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Tell me about Ducatis...

blue

boob hater
Jan 24, 2004
10,160
2
california
I'm thinking about a Ducati Monster 600. How reliable are these bikes, compared to their Japanese counterparts? Ducatis marketing says they make torque much more quickly than others...any truth to that?

They're Italian, so my hopes are not high.
 

jimmydean

The Official Meat of Ridemonkey
Sep 10, 2001
40,939
13,133
Portland, OR
They are loud, uncomfortable, overly expensive on every level.



<edit> They are nice from an exotic standpoint, but not very practical. Not unlike your obsession with Porsche/VW.
 

jimmydean

The Official Meat of Ridemonkey
Sep 10, 2001
40,939
13,133
Portland, OR
The Yamaha FZ6 is a bit more powerful than the Monster 600. I wanted a Monster 900 until I rode one. It pails in comparison to my ghetto ride. The dry clutch looks cool with a cage cover, but it's damn expensive to replace and it's done often.

Get a jap bike for a daily rider.
 

blue

boob hater
Jan 24, 2004
10,160
2
california
The Yamaha FZ6 is a bit more powerful than the Monster 600. I wanted a Monster 900 until I rode one. It pails in comparison to my ghetto ride. The dry clutch looks cool with a cage cover, but it's damn expensive to replace and it's done often.

Get a jap bike for a daily rider.
Also looking at SV650s, but they seem to go for a bit more coin.

Probably a reason for that.
 

BrokenChain

Monkey
Oct 26, 2001
315
0
NWCT
My buddy bought a '97 900SS last summer, with like 8,500miles on it. It ran beautifully on the test ride, and 4 days after he bought it, the clutch went. He had the shop fix it, and two days after he got it back the the starter motor crapped out. And it's been in the shop on a regular basis since then getting worked on ever since. He was able to ride it for less than a week during the first three months of ownership. I still don't know why he has it.
 

stevew

resident influencer
Sep 21, 2001
40,494
9,525
Young padwan, If I remember correctly, Stoney/The Jokers friend tracked a Ducati. I think he went by The Law on here.

Try pming either one of them.
 

Westy

the teste
Nov 22, 2002
54,232
20,012
Sleazattle
If you plan on actually riding it and keeping it more than a year an SV650 might cost more up front but will be cheaper in the long run. Ducati's need valve lash maintenance after a ridiculously short period of time. Someone needs to tell the Italians about modern valve spring technology.
 

moff_quigley

Why don't you have a seat over there?
Jan 27, 2005
4,402
2
Poseurville
There's an 06 SV650S on my local craigslist for $4K. You can find a mini-monster for less than that? Really an SV or an old CB would be your best bet.
 

brungeman

I give a shirt
Jan 17, 2006
5,170
0
da Burgh
I am with Westy and Moff on this...

being the owner of an exotic bike myself... an SV650 would be a better choice by far. the duck may be a cooler bike with more appeal from the "form" end of "form vs. function" but you really can rig up an SV650 nicely and get tons more function without the costly valve maint. that Ducks require on a regular basis!

did I mention costly valve jobs?

good luck and like most stuff I am sure you will do what you want instead of listen to those with experience here on the monkey.:monkey:
 

Gunner

Monkey
May 6, 2003
533
0
Framingham, MA
I know sh1t about Ducati's, or motos in general. But I DID get flown down to be the videographer at the '08 US Press Launch for the new 1098R :)


*my video will be on ducatiusa.com next week*
**this post contributed NOTHING to this thread**
 

jimmydean

The Official Meat of Ridemonkey
Sep 10, 2001
40,939
13,133
Portland, OR
SV650 = $4k
Ride it for 2 years = $Gas and oil changes
Sell it for $4k

Ducati = $5k
Ride it for 2 years = $5k in maintenance and repairs
Sell it for $3k

I looked long and hard at the Monster. My friend looked long at hard at the Monster. He bought a Triumph, I bought a Yamaha. I paid $4k less out the door and neither of us regret it.

He bought his Triumph from a Ducati dealership. Rode both first, bought the Triumph.
 

Bo_

Chimp
Dec 31, 2007
7
0
Comparing a Ducati to a high strung SV or honda is like the difference between a Trek and Merlin. Ducati has an approach to power and handling that focuses on the ride rather than having better statistics. The SV650 is a great bike and looks better on paper and will beat a monster off the line every time. But get it out on the twisties and the Duc carves like no other and has power in all the rite places. Ducaties are not bad on reliability but are probably not up to par with Suzuki or Honda. Maintenance cost more as well, The same 12k checkup will cost 50% more but in the big scope of things thats not a ton of money. Sort like a BMW, there is a premium for many reasons but you don't feel like its just another bike off the assembly line.

