haaaah for some reason i find myself strangely drawn to the indianas... just something about it tickles some part of me heh. the ps1000le behind it though... another gorgeous bike!
BOD (Bike of the Day)
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haaaah for some reason i find myself strangely drawn to the indianas... just something about it tickles some part of me heh. the ps1000le behind it though... another gorgeous bike!
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Well, the Indiana looks like a nice cruiser to me. In fact, my Italika RC150 looks some like it. Although I prefer sports bikes, I also like the comfort of a cruiser to deal with city traffic.
The other photo I don't know what bike it is, but I agree with you, that fairing seen from the front is unpleasant.
07 Ducati SS800 '95 Ducati 900SS/SP '19 Honda CBR650R
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Uh, the TT2 was designed as a race bike....not a comfy street bike in any sense of the word. AFA the brake line, other pics show it strapped to brake rod, don't know why its not....pic was supplied for auction purposes, reposted by Ian Falloon, author.
Oh, I'm in no doubt the TT2 is a race bike....comfort is of very little consideration unless it's racing the Bol d'Or.
Merely drawing the similarities of this bike to the road-going 9x6....no surprise given that the 9x6 is essentially a race bike with lights. The 9x6 is a bear on normal roads, and the slower the pace the worse it gets.
One of these day I owe myself the opportunity to ride a true road-going Ducati and experience that particular joy.
07 Ducati SS800 '95 Ducati 900SS/SP '19 Honda CBR650R
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Why put up with discomfort? I'd suggest subtle mods to your 9xx Duc, as i did to my SS800. While still retaining all factory parts, I changed to slightly higher, fully adjustable clip-ons, adjusted to rearmost positions. What a difference, I'm sure you read about my efforts in transforming the bike from basically unrideable to all day comfy, no? It can be done to varying degrees, non-permanent and easily reversed back to factory stock if ever need be.
![Vehicle Water Hood Automotive lighting Motor vehicle]()
Gonna take more than raised bars.
You know how the SR2 Blackbird leaks fuel until it warms up b(from heat due to friction)? The 9x6 also doesn't feel good at lower speeds. But when you give it the spurs and start to up the pace it comes into it's own. Given the opportunity to ride it fast, it really becomes a true joy.
I'm possibly considering making it a track bike for this reason....like Peter Egan did with his.
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Ergos on the 996 can be brutal....and yeah, it does not like in town slow, stop & go traffic, nor slow in general. Engine doesn't like being lugged down below 5K really. I can tolerate it for short rides if it's slow stuff but that's it. Out around the 100 mile lake loop, it isn't a problem.
I'm fine with that as it isn't my primary ride, rather a weekend warrior to take around the lake or to Italian bike night once in a while. I bought my 900 SS for more comfort in a Ducati. A Monster is next on my list.
I've looked at ST2s, 3s and 4s as well....but I think the Monster is a better fit for my mini fleet. I like the STs but I love the Monster. 2 or 4 valve ones up to around 2007 or so. The ones based on the 851 frame.
The newer ones just don't do it for me. I hopped on a Monster 1200 in a dealership a while back.....just feels weird compared to the old ones. Like the tank is all pushed up into my sternum. The 'hunch back' look doesn't move me either.
Been looking at an S4R recently....mileage is right, and the price is too. Unsure if I'll actually pull the trigger though. Don't really have room, and don't really need another desmoquattro. Who ever really needs a bike though, right? 😆
I'm fine with that as it isn't my primary ride, rather a weekend warrior to take around the lake or to Italian bike night once in a while. I bought my 900 SS for more comfort in a Ducati. A Monster is next on my list.
I've looked at ST2s, 3s and 4s as well....but I think the Monster is a better fit for my mini fleet. I like the STs but I love the Monster. 2 or 4 valve ones up to around 2007 or so. The ones based on the 851 frame.
The newer ones just don't do it for me. I hopped on a Monster 1200 in a dealership a while back.....just feels weird compared to the old ones. Like the tank is all pushed up into my sternum. The 'hunch back' look doesn't move me either.
Been looking at an S4R recently....mileage is right, and the price is too. Unsure if I'll actually pull the trigger though. Don't really have room, and don't really need another desmoquattro. Who ever really needs a bike though, right? 😆
Totally agree. The S4R is cool for sure, but like you said, another desmoquattro!
I think a 900, oil-cooled, 2-valver would be a cool bike with great street manners.You'll find the room....
