Over 30 years ago now i was when I had a poster of a 916 on my bedroom wall, from one of the motorbike mags with a bikini blonde draped over it, but no eyes was on her – the bike was the star.
I made a promise to my 17 year old self I’d own one, got an insurance quote and instantly shelved the idea with a life promise that I’d get one for my 30th birthday.
When that came around though, I was deep in finance on an R1 and there was nothing I could do. I had let childhood dreams down. I rescheduled for my 40th which I also missed as I just couldn’t afford it at the time but I promised that I’d just own a Ducati one day.
When my mum died in 2022 the inheritance gave me the chance, and I finally fulfilled my dream. It’s not a 916, it’s not the cream of Ducati but any means, but it’s my life long dream realised in the shape of a 2008 848.
Coming from a Triumph Daytona 675 it was slower than expected, and on the standard exhaust it was quieter than the kid in me hoped, but it’s mine, my first Ducati.
Instantly the troubles started.
Within the first week the number plate bracket let go on the motorway and I lost the bracket, plate and both rear indicators. On the way home that same day the chain snapped (previous owner had fitted a split pin ffs) and I was on the side of the motorway from 6pm to 2am waiting for a recovery The week later the rear seat cover came off on a roundabout. Half the LEDs in the rear light failed. The oil started leaking.
Then it went for MOT, failed on a fork seal which was an absolute sod to replace as the top siezed in the stanchion, and rear brake efficiency which was a new rear master cylinder.
Right now it has a starting issue as teeth have come off the flywheel and it just spins up. it still has the oil leak and bolts rattle out the fairings every time it goes anywhere.
But I have to admit, no bike has ever made me smile like this. It’s slow, unreliable, quiet, cheap and old tech, and I could easily get better for less and yet it’s connected to me like an extra body part when riding. My daughter loves it, my passed away mum paid for it, this one will be in the family forever.
The Duchess will featured in videos soon for the flywheel replacement as I wont be riding at all next season without it being done, but from that there will be a full rebuild in the future to get her to where she deserves to be. Stay tuned for this and more bike content in the future.
SainzFAB Logo Unisex Hoodie
Who knew that the softest hoodie you’ll ever own comes with such a cool design. You won’t regret buying this classic streetwear piece of apparel with a convenient pouch pocket and warm hood for chilly evenings.
• 100% cotton face
• 65% ring-spun cotton, 35% polyester
• Front pouch pocket
• Self-fabric patch on the back
• Matching flat drawstrings
• 3-panel hood
Disclaimer: This hoodi…
