Help, Should I get a DUCATI?

[v8s&2wheels]

Im very happy with the bike i have at the moment, 192hp (at the engine) and 164 kg dry weight. Yes i understand its extremely fast, yes i know theres not much out there that will beat it, but all this hype and the fact i know i cant use it on the roads how it wants to be 'used' makes me wonder.

Is this bike really too much? It's a damn nice bike, looks great, sounds good for a Inline 4 1000, and has all this technology chucked into it.

What im looking at is a Ducati, everyone says you have to own one one day, and i love the sound of a throbbing v twin (especially with some nice pipes on a ducati).

Which Ducati you ask?

Well i like the 999 from 2002-2005 (and to be frank thats all i could afford if i sold my bike). But i also want to hear which sports Ducati's you think would suit here. I dont want a 748/749 as i have SMS (small man syndrome) and love 1 Litre bikes and everything about them, effortless acceleration, the sounds they make etc etc. What sort of ducati could i get for around 10-15k that would put a smile on my face.

I know they wont have top end etc like my bike, but to be honest ive never really got to use the full potential of my bike anyway.

Any other Ducati specific things i need to know before making a decision about going that way.

Also, any comments on what would be better between my bike and a ducati would be awesome.

Even better would be if you could give me a shitload of reasons why I should keep my bike and stay away from ducati's, apart from the general they are exspensive to maintain.

Cheers guys

p.s sorry about the huge ramble

[The Pastor]

Are you a good mechanic? You will be

[v8s&2wheels]

Are you a good mechanic? You will be

Nah i can do a little bit to cars but never tinkered with bikes much, just maintenance work really

[MSTRS]

Go and have a chat with Dooly.

[v8s&2wheels]

Go and have a chat with Dooly.

Lol i was hoping you guys wouldnt come in here. I really needa talk to the guy in our hawkesbay group that has the 03 999 dont I

[PirateJafa]

An 848. In white.

Ooooooh. Where's a tissue?

[Hiflyer]

An 848. In white.

Ooooooh. Where's a tissue?

MMMMM hahaha.

[Cajun]

first thing would suggust riding a vtwin of some kind be a ducati, aprilia, ktm.

And see if you like the vtwin type of motor, personally i don't like vtwins, even tho one in garage(wifes bike).

Italian bikes will always have few issues here and there thats just nature of them., but most are not to bad, if buying second hand make sure you get complete records of services, (belts done on ducatis etc).


Yes they do not have big hp compared to the il4, but way the delivery the vtwin power is most effective. and despetife, you often go faster than you think since of the lazy motor.

But first thing i would say go ride a twin, and go from there, you will know if you like them or not, then go from there.

[YellowDog]

Good ramble.

I think what you are saying is that you are looking for contentment. Well aren't we all?

Forget SMS, you are actually suffering from GIAG syndrome (grass is always greener)

Well it isn't! It just seems that way. You have an excellent bike and maybe you should have got the Duc out of your system first. You already score over the Duc in so many ways except one. And you know what it is and it is the only reason you want one :)

It's the difference between owning a Ford Mondeo or an Audi A4. The fact is that the Ducati has a classy/envy snob value to it. Regardless of whether they ride bikes or not; everyone looks and listens as you approach.

It's a cosmetic thing, get over it!

[v8s&2wheels]

Good ramble.

I think what you are saying is that you are looking for contentment. Well aren't we all?

Forget SMS, you are actually suffering from GIAG syndrome (grass is always greener)

Well it isn't! It just seems that way. You have an excellent bike and maybe you should have got the Duc out of your system first. You already score over the Duc in so many ways except one. And you know what it is and it is the only reason you want one :)

It's the difference between owning a Ford Mondeo or an Audi A4. The fact is that the Ducati has a classy/envy snob value to it. Regardless of whether they ride bikes or not; everyone looks and listens as you approach.

It's a cosmetic thing, get over it!

That one thing for me is the sound a 996/998/999 makes. Its friken awesome. That and i dont like the front headlight on my bike. I really dont care what people think of me with my stuff, its how i feel about my stuff that makes me feel good.