07 Ducati SS800 '95 Ducati 900SS/SP '19 Honda CBR650R
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Agreed 2V "street manners" (once carbs are truly, fully dialed in) can be near perfect cruising right off idle, and anywhere between up to full throttle. I frequently choose to cruise at very low speed with on/off throttle conditions, taking in the beautiful, green surrounding atmosphere in my preferred riding area. Both my 2V's perfectly "at home" here.
Totally out of the market, I'm not buying/selling/trading any more. Between my 3 , I'm good..... permanently (at my advanced age).
Totally out of the market, I'm not buying/selling/trading any more. Between my 3 , I'm good..... permanently (at my advanced age).
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As much as I’d like to continue to accrue special motorcycles, and specifically V-twins of Italian origin this Monster will likely be my last one.
I’m at capacity for maintaining the bikes I already have, much less for for my project bikes. I foresee having more time after my next retirement….but I don’t know how well funded I’ll be for pouring increasing sums of cash into any of them.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ll retire with sufficient income to live comfortably, even before Social Security or drawing from my 401K. That’s a discussion for another thread though. The reality is, there are any number of things I plan on doing then…..including wrenching on bikes. Retirement income being my LIMFAC.
I’m at capacity for maintaining the bikes I already have, much less for for my project bikes. I foresee having more time after my next retirement….but I don’t know how well funded I’ll be for pouring increasing sums of cash into any of them.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ll retire with sufficient income to live comfortably, even before Social Security or drawing from my 401K. That’s a discussion for another thread though. The reality is, there are any number of things I plan on doing then…..including wrenching on bikes. Retirement income being my LIMFAC.
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Well,
As of this evening, it appears the S4R sold. There are 2 S2Rs on CL locally that I may have a look at....but honestly, neither one of them is in the color I want. The S4R was blue with the white stripe. Gorgeous. The S2Rs are silver with the black stripe and black with the silver stripe.
I dunno....kinda would rather wait until the one I actually want comes along. Blue with the white stripe or red with the white stripe. I'm not really bothered if its an S4R or an S2R...or even just a plain old desmodue 900M. And @Davenay67 you are correct. I'll find room!!!
😁
As of this evening, it appears the S4R sold. There are 2 S2Rs on CL locally that I may have a look at....but honestly, neither one of them is in the color I want. The S4R was blue with the white stripe. Gorgeous. The S2Rs are silver with the black stripe and black with the silver stripe.
I dunno....kinda would rather wait until the one I actually want comes along. Blue with the white stripe or red with the white stripe. I'm not really bothered if its an S4R or an S2R...or even just a plain old desmodue 900M. And @Davenay67 you are correct. I'll find room!!!
😁
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Believe me, I’ve actually thought this through. I have a small collection. I don’t see it getting much bigger as I’ve already stated, I’m reaching my personal critical mass.
If I have to choose a single bike to fill out my collection, it has to makes sense within the context of said collection. That trims down the options pretty easily.
I have 2 Iconic Ducatis right now. My 996 and my project 900SS. I also have 2 GSXRs, my old oil boiler and my 04 600. Then there’s the Turbo Suzuki and my alternative Italian V-Twin Sportbike, my Aprilia.
I’ll leave of my project EX as it truly is nothing more than a frame, tank and seat.
Based on the 6 complete bikes in my small collection a bike that would bring it full circle would be a Bimota SB8R. Suzuki V-Twin wrapped in an Italian chassis and bodywork. Alternatively a Bimota SB6 would also fit nicely, GSXR 1100 engine wrapped in Italian chassis and bodywork.
That’s if my intent were to tie both the Italian side to the Suzuki side. I could go in another direction and add a second Aprilia evening up the Italian side at 2 a piece.
My 3rd choice of direction is to leave my Aprilia as a
representation of alternative Italian V-twins and add a 3rd Iconic Ducati. That evens up the Ducati/Suzuki symmetry at 3 each with the Aprilia on its own….to be joined later by the EX project as a single example of a Japanese parallel twin.
I arrived at this 3rd option as an admission of the basic fact that I’m not going to adding bikes until I die. At some point I feel like I need to call it good and be satisfied with my stable. A Monster is the last Iconic Ducati I’ve wanted for almost as long as I’ve been riding.
I really want a Monster that is the ultimate expression of Massimo Bordi’s original concept of a bare bones Superbike. One that retains the 851 based frame. That is what I feel will round out my small collection.
On one side, 3 iconic Ducatis with a progression of Suzuki 4 cylinders, 80s, 90s and 2Ks on the other with an Aprilia in the middle like a referee.
That strikes the right balance with me. Adding other bikes that I’d like to have or even love to have don’t result in the same sort of symmetry.
