newbie to site and ducati
 

has you can see from my user name i am currently a r1 rider(please dont judge)and have always had jap bikes but at the same time loved the look and sound of the ducatis but not had the convidence to buy one. i am now looking to get one but every one i talk to only gives me horror stories about them and has the bike is to be used everyday im starting to waver again so here i am just to ask your experiance,will they last daily use in all weathers or are the stories just from peoples bad luck hope you can help thanks scotty

<a href="http://s720.photobucket.com/albums/ww208/scottyrrx/?action=view&current=100_1086-1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww208/scottyrrx/100_1086-1-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
what i have now hope to add a duc soon

Welcome Scotty!

I don't think many on here would disagree that Ducatis cost more to service than Japs and that they also suffer more if neglected. In addition, some models at least have some reliability issues. On the whole though they are more than capable of being used as all year transport (assuming you don't scrimp on the maintenance). The choice pretty much boils down to why you ride a bike. If its your sole mode of transport and you need reliability/economy then you may be best looking elsewhere, If on the other hand you ride a bike because you enjoy the experience then you owe it for yourself to try a Ducati as only then will you know if the extra ownership costs are worth it! The R1 is a truly amazing bike but riding a bike is ultimately about how much satisfaction/enjoyment you get from the ride/ownership experience and you will certainly find that a Ducati will offer things your R1 does not.

Keith

Hi Scott and welcome.
Just thought I would reply to you as I am newish to the Duacti too, just over a year now and on my second 748, only upgraded from a 1999 (yellow) to get newer 2002 (Red) one. Just over a year now and 2 Ducatis I have only had two issues one being a battery and most recently my Meta alarm gave up, so both issues were not down to Ducati fault.
I have been riding since 1975 and always had jap bikes mostly 1000cc Suzuki, Kawasaki & Honda.
I ride my 748 hard and she never misses a beat, handling is amazing and the twin roar and performance is absolutely amazing. The 748 is not fast as my 1000cc jap bikes but it makes me smile all the time am on it.
As Keith says just make sure you keep to the service intervals.

Doug

Welcome Scott. Nice choice.

Like everything, horror stories are out there, as are lots of Ducs that have gone forever! Look after them: change the oil, warm the oil, look after them yourself or get a great independent, ie Nelly at Cornerspeed or Baines, or a bunch of others that get thumbs up on here, that will keep the costs down.

Get an optimate and keep it on battery when at home.

Do a search on here too, it's a regular question and concern.

BUT, you will love it, get it on the right road or the right track and all your worries will fade away.....

Hi Scotty, similar points as already stated, more cost but miles more smiles. I always had warp speed Jap bikes and would/will again I'm sure but the Duke is the standout special and the noise is everything but the latest go as well. I have had a Duke since 2003 and changed one battery, one rear brake caliper and one front sprocket, lots of maintenance spray and oil lube and over 23,000 miles a few trackdays and European road trips!:D

Welcome;)