Ducati reliability?

[Oli]

Yes i understand this has probably been answered somewhere but cant seem to find it ne where. You always hear about the reliability of all the jap bikes and usually the lack of reliability for anything else in comparison. Is it really as big a deal as everyone makes out??? A lot of it comes down to maintenance and such, as i wouldnt be able to afford a brand new bike it would between approx 1998-2004 looking at the prices of most bikes in general. So bascially what are the running cost like in comparison to jap bikes of a similar year and maintenance record.
Cheers.

[crazyhorse]

Probably not - although when they breakdown, they breakdown. And you often need to wait a while to get parts - and when you get them, they are costly. Hardest thing too, is finding someone who is familiar with working on them. But good luck, if you intend to buy one. Its like everything, you either like them, or you don't

[NighthawkNZ]

So bascially what are the running cost like in comparison to jap bikes of a similar year and maintenance record.
Cheers.


Most Ducati's it is recommended that you change the belts every 20,000km. Other than that I have found it pretty much the same as my last bike which was a VTR...

[p.dath]

The other downer is Italian bikes figure highly in ACC trauma statistics. So it's either the kind of people that ride Italian bikes - or something to do with the bikes.

[The Stranger]

P
And you often need to wait a while to get parts.

All brands seem to be the same in this regard.
Even with a bike a ubiquitous as the Hayabusa you wait and wait and wait for parts.
It's called just-in-time supply. Just in time for fooken christmans that is.

[miSTa]

Yes i understand this has probably been answered somewhere but cant seem to find it ne where. You always hear about the reliability of all the jap bikes and usually the lack of reliability for anything else in comparison. Is it really as big a deal as everyone makes out??? A lot of it comes down to maintenance and such, as i wouldnt be able to afford a brand new bike it would between approx 1998-2004 looking at the prices of most bikes in general. So bascially what are the running cost like in comparison to jap bikes of a similar year and maintenance record.
Cheers.
No problems with finding someone to work on here in Chch, Duane of Duanes Bikes and Skis is the man. Very good with his prices, not excessively more than for a Japper. Belts are the biggest cost but no big drama.

Apart from a wheel bearing crapping out on me at Danseys Pass last year my Ducati has been as reliable as any other bike I've owned. Now done 35,000km in the last two years.


Probably not - although when they breakdown, they breakdown. And you often need to wait a while to get parts - and when you get them, they are costly. Hardest thing too, is finding someone who is familiar with working on them. But good luck, if you intend to buy one. Its like everything, you either like them, or you don't
No problem with getting parts and I've find the prices of everyday items (apart from belts) to be comparable to Japanese equivalents.


The other downer is Italian bikes figure highly in ACC trauma statistics. So it's either the kind of people that ride Italian bikes - or something to do with the bikes.
Or its BS statistics...

[NZsarge]

All brands seem to be the same in this regard.
Even with a bike a ubiquitous as the Hayabusa you wait and wait and wait for parts.
It's called just-in-time supply. Just in time for fooken christmans that is.

I recall a conversation with a friend of mine who until recently was in the parts game and it was his opinion that of the four Japanese brands as a rule of thumb parts for Suzuki's usually took longest to arrive while Yamaha parts usually had the shortest lead time.

[The Stranger]

I recall a conversation with a friend of mine who until recently was in the parts game and it was his opinion that of the four Japanese brands as a rule of thumb parts for Suzuki's usually took longest to arrive while Yamaha parts usually had the shortest lead time.

Actually, now that you mention it, any parts for my Yamahas that I have wanted have been a few days ex Australia. But it has only been bits and pieces (bolts, genuine brake pads, and bar ends).

[YellowDog]

The newer Ducati bikes are very good.

I'd rather have a 2004 model with heaps of Ks than a 1998 one with low Ks.

[pete376403]

re yamaha parts availability; while this is only a one off and not representative of the brand in general - got a piston for a 22 year old FZR1000 ex japan in 11 days (even better than the quoted 14 days). I was pretty impressed with that.

