I traded my GSXR750WV for a Ducati 955SP on a balmy summer's day 1998. "Why?" I hear you cry, well about six of you anyway. It all started with me making the fatal mistake of riding John's SPS, out at the Nurburgenringen. Now I thought my GSXR was good but the SPS is another level, and that was it, I was hooked. Of course, there's one slight problem with wanting an SPS legally and that's the cash, so I kept a look out in the classifieds for an interesting option, and lo and behold there is a God - 'Ducati 955 SP, work carried out by Steve Wynn.'

I rang up the dealer, he was prepared to take the GSXR in part ex. Spoke to Steve Wynn, he remembered the bike and confirmed it was pukka, so off I went to sunny Cheshire and purchased the Duke.

One year of trackdays, one and half 'Ring trips later and I encountered some slight mechanical problems halfway round a lap of the 'Ring. Vibration moved beyond its customary Duke level onto a whole new plain - I realised this when I lost all feeling in both my hands. Unfortunately this is not a good place to stop and wait for the AA as there are several hundred lunatics hurtling around this piece of tarmac in and on everything from a slightly crumpled Tonka Toy to a Ferrari F50000000XPQR etc... Also, the local garage charges something in the region of £100 to take you to the car park, so I attempted to nurse my baby round but unfortunately to no avail. Luckily John had some lederhosen-clad friends in the car park armed with a trailer and they very kindly took me to our guest house where Green Flag recovered the bike to the UK (several weeks later, filthy and corroded).

The bike went to Connor at Endo motorcycles where the damage was inspected. There was a crack running around both crankcases which happens apparently after so many race miles unless the engine is inspected and fettled regularly. So the bike is all back together now at huge expense. It has new crankcases and is ready for the summer - I can't wait.

Just for you Ducati anoraks, I run the steep head angle and a 180 rear tyre (Pilot races) and it is lovely, turns quicker than my Blade and still very stable.

Gaz