[v8s&2wheels]

An 848. In white.

Ooooooh. Where's a tissue?

Yeah people seem to think the 848 is a good bike. Dont know what it would sound like though, guess is alright, but biggest factor is they are about $23k arent they?

[YellowDog]

That one thing for me is the sound a 996/998/999 makes. Its friken awesome. That and i dont like the front headlight on my bike. I really dont care what people think of me with my stuff, its how i feel about my stuff that makes me feel good.
Fair enough however you need to know that you WILL always get admiring glances.

If this is not what you want, don't buy a Ducati.

[grusomhat]

Dare I say it...Have both!

[v8s&2wheels]

Fair enough however you need to know that you WILL always get admiring glances.

If this is not what you want, don't buy a Ducati.

Lol i dont mind people looking i just dont care if they do or dont.

The 848 is a nice bike, but too expensive for my wallet, and listening to some of them on youtube just now, not quite the same sound as the 999 etc

[v8s&2wheels]

Dare I say it...Have both!

Ha you found me lol. Cant afford both ae. Ive got about 5 people telling me to stay with the gsxr because i shouldnt go backwards in technology and all that crap, but i really just want a ducati lol.

Ive got an idea.. buy my bike again and then i can get a ducati lol

[Swoop]

Well. That answers the age old question of "what does the owner of a gsxr 1000 trade up to".

[Insanity_rules]

Go on buy one! Nothing like owning italian. In my experience, this being my second one is that they're no more expensive than any jappa I've ever had serviced. They attract people like fly paper and the sound is enough to put a horn on a jellyfish. The Ducati crouch takes a little getting used to though. Try out a few models but the 996, 998, 999s are freakin awesome bikes.

It'll put a grin on your face from ear to ear.

[v8s&2wheels]

Well. That answers the age old question of "what does the owner of a gsxr 1000 trade up to".

Lol, i actually had someone ask me the other day what I was going to trade 'up' to.

[v8s&2wheels]

Go on buy one! Nothing like owning italian. In my experience, this being my second one is that they're no more expensive than any jappa I've ever had serviced. They attract people like fly paper and the sound is enough to put a horn on a jellyfish. The Ducati crouch takes a little getting used to though. Try out a few models but the 996, 998, 999s are freakin awesome bikes.

It'll put a grin on your face from ear to ear.

How are they for seating etc. I bitch and moan about my gsxr having a bad seat after about an hour or 2. But everything else on it is comfortable (note, from factory adjustable pegs)

[grusomhat]

Ha you found me lol. Cant afford both ae. Ive got about 5 people telling me to stay with the gsxr because i shouldnt go backwards in technology and all that crap, but i really just want a ducati lol.

Ive got an idea.. buy my bike again and then i can get a ducati lol

I would LOVE your bike but there's no way I could afford it.

You ridden a Ducati at all?

[v8s&2wheels]

I would LOVE your bike but there's no way I could afford it.

You ridden a Ducati at all?

Nah I havent, the sound is enough for me to want it. i know they wont handle like shit, its a ducati. Even if it breaks my wrists and hurts my ass after 5 minutes I'd still be happy with it, that sound is something else.

[MSTRS]

How are they for seating etc. I bitch and moan about my gsxr having a bad seat after about an hour or 2. But everything else on it is comfortable (note, from factory adjustable pegs)

There's your answer. Get a cruiser...

[v8s&2wheels]

There's your answer. Get a cruiser...

ha maybe in about 30 years i might

[johan]

If you're worried about comfort, noise, maintenance, smoothness, fuel consumption, mirrors, clutch rattle, heat rashes etc..., don't get a Ducati.

If you don't mind the above, open your wallet and let the awesomeness begin! :Punk:

[Dazza]

Try/Buy a late model Aprilia ( I prefer a pre 2004) seeing you are wanting to sell your GSXR for a Ducati,mate picked up a 2003 999 (Termigoni sp fitted) for $12K with 8K on the clock, he's fitted a Ohlins rear shock, had Robert Taylor do a racetech front & lots of little bling bits added, very nice indeed, good bang for his $.