If my situation changes in the future, then I’ll revisit the logic of adding a Guzzi or a Bimota or even a Japanese V-twin….or gasp…..a Buell. For now though, it’s going to be a Monster. I’ve narrowed that down to an S2R or S4R. If I found an S4RS I could buy for a decent price I’d go that route. They’re the last with the 851 derived frame…..and I’m honestly not interested in any of them after that.
If I have to choose a single bike to fill out my collection, it has to makes sense within the context of said collection. That trims down the options pretty easily.
I have 2 Iconic Ducatis right now. My 996 and my project 900SS. I also have 2 GSXRs, my old oil boiler and my 04 600. Then there’s the Turbo Suzuki and my alternative Italian V-Twin Sportbike, my Aprilia.
I’ll leave of my project EX as it truly is nothing more than a frame, tank and seat.
Based on the 6 complete bikes in my small collection a bike that would bring it full circle would be a Bimota SB8R. Suzuki V-Twin wrapped in an Italian chassis and bodywork. Alternatively a Bimota SB6 would also fit nicely, GSXR 1100 engine wrapped in Italian chassis and bodywork.
That’s if my intent were to tie both the Italian side to the Suzuki side. I could go in another direction and add a second Aprilia evening up the Italian side at 2 a piece.
My 3rd choice of direction is to leave my Aprilia as a
representation of alternative Italian V-twins and add a 3rd Iconic Ducati. That evens up the Ducati/Suzuki symmetry at 3 each with the Aprilia on its own….to be joined later by the EX project as a single example of a Japanese parallel twin.
I arrived at this 3rd option as an admission of the basic fact that I’m not going to adding bikes until I die. At some point I feel like I need to call it good and be satisfied with my stable. A Monster is the last Iconic Ducati I’ve wanted for almost as long as I’ve been riding.
I really want a Monster that is the ultimate expression of Massimo Bordi’s original concept of a bare bones Superbike. One that retains the 851 based frame. That is what I feel will round out my small collection.
On one side, 3 iconic Ducatis with a progression of Suzuki 4 cylinders, 80s, 90s and 2Ks on the other with an Aprilia in the middle like a referee.
That strikes the right balance with me. Adding other bikes that I’d like to have or even love to have don’t result in the same sort of symmetry.
If my situation changes in the future, then I’ll revisit the logic of adding a Guzzi or a Bimota or even a Japanese V-twin….or gasp…..a Buell. For now though, it’s going to be a Monster. I’ve narrowed that down to an S2R or S4R. If I found an S4RS I could buy for a decent price I’d go that route. They’re the last with the 851 derived frame…..and I’m honestly not interested in any of them after that.
Theoretical question. If you were forced to choose just 1 single bike that you could keep....what bike would it be?
In my stable it would be my VFR. It just does everything well. The true Swiss Army knife of the motorcycle world.
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Hmmm……I don’t know that I can answer that with certainty. Each of my bikes strikes a certain “emotive” response in my pea sized brain.
IOW, I have them for different though similar reasons. I don’t think I could choose just one to keep.
My Aprilia is my do anything sportsbike, and I’ve owned it for 20 years so I guess it wins
If I were done with my 900SS, it might be the one I kept…..I dunno.
The 900SS was the first bike I truly lusted after. Really though it was the 900SL. The M900 was the second followed by the 888 and finally the 916/996/998.
My Aprilia lust didn’t come along until after the Monster/888 lust did. Even then, it was for Aprilia 2 strokes as they hadn’t yet built the Mille line of bikes. It wasn’t until the late 90s, like 98 or so when the Mille SP was shown to the world that it became an object of Moto lust.
I “think” I could let go of any of my Suzukis more easily than any of my Italian bikes. I guess my attachment to them isn’t as strong.
Between the 996, the Mille R and 900SS though…..yeesh. Tough one to justify in my mind and heart.
IOW, I have them for different though similar reasons. I don’t think I could choose just one to keep.
My Aprilia is my do anything sportsbike, and I’ve owned it for 20 years so I guess it wins
If I were done with my 900SS, it might be the one I kept…..I dunno.
The 900SS was the first bike I truly lusted after. Really though it was the 900SL. The M900 was the second followed by the 888 and finally the 916/996/998.
My Aprilia lust didn’t come along until after the Monster/888 lust did. Even then, it was for Aprilia 2 strokes as they hadn’t yet built the Mille line of bikes. It wasn’t until the late 90s, like 98 or so when the Mille SP was shown to the world that it became an object of Moto lust.
I “think” I could let go of any of my Suzukis more easily than any of my Italian bikes. I guess my attachment to them isn’t as strong.
