which has better settings.
From 2008 a new 1.2 litres should come up which is the R version.
Other related link is:
http://londonbikers.com/forums/shwmessage.aspx?ForumID=35&MessageID=142563#bm142747
F.
So, £11.2k for base model and £14k for the S model, for which you get the uprated Ohlins suspension, less unsprung weight via the lighter forged aluminium wheels and the Data Analyzer unit. A total weight saving of 2kg. Hrm, I’m not sure it justifies the increase in cost really.
Still, I’m loving the Ducati website right now and have to say, this is the first Ducati I’ve wanted to own and actually thought about buying. The trouble is, I’d want the S model for the handling improvements, but £14k is a bit steep, can’t really justify it right now Will have to wait and see what next year brings…
Hrm, then there’s the obligatory Termignoni full system you’d need to unleash the boom, and that’s got to be a grand or more? It’s a shame there’s no subsidised upgrade path from the base model. I could dig that.
See, I always knew you’d turn to the Red side eventually. 
Ducati.com has been down all day, too much interest in their toys.
Mini Mo; having an interest in the bike is a hell of a long way from riding one home
That said, I have for sale:
2005 GSXR 1000 - londonbikers.com special edition
. 9k miles
. More performance enhancing bling than you can shake a stick at
. Crescent Suzuki tuned (~170bhp at rear wheel)
. No expense spared approach to maintenance.
. Signed by 2005 Suzuki WSBK champion: Troy Corser
haha… damn…
add to the list the rear sets, clutch covers, colour coded mirrors…
do think its massive improvement, and modern ducati’s are back in my wish list.
only criticism really is the exhaust/tail could have been better moulded together IMHO. maybe there will be some more interesting aftermarket systems that are better sculpted. or maybe just do cut downs…
GORGEOUS machine…but I don’t think I could bring myself to pay that HUGE premium for the Ducati nameplate…not even if I could afford it…which I can’t. LOL
I love the new Ducati as it looks stunning, but still not as good looking as the 916 which to me is the best looking bike EVER.
I like the edgy design, suits me coming from a Japanese bike background. Not sure why they call the other S-model the Tricolour though? It’s four colours, not three. Quirky Italians
I’ve just seen this claim: 50% less maintenance costs for owning a Ducati.
http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/service/maintenance.jhtml
That’s GREAT for the consumer, but man, the dealers/service shops have got to be pissed? That’s less business for them, surely? Still, Ducati’s got to do what it has to, to survive nowadays.
I overheard a mechanic (won’t say who) say something similar the other day. But to be honest Duc have been prohibitively expensive to run for some people, so hopefully it will help pick up sales.
Hopefully the dealers will make up the losses in servicing in sales
I know the S model costs about 40% more than a R1 or other japanese bike however it doesnt need many after market components as the japanese bikes might do; as it comes with the best components as standards, ohlins suspensions, latest generation brembo brakes, termigoni pipes, etc.
My mechanics was not too happy either he is going through a quite period too, but he says that he hopes that in the shop they will sell many 1098 apparently they did not sell many 999. Many people did not like it, I think it is actually very nice bike, very different than all others.
Ducatis anyway require a bit more maintenance because of the Desmodronic engine that require the belts to be changed every couple of years. Changing the belts for my model is ~£150, £50 for the belt the rest for labour. Apparently on my model changing the belts is something I could do as well.
I thought the 999 looked like the ******* love-child of a perverted Darlek and a London Bus.