Monday, October 23, 2006
NFL Football
It is the middle of the NFL football season. Need I say more?
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Truth As Strange as Fiction
I happened on this fascinating article in Wired Gizmondo's Spectacular Crack-up that proves that real life can be as unbelievable as fiction. While the story is titled and purported as being about the company that made the Gizmondo gaming device it really is more about Stefan Eriksson. Some of you may have heard about Eriksson as the driver who totaled his Ferrari Enzo ($1 million dollar car) on California's Pacific Coast highway.
This article was interesting to me for at least two separate reason. As a automotive and motorcycle buff, it is interesting to read how a person can wreck a exotic automobile (at an estimated 198 miles per hour!) on a public street. From a business perspective it illustrated my often brought up point that just because a company gets investment money, doesn't mean there is any real business there. It is fascinating how these known crooks so easily flimflammed the stock and investment community.
This article was interesting to me for at least two separate reason. As a automotive and motorcycle buff, it is interesting to read how a person can wreck a exotic automobile (at an estimated 198 miles per hour!) on a public street. From a business perspective it illustrated my often brought up point that just because a company gets investment money, doesn't mean there is any real business there. It is fascinating how these known crooks so easily flimflammed the stock and investment community.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
The cost of "Italian Duc"
One of the most discussed and controversial topics among Ducati fans and other motorcyclists is the cost of operating and maintaining (service cost) Ducati motorcycles. This is closely followed by reliability (both perceived and real). Where here is my two cents and comments on service costs.
Note: I am posting here for two reasons. First, anyone truly interested may find this in an internet search. Second, I can refer people to this entry. This topic always starts a full on flame war on Ducati forums.
A short preface. Probably the most turned off on Ducati motorcycles was when I first started thinking about buying one. I asked a Ducati rider on a local charity ride (I was riding a Honda at the time) about the local dealer and service costs. His (paraphrased) response was "if you have to ask you can not afford it". What a jerk. I can and do afford it but believe a "wise person spends their money thoughtfully and not foolishly". While I have found many jerks riding different brands such as Harley Davidson, BMW, etc., Ducati owners are no different. Please take my comments as an open discussion and in no way a brag on how much it cost to run a Ducati.
Significant cost in maintaining a Ducati are the short recommended service intervals (6000 miles for major service), possible high cost of dealer mechanical work (possibly due to lack of competition in each major market), and relatively high cost of Ducati parts.
So, lets get to the nitty gritty. What is an example of yearly service cost for me? Note that I rode over 12,000 miles in the past year.
major service (6000 mile interval) $ 550
second major service (next 6000 miles) $ 550
2 sets of tires $ 600 (tires last 6000 miles)
2 oil changes $ 120 (does not include change with major service, if done by dealer)
1 chain $ 130
total $1950
(note costs are approximate. Savings can be had by doing the mechanical work oneself (if capable)).
Wow, that is expensive! Now some will say that other motorcycles have similar maintenance cost. Yes they do and they are expensive too. Note that I have not included other costs such as accessories (and installation if you can not add them yourself), repairs, such as scratches, tipovers, etc. (which you will most likely need if you ride this much), and insurance. Another huge motorcycle operating cost (true of all motorcycles) is motorcycle clothing and gear. A good helmet can cost around $500. You will probably want other gear such as: jacket, gloves, boots, etc. All good quality stuff but generallt cost a lot.
My maintenance costs are pretty much offset by fuel savings on my SUV (a noted gas hog). But bottom line, I can only justify the Ducati because I am a motorcycle enthusiast and riding it is FUN. My Honda's maintenance cost are miniscule compared to the Ducati.
Note: I am posting here for two reasons. First, anyone truly interested may find this in an internet search. Second, I can refer people to this entry. This topic always starts a full on flame war on Ducati forums.
A short preface. Probably the most turned off on Ducati motorcycles was when I first started thinking about buying one. I asked a Ducati rider on a local charity ride (I was riding a Honda at the time) about the local dealer and service costs. His (paraphrased) response was "if you have to ask you can not afford it". What a jerk. I can and do afford it but believe a "wise person spends their money thoughtfully and not foolishly". While I have found many jerks riding different brands such as Harley Davidson, BMW, etc., Ducati owners are no different. Please take my comments as an open discussion and in no way a brag on how much it cost to run a Ducati.
Significant cost in maintaining a Ducati are the short recommended service intervals (6000 miles for major service), possible high cost of dealer mechanical work (possibly due to lack of competition in each major market), and relatively high cost of Ducati parts.
So, lets get to the nitty gritty. What is an example of yearly service cost for me? Note that I rode over 12,000 miles in the past year.
major service (6000 mile interval) $ 550
second major service (next 6000 miles) $ 550
2 sets of tires $ 600 (tires last 6000 miles)
2 oil changes $ 120 (does not include change with major service, if done by dealer)
1 chain $ 130
total $1950
(note costs are approximate. Savings can be had by doing the mechanical work oneself (if capable)).
Wow, that is expensive! Now some will say that other motorcycles have similar maintenance cost. Yes they do and they are expensive too. Note that I have not included other costs such as accessories (and installation if you can not add them yourself), repairs, such as scratches, tipovers, etc. (which you will most likely need if you ride this much), and insurance. Another huge motorcycle operating cost (true of all motorcycles) is motorcycle clothing and gear. A good helmet can cost around $500. You will probably want other gear such as: jacket, gloves, boots, etc. All good quality stuff but generallt cost a lot.
My maintenance costs are pretty much offset by fuel savings on my SUV (a noted gas hog). But bottom line, I can only justify the Ducati because I am a motorcycle enthusiast and riding it is FUN. My Honda's maintenance cost are miniscule compared to the Ducati.