OTOH, parts (side panel & mirror) for a 2008 KLR were also two weeks ex Japan. Seems like nothing is stocked here anymore. Ducati are probably no better or worse than that

[Winston001]

You are right - this question gets asked every couple of months. The answer is older Ducatis - which probably means pre-1997 (but others here will know better) - require more regular and loving attention.

But Ducati had to compete with Japanese reliability, new quality Triumphs etc so lifted their game. The age range you are looking at will produce a good reliable bike.

I'm years past putting up with an unreliable bike. If the Duc was troublesome, it would go. Instead my ST4 produces an enormous grin factor and even just seeing it sitting in the gargre (is that the correct KB spelling??) produces a smile.

[johan]

Whenever I order Ducati parts from the US of A, they parts arrive NZ in 3-4 days then sits in customs for another 4 days before I receive a letter from them to pay fees..... Very annoying... No wonder the economy is slow.

[Oli]

hmm very interesting, also another question. What kms would you expect to get out of a total life time again considering good maintinance and between the years of 1998-2004? And is it safe too say that buying another bike just for commuting to save the the ducati is common practice.

cheers

[NighthawkNZ]

hmm very interesting, also another question. What kms would you expect to get out of a total life time again considering good maintinance and between the years of 1998-2004? And is it safe too say that buying another bike just for commuting to save the the ducati is common practice.

cheers

anywhere between 1km to 1 million km???? you can't answer that question I mean whats the life of a motorbike... to many factors... when do you call it the end of the life... how much maintenance, how much money, you could technically keep it going as long as you want for as many kms as you want...

how many times do you want to do the belts, the rings bearings, or do you mean when will it go bang?

Most mordern bikes if you can 't get 80-100,000 km before it needs a major overhaul then something is wrong

[NZsarge]

Actually, now that you mention it, any parts for my Yamahas that I have wanted have been a few days ex Australia. But it has only been bits and pieces (bolts, genuine brake pads, and bar ends).


re yamaha parts availability; while this is only a one off and not representative of the brand in general - got a piston for a 22 year old FZR1000 ex japan in 11 days (even better than the quoted 14 days). I was pretty impressed with that.

OTOH, parts (side panel & mirror) for a 2008 KLR were also two weeks ex Japan. Seems like nothing is stocked here anymore. Ducati are probably no better or worse than that

Yeah, it ofcourse depends on the parts being in stock in Japan or Oz etc..
When I binned the FZ1 all parts were present with 2 weeks of being ordered and as usual there were odd parts required. Guys in the shop said that was par for the course for Yamaha parts but other Japanese manufacturer's sometimes not so good, sighting particularly Suzuki.

[Cary]

I bought my '03 999(my first Ducati) last November.

Two months after that i had the 20k service, $1500 (belts, air filters, oil etc) Then I broke the rear sub frame, $350 to repair (was my fault for not checking bolts after purchase)

Then I had the Cat converter removed from stock muffler as it just didn't sound right $350, still didn't sound right so got a Termi muffler of T.Me $625 + removal of Cat from mid header pipe $150.

Then there was the rough running. Eventually tracked that down to water around the sparkplugs x2, so avoid wet weather riding!

Tried a set of Bridgestone BT016's they lasted 2900k's, $600. New Perilli Diablo Rosso's $600

Then I had Dyno test run to check it was running ok $120. It was, but was told it would benefit from Power Commander & Dyno tune, another $1000, future maybe.

Now I think the clutch is on the way out......:shit:

Still, I love it and I was told about the 'Ducati making mechanics out of owners since......'

I bought it as a second bike to just ride occasionally, however I ride it whenever i get the chance as it's so F****N nice to ride :Punk:

Should I have bought the 1000SS DS I was looking at at the start, maybe, but then I wanted a little more.....

Looking at the 999 in the garage now makes me smile even with the costs....ongoing :blink:

Buy one, even if it's just for that sound :devil2:

[The Pastor]

ask your self how many ducatis last 100 00'ks with no major enigine work?

ducati-triumph-harley-jap

thats the order

[popelli]

have owned jap bikes and currently have two ducatis in the household

the ducatis (2003 and 1998) are far more reliable than any jap bike I have ever owned

maintenance is simple and they are a lot less complicated (2 valve models) than most jap bikes

belts changes should be done every 2 years regardless of mileage and are dead simple, about 1.5 hours

[miSTa]

ask your self how many ducatis last 100 00'ks with no major enigine work?

ducati-triumph-harley-jap

thats the order
Source????