So if your one of those high strung racer types and just want to get there fast, get the SV650, its fast, light and reliable. If you are more into the ride for the joy of it, the Duc can do no wrong. Try to ride them if you can, the fit, like anything else, has a lot to do with it.

Other reasons to ride a Monster. It has the lowest seat of the 650s, is cooler looking and the sound is its trademark.

I have an 01, the last year of the carb, they are all injected now. Never had any trouble with ours. Last fall the valves were done and I think it was $400, my maint is prepaid so I don't remember for sure. Paid 3K for it when it was 4 years old with 4k miles.
 

Attachments

los jefes

Monkey
May 10, 2004
103
0
Asheville, NC
Comparing a Ducati to a high strung SV or honda is like the difference between a Trek and Merlin. Ducati has an approach to power and handling that focuses on the ride rather than having better statistics. The SV650 is a great bike and looks better on paper and will beat a monster off the line every time. But get it out on the twisties and the Duc carves like no other and has power in all the rite places. Ducaties are not bad on reliability but are probably not up to par with Suzuki or Honda. Maintenance cost more as well, The same 12k checkup will cost 50% more but in the big scope of things thats not a ton of money. Sort like a BMW, there is a premium for many reasons but you don't feel like its just another bike off the assembly line.

So if your one of those high strung racer types and just want to get there fast, get the SV650, its fast, light and reliable. If you are more into the ride for the joy of it, the Duc can do no wrong. Try to ride them if you can, the fit, like anything else, has a lot to do with it.

Other reasons to ride a Monster. It has the lowest seat of the 650s, is cooler looking and the sound is its trademark.

I have an 01, the last year of the carb, they are all injected now. Never had any trouble with ours. Last fall the valves were done and I think it was $400, my maint is prepaid so I don't remember for sure. Paid 3K for it when it was 4 years old with 4k miles.
:clapping:
I have owned a Ducati for the last two years (9000 miles). Had one valve service ($500 every 6000 miles), put tires on it and changed the oil regularly. That's it. The bike has been very reliable and a hell of a lot of fun. It definitely a different beast than the SV650. I have two friends with SV's and I have ridden them extensively. Wouldn't trade the Duc for either of those bikes. Duc's are not perfect, but they have a personality that you either love or hate. The only way to know is to own one.
 

jimmydean

The Official Meat of Ridemonkey
Sep 10, 2001
40,939
13,133
Portland, OR
My bike is sitting on about 85k miles. The valves were checked at 75k and were within spec. In 85k, this is the history of my bike:

Rectifier = $125
Rectifier plug = $10
Battery = $40
Shift lever = $41

Other than consumables (chain, sprockets, tires, oil, filters) less that $200 in repairs and were all done at home in 85k miles.

I should have an '06 FZ1 in a few months. I plan about $1000 in mods and know I will get at least 50k out of it without issue.

Even the Duc guys were eyeballing my bike at Motocorsa.


<edit>I still want a Monster Dark, but it wouldn't be my daily ride.
 

blue

boob hater
Jan 24, 2004
10,160
2
california
Hmmm. Interesting...

Around here the SV650s seem to go for upwards of $4-5k, wheras the Monster 600-620s go for 2.5-3.5 of the same vintage.

Motorcycle maintenance can't be that bad...can it? I mean, ****, I'm under a Porsche every weekend. From lots of reading online, it seems like this variety of Ducati is one of the more maintenance-free of the lot.

It might come down to which bike I like the ride of more. Or I might ghetto style, spend $500 on an old Hondamaha and cafe racer it out with the rest of my budget.
 

Reactor

Turbo Monkey
Apr 5, 2005
3,976
1
Chandler, AZ, USA
Hmmm. Interesting...

Around here the SV650s seem to go for upwards of $4-5k, wheras the Monster 600-620s go for 2.5-3.5 of the same vintage.

Motorcycle maintenance can't be that bad...can it? I mean, ****, I'm under a Porsche every weekend. From lots of reading online, it seems like this variety of Ducati is one of the more maintenance-free of the lot.

It might come down to which bike I like the ride of more. Or I might ghetto style, spend $500 on an old Hondamaha and cafe racer it out with the rest of my budget.

If you have the slightest mechanical ability a motorcycle is not difficult. The hardest routine thing is setting the valve clearance and it's not very difficult.
 

DirtyMike

Turbo Fluffer
Aug 8, 2005
14,437
1,017
My own world inside my head
Some bikes will make you cry when doing the Maintanance, My suggestion would be Yamaha, or Triumph. The Triumph Sprint is a Great everyday Bike, comfy, fast, and reliable. Anything from yamaha is good as well, Botht eh R6 and R1 are great bikes, Both are very fast and reliable.
 

