HELP; 56 yr old who just got bike license 10 months ago wants a Ducati

7375 Views 38 Replies 25 Participants Last post by Philippe B, Jun 1, 2022

JACKMAC

Discussion Starter · Aug 4, 2017

Hi everyone, I'm from Ontario Canada; got my bike license last year after 55 years of 'thinking' about it, took a great rider training program at Georgian College in Owen Sound, and bought a new 2016 Yamaha FZ07. Just like my cars; I modified the bike right away - Akrapovic full exhaust, Power Commander V, fender delete, new mirrors/bar ends, and so on. Love the bike and my riding skills improved daily, but quickly realized I was going to need a little more power. Now, I've never ridden before so I had no baseline on what was good, and what wasn't. I did sense though that the bike could have a better 'feel' in the corners (I kinda pooped my drawers numerous times on several twisties, which in itself was kinda of rewarding in a twisted sense).
Well fast forward to 2 weeks ago when I test rode a 2017 Triumph Street Triple RS and was blown away by this bike. The smoothness of the triple, the intake growl, the sensibility in corners all left me in awe. Then, I test rode a 2018 Ducati Supersport S a couple of days later. How do I state this without sounding like a total noob and romantic fool in the process; this Ducati took me to a place I never thought I would experience, a mechanized / human interface of heaven on earth I thought only experienced by fighter jet pilots, space shuttle astronauts, and Justin Bieber in his Zonda 760. Well the Supersport S in white satin livery with blood red wheels, vibrating mirrors, throbbing motor, excessive heat on my left leg, Kubota tractor sound emanating from the dual exhaust did just that and won me over BIG TIME. Now, I can't sleep, eat, drink or function like the rest of the uniformed public. What's a Ducati wanting Dude to do? P.S. I have a sweet modified FZ07 for sale if anyone's interested - like maybe your uninformed cousin who's looking for a gnarly street bike with attitude. Just please don't tell them to test ride a Ducati Supersport like I did - it'll mess with their sense of being.
For those interested, I'll keep you updated on my plight. Cheers everyone...

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steeve

· #2 · Aug 4, 2017

Well written opening post. You'll certainly fit in here... don't mod your Supersport S to the point of spoiling all that hard work Ducati went to in producing a masterpiece that's almost perfect.... but there's plenty you can do to personalise it.

Mine just gets better and better, did a quick 120 miles today and every time I ride it my smile just gets bigger..........

Reactions: 4

JACKMAC

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 4, 2017

Thank you! I would like to get the Akrapovic full race exhaust w/fuel controller that's a dealer installed option. It completely changed the dynamic of my FZ07 and would hope for a similar (sound & power delivery) improvement w the Supersport.

psyopper

· #4 · Aug 4, 2017 (Edited)

JACKMAC said:
Thank you! I would like to get the Akrapovic full race exhaust w/fuel controller that's a dealer installed option. It completely changed the dynamic of my FZ07 and would hope for a similar (sound & power delivery) improvement w the Supersport.

I'd wait and see what Termignoni comes up with at EICMA this year. The Akra is particularly expensive at $3000, the performance upgrade is marginal at best, a few points more torque at a few hundred RPMs sooner. There's a reason you only see one dyno chart from Ducati and not another to accompany the exhaust, nor do you see any claims of improved performance.

It's really an over glorified, albeit overtly sexy, megaphone for the engine. Much to everyone's chagrin at the pretty ugly stock exhaust, the cam lobe separation is the restriction in the system, not the stock exhaust.

JACKMAC

Discussion Starter · #5 · Aug 4, 2017

ok, good insight - thank you.

Ed K

· #6 · Aug 4, 2017

Ha ha, good read!

Quite honestly, imho, there are so many great bikes out there you almost can't go wrong. Its merely a matter of personal preference...and you already know what we prefer.

JACKMAC

Discussion Starter · #7 · Aug 4, 2017

So true Ed K. Great time to be a rider - I'm little perturbed with myself though that I waited soooo long to get my bike license. On the flip side; the Supersport S was just released so I feel like I haven't missed too much lol. cheers

Reactions: 2

mercer854

· #8 · Aug 4, 2017

"Take My Advice, I'm Not Using It"

My advice is, "Ignore all advice!" Ignore all advice and opinions (including mine :wink2

and pay attention to the experience of others. Observe what works and doesn't work.

