Ducati SS1000 DS

This is my first Ducati and I love it. OK it's not as powerful as the 1999 R1 I exchanged for it, it's not as quick and if truth be known it doesn't handle quite as well but all the same, it's an awesome bike.

The power's low down so the acceleration is there at really low revs and the gears are the smoothest I've ever experienced. The Brembos do a great job of stopping it and it holds its line superbly through the back roads. There's plenty enough power for everyday road use and its a pleasure to ride on the open road. There's loads of room for a pillion, a good grab rail for them to hold on to and the bike handles well two up.

Having said that its not a machine you'd want to do too much town work on. The tank's quite long so the riding position puts pressure on the wrists and the break and clutch are heavy. It's air cooled to boot so watch the temperature go up and up in traffic.

I've only had the machine a couple of weeks so I can't comment on the famed Ducati reliability. All I can say is it looks superb and the sound of the engine puts a smile on my face every time I ride it.

Would I recommend it? If you love Ducatis - Yes. If not - get a R1.