James

Carbon Porn Star
Sep 11, 2001
3,559
0
Danbury, CT
My buddy bought a '97 900SS last summer, with like 8,500miles on it. It ran beautifully on the test ride, and 4 days after he bought it, the clutch went. He had the shop fix it, and two days after he got it back the the starter motor crapped out. And it's been in the shop on a regular basis since then getting worked on ever since. He was able to ride it for less than a week during the first three months of ownership. I still don't know why he has it.
There are bound to be lemons in any machine, Ducati, Honda, Toyota, VW, etc...
I had a '96 900SS that I put a ton of miles on. The only issue I had was with the clutch slave cylinder starting to leak, but I put an Evoluzione cnc'd one one there, improved the lever feel, and was only $150 or something.
I had no other issues with that bike at all, it sounded incredible with the Ducati Performance carbon pipes on there, and was an absolute blast to ride. One of the saddest days of my life remains the day I sold it.

I'm in the market now for another bike, will probably end up with a 996 or 998, as I really love the design, and the ride. The 999s are great, but nowhere near as iconic as the 916/996/998 design.

The SVs are great bikes, if you're looking for your first bike, I'd recommend one of those. A lot of fun, less cost/work, but they're not a Ducati. There is something about the Ducati sound, and looks, and ride.

Just my thoughts...

James
 

drt_jumper

Monkey
May 20, 2003
590
0
Manassas Va
Ducs are nice but there is a reason they have a reputation for being tempermental...that is not saying they are a bad bike...however if this is your first bike you may not want to have to worry about the repair bill on the Duc if you were to drop it or something. I have an SV650 that I ride pretty hard....there is a reason alot of people use them as full race bike and track bikes. They have a ton of torque, good power and aside from the forks leaving a little to be desired...(on older models) they are one of the best handling bikes out there. There have been road/track tests done in the past with both bikes Monster and SV and on track with the same rider the SV came out on top 9 out of 10 times. You will not beat the SV for bang for the buck, but I will agree with some and say that the Duc does have a certain "aura" about it. Just a thought from someone who owns an SV and tends to ride bikes "of both kinds" hard.

Oh and as far as sound goes I think this sound great...nothing like a v-twin with a decent exhuast
 

BrokenChain

Monkey
Oct 26, 2001
315
0
NWCT
There are bound to be lemons in any machine, Ducati, Honda, Toyota, VW, etc...
I'm totally aware of that. I didn't mean to come off as bashing the whole brand, just sharing the headaches my buddy had to suffer. His bike has the carbon cans, and you're right, the sound is amazing. I only got a chance to take it for a quick spin once, and it was certainly something I could see myself causing trouble on. However in my eyes, as much fun as the bike may be, it's still not worth everything he's had to put up with.
 

mehatsea

Chimp
Feb 19, 2008
3
0
clearly, you know little about the ducati desmo whirr.
nor did i, a year ago.

ok. i was a honda rider. happy happy on a CM 400.
til i got on a ducati. monster 620 - what's a 600????!!!!

i'm poor poor poor. and can not afford a ducati.
but i rode one.
and i KNOW there's a $600 maintenance cost at 6000 miles.
but ****.
i bought one.

ride ANY OTHER sport bike and i will be amazed if you feel the monster does not give you a rush, and torque, unlike anyother machine upon which you've trusted your body.

mmmm.. grrrrr. monster... yummm. zero to 80 in less than 6 seconds.

dunno.
check it out.
and see.


meh
one happy monster rider
 

James

Carbon Porn Star
Sep 11, 2001
3,559
0
Danbury, CT
I'm totally aware of that. I didn't mean to come off as bashing the whole brand, just sharing the headaches my buddy had to suffer. His bike has the carbon cans, and you're right, the sound is amazing. I only got a chance to take it for a quick spin once, and it was certainly something I could see myself causing trouble on. However in my eyes, as much fun as the bike may be, it's still not worth everything he's had to put up with.
Oh, I didn't take it that way at all. I know that the Ducs have a bad rap sometimes, but for me, it's totally worth it. I can afford the upkeep, for me it's worth it. The sound of the engine, that dry clutch rattling, and the cachet of the brand.
I feel for your buddy, he has my sympathy. Hoping to find a 996S in decent shape in the next couple of months, the roads around here are begging for a bike...
 

Red Rabbit

Picky Pooper
Jan 27, 2007
2,715
0
Colorado
Completely off topic, but I am taking my cycle course in a week. I am 6'5 what's a good cheap bike for me. Just a commuter, not looking for a super fast bike. But I don't want "old mans bike" either.

250 ninja? 250 dual sport?
 