[v8s&2wheels]

Try/Buy a late model Aprilia ( I prefer a pre 2004) seeing you are wanting to sell your GSXR for a Ducati,mate picked up a 2003 999 (Termigoni sp fitted) for $12K with 8K on the clock, he's fitted a Ohlins rear shock, had Robert Taylor do a racetech front & lots of little bling bits added, very nice indeed, good bang for his $.

i looked at aprilias but the ducati is just nicer. Is the aprilia a wet clutch system?

[Marmoot]

Lol i dont mind people looking i just dont care if they do or dont.

The 848 is a nice bike, but too expensive for my wallet, and listening to some of them on youtube just now, not quite the same sound as the 999 etc

Sorry but what's the point of having an ugly ducati?
It'd be like marrying Lindsay Lohan.

There should be a law against ugly supermodels!

[v8s&2wheels]

Sorry but what's the point of having an ugly ducati?
It'd be like marrying Lindsay Lohan.

There should be a law against ugly supermodels!

I dont care what people say about the 999. I like the look of them, especially compared to the 996 916 etc.

[Cajun]

i looked at aprilias but the ducati is just nicer. Is the aprilia a wet clutch system?

yes aprilia has a wet clutch.

[Marmoot]

I dont care what people say about the 999. I like the look of them, especially compared to the 996 916 etc.

Fine, you can have Lindsay Lohan.

[johan]

I dont care what people say about the 999. I like the look of them, especially compared to the 996 916 etc.

The testastretta is a very nice engine!

The 2005 999 base model and later have the upgraded engine. (deep sump, lightened crank, more aggressive cams, 140 vs 124 HP ...) if I remember correctly.

You probably want something like that coming from your other bike.

[v8s&2wheels]

The testastretta is a very nice engine!

The 2005 999 base model and later have the upgraded engine. (deep sump, lightened crank, more aggressive cams, 140 vs 124 HP ...) if I remember correctly.

You probably want something like that coming from your other bike.

Are you serious? Only 124hp from the 999 02-04.

Thats not very much.

[Hiflyer]

Are you serious? Only 124hp from the 999 02-04.

Thats not very much.

Get a black 1198s and you can be like Prince William. That'd be faaarikin fast. But a LITTLE out of your price range haha.

It's widely known that Ducati's dont have the same power as opposed to IL4's. But who needs it when you have all that torque and the sound!!!!

[johan]

Are you serious? Only 124hp from the 999 02-04.

Thats not very much.

I think this list is pretty accurate:

03 HP = 124
04 HP = 124
05 HP = 140 (corrected measurement)
06 HP = 140
999R = 143
999S all years = 140 (same engine except a few small parts as >05 999 base)

999S with open exhaust was good for roughly 145 crank hp
999R for roughly 150 with open can
999 base (same engine as 998) for high 120s, maybe low 130s.


My race bike is the basic 124 HP testastretta engine... Still goes pretty well :scooter:

[v8s&2wheels]

I think this list is pretty accurate:

03 HP = 124
04 HP = 124
05 HP = 140 (corrected measurement)
06 HP = 140
999R = 143
999S all years = 140 (same engine except a few small parts as >05 999 base)

999S with open exhaust was good for roughly 145 crank hp
999R for roughly 150 with open can
999 base (same engine as 998) for high 120s, maybe low 130s.


My race bike is the basic 124 HP testastretta engine... Still goes pretty well :scooter:

Sounds pretty boring. The zx6r i sold had 112hp, didnt have the torque, but yeah 124hp wouldn't really cut it for me i dont think.

[Duke girl]

Buy the Ducati and be done with it.
They are Sexy to look at, Awesome to listen to, and get plenty of heads turning when 1 goes pass.
Even If you dont end up enjoy owning it at least you can say you have owned 1 which is 1 thing you can say that I can't.

[johan]

Sounds pretty boring. The zx6r i sold had 112hp, didnt have the torque, but yeah 124hp wouldn't really cut it for me i dont think.

Different riding style to make the most out of the power I guess...

[Monstaman]

I have been owned by six Ducati's and still have two.

