For the Ducati fans?

Ok, so I've worked at Ducati shops and been around the whole Ducati scene. So, why are Ducati fans and riders so uppity about ducati? The bikes are overpriced, underpowered for the price, they leak oil, they require maintenance every time you twist the throttle, and they don't last over time. I've ridden them all...so don't tell me I don't understand because I've never been on one. The only thing good to be said for them is that they generally handle great.

Some folks drank the Kool Aid. I didn't. Sticking with my Jappers.

Motorcycles are not a necessity, they are an advertising driven lifestyle statement. Why else do you think people will pay a premium to ride a Harley which is basically 1930's John Deere technology.

Ducati motorcycles have allways been frigile, right from the 60's
they were overpriced then and are overpriced now.
Maybe it's the Italian Stallion thing!

Well quite frankly I don't beleive you one little bit because the things you say about Ducati are pure fantasy and ideas taken from the distant past. Leak oil - what the hell are you talking about? They have never had a reputation for leaking oil more than any other machine and having owned three I can say hand on heart that they do not do that. Require maintenance every time you twist the throttle, is pure crap as well. OK so you don't like them but don't try to trot out old stereotypes as current day fact as they just show that, as you yourself high light by trying to deny it up front - you just don't understand actually it is not that, you simply just donlt know what you are talking about. Also how can they be under powered for the price? That is a ludicrous statement to make. Since when did how much you pay have any relevance on the power of the machine. If that were the case then a GoldWing should be putting out about 190 brake.
The only statement that you made that could be argued as having some relevance is the price - they are expensive but no one forces anyone to buy them, so what is the issue? I own 15 bikes from Jawa and Cezets up to Ducati sport bikes and all in between. I see them all as being bikes and that first and foremost. If you don't like, can't afford or are jealous of those who do have a Ducati then that is OK but at least try to put your point based around fact and not fantasy.
I don't give a toss if people like any of my bikes or not but spouting shi*te is another thing altogether.

i think shuggie has the right answer here..... perhaps your problem lies more with the clientele as opposed to the bike... then again 99% of the people who I know who own Ducs are very friendly and eager to share their passion for motorcycling..

Because Ducatis dominate the racing scene. Just ask Casey Stoner...

Ducatis weren't created to be the cheapest or most reliable bikes in the world. They were created for racing and riding enthusiasts.

A question like this will generate a lot of different opinions, but i believe the main reason for the high level of pride among ducati enthusiasts comes directly from their racing record. Take a few minutes to look at www.worldsbk.com in the archives section to see just how dominant ducati has been over the last 20 years. Many different factors can be attributed to their success, not just the make alone. You certainly have to consider rider talent and team performance, but wins are wins, and with a record like theirs, that certainly entitles them to some bragging rights. They have won 15 out of 20 manufacturers championships, they have over twice the amount of poles, wins and podium finishes than any other make, (that's putting it mildy--most categories are closer to 3 or 4 times the amount) To say they have been dominant, in my opinion, is an understatement---they have owned it. Thus, ducati owners don't really seem to mind paying a little more, or putting up with a more extensive maintenance schedule, they are riding the bike that has kicked superbike butt for the last 20 years.

Are you serious??? Overpriced? Underpowered? Leak oil? Wow.

Okay, Ducati fans buy Ducatis for MANY reasons. Exclusivity is one of them. Amongst all the Japanese I-4's @ a local bike night, you might come across 1 or 2 Ducatis depending on the popularity of the bike scene there. GSXR's, R1/R6, Ninja's, and CBR's are a plenty so keep that in mind.

Secondly, Ducatis are certainly NOT underpowered. What they may lack in HP they most assuredly make up for in pure torque.

Shuggie is right about the oil leaks. Proper maintenance on ANY bike and you shouldn't encounter such a problem. Same thing goes for any engine; car, go-kart, lawn mower, etc.!

Being around the Ducati scene and still coming up with this conclusion is simply ridiculous. I suggest you take a closer look @ the history behind Ducati and why they are at the epitome of motorcycle racing.

Ducatis have 6000 mile maintenance intervals.
Most jap bikes have 3000-4000 mile maintenance intervals.
I don't know what the Harleys are but I bet they are NOT 6000 miles.....