LordOpie

MOTHER HEN
Oct 17, 2002
21,022
3
Denver
Completely off topic, but I am taking my cycle course in a week.
Good for you!

I am 6'5 what's a good cheap bike for me. Just a commuter, not looking for a super fast bike. But I don't want "old mans bike" either.

250 ninja? 250 dual sport?
Good thinking on getting somethin cheap for your first bike. I hope someone chimes in who's as tall as you cuz there are definitely plenty of bikes too small for you. I'm 5'10" and the bike I rode in the class was too small for me.
 

drt_jumper

Monkey
May 20, 2003
590
0
Manassas Va
Completely off topic, but I am taking my cycle course in a week. I am 6'5 what's a good cheap bike for me. Just a commuter, not looking for a super fast bike. But I don't want "old mans bike" either.

250 ninja? 250 dual sport?
The ninja will be way to small for you....your best bet for a first bike that you can still have a lot of fun on would be something like a Suz. Drz400 a KLR 650 or something like that...it will fit you better, has enough torque and power to have fun with but not over power you. Not to mention that you will probably drop the bike at some point...my first bike got dropped unloading from a truck and once when I thought the kickstand was fully engaged but apparently was not. I would def shoot for a Dual Sport or SuperMoto type bike..If you weigh more that 160 ponds I would try and get a 400 or larger. I have like posted before an SV650 and am looking at buy one of the new Suz DRZ400SM Super moto bikes...tons of fun, handle very similar to a street bike but they wont hit over 100mph stock so they wont go ludacris speed. Hope that helps
 

DirtyMike

Turbo Fluffer
Aug 8, 2005
14,437
1,017
My own world inside my head
Completely off topic, but I am taking my cycle course in a week. I am 6'5 what's a good cheap bike for me. Just a commuter, not looking for a super fast bike. But I don't want "old mans bike" either.

250 ninja? 250 dual sport?
I bigger Dual sport will fit you well, and is also a great first bike, the 250 Ninja is WAY too small for you, I have ridden them, and there fun but small. Another good bike that would work well for you would be if you can get a hold of an older Intercepter 750. Great bike for commuting and all around riding.
 

jimmydean

The Official Meat of Ridemonkey
Sep 10, 2001
40,939
13,133
Portland, OR
Completely off topic, but I am taking my cycle course in a week. I am 6'5 what's a good cheap bike for me. Just a commuter, not looking for a super fast bike. But I don't want "old mans bike" either.

250 ninja? 250 dual sport?
Good to hear you are taking the course. I took the course last year and plan on getting into the track course this summer.

I'm 6'4" and have issues with a lot of bikes fitting worth a damn. When I sat on the Ducati 1098, the phrase "monkey f@cking a football" came to mind.

A good street bike that is cheap, easy to maintain, and will fit nicely is a Katana 750. Sporty, but not overly uncomfortable. A large enough seat to move around on so fit is less of an issue with larger riders. The Katana has good power, but it's not scary power.

400cc or larger dual sports will work. But every dual sport I've ridden was a turd on both the street and the dirt. A 4 stroke moto made street legal is better, but swapping tires is a bitch. KTM had a deal where you got a set of supermoto wheels and tires with purchase of a dirt bike. That was awesome.

Certainly any bike has enough power to get you in trouble. Some just get you in trouble faster.
 

blue

boob hater
Jan 24, 2004
10,160
2
california
Yeah...I briefly considered a new Ninja 250 (you know, the ones that don't look like they're from 1989), but after sitting on one I realized that was a baaaad idea.
 

jimmydean

The Official Meat of Ridemonkey
Sep 10, 2001
40,939
13,133
Portland, OR
Yeah...I briefly considered a new Ninja 250 (you know, the ones that don't look like they're from 1989), but after sitting on one I realized that was a baaaad idea.
A guy at my last job had an SV that he bought after spending a year on a Ninja 250. He said the Ninja was a good first bike, but he outgrew it in the first 3 months. After riding the SV for a while, he sold the Ninja and was riding it before the buyer came to pick it up.

The first thing he noticed was the need to drop 2-3 gears in order to pass. The SV was a 1 gear down shift if even at all. Also the amount of throttle he needed o get up to speed between the 2 bikes was insane.

The Ninja 250 is a great bike for little people. But it's only one step above a scooter for anything outside the city.
 

RAMNATION1

Chimp
Oct 24, 2007
42
0
If you really want to know first hand, maybe even ride one.. If you are serious... get in touch with HELMET OUTLET in HAYDEN LAKE IDAHO off of GOVERNMENT WAY. CHRIS CLARK(local DUC FAN) could give you not only some insight, but maybe head you in the right direction as to the whereabouts of a cheaper bike that may be suited to your riding style and skill...