They are no more expensive to maintain than a jappa and in fact many parts are considerably cheaper.

They do love TLC and tinkering and modifyitis comes as a disease you will never shake, they are not perfect so as long as you don't expect perfection then go for it.

I have had my fair share of funnies with them as I have with many of my other bikes but I have had 100's of hours of pure enjoyment and a rear stereo system that impresses anyone when you hit the starter.

The trellis frame provides rail like handling and the single side swingarm is just fucking cool.

My qualifications are 36 bikes over 31 years, British, Euro and Jappa and ALL of them have some for of fault or weaknes make no mistake.

The only thing with a 999 is the unequal length headers they sound like a V1.75, get a full equal length/dia header set and enjoy better music, performance and style.

[Cajun]

aprilia rsvr1000 has somewhere 120-125 @ rear wheel stock,

[2wheeldrifter]

The 851, 888, 916, 996, 998, 999, 1098, 1198 are and still winning in the superbike class......

Don't let the HP figure put you off!

[ital916]

Sounds pretty boring. The zx6r i sold had 112hp, didnt have the torque, but yeah 124hp wouldn't really cut it for me i dont think.

Didntyou say in your first post that your bike had too much power for the road, yet you complain that you have lost a few ponies if trading to the duc.

Oh noes....I have 124hp....its not enough...try riding with 24hp....:laugh:

The ducatis are gorgeous and I am sure they will still put a big grin on your dial when you open her up, the lack (tui) of horsepower wont mean jack on the road and Im sure you can still cane around on the track too!

The bottom line is...

"Are you ready to become a legend.........I'll take that as a YES".........."get a perm"

[Newblade]

I think the best thing you can do is take a ducati for a ride,you may find as a multi rider that the twin doesn,t suit you.
Forget ponies they don,t make a huge difference it,s really about how the power translates.
Have owned both IL4s and twins.Personally prefer the 4s.
But don,t think you can go too wrong with a Ducati either.

Good luck

[v8s&2wheels]

Didntyou say in your first post that your bike had too much power for the road, yet you complain that you have lost a few ponies if trading to the duc.

Oh noes....I have 124hp....its not enough...try riding with 24hp....:laugh:

The ducatis are gorgeous and I am sure they will still put a big grin on your dial when you open her up, the lack (tui) of horsepower wont mean jack on the road and Im sure you can still cane around on the track too!

The bottom line is...

"Are you ready to become a legend.........I'll take that as a YES".........."get a perm"

Yeah, the reason i went upto my 1000 is because the 600 didnt pull hard enough for me.

Cheers for all the comments guys, i wont get an aprilia, but ill start test riding ducatis and see how i go.

[Monstaman]

Don't let the HP figure put you off!

Agree with this, my Hypertard only puts out about 85 - 90 hp but it is not shy, through the twisties it will more than hold its own with an 1L IL4, it's more about the rider than the HP.

[imdying]

The 851, 888, 916, 996, 998, 999, 1098, 1198 are and still winning in the superbike class......The heavily tweaked models (have you seen the spec of the 1198r motor :shit:) that can accomplish that are waaaay out of his price range.

[hospitalfood]

sounds to me you don't love your GSXR. fair enough, good to have a bike you love rather than like.

as others said don't let the hp figures put you off test riding one you like the look of.
i would love to get a mid 90's 900 SS.

i think test ride a few dukes, an ape and maybe even a buell and see which one you love the most. then get it.

[sondela]

Take a 999 for a test ride, and if you don't feel like you've just entered a whole new riding experience (and I'm sure you will) don't buy one...

but be sure to test ride it somewhere on a real biking road, then it will fly.

(twins have a better torque curve than 4's, you won't think you've lost any horses I can assure you)

[imdying]

Have you considered an MV Agusta F4? Exotica now comes in an IL4 size :D

[johan]

Maybe this one will do!

http://www.ducati-superbikes.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18298

[nosebleed]

...i think test ride a few dukes, an ape and maybe even a buell and see which one you love the most. then get it.

+1. I see a trip to KTL Motorcycles in your future.

