Well I found out that it costs me $1300/month on average to maintain my S2000 and I am looking for a cheaper, faster and better looking alternative.
I just love the colors on the 2002 Ducati 748S, does anyone have experience with maintaining that bike? How fast does it depreciate? How reliable is it? How expensive is the maintenance?

Thank you

 

maintenance - Desmo valve adjustments require someone who really knows what they're doing...some owners don't even trust their local Duc dealers. I have a friend who trailers his Ducs to Dallas for dealer maintenance. I believe it's ~$600 for the 6K mile service (& every 6K miles thereafter)

depreciation - look for used ones online, and draw your own conclusions. My guess is that they depreciate faster than the 916/996 since the liter twins are more desirable to most people.

reliability - varies. One of my best friends had a 748, and aside from minor quirks it was almost as reliable as a Japanese bike. Another friend had a 996 that was always in the shop. They're not too bad overall, but my feeling is you need to have a certain amt. of patience for "issues".

BTW, have you ridden one? Your attraction to the colors could fade very quickly after discovering what it's like to ride. The 748 is a great bike, but I'd compare it to a supermodel...extremely high lust followed by a realization that perhaps it's not the best long term partner.

I have a lot of 748 seat time, and could never quite warm up to it. The pipes burned my butt, the riding position was torture, and it could barely pop a wheely (w/o using the clutch)...but it sounds and looks great! I actually prefer my modded SVS, which performs pretty comparably up to ~100 mph (actually, it wheelies much better), is MUCH more comfortable, 100% reliable, and as maintenance-free as you could expect for a bike. If you want something racier, I'd pick the RC51 over a Duc. More comfy, more reliable, less maint., and you still get those great twin sounds plus lots of trick detailing.

 

Why does it cost you $1300 per month to maintain your S2000?

 

Chris pretty much covers most of it...

Firstly, I'd buy used... the depreciation on superbikes is just too high if this is a whim. 2nd, having had 916 years back... the seating position didn't bother me too much but the pipes are a killer if not wrapped, very hot! That said I would pick a 9xx over a 7xx anyday, I prefer the low end torque versus the 7's more revvy inline-4 like engine. Maintenance can vary... all I can say is, thank goodness for the warranty!

Duc's are great bikes... I miss mine sometime but remind myself how good my current bike is.

Speaking of RC-51's, I just happen to have one forsale if anyone's interested.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by loki
[B]Chris pretty much covers most of it...

Firstly, I'd buy used... the depreciation on superbikes is just too high if this is a whim. 2nd, having had

 

And thank you for the detailed reply, Chris

 

The 748 is for girls. Get the 9 series.

 

Attitudes like this are why resale values tend to be higher for the 9xx Superbikes. Not that it matters, most Ducati riders are pretty slow anyway.

Bad S2K, what do you think about the SV650? Is it for little girls?

 

As a long time owner, my advice would be to buy a Ducati only as your second toy. If you already own an S2000, or a good Jap bike, then you will not regret the Ducati experience. They have soooo much character,(some say flaws), you will truely feel that you are part of the process of mastering the riding skills to go fast. Japanese bikes are usually so flawless that almost anyone can be a hero. The downside to the Ducati experience is higher than average maintenance costs, especially if you run the p__s out of them. I have averaged at times, maintenance cost of nearly 1 $Candadian, (that would be 25 cents U.S!, or whatever)per mile. There seems to be a fairly high incidence of electical problems also, usually the charging system. Just my 2 cents, I hate to see someone miss out on a sunny day!

 

really the 748 is a track bike. They are uncomfortable for anything over 1 hour in the saddle. Never was burned by the pipes though, make sure you fit the standard itilian ridding position as a lot of your weight will be on your wrists.
I believe that they also made a SPS version of the 748 for a year or two that was even more extreme a bike, personally if you really want a Ducati I would suggest getting a Monster 900 or a full fairing 900ss. They really are a lot more comftable and usable on the street. he 748 has a very unique turnin and the front forks just don't have the range of movment needed to ride on city streets.