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The Forty-Something's perfect bike

I've had two seasons with the Ducati GT1000 and I'm still as smitten today as the day of my first test ride. It's far from perfect but I wouldn't have it any other way. However, this motorcycle was a perfect fit for me right off the rack, and that's something I can't say for any other bike I've ow...ned.

Pros:

1. Does everything really well.
2. Very comfortable.
3. Motor is a delight to use.
4. Turns heads like nothing else.

Cons

1. Suspension is wanting.
2. Vibration is annoying if revs are out of the sweet spot. Read Full Review

Best bike I've ridden or owned!

I've put nearly 2000 miles on it (bought used on dealer consignment), and absolutely love it. Lots of torque and power give it a dual personality, as it does the low rpm cruiser thing or higher revving sport bike thing equally well. Handling and braking are superb. It gets great gas mileage (I get a...round 50mpg city), and the ergonomics make it the most comfortable bike I've ever had. The lines are beautiful with no garish superfluousness. I think Ducati got the retro-classic thing just right by combining an old-school look with modern performance and handling. Now I do have to temper my enthusiasm with a few words of caution. Sure, Ducs are a bit more expensive maintenance-wise than most bikes and somewhat more expensive than say Triumph's modern classics (Bonneville, Thruxton, Scrambler), but when you're getting Brembo brakes with braided lines, Marzocchi forks, a techy trellis frame, low weight, powerful engine, etc. I think you're getting good value. There are a few known issues with the '06-'07 models, the most common being a tendency of the plastic gas tanks to spread and become loose. This seems related to the ethanol in gas and doesn't seem to be a problem for bikes outside the U.S. Also, the tach on mine quit working due to the wire pulling loose, and this required the dealer to install a longer wiring harness. They do come with a 2 yearunlimited mileage warranty which is better than a lot of bikes, and you can buy an additional 3 year warranty for $800-something. One thing's for sure - you will get noticed on this bike! It stands out because its a Ducati (with all the mystique and cachet the name carries), and because of it's styling. Be prepared to handle compliments and questions as you'll find them to be routine if you get a GT. While not wanting to sound cliché, the GT is elegantly understated. It gets attention not because it's loud and flashy, but because it has a subtle, yet unmistakable lean muscularity about it. I like to think if you have a good point to make you shouldn't have to shout to do so, and to me, the GT is the motorcycle embodiment of this concept! Read Full Review