Ok, this is mostly for you all my age (68). After coming back from Viet Nam in 1971 I bought one of the first Honda CRB750s, I spent over seven months hitting all but ten states, after that I got into MX (250 CZ, yeah you Mark!) for awhile and then got into sports car. Fast forward to now and I'm thinking about another road bike. Well, I'm hot to trot for the new Ducati Scrambler 803cc of love. My daughter thinks I'm nuts, my friends think I'm f&$+!@g nuts. I just rode one and my worry was I couldn't get my damn leg over the seat. Well, I could. What say you? Money not an issue.
The clock is ticking.... Do what you want... You won't get another chance.... Just remember you aren't as young as you were back in 1971... Your reflexes are slower... Road rash hurts like the devil... There are a lot of crazies on the road now... For me the MINI is my motorcycle....
Do what you want... Just keep in mind you don't bounce like you used too. They have really good quality protective stuff these days. Have Fun!!
Too many bikes, not enough time. I always admired Ducati but they were just a little too raw for me. If you're asking for recommendations the last touring bike I had that was really sweet was a BMW 1150 RT. What ever you get you will enjoy and if you find you made a mistake, it's an easy fix.
A few years ago I met a couple in their 80's that still road a motorcycle. The husband was a private pilot and still held his medical and flew, much to the chagrin of the FAA. I thought it was great they still lived life! I met them in a hotel near the Mayo clinic, they where there because one of them was getting a check. I believe cancer that was in remission. Ducatis are great bikes my step dad sold them among other brands. I would lean more towards a cruiser, but thats just me. We all are responsible for our own decisions. I truly believe that we are in Gods hands. Whether I am on my bike or in a rocking chair when he calls me I will go, I have no say in that. I say live life, never give up. Ride like the wind!
I do not ride, so the MINI is me. But.... I have a neighbor who drives by each day to and from work, his Ducati has the most wonderful sound as he hits our street and pushes just a tiny bit to the next stop sign. If you ride and you like it, I would go for it. Don Btw, I hit the last year of my 60s this month, so I understand. 70 starts another 10 of fun.
The greatest experiences of one's life involve risk, fear, exhilaration. When you're an old fart, unable to make it up the stairs pain-free, you'll not remember the day that you make a rational, safe what-to-do-with-my-day-off decision. You'll remember the first road trip you took on your shiny new Duck.
Interesting question. I purchased a Ducati Monster at age 52, spent a lot of money on it tricking it out and increasing its HP. Four years later as a retirement present I picked up a H-D Fat Boy. The H-D made me a better rider because I was more confident when riding it. One afternoon on the Monster I caught myself doing the ton while weaving across 4 lanes of Interstate. Suddenly, I realized this was pretty stupid especially for someone a brittle as me. I parked it for six years and gave it to a friend's son who was returning from service in Iraq. I never missed it. I still have the Harley but don't ride as often as I once did. Today, I turned 71 and four wheels on the ground feels very comfortable.
You shouldn't care what anyone else thinks about buying the Ducati and it doesn't matter what age you are. If you still have the ability and confidence to ride the Ducati, go for it and enjoy.
Ok here is the latest. Yesterday I stopped by the local Honda dealer to shop for a new helmet and other sundries. Talked to the owner about the Ducati and his thoughts. He said to come sit on a few comparable bikes to the Ducati, Yamaha, Honda, etc. He saw me having somewhat of a problem getting on them and suggested I look at something else. Well, long story short I'm now the owner of a 2015 Honda CTX700N. It is definitely not the screamer the Ducati is, but with a lower seat and all that goes with that I took it. Now for the interesting part, it has a six speed dual clutch, paddle shift with rev matching on down shifts. At first I said no way but then after the test ride I was hooked. I'll never go for that on a car but on this bike I'm more than ok with it. That's it!!