He most definitely is a Top guy ! Ive arranged to move hotels tomorrow, to one within walking distance of Ducati Rimini Been thinking about WDW 2028....
Shame you have to head home Neil. WDW2026 is only a fortnight away and being their 100th year is set to be a biggie. I'm working tomorrow throughout the day, but I will do my best to phone the service manager in between flights and keep you updated.
Neils story is actually more pertinent than the discussion would suggest. I grew up with Honda's and to this day, in my opinion, they are still the most reliable bikes on the planet. Having said that my Ducati experience is sublime and what I have experienced on a Ducati was never experienced on a Honda. Having said that there is much to be said for touring and to be able to set off on a Honda knowing that you are 99% certain to fulfil your desires is one helluva staring point. Neil's story is perhaps not typical but it does make me very very nervous about embarking on a touring holiday with a bike that "has issues". I would love to do what Neil has done but don't think I would on my Ducati and it's a terrible shame for the brand.
Just thinking out loud, whether through this forum or otherwise is there actually a support network for Ducati owners across Europe because I personally would see that as a huge plus for the brand. If every individual is just left to their own fate then I can't see the benefit in ever being willing to travel with a Ducati.
Quick update, shes arrived at Ducati Rimini They are going to look at it this evening and order required parts tomorrow morning I moved hotels from where I was staying near Tavulla to one on Misano beach 20 min walk from Ducati Rimini, this afternoon i took a walk there, before the bike was delivered to speak to Allesandro the Service manger, he was aware of its impending arrival , thanks to Topolino , i showed him photos of the problem, All being well ill have the bike back on Wednesday evening, setting off home early Thursday morning
@Nifty70 my two pence worth. Had a Multistrada 1200; went to Italy on it. Factory tour etc. Did over 30,000 miles on it. Many many issues with it. All known and discussed on here. BMW GS1200 now on 73,000 miles. Lots of main bits replaced at BMW’s cost. Also have an 899 on 32,000. Again many issues. All I can say is BMW support is light years above what Ducati offer. All 3 have full dealer service. Any bike can be a pain now & again. It’s how your treated that’s key. I know of a few Africa Twins with broken frame welds & crap spokes.
I rode - issue free - to Florence a couple of weeks ago on a Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE (2019). More impressively my mate clocked up the 50,000 mile mark on his 2002 VFR. BUT, bikes of any brand (as mentioned) can have issues. Just bad luck and timing @Neil Byrne I guess. Safe journey home. And fair play for going solo - the prospect would terrify me!
Ive had chance to think and ponder...dangerous i know...but id do it again and on same bike ! Yeah ive been thwarted by a simple plastic peg breaking allowing the oil cooler to chaff through on a bodywork screw, but itll be fixed , then once im home , im thinking of strengthening it with some carbon cloth and resin.. Im already planning in my head Misano 2027 ....biggest hurdle will be convincing the GF to let me do it again...it may cost me a ring...lol
You really should be encouraging your girlfriend to ride her own bike ……… my partner does and the only ring she wants from me, is a phone to suggest we go out for ride Safe and trouble free ride home Andy