[Forest]

Sounds pretty boring. The zx6r i sold had 112hp, didnt have the torque, but yeah 124hp wouldn't really cut it for me i dont think.

Why wouldn't it cut it?

Do you hold the throttle open throughout the corner?

[AllanB]

Test ride and if you like it and an afford it buy it.

Also have a peep at the big bore Aprilia - some of these appear to be going second-hand for silly prices.


PS Miss Lohan is only a phone call away.......

[miSTa]

Sounds pretty boring. The zx6r i sold had 112hp, didnt have the torque, but yeah 124hp wouldn't really cut it for me i dont think.
An old saying - "People buy horsepower, but they drive torque." Torque is force, and force causes acceleration. Horsepower is marketing dribble and costs you money.

An interesting read: http://www.vettenet.org/torquehp.html

In other words don't knock the HP of the 999 till you've tried it.

[gatch]

Yeah, the reason i went upto my 1000 is because the 600 didnt pull hard enough for me.

Tried riding bikes around corners dude ?

Hehehe poke poke.

[imdying]

An old saying - "People buy horsepower, but they drive torque." Torque is force, and force causes acceleration. Horsepower is marketing dribble and costs you money.That's lovely and all... but he's coming from a bike that has both in abundance... a GSXR1000 torque curve isn't exactly lacking anywhere. If you haven't already, have a look at the 999 and GSXR1000 torque curves overlayed... the whole twins have more torque is pretty much a fallacy in this instance.

[2wheeldrifter]

That's lovely and all... but he's coming from a bike that has both in abundance... a GSXR1000 torque curve isn't exactly lacking anywhere. If you haven't already, have a look at the 999 and GSXR1000 torque curves overlayed... the whole twins have more torque is pretty much a fallacy in this instance.


Yeah but it's the whole package dude ..... :Punk:

[Elysium]

Could always go for a Japper V-Twin?

[imdying]

Yeah but it's the whole package dude ..... :Punk:Easy traffic bike, tourer, hypersport, insurable, easy to work on... yup, the GSXR1000 is quite a package :yes:

[miSTa]

That's lovely and all... but he's coming from a bike that has both in abundance... a GSXR1000 torque curve isn't exactly lacking anywhere. If you haven't already, have a look at the 999 and GSXR1000 torque curves overlayed... the whole twins have more torque is pretty much a fallacy in this instance.
Absolutely. All I'm saying is don't write off less powerful bike without looking at how much torque it has and its spread. Plus, of course, getting out on the road and trying it.

[2wheeldrifter]

Easy traffic bike, tourer, hypersport, insurable, easy to work on... yup, the GSXR1000 is quite a package :yes:

Yep and that's why he's selling it....:done:

[Maki]

An old saying - "People buy horsepower, but they drive torque." Torque is force, and force causes acceleration. Horsepower is marketing dribble and costs you money.

An interesting read: http://www.vettenet.org/torquehp.html

In other words don't knock the HP of the 999 till you've tried it.

BS... Acceleration is much more closely correlated with horsepower than torque. Torque is just twisting force but horsepower measures how much work is actually being accomplished.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

http://www.vettenet.org/torquehp.html

Good article by the way.

"The Only Thing You Really Need to Know
Repeat after me. "It is better to make torque at high rpm than at low rpm, because you can take advantage of *gearing*." :-)

Thanks for your time.

Bruce"

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Horsepower = (torque x rpm)/5252

So, torque at high rpm = high horsepower, and according to Bruce that is what you want.

[imdying]

Yep and that's why he's selling it.From reading his post it sounds like it's because it's too much of a package (for the road).

[2wheeldrifter]

From reading his post it sounds like it's because it's too much of a package (for the road).

:laugh::laugh:

[johan]

I think the modern Ducati sport bikes are tuned to produce peek torque at high revs too, much like the IL4s.

Isn't that the point of the desmo valve design, that you can have very aggressive closing cam lobes that produces loads of torque even at lower revs (while still keeping the torque higher up)?

[Marknz]

An 848. In white.

Ooooooh. Where's a tissue?

I used it already... sorry :laugh:

[v8s&2wheels]

All good words here thanks guys.

To the guy who said a jappa v twin.. not happening, ive got a desireable jappa and it doesnt yank my chain, heres a scenario..

I ride down the road on my jappa superbike, and then get passed by a throbbing ducati 999 and I automatically think, bastard has what i want.

Thats just a scenario though, it hasn't happened to me yet (getting past by a ducati that is).

While i appreciate the MV and the aprilias, I look at them and think " I'd rather have my k7 thanks ".

My boss also has a k7 special edition same as mine, and he traded in his 996 for the gsxr brand new. I asked him the other day and he said it was the best decision he ever made, the gsxr is so much more rideable around town, better two up, and so much more power EVERYWHERE. But hes also a big fullah (about 110kgs) so the ducati felt uncomfortable for him too.

Guess all I can do is test ride some 999's and decide on which to have.

p.s. Anyone want to swap a 999 for a k7 1000 for a short ride/day :scooter:

[Dooly]

Grant, GrantNZ on here is the bloke with the 999 in our ride group here in the Bay, if you want to talk to a local with a 999.
I have ridden his 999, it revs hard, whereas mine has lots of torque.
And they do handle and stop well.
Most wont ourun a Jappa litre in a straight line, but are true real world bikes where IMO the power is very usable, especially in the twisty bits.

I love my Ducati. It does spend a lot of time in bits, but I'm always tinkering with it.
Currently to look at it now all you'll see is the trellis frame and engine, its stripped, so not the best to see atm:laugh:
I plan to keep mine and just muck about with it, add bits and pieces etc over time.
But think a 1098 is in order very soon too.:soon:

Come on a Sat ride with us soon, when mine's back together and check it out.

Oh, and the dry clutch noise is poetry in motion.:love:

[aahsv]

The 999 model is very cool - Ducs have a special heritage and character of their own (Aprilia does not compare) - top speed means buggar all on the road - they way Ducs deliver their torque and power is both challenging and satisfying - the sound of termignonis' is distinctive and mesmerising - read up on them in the Duc forum and talk to those in the know :Punk:
http://www.ducatispot.com/forums/

[sondela]

p.s. Anyone want to swap a 999 for a k7 1000 for a short ride/day :scooter:

Pity you're so far away or I might be tempted :D

[Hitcher]

Although they may be expensive to maintain, at least Ducati is an Italian marque with a New Zealand dealer network capable of supporting the factory warranty.

[AllanB]

Oh, and the dry clutch noise is poetry in motion.:love:


Good for you mate - first time I've heard a dry clutch described this way!

At idle they sound like a paint tin full of nails to me ........

One thing I like about them - you can get all types of spunky covers for them.:love:

Of interest - does a dry clutch last longer or wear out quicker than a wet one?
What's the advantage - it's it purely that it will not contaminate the engine oil? Less drag on the engine (not bathed in oil and robbing HP)?

[lanci]

Do it! I'm very very tempted to sell the Trumpy and go back to the Ducati brand (I owned a Monster 620 in the past). I believe they are pretty reliable post 2000, so no probs there. You hear the unreliable card from people who've never owned one of the newer ones or only re-tell the bullshit peddled at the pub.....

Again, do it!!!

[boomer]

Im very happy with the bike i have at the moment, 192hp (at the engine)

I don;t wanna burst ya bubble but teh k7 doesn't in stock format, and yours is stock, come with 192bhp... either at the engine, the crank or the wheel...

no, never , not even.

Now don;t get me wrong.. i had one and she was fast but they don;t do 192bhp matey potaty



I too would get a Duc, a bayliss replica in fact :Punk:

[lanci]

Did I mention you should do it???

[Hiflyer]

Although they may be expensive to maintain,

Probably not as expensive as my hyosung :mellow:




But seriously, is it cos the parts are more expensive or they require more invasive services? or a combo of both?

[LBD]

Are you a good mechanic? You will be
Bollocks!


