I dunno Jez but I think the amount it would cost to buy another would be a lot more than the £650 I sold it for
I know your feeling, I am clearing decade(s) of an 996 RS project that I never got to progress and moving on from this. Turning my eyes to 888 SP4 is certainly helping...
I think for me, I've sold a few bikes that have always had a sound reason for doing so, but often when the dust settles it's much harder to see the sensible reasons that led to the sale. I sold my RGV250 VJ23 which genuinely is such a rare bike that there won't be another opportunity to own one. I liked it because a friend had it from new and there's loads of memories related to it, but I never loved it as a machine to ride, it was down on power and the parts were just so rare it felt like a burden. The bike that I do feel the most sad about is one I didn't even own, it's a 748R that I put a thousand miles on whilst a mate had it as he was happy for me to ride it, I had a chance to buy it and I didn't and honestly that's the one I think about the most when I long for a previous bike. All the others have been 'replaceable' I've had 2 848's, had a 899 and they were all great, but probably replaceable. Now I have the V2 and again, if I needed to move it on I don't think I would have an issue as they will be everywhere. The one for me that I'd never be able to let go if I had one, is a 998S. That would be my ultimate Ducati I think (Obv 996R but they are already out of the realms of bikes I'll ever be able to afford).
9 years I've had my 998 FE. Had a momentary wobble when I wanted a MK2 escort, but didn't do anything serious about selling. Can't ever see myself selling it.
As long as the buyer is a sensible person that loves her as much as I did, I am happy for to let go, better to be ridden than parked up in a garage unused for years. IMO a bike/car that does 500-1000 miles a year is much better than one that stood for years. I have a friend that rebuilds old cars and he said the worst ones are the low mileage ones that where parked for many years, grease dries out, rust spots on engine/suspension internals,(guess lack of oil/grease circulation), rubber seals are brittle and so on.
My number of Ducatis went beyond sensible a while back. All of them are ex-race bikes. To ride them I have to get on track. I am approaching a big birthday in November. These race bikes keep me fit and not fat, because I could not ride them fast on track otherwise. This is a pic of my Dad doing his final Manx aged 66, so hopefully a few more years in the tank.
You obviously speak for a lot of us! I just sold my MS having done a tour of a lifetime on it last year but trying to use financial logic, the lockdown and coupled with a brain that doesn’t cope well with commitment (!) I decided to sell her on with the intention of buying again next year. I lasted a week!!!! Probably the thing I missed the most was not having a “ready-to-go-anywhere” bike sat in the garage “just in case.“! Anyway, lesson learned, life is too short not to own a bike so it’s maps out planning yours time and I’m happy again!
Tried to sell my Pani twice. First phone call and I take it off. Had it 6 years, shared 13k+ miles, dragged it all round Europe on trackdays. Can't seem to part with it. Since the Tuono came along I don't bother with it on the road.. I can see it being an expensive clothes horse and occasional track slag
Love the rc 45. Close to buying a rc30 in Reading ,early 90s, in RVF colours!, wish I did but after divorce bought the 916 when it came out, so not all bad ☺
I had loads of MK2 RS Escorts in the 80's. I'd have another one today, if they were under £10k. £20-30k+ is silly money now for what they are IMO.
I hate selling anything - usually because I buy what I really really want, not just to try something for a bit and/or flip something for financial gain. Unfortunately that means space is now a serious constraint - and fortunately I have a very understanding wife!
I just agreed with your post, then realised that perhaps I should point out that I don't know your wife so can't comment on that part of your post! Nasher
