They also had Ducati reps on hand to introduce their new superbike. I posted a photo of the Ohlins shock on my prev post and asked you to guess which bike this was. The one and only guess from Karen was correct. She has a secret walking encyclopedia who knows just about everything about motorcycles
I was also enamoured of the radial brake system
Everything about this bike was designed for speed and visual beauty. With 195 HP you need serious stopping power
I was told that this bike was "tricked out". I was talking to the rep and I told him that this was too much bike for me and he said that there was a safety mode which cuts down the power to safe levels
Here are the specs from the Ducati website, only 414 lbs wet and 195 HP
Here's Liz, I asked her to be my model. She is a Triumph rider
but I caught her trying on a Ducati. Last month a car made a U-turn in front of her and she could not stop in time. She is currently recovering from a concussion and still in healing mode
Here's a brand new Triumph Tiger 800 still in its crate
and also a beautifully restored vintage Triumph. (I wonder who likes Blue?)
I spent some time chatting with Will, the mechanic who used to work at Urban Wasp (the Vespa dealer whom recently closed down)
it was nice to spend some time looking around. Karen, your guess was right . . . You're learning a lot from your neighbour
C'mon Bob
ReplyDeleteYou'd look good riding that ducati down to get a latte on sunday mornings....
Steve:
Deletethat's an idea. I could pose at the local Starbucks. Is there a way to do "batch" watermarking ? I read about this on the photo forums but haven't bothered to do it. Seems like too much time to open every photo.
Bob
DeleteYou can go here to do batch watermarking
http://www.masswatermark.com/
Photoshop also does mass batch watermarking but is a little mor fiddly. I played around with it today, it needs to be set up for horizontal and vertical shots to work properly.
I am now using that as it will speed things up a bit for me.
I love the Panagale I went last year & drooled over it . Again too much bike & way too much insurance to pay on it. Mean looking bike though or as my kid would say 'sic'
ReplyDeleteDar:
DeleteWith few exceptions (like Mr James below), most of us would never ride to the abilities of what we have. Unless you are racing, there is no reason to buy this bike, unless you have lots of disposable income.
I used to have two Alfa Romeos and parts were always a problem, plus lack of reasonable places to repair them. Now I just stick with the ordinary. I am sure the Ducati rides like a dream, when it is running . . .
Completely agree with you Bob. I think if I was racing I would love to have this bike. But really what does one do with 1199 cc's of raw badass power particularly on our speed restricted roads? I guess for some it is just about bragging that you are riding a Panagale, but again the cost of insurance just isn't worth it and I am quite happy with my 500cc's of ponies, does the job for me ;)
DeleteDar:
DeleteI think you would really like the Street Triple. Small and fast but higher insurance rates. The Ducati would be your Sunday ride to Starbucks
Would be great to see you riding a Panigale Bob (shortly before Yvonne hits you with a rolling pin).
ReplyDeleteBTW, the "vintage" Triumph is actually a modern one. It's just made to look older by a custom builder like Deus Ex Machina or similar. I really like that bobber-type style.
Mr Geoff:
DeleteI was thinking that you need to secure a Panigale 1199R for your upcoming tour to BC. Just send over the funds and I will do my due diligence and get one ready. Of course I have to cycle the petrol to keep it in top shape. It will be ready when you arrive, and . . . don't hurry
I noticed the Triumph had disk brakes. One of the mechanics "built" it. The paint was unique as it was "flat" not "glossy" finish.
A riding friend has one....just what you need as transport Bob to get out and show us more coastal area life in your photographs. Sure would look good parked next to that Chevy.
ReplyDeleteCoop:
DeleteNot long ago I was offered a "special" Ducati. My dentist used to race Porches and he knew I rode motorcycles. He had a friend who had a rare Ducati which was pristine, and he passed away. He was in charge of disposing of it and he asked if I wanted to buy it. I don't remember the model but he told me that it was "special" , rare and immaculate. It didn't seem too expensive at the time, but I passed on it. Now you've got me wondering what model it was. I think it was RED if that helps
Great, pay extra for the bike and a lot more for insurance and then de-tune it so it isn't so scary to ride. It's like buying a Lamborghini and putting a governor on it so it doesn't go so fast. Anyone else see something wrong with this?
ReplyDeleteCanajun:
DeleteIt's not always about "using" the power. It's more about knowing you have it when you need it. I had a friend who purchased a Viper when they came out. He had to take a driver's Viper orientation course before they delivered it as it had too much power (torque), and they had to teach the owners how to use "less".
I can't imagine how much the insurance would be. I am already paying too much and I am in the lowest category
Very nice vintage Triumph, not only is it blue but I like the tan seat too. Thanks Bob.
ReplyDeleteA local Eugene rider had a new Panigale. He hit a cougar south of Eugene last year. You don't hear often about that kind of road kill. He had pictures as proof for his insurance company. Broke his wrist and totaled the bike. Ouch.
Trobairitz - I'm assuming out there the cougar would be of the four legged variety ... for the most part around here we just have the two legged variety and one would hope they'd know enough to jump out of the way of an on coming Ducati.