Between the 996, the Mille R and 900SS though…..yeesh. Tough one to justify in my mind and heart.
Been a while since anyone posted, so here's something to consider.
![Wheel Tire Vehicle Automotive lighting Automotive tire]()
The 2003 MY Aprilia Moto 6.5 boasts one of the most futuristic designs in its class, bearing the signature of French designer Philippe Starck, who also designed the Groningen Museum in the Netherlands and Bordeaux airport's control tower.
In the tech/engine department, it sports a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 652cc, single cylinder powerplant mated to a five-speed manual transmission, and can produce a claimed 43 horsepower and 59 Nm of torque. It also comes standard with a 41mm Marzocchi telescopic fork, an adjustable monoshock as a rear suspension, front and rear disc brakes, and a 4.2-gallon fuel tank.
The 2003 MY Aprilia Moto 6.5 boasts one of the most futuristic designs in its class, bearing the signature of French designer Philippe Starck, who also designed the Groningen Museum in the Netherlands and Bordeaux airport's control tower.
In the tech/engine department, it sports a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 652cc, single cylinder powerplant mated to a five-speed manual transmission, and can produce a claimed 43 horsepower and 59 Nm of torque. It also comes standard with a 41mm Marzocchi telescopic fork, an adjustable monoshock as a rear suspension, front and rear disc brakes, and a 4.2-gallon fuel tank.
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Futuristic? Sure. Back in 2003? So far futuristic it was not received well. Aprilia introduced a vast number of concept bikes back then. Some made it into production, while others actually became something else. Take the Blue Marlin for instance:
As a concept it generated quite a lot of interest. It would go on to become the Tuono. And then later, it would inspire the Shiver 750. I think it was a Starke design also.
The Moto 6.5 used a Rotax 650 which would also power the Aprilia Pegaso and a certain BMW called the “Funduro”….also, for some reason the Aprilia Taureg also pops into my brain as having the same 650.
This pic is from 1988. Aprilia Taureg 6.35 Wind. Same motor before it was punched out to 650cc. It was a single though. Today there is a Taureg 660 powered by the same 660 parallel twin as the RS. Funnily enough, there is little styling difference between the two.
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Keeping with the Aprilia theme
![Tire Wheel Fuel tank Motorcycle Automotive lighting]()
2003 Tuono Factory. All the bling SBK stuff came on this one. Forged OZ wheels, radial Brembos and full Öhlins suspension. Even the steering damper.
Currently there is one selling on Bay Area CL for the princely sum of $6899
2003 Tuono Factory. All the bling SBK stuff came on this one. Forged OZ wheels, radial Brembos and full Öhlins suspension. Even the steering damper.
Currently there is one selling on Bay Area CL for the princely sum of $6899
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CBR 900RR. The bike that brought Bimota performance and light weight to the masses. Originally designed as an inline 4 of 750cc displacement Tadao Baba increased the stroke out to 893cc.
If, like many are thinking to yourself “why didn’t they just make a 750?” the short answer is, VFRs. Honda originally conceived of the 750RR to compete with the likes of Kawasakis ZX-7 and Suzukis GSXR. Even Yamaha had their FZR750R in the mix.
Corporate Honda saw confusion between the VFR as their flagship 750 and an attempt to introduce a completely different 750 to the buying public. Never mind then that the JDM got the original 750.
![Wheel Tire Vehicle Automotive lighting Automotive tire]()
The later 900RRs got a displacement bump to 919ccs.
To the rest of the world these were known as the “Fire Blade” which it turns out is the direct translation of the Japanese word for lightening into English. I find this amusing as a means of naming models. It’s like how we got the YZF600R and YZF1000R in the US and Europe got the Thunder Cat and Thunder Ace.
😂
Talk about corny.
If, like many are thinking to yourself “why didn’t they just make a 750?” the short answer is, VFRs. Honda originally conceived of the 750RR to compete with the likes of Kawasakis ZX-7 and Suzukis GSXR. Even Yamaha had their FZR750R in the mix.
Corporate Honda saw confusion between the VFR as their flagship 750 and an attempt to introduce a completely different 750 to the buying public. Never mind then that the JDM got the original 750.
The later 900RRs got a displacement bump to 919ccs.
To the rest of the world these were known as the “Fire Blade” which it turns out is the direct translation of the Japanese word for lightening into English. I find this amusing as a means of naming models. It’s like how we got the YZF600R and YZF1000R in the US and Europe got the Thunder Cat and Thunder Ace.
😂
Talk about corny.
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