http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080130/ap_en_ce/people_cruise Guess you have to be a mega superstar and a scientologist to get on THAT list. Mike
here's an interesting video about cruise: http://gawker.com/5002269/the-cruise-indoctrination-video-scientology-tried-to-suppress
He actually doesn't strike me as much different from any other self righteous religious zealot (some people call them missionaries) who believes it's his responsibility to save the rest of us from ourselves by preaching the principles of their elitist reality that claims to be the only true road to happiness. To his credit, though, he doesn't threaten me with eternal damnation ( or torture as was done 500 years ago) if I chose not to buy into that reality. And I don't have much of an issue with him getting the new Ducati either, as atleast he rides.......and alledgedly knows his way around a racetrack pretty damned well.
Well put. I guess it could be worse. Do I see a top 5 (worst people to get expensive toys I'd want) forming?
Go Bob! We agree again. Why should we resent TC for getting the bike or getting it first. He has the money, I don't, he has the influence, I don't. A lot of people have me covered in those departments. As far as him being a wacko goes, we are all wackos in our own way, some of us in multiple ways. Some just hide it better. I am uncomfortable with Ducati going this direction however. This and the 40G 1098R mean that the top Ducatis are forever out of my reach and the reach of many others that were Ducati enthusiasts for the last thirty or forty years. 'Guess it's that stinkin' progress
Mike (46), I once told you that if Ducati came out with a V4, and I could afford it, in spite of the fact that everyone thinks I'm "anti Italian-bike", I'd buy it, for as you know.....I LOVE V4's; Unfortunately, $75,000. is about 3 times too much for me, but I think that bike is not only worth every penny, it's actually a pretty good deal; the $125,000. MV might be prettier, but it's not 1/2 the bike.
Then we're in the same boat Bob. It's three times what I can afford too. Even the 1098R is way more than I can justify.I felt extravagent buying my 999S. If I paid $75,000 for a V4 I'd probably commit myself. I guess $25,000 isn't what it used to be.
If I understand the purchase of the Desmosedici RR, you have to have first been a Ducati customer. So if you had not previously purchased a new Ducati, you couldn't get on the buyer list. At least not until all previous owners had a chance to buy one. Then the sale would open up to all others. So the purchase price would[could] actually be higher. Per the 1098R, How much would it cost to buy an entry level 1098 and then make the necessary modifications to superbike spec as time and finances allow? I hear you Mike (and Bob), I'd feel extravegant buying a 1098 too. Not that I wouldn't like it, mind you.
Hello Walt, To roll your own 1098 R and do it correctly would cost more than buying the real thing, probably by a ton. Of course you could cut corners and make a 1098 r (not R)for 75% of the cost and little benefit and be a cool guy in the parking lot.
I think I'm content with my $3500 '05 GSXR750 with worked forks and track bodywork for a grand total of less than $5000. That way I don't crap myself every time I lean into a corner (like I would if I had spent $75,000). Makes for a much more enjoyable track day. If I wanted to preen around in a parking lot, I'd buy a Fatboy and chrome it to death...
Sorry Guys, but if I had enough money to not only be able to afford Ducati's $75,000. MotoGP clone, but to be able to afford to throw it away without too much concern, I'd be bringing it to the track, and like everything else I've ever owned, probably throwing on the ground trying to hard to find my limits.
I once tried racing a bike that I owed money on and I couldn't get going at all on it. For me, if it's paid for and I can actually afford it, I could put it on the track and have fun with it. The V4 and 1098R unfortuneatley won't be rolling around a race track with me in the saddle.
I agree with both of you (Mike and Bob). The problem is the affording part. At least for me. Mike Mills, would be thinking, the wife will kill me if I total this thing and still owe money on it. :lol: :lol: :roll: :wink:
Excellent Posting , never understood the need to spend Mega $ on a track bike . First dedicated track bike 91 FZR600 paid 1200 put about 3oo into it , sold it for 1400 Second track bike 98 GSXR750 paid 1900 , and a certain friendly suspension man is totally redoing the suspension for me . Its faster then I ever will be :lol: