It was a crass question but it had to be asked. Had Scott Charles of Leven in Fife bought his £40,000 Ducati Desmosedici RR MotoGP race replica purely as an investment? After all, as one of a fully sold-out limited edition run of just 1500 bikes, it would almost certainly sell for more today than when he bought it.
'I've always owned Ducatis because I love the company and what it produces. Ducati has a unique vision for its bikes,' said Scott. 'A lot of people go on about the price but it's an incredible level of performance (989ccs, more than 200bhp and capable of a mind-boggling 216mph) for the price of a BMW 5 series car.' And that takes no account of the bike's drop-dead gorgeous looks.
Speaking at a ceremony to hand over the keys of his new Desmosedici at Ducati Glasgow, Scotlands only Ducati dealership, he was adamant: 'No, it wasn't bought as an investment., but it will only be used on high days and holidays.'
Martin Rees, dealership partner (who has also bought a Desmosedici and is exchanging his 1098 for a 1098R) said he thought the handover was the first in the world, a recognition by Ducati of Scott's determination to be the first person to buy one.
'When the rumours began that Ducati was going to build a four-cylinder bike to enter MotorGP, Scott went into his Ducati dealers and insisted on putting down a deposit on any future road-going version of the bike. That was 2002, and at that point Ducati had no plans to build a replica.
But Scott's faith in the project was rewarded, and '2119 days' later, he finally took delivery of the 989cc L-four-cylinder work of art.
'It's my dream and I'm absolutely delighted.' The Ducati Desmosedici RR production prototype is a stunning and unique piece of kit and guests at the handover were given a special insight into its development by Ducati consultant and aerodynamics guru Alan Jenkins who flew in specially for the event.
Meanwhile, bike launches for the 2008 season are coming thick and fast and many of the new models will be on show at the Scottish Motorcycle Show at Ingliston on March 8/9.
Highlights for 2008, to be featured in The Herald motorcyle column
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