Deposit paid. Now to butter up the missus!

Oxpot

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So today I put a deposit down on a 2010 GSA with all the toys. It's been a strange journey to this point. A few years ago if you'd have told me I'd be riding an "adventure" bike I'd have laughed in your face. Then tell me it'd be a GS and i would have spat my beer all over you. Yet here I am, a die-hard Ducati man, staring down the barrel of a £10K purchase.

It all started at the end of last year when I started to notice a white GSA parked outside the local LLoyds. As each day passed my eyes got increasingly drawn to this huge machine and before long it really started to grow on me. I'd always said I'd get a Multistrada as my next bike but a few factors have swung me away from Bologna's finest towards the Munich Milemuncher.

Firstly I rode the bike for a couple of hours. I test rode one about 18 months and within 20 minutes I was back in the dealers saying "It's not for me". Obviously a lot can happen in 18 months coz I took the demo bike out in the freezing temperatures and snow last week and rode for 2 1/2 hours on every type of road I could find, and after about 30 minutes I was beginning to get it and by the end I was wishing that I could ride for 5 hours. I've ridden a few Multistradas and loved every second coming back from each ride gushing over the handling and the engine. But I wouldn't have ridden it in the same weather as I rode the GS. By the time I gave the keys back to the salesman, I couldn't think of another bike that would make me want to carry on riding in such inclement weather.

Secondly, I'm self-employed and have been looking in to putting the bike through the books. Although there's a lot of conflicting advice on the subject, it seems that putting through the company will work for me and if it doesn't turn out quite as well, then I've still got a bike that I want rather than a Deauville that's been bought to do a job (no offence to any Deauville owners).

Thirdly, boy do these things hold their value and, if looked after properly, they seem to go on for ever.

Anyway, I'm preaching to the converted here. But there is just one problem... SWMBO. I've got 3 bikes already and am happy to sell 2 of them but I want to get the GS before the end of the tax year and there's no way I can sell the other bikes in time.

How can I break it to her and be convincing. My arguments is watertight in my own head - makes perfect sense. How can I translate my thoughts into 'woman' so that I can pick up my new bike next week.
Wish me luck.:)
 
I am a couple of weeks ahead of you. Had loads of bikes and never seriously looked at a BMW. Fancied swapping my Tiger 1050 for a KTM or even a Multistrada.... then almost by accident test rode a GS. ... It was certainly interesting and very different.

Life being very short..I bought one to find out what they are really like. Planning to keep the Tiger for now, just in case.

I have been impressed from the first day of riding the GS, but not sure it was a keeper. But today after two weeks it all came together. I now really get this bike...really get it. Went riding with my son, who normally rides at a pace I find too brisk, and it was effortless following him. Snow in the fields, sun on the roads, great ride.

The GS suddenly clicked with me today. I don't think there is any going back. These bikes are a bit special. Hope you enjoy yours as much.
 
"that old thing"

tell her its been in the garage for years, that old thing! Just cleaned it thats why it looks new, i bought it way back......bla .. bla..

you know the lines because we hear them enough.
 
Firstly I rode the bike for a couple of hours. I test rode one about 18 months and within 20 minutes I was back in the dealers saying "It's not for me". Obviously a lot can happen in 18 months coz I took the demo bike out in the freezing temperatures and snow last week and rode for 2 1/2 hours on every type of road I could find, and after about 30 minutes I was beginning to get it and by the end I was wishing that I could ride for 5 hours.

Secondly, I'm self-employed and have been looking in to putting the bike through the books. Although there's a lot of conflicting advice on the subject,

Thirdly, boy do these things hold their value and, if looked after properly, they seem to go on for ever.

I've got 3 bikes already and am happy to sell 2 of them but I want to get the GS before the end of the tax year and there's no way I can sell the other bikes in time.

How can I break it to her and be convincing. My arguments is watertight in my own head - makes perfect sense. How can I translate my thoughts into 'woman' so that I can pick up my new bike next week.
Wish me luck.:)

Hello and welcome :beerjug: good first post :thumby:

1. most say a longer test ride is required, a lot of those that do not get it either have not ridden one at all or short test rides and some short legs ;)

2. through your books, mainly depend on your usual accounting history and vehicles through your books and indeed your self employed activity (which you know & your accountant), but if you can prove the use in your business, those special carrying panniers etc. etc. I do not see why not and I know those that have. The grey area is the VAT which I think is a No due VAT legislation but that just comes out in the wash :thumb

3. Is the no brainer.

OK woman speak two bikes are going (in the selling season) only one coming back, has to be now for the one coming is in your financial year its money sense. blame your accountant if he or she is not a family member and distant.

Oh and....

Good luck :aidan enjoy :beerjug:
 
Just sell her the advantges of the tax breaks. :)

Lots of tax questions to be solved (sole trader/company, FRS scheme or not, business mileage %, etc.) so only you and your accountant can work out whether it works for you. But you can still sell the tax benefits to the missus. :D

Re VAT. If it is second hand and has been through private hands, there is no reclaimable VAT. If by any chance (unlikely given it is 2010) it has been a demo or otherwise been continuously owned by VAT reg businesses, then VAT would be reclaimable against a valid VAT invoice assuming you are VAT registered of course.
 
How ever you do it, 'tis better to ask for forgiveness than it is for permission.

Good luck with your new bike :thumby:
 
How can I break it to her and be convincing. My arguments is watertight in my own head - makes perfect sense. How can I translate my thoughts into 'woman' so that I can pick up my new bike next week.
Wish me luck.:)

"You know how much I love Ducatis? Well the thing is, I love you tons more, and having a bike that's comfortable and safe enough for you to come with me is more important to my biking than anything else. So although I don't really like BMWs as you know, they're the best bikes for couples who want to experience new adventures together, and I'm willing to give it a shot if it means I can share more of this part of my life with you."

:rolleyes:
 
"You know how much I love Ducatis? Well the thing is, I love you tons more, and having a bike that's comfortable and safe enough for you to come with me is more important to my biking than anything else. So although I don't really like BMWs as you know, they're the best bikes for couples who want to experience new adventures together, and I'm willing to give it a shot if it means I can share more of this part of my life with you."

:rolleyes:

Very good but I might need to turn it up to 11
 
UPDATE:

Well thanks to my legendary powers of persuasion (look into my eyes, not around the eyes but into my eyes), she agreed!

When I say agreed, I mean she shouted "Just do it, I don't know why you're bothering to ask me." She then flung up her arms in despair and skulked off the bedroom in tears.

So, a double result. I got the green light for my totally justifiable purchase and I got a really good night's sleep in the spare room!

In the cold light of day, I do feel a bit guilty but that is being offset by the knowledge that within a week I'll have a new toy, I mean business vehicle to ride.
 
UPDATE:

Well thanks to my legendary powers of persuasion (look into my eyes, not around the eyes but into my eyes), she agreed!

When I say agreed, I mean she shouted "Just do it, I don't know why you're bothering to ask me." She then flung up her arms in despair and skulked off the bedroom in tears.

So, a double result. I got the green light for my totally justifiable purchase and I got a really good night's sleep in the spare room!

In the cold light of day, I do feel a bit guilty but that is being offset by the knowledge that within a week I'll have a new toy, I mean business vehicle to ride.

Quote from Mrs C - you are all the same :D :thumby:
 


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