Lots of both in this forum. For example:

My Experience so far: I find that the bike is tons of fun with a great feel, but a little 'dumbed down' for my taste. Not crazy about the 'helping' systems that get between me and the bike, and will break eventually, but that's the case with all new bikes.

My Opinion: The bike's a bit of a toy, so let your inner kid out! Those same systems I complain about make it a great beginner's bike, and would be ideal IMHO for a track school rental bike. So what's 56? 18 with 38 years experience? Go play! :grin2:

Reactions: 2

DucColin

· #9 · Aug 4, 2017

There is nothing like riding a bike to make you feel alive and put a silly grin on your face. Choose whatever bike you like and can afford.
The one bit of advice I would strongly recommend is get some advanced rider training, I'm 57 and been riding since I was 17. I worked with a guy who is a track day instructor also an advanced motorbike instructor, about 10 years ago he took me out a few times for observed rides, giving instructions where needed, long story short my lines improved, I made progress better and amongst other things I learnt to read the road a lot better. Hopefully I am safer on the road, I know I'm quicker when I want to be.
You are never to old to learn and with some decent instruction you will enjoy riding more, you've only been riding for 10 months so you shouldn't have to many bad habits.

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Hugg727

· #10 · Aug 4, 2017

Great first post...welcome to the forum!

We need more folks born in the 60's in here......like myself.

Reactions: 1

Rhino

· #11 · Aug 4, 2017

Lol I think your gonna fit in quite well here I think you will help balance out the sensible members with a little more crazy old person. I'm look forward to the treads that start with What medication do you take Before and After your 1/2 hour ride. (just joking but anything goes here)

Reactions: 3

JaggerCat

· #12 · Aug 5, 2017

psyopper said:
Much to everyone's chagrin at the pretty ugly stock exhaust, the cam lobe separation is the restriction in the system, not the stock exhaust.

Speak for yourself, I kinda like the stock exhaust, thank you very much! :wink2:

Reactions: 5

JACKMAC

Discussion Starter · #13 · Aug 5, 2017

Appreciate the remarks and advice - I've been reading this blog for a while now and certainly a great group of hosers here, I mean posers...er Posters. Hopefully, a find a buyer for the FZ07 so I can get on with the Ducati love affair.

Reactions: 1

spartan1984

· #14 · Aug 5, 2017 (Edited)

JACKMAC,

Welcome aboard and go get your Supersport S. I've only been riding since 2008 and this is my first Ducati. Always wanted one but never pulled the trigger until now. I'm enjoying the heck out of mine and you will too...age is just a number, so get out and have fun. You only live once.

melba

· #15 · Aug 5, 2017

DucColin said:
There is nothing like riding a bike to make you feel alive and put a silly grin on your face. Choose whatever bike you like and can afford.
The one bit of advice I would strongly recommend is get some advanced rider training, I'm 57 and been riding since I was 17.

This is terrific advice :smile2::smile2:

Relic

· #16 · Aug 6, 2017

Born in the forties !

Reactions: 1

se7en

· #17 · Aug 6, 2017

Good advice here...but always go with your gut. Good luck and keep us posted.

JACKMAC

Discussion Starter · #18 · Aug 7, 2017

Great advice on the advanced rider trainer, which I will definitely sign up for once I've straddled my (soon to be acquired) Ducati. BTW, se7en; where the heck did you get your little booty shak'n signature thingy - damm, now that's some twisties! On a more somber note; a little hiccup w selling my current Yamaha, which I hope to have resolved asap. Hmmm, I wonder if I can get my wife to try that booty shaken thing...

Reactions: 1

se7en

· #19 · Aug 7, 2017

JACKMAC said:
BTW, se7en; where the heck did you get your little booty shak'n signature thingy - damm, now that's some twisties!

Lol, I've had this for years and have used it on several forums. >

melba

· #20 · Aug 9, 2017

se7en said:
Lol, I've had this for years and have used it on several forums. >

I still reckon Sophia has a lovely bum!!! :laugh::laugh::laugh:

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