Hey, I think I'm going to be in the market for a bike sometime in the future. It's something I've always wanted to have, not to push hard or anything, just for cruising on nice days and hearing the scream of the engine. My question is what is the average life in terms of miles and years of a well kept bike? I wouldn't be hard on it at all. Are the engines comparable to car engines in terms of reliability and life?? Any and all responses are appreciated, and sorry for the newbie questions, but I'm new to this scene man....btw, I really like Ducati's, what's the impression of them out there??

 

This is a very involved and difficult question to answer. The number one question I would ask you is: What is your riding experience? If you are new to motorcycling, do yourself a fovour and take the MSF course. What kind of bike to get largely depends on your experience. Most people buy motorcycles because of the way they appeal to them, not because of practical considerations. Some marques are more reliable then others, Honda and BMW bikes can run well over 100,000 miles without major repairs.
That being said I am also a huge Ducati fan - I own one! Ducati does not make very many beginner bikes - but something like a Monster 600 is not out of the question. They are reasonably reliable, however you do have to have some expectation that you are going to tinker with them. Ducatis are reliable as long as you pay close attention to maintenance, and buy a model after 1998 - they made a lot of quality improvements in machines after 1997-1998. I've had my ST2 for 3 years, and it never failed, BUT I am fanatical about maintenance, and I can do some of the stuff myself. Also the maintenance on Ducatis is not chap. Adjusting desmo valves, unless you do it yourself runs into some $$$. On the positive side I can tell you that the saying "Ducati is the Ferrari of motorcycles" is fairly accurate. I can't think of another make that has the same "panache" as Ducati. People complement my bikes looks all the time, and I don't even ride a 748 or 996 or even a 998, which I consider to be the most beautiful bikes ever made.
If you just want to ride, that increadible feeling can be experienced on any machine, so whatever you choose, I am sure you'll be fine.

 

Ferrari wins in Formula One. Ducati has not won in Grand Prix Motorcycle racing in years.

Ferrari uses exotic chassis technology. Ducati still uses a steel trellis frame.


While it is a flatering analogy (for Ducati) it is not entirely true.

 

I'd have to point out that
A. Ducati has scored consitent wins in SBK. It is because of this that they sell much better in US, in fact have scored a serious comeback.
B. Why did Honda build the RC51? More to the point, why is it a twin? This is because they contend that Ducati has an unfair advantage in SBK, hence the twin design.
C. I believe I read, someone please correct me, that the latest Ducati engine, the testastretta was partly designed by Ferrari.
D. Both are italian (duh)
E. Subjectively they both build some of the most beautiful machines in the world.

It's not so far fetched as all that. IMHO.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by fanoftheliving
[B]I'd have to point out that

 

Except for needing valve adjustments every 6000 miles, I haven't had to put any more effort into maintenance on my Ducati than with any of the other 15 bikes that I've owned. I know people who have over 50,000 miles on the 2-valve 900cc V-twin motors with no serious problems. There are a few issues on the 4-valve motors with rocker arms and a few other less common things, though.

The powerband of a V-twin is much more controllable than on a modern 600cc sport bike. It's easier to stay out of trouble without having to set your own personal redline 5000 rpms below the true mechanical redline.

I didn't have a problem with my high school age son getting an M900 Monster as a first street bike (well used). This is it next to mine on the first day of ownership:

 

I have to agree w/ fanoftheliving on this one...Ducati has a panache that not many other manufacturers can match. They rule WSB, and have not won in GP b/c they don't field a 2 stroke machine. Give 'em credit, their street bikes are much closer to the WSB machines than most other manufacturers.

The steel trellis frame may not seem exotic, but it works and provides excellent feedback. I have to believe Ducati would ax it if it provided a competitive disadvantage.

I have a tremendous amount of admiration for Ducatis, but can't live w/ the ergos (for their superbikes, at least), maint. reqs., and cost. The RC51 is the perfect alternative for me b/c it combines much of what's great about the 996/998 in a more livable, relatively hassle-free package!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Chris S
[B]I have a tremendous amount of admiration for Ducatis, but can't live w/ the ergos (for their superbikes, at least), maint. reqs., and cost.

 

Yes, I've looked at the ST4S, but not seriously considered it. Way cool bike, but just not what I'm looking for. Those ergos are prob. more relaxed than on my SVS, which means it wouldn't have the front end feel I'm looking for. Much as I hate really low bars, they are very confidence inspiring for aggressive riding.

I'm pefectly happy w/ the RC51 for my intended usage (sport riding, occasional bike nights, minimal commuting/touring), so I'll keep it as my lone street bike. It's a WONDERFUL ride, and will only get better as I make a few minor mods.

 

You know, I was just walking around on campus today and I heard these guys talking about "Ducati being the Ferrari of Motorcycles"... hehe, looks like you hear these things everywhere