DeleteTrobairitz:
DeleteI've been trained . . . everytime I notice a nice BLUE bike, I have to snap a photo pour vous ! If I were more mechanical and had a place to work on it, and bikes are cheaper like where you are, then I would try to make one for myself. I like the old skool look but with modern running gear, like FI and disk brakes
Too bad about that Panigale
Karen:
DeleteIt took me a moment to figure out what a two-legged cougar was. Hope to see one if I am in your area.
Ha, funny Karen. With the college towns around here I am sure there are a lot of two- legged cougars, but he hit a four legged feline type. Poor kitty.
DeleteI am pretty sure he replaced his bike with another just the same he liked it so much, but he hadn't had it very long so between that and the broken wrist he wasn't a happy camper.
Yeah Bob, I do like the color blue. I dunno why, but I do. My thanks for taking pics of the blue bikes.
Trobairitz/Karen:
Deletedo two legged cougars have to be older? what if I wanted a younger one ?
I like my Vstrom and may buy the new one coming out in 2014. I also like my R1200R because it is smaller and easier to push/move around. We'll see how it goes this Summer
I consider the 1198..SEX on wheels, gorgeous! But I would need a second mortgage here to have one!
ReplyDeleteRogey:
DeletePerhaps if I ever took one out for a demo I may love it too but I am not a fan of exotic vehicles. I think I would rather have a Striple like Geoff's. Then there's also the Speed Triple . . .
That Panigale was very nice. It was designed for racing, the rep was explaining this and that and I thought I understood what he was saying at the time about "tuning" it for the track. All the adjustments are built in. Even the dual exhausts are a work of artistic perfection. I did not snap a photo but they exit under the bike
Bob
ReplyDeleteI like the mirrors on Ducatis
Yours as ever from England, N
Nikos:
Deleteperhaps that is the one thing that we could arrange. Seems simple enough until we find out how much it costs, and we could use double sided tape on your Beemer
Hey Bob:
ReplyDeleteJust catching up with you. Pani-galiano, hothouse posts.....all good, and some nice photography. I'll bet Mrs. Skoot enjoyed the peace and quiet of the Gulf Islands as well. Nice reportage and by the way a belated kung hei fat choy to you and family.
Chris:
DeleteHope all is okay at home and sorry for your loss . . .
Most often we are driving all day long to make miles. Lately we have been taking things slower. Now when we travel somewhere we stay put for a few days. Happy belated New Year to you two too
The Ducati is probably much cheaper than the vette and infinitely less practical. And it's the right color. What's not to like about it....
ReplyDeleteRichard:
DeleteI decided a long time ago not to buy any more exotics so if it's not something mainstream, then I don't want it. I got rid of my Alfa Romeos and settled for Chevrolet ('Vette). Mrs Skoot can't ride or straddle a seat so I need at least 2 seats so she can feel the wind too
Sounds like you need a sidecar for Mrs. Skoot.
DeleteThat 1199 is a beautiful bike! I was looking at a used 1098 when I decided on my Zx-14. I didn't think it would be comfortable enough for longer rides. That, and the $$$ required services kept me away from it.
ReplyDeleteThere are a number of motorcycles now that have a selector switch to choose the HP/performance levels that suit the rider. I have mixed feelings about that. My little bike, is easy to ride, and easy to control without those multiple power control functions... IF you have the common sense to control your right wrist. It will only go as fast as YOU make it go, but it's nice to know the power is there if needed.
Erik:
DeleteI'm with you . . . too much $$$, parts problems, labour rates and few dealers. I am sure they are fun to ride as long as they are running. Not so good when they are broken.
The selector switch would be good if you let someone else ride your bike to keep the power down. And your bike is NOT LITTLE, either that or I am small
I was out with a friend to visit the Deeley museum back when it was in the big warehouse. He was on a 12R and when we started home it began to rain. He looked very worried. There was no throttle response reduction on that baby. One can have mega HP bragging rights at Starbucks and live to tell about it.
DeleteA good thing.
David:
DeleteI thought Traction Control (ASC) was standard equipment on the R1200R. I also have ABS and TPS: Tire Pressure Sensors and Trip Computer.
I also visited the Deeley Museum when they were in Richmond (Bridgeport), but that was years ago
I'm with Trobairitz. I like the retro Triumph as well.
ReplyDeleteAmazing that a "newly opened shop" has so many sold tags. Good for them.
Lori:
DeleteVancouver Ducati purchased Pacific Motorsports and also opened Ducati-Richmond. Ducati was previously sold by another dealer who went bankrupt a couple of years ago so while this location is new, the Dealer isn't
so far this is considered a Mild winter and Spring is very close
Totally sold on the vintage Triumph. The Ducati is just too much for my taste.
ReplyDeleteI hope Liz is doing well soon, and back on the road on two wheels.
Sonja:
DeleteI liked that Triumph too but I think I would rather have a fuel injected cafe racer, something a bit more modern but made to look vintage. I bump into Liz all the time. She has an immaculate black Triumph, I just can't remember the model, perhaps a Thruxton and she looks mean in her black leathers
Modern Triumph customized. I could make mine look like that if I wanted clip ons, a scarmbler exhaust to burn my legs, no front fender to spray my face in the rain and an extra hard seat. Trust me, its not a vintage triumph! Pretty it is but not daily rider material.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading all Ducati panigale 1199 reviews, I must say that this model is going to boil the market due to its stylish and aggressive design. And, there is no comparison of the model, if yes, I don't think that the competitor will beat the model.
ReplyDelete