That one thing for me is the sound a 996/998/999 makes. Its friken awesome. That and i dont like the front headlight on my bike. I really dont care what people think of me with my stuff, its how i feel about my stuff that makes me feel good.
For me its the torque/rush


If you're worried about comfort, noise, maintenance, smoothness, fuel consumption, mirrors, clutch rattle, heat rashes etc..., don't get a Ducati.

If you don't mind the above, open your wallet and let the awesomeness begin! :Punk:

Mostly bollocks...and a dry clutch means the essential life blood of the engine is not contaminated with clutch friction material or damaged by heat generated by clutch engagement....


Sorry but what's the point of having an ugly ducati?
It'd be like marrying Lindsay Lohan.

There should be a law against ugly supermodels!


yes aprilia has a wet clutch.

Just as "Bad Rossini" is a contradiction in terms, so is "Ugly Ducati"


Are you serious? Only 124hp from the 999 02-04.

Thats not very much.

...Its the torque...ride one and follow what the seat of your pants tells you....

[Dooly]

Good for you mate - first time I've heard a dry clutch described this way!

At idle they sound like a paint tin full of nails to me ........

One thing I like about them - you can get all types of spunky covers for them.:love:

Of interest - does a dry clutch last longer or wear out quicker than a wet one?
What's the advantage - it's it purely that it will not contaminate the engine oil? Less drag on the engine (not bathed in oil and robbing HP)?

Yeah plenty of bling for Ducs!!!
Been on a bling spendup in the USA since the dollar is good the last few weeks. Just awaiting the post.

I dont know how gospel it is but from what I've heard, read, dry clutches seem to wear out quicker than wet.
Theres always heaps of them on Ebay stores for Ducs.

[bucket boy]

[QUOTE=Dooly;1129421621]Yeah plenty of bling for Ducs!!!
Been on a bling spendup in the USA since the dollar is good the last few weeks. Just awaiting the post.

Im just in the middle of blinging up my 999s. I to have just gone from a IL4
to a duc, it being the first twin ive ever ridden let alone owned.So hoping i like it when it comes to being able to ride it but I love how it looks.

[NighthawkNZ]

Im just in the middle of blinging up my 999s. I to have just gone from a IL4
to a duc, it being the first twin ive ever ridden let alone owned.So hoping i like it when it comes to being able to ride it but I love how it looks.

So you didn't test ride it before hand?

[bucket boy]

So you didn't test ride it before hand?
Nope it took dumptd to go that bit further to do a sale, helping me on to a crate then leaning the bike over so i could drop my crutches to get on to it.Then lifting my legs on to the pegs. or I could of waited a year till I could ride it then it would of been to late would of been long gone

[v8s&2wheels]

I don;t wanna burst ya bubble but teh k7 doesn't in stock format, and yours is stock, come with 192bhp... either at the engine, the crank or the wheel...

no, never , not even.

Now don;t get me wrong.. i had one and she was fast but they don;t do 192bhp matey potaty



I too would get a Duc, a bayliss replica in fact :Punk:

Sorry, I didnt say i had a 4into1 yoshi system.. Which adds 7horses (quoted 7.x horses) and takes off just under 8 kgs. Add that to the bike with 185 horses in stock form (quoted), and that makes 192hp (quoted) at the crank.

Realistically with a dynotune its probably about 150-160Hp at the wheel, or around about 185-190 at the crank.

Im going to do some pretty deep research into servicing, torque curves etc and then start test riding and see how i go, im in no rush to have a ducati in the next 7 days

[pritch]

Are you a good mechanic? You will be

Interesting. And this opinion is based on what exactly? :whistle:

[98tls]

Yeah plenty of bling for Ducs!!!
Been on a bling spendup in the USA since the dollar is good the last few weeks. Just awaiting the post.

I dont know how gospel it is but from what I've heard, read, dry clutches seem to wear out quicker than wet.
Theres always heaps of them on Ebay stores for Ducs.
Wattcha buy then?

[sinned]

I Ducati is on my list of bikes I must own - if just for the sound and looks.

[Dooly]

Wattcha buy then?

Power Commander, carbon fibre bits and pieces, billet alloy open clutch cover, brakes, billet alloy slave cylinder, and other little trinkety thingies.

