matrix edition

I'm buying a Duck and always thought they should be red but the dealer has an 04 "matrix edition" on the floor. After seeing the bike a few times I'm getting used to the green but can't seem to get over the graphics. Do others find these graphics obsene or is it just me? Any coments from those having seen this green edition would be appreciated. I guess I wouldn't run across many others on the road which is good as far as i'm concerned. Comments appreciated.

feliz

I think seattle ducati ended up taking the graphics off to sell there Matrix.

for ducati to make a bike with a movie theme is bad enough but then make this bad idea green is beyond stupidity.

i don't care for the graphics either. the color isn't bad though. if you can get a deal then it's just a paint job away from beauty. nobody buys a monster and leaves it stock. they are a blank page to start. buy it cheap and let the modifying begin!

Thanks for the replys. That's what I thought, get it for a good discount and remove the graphics but this dealer is stuck on the price. I was waiting for an 05 to arrive when I saw this model and thought if I could get $1,000 of MSRP I would buy it but I can get an 05 for the same price as this lame duck 04 matrix. Apparently it costs around $400 to repaint a tank. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't the only one who disliked the matrix graphics and was passing up a good deal. Regards and happy New Year.

What dealer ,...Valk or RMS??
im just curious...

...and 2004 is the FINAL YEAR of the 998 model ...right?? 998 f.e. (final edition) and matrix is last 998 ever...right??

The bike is at Valks. I think you're right, 04 is the last year. Do you have experience with either dealer, I would be interested in your comments as I have no experience with either Valks or RMS.

no offense but RMS sucks in my opinion. the salesmen are sleaze bags. i didnt wheel and deal enuff on my '01 monster but i wanted a deal on a helmet..he kept promising me a deal on a helmet but after i signed the paperwork he just dished me off quickly to the parts manager who gave me like a lame deal on an arai. something like $100 bucks off. whoopy sh*t!!
the problem is they know you are so emotionally wrapped up in the whole ducati thing they'll play you like a fiddle. of course its all my fault since i was just salivating to get this bike no matter the price. rms service department sucks BIGTIME. everybody knows that. morons. i asked them how to adjust the preload ring and they didnt know so they proceeded to smash the rings with a hammer and spike nashing the rings...they the mechanic said " duh? i cant unlock it...looks like we will have to take the rear wheel off and charge you 1.5 hrs labour"......
VALK service is much better...Rusty there is a great guy.
and you can tell Valks really shows more passion for the duc guys by holding many rides, local and international tours and such. last summer they even had a few rides to whistler and on one they even offerred to buy lunch for everyone up at whistler...something like 30 crazy ducs showed up on one summer ride.......John seems like a great guy too.

im thinking take your time to get what you want...go to ducati seattle and talk to them too. maybe check out their used selection too. out of all the local guys i found them to be absolutely top notch . they really go out of their way to make you happy in my experience buying parts. with the exchange rate so good now you should also talk to them...if you want to hassle with the duty thing at the border and registering the us model at icbc. i was once down there i met 3 duc guys from the interior who trucked their ducs down there for servicing...i think trailered their bikes 6 hours one way...and paid hotel just to service at this shop.


i dont know what it is but ducs seem to depreciate fast and it might be an idea to buy a slightly used 998/999 and save a few thousand and put those savings to parts. unless of course you have extra cash lying around and want to have new.
hell, its winter anyways so you have a few months to think about it.

good luck
ps..see that 999r at valks service lobby???





Modified by autostrada1 at 8:11 AM 1/2/2005

Thanks, I appreciate your comments. I had the impression that Ducks were just a sideline at RMS and service may not be great. I've made a few visits to Valks and while they would not negotiate prices at all, I guess they figure you want a Ducati you pay the price, they were proud of their service etc. I was in their showroom one day and the service/parts manager just walked up and introduced himself and told me how much the different services cost etc., he seemed really nowledgeable.

I have a new Triumph bonneville and a Guzzi both of which I bought at British Italian but I've never dealt with RMS or Valks. Thanks for your comments.

In my opinion RMS has been pretty good to me. When the was an ECU problem with the Foggy's, RMS got it fixed right away as they also did with the battery recall. Under the warranty period, every time I had a problem with the bike, they came over and picked it up. When I lost my job last year, RMS even did a sprocket change for free. Mark also invited me to Mission to watch him race that weekend too.

On a side note though, I agree with Autostrada in that Rusty is also a great guy. He seems very knowledgeable and showed me around the shop. So I would spend a bit of time talking with Mark at RMS as well.

Hey Feliz..dont listen to Silverbug.
he dreams of being sponsored by RMS for his moto gp debut.


haha

HiJack-

Where are you guys in Vancouver. I'm in Bellingham WA. Are you guys going to the bike show in Abbotsford?

Where are the Duc shops up there? I'm always interested in a good mechanic/tuner. Rick

Well I purchased the green monster from Valks. They're removing the graphics from the tank and I'll have them leave the Ducati logo off as well. Apparently there were only ten matrix editions sold in Canada so I won't see too many other green monsters, mmm....is that good or bad. Regards.

Foggy. We have two dealers, Richmond motor Sports are in Richmond (doh) and would be the easiest to get to from the border. Valks are on fourth off Burrard St and also sell BMWs. RMS handle Suzuki, Honda, anad Kawasaki as well as Ducati. My GUESS would be that Valks would be the better shop but probably cost more.

congrats! Enjoy the bike.

Maybe we'll run into each other while riding. Any of the shops have a dyno or power commander tuning?

i'm probably going to the bike show. we should all meet there.

autostrada, i hope your suspension is better than your trash talk

congrats Feliz!
we should all hook up in the spring.
my bike is in pieces as i powdercoated the swingarm and wrapped my headers in exhaust wrap and installed a rear view camera since vancouver traffic is soooo bad.

foggy 123...hey silverbug has BC's only foggy...you are brothers.
I think a shop near richmond motorsports is an approved power commander tuning centre. ive heard they do mostly harleys but im sure they do other bikes too.

future cycle house of speed
2145-21000 Westminster Hwy
Richmond BC
604 821 0744
about 3 minutes north of Alex Fraser Bridge(15 minutes from peace arch)
cheers

Hey Silverbug- Post some photos of you bike either here or in the Foggy link. Love to see it. Maybe I'll run into you guys at the show.

foggy123, my foggy is pretty much stock if you can call an S4 with full dp upgades that. i don't have head work or sps cams or oh my god blackstone carbon wheels or anything. yours and infoage's are much sexier with the red frame plugs and all.

I'm still working on the STM frame plugs. It's a great bike stock or otherwise. What number do you have?