I have wanted a sport bike since I sold my last one in 1998. I have ridden many over the years, but my family situation prevented it. Well, here we are in 2023, I am 52, relatively recently single, the kids are grown and out of college, I have no debt and more life insurance that I need. There is no financial barrier - I can pay cash if I want but they are offering 36 months for 4.99%. I have to make that decision.

I just looked at a 2023 Ducati Pangagale V2. $20k out the door. I will need all the gear so add another $2k - Helmet, 2 piece leathers, gloves, and boot

What am I missing? Why shouldn't I pull the trigger? What are your thoughts?

I've always liked the Monster, but have never ridden a Duc.

Hopefully rainman chimes in, as I think he's had a few.

Yes, do it. I’ve always wanted one, never mind the fact that motorcycles scared the you know what out of me. Ducatis are just so sexy looking.

Beautiful motorcycle! If a track/sport bike is what you want that'll sure make a nice one.

Hmmm.... Like a BMW. But Italian. Make sure you are mentally prepared when you learn what your dealers hourly shop rate is!
Ducks are cool and have a great sound!

I would spend your money.

I took a 12yr hiatus between the ages of 35 and 47, after two bad back to back motorcycle accidents.

I noticed in my 12yr absence, cell phone use had completely changed the dynamics of the vehicular environment.

You didn't say what type of riding you did previously, but that is a very impressive machine. Ride with a soft throttle hand until you are familiar with not only the bike, but the idiot drivers around you.

Keep us posted...

Isn’t it “I want a DU-FUCKIN’-CATI!”?

Pourquoi pas putain?

I won’t try to talk you out of it. Ducati is riding high right now having won championships in World Superbike and MotoGP. Right now is a good time to be a Ducati fan.

If you fancy 90° twin sport bikes the Panigale is the best.

My last motorcycle was a 2012 Kawasaki KLR650. I sold it in 2018 before we moved fro San Antonio to the Atlanta Metro area.

We waved to North Dallas in 2020 and July last year, at 59 yrs old, I bought a 2022 Yamaha MT-09.

I ride it everyday unless it is raining. We had a few single-digit temp days earlier this year and I still rode.

I have about 4,000 miles on it now and am loving it.

I turned 60 in early January and intend to ride as long as I can.

I am 50 and had a few thoughts if I found myself newly single I’d want a Ducati too! I say go for it - we aren’t getting any younger. Post it up when you get it.
SB

Do it while you still can.

Hell, yes~ do it. But I’d recommend considering the MSF course as a refresher since it’s been so long.

I also have always wanted a Monster. Maybe someday.

Me too, I recommend this one...The Ducati 1198s



Also available in black...Decisions, decisions



The last of the pre-Panigale era Superbikes and the ultimate Ducati IMO...And you can find them used for a little as $9K!

Get it. You won’t regret getting a Duck. I miss mine immensely. I currently have a Triumph. It has been a great motorcycle but, it doesn’t have the “soul” of a Ducati. Yes they cost more usually. Yes they are maintenance and labor intensive. But………………… it’s a Ducati.

Im a big fan of buying used and saving half… and Honda. But I get the Ducati thing.

First buy a motorcycle, if you don't have one you should. Second buy a motorcycle that you love and will use for enjoyment. Which one is that? I don't know. What would you like to do with it? There are so many great sportbikes that it matters a bit on which set of things are important to you.

Or, go big & find a Desmosedici RR
Only a cool $75k when new
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ducati_Desmosedici_RR

quote:

What am I missing?

Budget for tires.
Budget for service if you don't do it yourself.

Armor?
Additional gear for hot weather and rain?
Cheap(er) aftermarket body parts for track days?

Enjoy the bike.

I found this pic of my 1997 Duc taken in the driveway probably in 1998 or 99.

I would look for a 748 or 900ss used scratche the itch but not a big investment.