Ducati (ex) owners?

[Ulvetanna_imp]

I can only speak from the long time ownership of a 1995 900SS/CR, which I bought new and owned until about a year or two ago.

I don't know technically if riding below 3,000 rpms would actually harm the engine, but I can tell you that there wasn't much going on at that engine speed anyway, so you'd have no reason to attempt to ride like that...seems like kind of a moot point.
I can also only assume that Ducati's reputation for being a maintenance nightmare is probably based on its performances in the "olden days", and that may well be rightfully so, but in my almost 20 years of ownership, the only problem I had on mine was a leaky (hydraulic) clutch line. Period. In nearly 20 years.

I'd also like to comment that I can assure you that I personally am not a "social butterfly" that just sat around showing off my bike, and neither were any of my riding buddies - I'm in fact incredibly introverted - and neither am I the guy that arrived first and left last at a coffee shop. If I stopped at a coffee shop at all, it was because I was whipped and needed a breather after wringing out that incredible-handful-but-ultimately-beautiful-handling Ducati.
I hear those kinds of stereotypes much too often. It just comes off sounding like silly housewife coffee-klatsch gossip...

Yes, there may be some "cachet" that lures certain poseur types to the marque, but from being the only bike I've ever kept even close to that period of time, I can tell you that there is a lot of substance to that cachet; they are a fantastic, visceral experience unlike any other I've had on two wheels, and there is a very good reason that so many speak of them with such passion.

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Passion is the word. And it is a funny thing about us, especially guys who've been riding for many decades. But if a guy owns a Ducati he is not going to be able to do much about being profiled to some extent, even among his motorcycling peers.

I've known quite a number of Ducati owners and fanatics over the years and they just have to own the Italian stuff. Most love talking about it as much as riding. The blend is different for every rider.

I would say I am more passionate about coffee than about motorcycles, which some may find odd since I can honestly call motorsports an avocation. I am intensely focused on all aspects of riding but it now feels more clinical, more like I am examining things to find out "how is this accomplished?"

But I do have an Italian espresso machine made by Pasquini in my kitchen, for the last 15 years. And they are the most delightful people. I actually look forward to needing some part or repair to my machine, because going to Pasquini in Los Angeles is a great experience. And they are passionate about what they do.

It must be an Italian thing.