05-28-2017, 04:19 PM
Some interesting posts here. I've owned several Dukes and a Guzzi amongst others.
The Guzzi for me was all about the engine (and looks). Unfortunately, I'm not keen on oil/transmission leaks, bits falling off and the midget sized proportions. Sounded amazing though.
Best bike I ever owned was a 996 Duke. Superbly reliable, competent, enough power, easy to maintain, uncomfortable for some (I was younger and more flexible then) but my dear lord, words cannot explain the riding experience. Utter heaven. A few monsters later the only reason I stopped buying Dukes was the speed taxation in Aus and the cuss roads (no corners and decidedly average surface quality). Other than that i'd still probably have my M1100 as a do-it-all machine. Engine character, handling, comfort, feel, noise, practicality, reliability, everything was good.
I didn't get the testastrettas, the departure to wet clutches and the general "blandification" of the newer models. For me they lost the soul they once had.
Mind you, I think the same can be said for many manufacturers. Perhaps this is what we call "rose tinted glasses".
I think it's a myth that Dukes are all expensive (ok - new ones are). I bought all mine used from dealers or privately and although they hold value reasonably well, I still think I got good deals. Especially as many Duke riders don't ride all that often or far (for some reason).
Maybe back in the day, those older fellas who fell in love with leaky British twins had the same feeling when all the "newer" bikes came out.
Or did modern enviro/safety bullcrap destroy the art of the motorcycle?
The Guzzi for me was all about the engine (and looks). Unfortunately, I'm not keen on oil/transmission leaks, bits falling off and the midget sized proportions. Sounded amazing though.
Best bike I ever owned was a 996 Duke. Superbly reliable, competent, enough power, easy to maintain, uncomfortable for some (I was younger and more flexible then) but my dear lord, words cannot explain the riding experience. Utter heaven. A few monsters later the only reason I stopped buying Dukes was the speed taxation in Aus and the cuss roads (no corners and decidedly average surface quality). Other than that i'd still probably have my M1100 as a do-it-all machine. Engine character, handling, comfort, feel, noise, practicality, reliability, everything was good.
I didn't get the testastrettas, the departure to wet clutches and the general "blandification" of the newer models. For me they lost the soul they once had.
Mind you, I think the same can be said for many manufacturers. Perhaps this is what we call "rose tinted glasses".
I think it's a myth that Dukes are all expensive (ok - new ones are). I bought all mine used from dealers or privately and although they hold value reasonably well, I still think I got good deals. Especially as many Duke riders don't ride all that often or far (for some reason).
Maybe back in the day, those older fellas who fell in love with leaky British twins had the same feeling when all the "newer" bikes came out.
Or did modern enviro/safety bullcrap destroy the art of the motorcycle?