851

[steve porter]

Had this since new


And spent far too much time doing this over the years

[grog]

Beautiful bike Steve. I was in awe of those in showroom when new. Loved Tri Colour. Only a 2 valver but had my Darmah for 15 yrs. Rebuilt motor in 1985, cost me 6 g back then, me doing the work. Best of everything installed. Could spin to 9 g. Sure could go. I did 86 th ks on that motor, was still running perfectly. Was an amazing bike. I sold the bike but still have wife, she was a bit younger then. 😀

[steve porter]

Thanks Grog, it sure is a nice thing that I can't part with as I have now had it for half my life, it however doesn't get a whole lot of use these days as I don't do a lot of tear arseing around, and it's not much good for anything resembling social behavior, even with my high bar/seat and lowered pegs modifications. I also had a Darmah from 85 till about 91 along with a GT and a Sport.Had another GT that I rebuilt and only sold recently and replaced it with the 1400 as I wanted something usable.

[grog]

When i had Darmah, also had gsx1100&gs1000g. Was always told i needed something reliable as Ducati would break. It never did. 3 of best bikes ive owned. 14 now rates with them.

[steve porter]

Yea, they have a reputation that they don't deserve, however they do require more challenging maintenance that can't be ignored or they will stuff up

[grog]

Steve, this one in shed. Can certainly move along. Best brakes ive ever used. Bit of a pig at low revs but once spinning, wow. Would love 14 to rev like it.

[steve porter]

Weird looking things, never had the pleasure but,bet they are great to ride though,

[grog]

They sure are a great ride. Very comfortable. They get a few bad reviews but all unfounded. I hate no key, just a fob, forever leaving in my pocket, find it later. Its worst feature. Its little screen is just brilliant, takes all air away. 14 is much smoother, better gear change, Diavel is just better at speed. Faster the better, not that ive gone over 100. 

[GSXKING]

When I was a kid my neighbour had silver and blue striped 900SS he commuted on. He would come down to the street with it after getting it out of the lounge room. Start it, then go back inside for coffee and when it warmed up sufficiently would ride off to work each weekday morning. My alarm clock for many years. 

[grog]

Exactly correct GSX, 5 litres of 50w oil. Didnt warm it, goodbye big end. I used to putt for 10ks before opening up. Total PIA. Reason i never rode to work. When warm, stayed that way for hours after turning off.  Rev it hard all day when warm. Loved Bevels.

[Sweaty]

Beautiful looking bike there Steve 

[BJ]

I've got a 996SPS in the shed.
Register it every year and done about 50km in three years.
Can't bring myself to sell it.

[steve porter]

I've got a 996SPS in the shed.
Register it every year and done about 50km in three years.
Can't bring myself to sell it.

I know what you mean, the older I get the more I just want a ride instead of an event

[VladTepes]

Ducatis are beautiful things, especially the old ones.  And the 916.
Not just Engineering, they are ART.

Their sports bikes have always been a bit small for my frame.
Nowadays I'm a bit old and sore for crouching, though I had considered buying a 999 as their polarising styling makes them significantly cheaper than the models before and immediately after.

[steve porter]

Ducatis are beautiful things, especially the old ones.  And the 916.
Not just Engineering, they are ART.

Their sports bikes have always been a bit small for my frame.
Nowadays I'm a bit old and sore for crouching, though I had considered buying a 999 as their polarising styling makes them significantly cheaper than the models before and immediately after.

too old and fat for clipons these days