[The Pastor]

tomato only thnks

[Cary]

ask your self how many ducatis last 100 00'ks with no major enigine work?

ducati-triumph-harley-jap

thats the order

My order would be: Chinese, Italian, American, British, Japanese. :Pokey:

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

[Dooly]

My 04 Ducati 1000SS DS has been no probs in the 2.5 yrs I've owned it.
Done the usual oils etc and cam belts once. I'm a mechanic, so no probs for me, but aside from the twin vibes shaking a few fairing screws loose, the maintenance has been the same as for my late model Triumphs.
Tyre wear same too.

So I really don't rate it an issue.

However, I have heard a few stories about some costs to fix Ducs, particularly 4v ones when things go bad, especially in the electronics, and more so on the Jap imports.
But I guess it could happen with any makes.

My mechanic's brain says the Jappas are the best for maintenance etc etc.....but get what you like I always say.

[Indiana_Jones]

If you fancy a Ducati, get it.

Sound good advice has been given here regarding the older models etc, but if you get one in your target range then it should be fine (granted it's been looked after etc)

-Indy

[idb]

Don't shirk on the maintenance and it should be fine.
Older ones have their little quirks that might come out of the woodwork but there are plenty of resources on the interweb.
Personally I find the bit of extra work and thinking required makes them a more engaging bike to own.

Mind you, you don't want too much "character".

[pritch]

The other downer is Italian bikes figure highly in ACC trauma statistics. So it's either the kind of people that ride Italian bikes - or something to do with the bikes.

Funny that you mention that. When I bought a Duc I received a stern warning from my brother in WA (he rides a K1200LT) that when there are pictures of a really nasty bike accident on TV there, the bike is usually a Ducati.

I have just discovered for myself the situation with parts as to availability and price. This since my bike was kocked over in the carpark at work.

BlueWing aren't great, but they are brilliant compared to Ducati...

[R1madness]

Ducatis are generally reliable. Most problems are caused by lack of maintenance by the previous owner. Poor battery condition can lead to voltage regulator probs. Belts are easy to do but often overlooked.

I mostly hear "ducatis are not reliable" from people that have never owned one. Buy a low km one and service it according to the book and it will treat you fine.

By the way we have a DUCATI FACTORY TRAINED MECHANIC at JUST MOTORCYCLES and all the electronic diagnostic gear to tune them. We also DONT charge $1500 for a 20,000km service no matter if all the shims need done and the belts too. There must be more to the bill than just a service!!!!!!!!

[Winston001]

My 04 Ducati 1000SS DS has been no probs in the 2.5 yrs I've owned it.


Nice bike. Must say that if I wasn't sold on the watercooled 4 valve motors, the 1000SS DS would be my pick.

[Marmoot]

The newer Ducati bikes are very good.

I'd rather have a 2004 model with heaps of Ks than a 1998 one with low Ks.

Yes, what he said.

My 848 is now past 1 year with only broken fuel pump relay ($10, 10 minute job) and toasted voltage regulator ($400 on warranty, no wait time as it's ready-stock since it turned out to be a common problem for 848. There was a recall on this as well in Australia).

10,000kms now and crossing my fingers I don't have anything bad on the upcoming 12k service.

Service cost is not too different from modern jap bikes.

[vifferman]

Whelp, my bike is now 8 years old, and I've ridden it (mostly as a commuter) for over 4 and a half years. It now has around 85,000km on the clock. In that time, the only things I've replaced are tyres, oil, filters, chain and sprockets, coolant, the battery, brake pads, steering head bearings, heated grips and a couple of bulbs. It's never even had the engine cases opened up, except to fit an aftermarket shifter kit. No nuts or bolts have ever come loose, and the only time it's stopped has been when I've turned it off.

[Marmoot]

and the only time it's stopped has been when I've turned it off.

You might want to check your starter contact or change the key barrel. One shut off within 8 years is very bad, not to mention unsafe. Is it a Honda? Warranty expired?