Having not ridden a Duke since the demise of the 748SP five or six years ago, I still had a soft spot for one - don't ask me why, so ...

A friend was selling his 916 SP3, a bike I'd always promised myself 'one day'. Being as the offer was on the table I decided this might as well be the day, took the plunge and did the deal. I could not ride on Sunday due to other commitments, so bank holiday Monday three of us decided on a delayed Sunday bash.

Lovely sunny morning so I left home an hour early to get used to the SP. God the steering felt heavy after my Fireblade, but after 30 mins or so I got dialled in and started to explore the V twin experience all over again. You know, vibrating lawnmower engine, clattery clutch, rock hard suspension, impossible riding position ....

Met the chaps at 9am and we went off for brekkie. Chasing John and Tet on their new bikes just proved how far the Jap inline fours have come. I had to use all the Duke had to offer to stay with the Blade and Gixer 1000, but I enjoyed it all the same.

But did people really pay £13,000 for these things? Comparing the general level of engineering to the Blade leaves the Duck wanting slightly.

There are some nice touches, like the Ohlins rear shock and Termi cans, but not too sure of the carbon clutch cover ... noisy and lets in the rain!

The Ducati still makes me smile, though, and the noise is pure orgasm. Only time will tell what I do with it.

Mark.