S2020

I'm thinking of getting a beginner's bike
something along the line of a small cruiser

the finalists are (loosely)
Honda Rebel (250cc)
Buell Blast (500cc)
Ducati Monster 620
Vulcan 500
Suzuki Boulevard S40 (650cc)

they all seem to be in the $4-5K range except the Ducati which is $8K

when I checked out the bikes (in person and online), they all seem to be similar.
my question: why is the Ducati so much more pricey than the others? Am I just paying for the name or is there an actual quality difference (workmanship/materials)? I like the Ducati's looks the most but that is subjective.

Thanks.

bizzo

[QUOTE=S2020,May 22 2006, 12:29 AM]...why is the Ducati so much more pricey than the others?

brantshali

Ducati is a name-game, Ninh. I happen to like the Monster and considered the 620 for a while, but my tastes are fickle...and Robyn put the smack down on me spending that kind of money on a first bike. For now, I'll keep shopping around and dreaming of all sorts of bikes...but still have a soft spot for the Monster.

littlerocket777

Ducati's are nice, but you're mostly paying for the Italian name. Think of it like a Ferrari VS a NSX, not to say that it's the same, but... IF this is your first bike, don't get a ducati. They're expensive to maintain and if you drop it...ugh. There are much cheaper bikes you didn't name, like
Suzuki SV650/S
Suzuki (that 500cc GSXR lookalike)
Honda F4i
Yamaha 600R
Kawasaki katana
Kawasaki 250 ninja

All probably cheaper than most of the ones you named...and probably more reliable.

rioyellows2k

Of the ones you've got listed, I think the Buell Blast is your winner. The low seat height, low price, "light" weight, and easy manueverability make them great starter bikes. Plus the extra displacement puts it ahead of the Honda rebel. If you attend a saftey course before getting your bike you have an opportunity to drive several types of starter bikes before you get your own.

S2020

thanks for the responses.
the salesman was telling me that the Ducati will out handle the Japanese bikes and the Buell.
I know it's his job sell me the most expensive ride but I still want to be a prudent shopper.

S2020

I guess I'll do a little more research.
thanks.

hyperpm

Buy used. Don't buy new bike or italian bike as your first bike since parts will be expensive if you do drop it. SV650, Ninja 250/500, GS500 comes to mind. Trash that around for a year then get your bling bling bike after.

hyperpm

http://bayarearidersforum.com/forums/forum....php?forumid=70 or craigslist. some f2's or f3's might be good too.

S2020

Thanks again for the advices