[98tls]

Power Commander, carbon fibre bits and pieces, billet alloy open clutch cover, brakes, billet alloy slave cylinder, and other little trinkety thingies. On ya,sounds nice.Bling is good.:Punk:

[2wheeldrifter]

Pushed hard and yes your dry clutch will wear quicker than a wet, can get a nice slipper clutch that saves alittle wear... loud thou!!

2v motors will sound more lumpy at idle and alittle deeper, 4v motors have a more high tuned idle sound... hard to explain but when you own three, 996ST4s ST2-944 - S2R803 - they all have there own little sound diff. Have had Duc's for the last 3 years.... not one problem, servied as normal. The worse thing that I have happen is when bleeding the clutch on the 944ST2 I snapped the bleed nipple... Fuk $5.00 posted form Hamilton and 2 days to wait! Fuk owning Ducati's! :laugh: maybe I have been lucky????

Yep there's more bling for Ducati's than for Gary glitter ever had!

[Mr Merde]

If it is what you want and will make you happy ( beit only for a while) then go for it.

Its all a matter of personal choice.

[Dooly]

2v motors will sound more lumpy at idle and alittle deeper,

Yeah mine sounds real lumpy. I reckon 2vs sound better than 4vs, but each to their own.
All this Ducati talk is making me look on TM.........:laugh:

[MSTRS]

Sounds pretty boring. The zx6r i sold had 112hp, didnt have the torque, but yeah 124hp wouldn't really cut it for me i dont think.

You're going to have to revisit that...
Essentially HP means speed, torque means acceleration. You've made the quantum leap from a 'boring' :laugh::no: 600, to the thou. You've now been spoiled. However, I know you are no speed demon, so...
The Duc may not have the HP, but has torque you can use, just like the thou. If you ride one, all that will change for you is the sounds.

[mikeey01]

What im looking at is a Ducati, everyone says you have to own one one day, and i love the sound of a throbbing v twin (especially with some nice pipes on a ducati).


<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_rAHnwWfsaY&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_rAHnwWfsaY&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[lanci]

Agreed. The 2V ones sound magic and to add to that, the air-cooled ones sound the best. Honestly, the Monster 620 with cycleworks cans I used to own, is the best sounding bike I've ever heard (there's a nice VTR1000 with cored out cans here at work that is close).

I may have mentioned you should go and get a Ducati... You can do it!

[crazyhorse]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo :innocent:

[mikeey01]

mmmm which one.... I'd go for the hot looking red one anyday!

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PMhxGK0KZd4&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PMhxGK0KZd4&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Some easy listening :)

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/17QDA4WtkEM&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/17QDA4WtkEM&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[johan]

Pushed hard and yes your dry clutch will wear quicker than a wet, can get a nice slipper clutch that saves alittle wear... loud thou!!



Riding hard with the stock closed clutch cover and a slipper will probably be very hot for the clutch. No oil and no ventilation.

It's quite common to see the race bike with open clutch cover and a vented engine cover like the pic below, that will make sure the clutch cools down.

I'm not sure why Ducati insists on putting dry clutches on most of their street bikes. I'm not sure what the benefit is, or if it's just a tradition they'd like to keep? The 848 doesn't have the dry clutch if I'm not mistaken.

But it sure is handy to be able to service the slipper at the track without having to deal with draining oil etc. Here it serves a purpose.

cheers

[Dooly]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo :innocent:

Yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss: niceone:

[boomer]

Sorry, I didnt say i had a 4into1 yoshi system.. Which adds 7horses (quoted 7.x horses) and takes off just under 8 kgs. Add that to the bike with 185 horses in stock form (quoted), and that makes 192hp (quoted) at the crank.

Realistically with a dynotune its probably about 150-160Hp at the wheel, or around about 185-190 at the crank.

Im going to do some pretty deep research into servicing, torque curves etc and then start test riding and see how i go, im in no rush to have a ducati in the next 7 days


Mine had a 4 into 2 into 1 exhaust, tuned by Ray clees, aftermarket filter and plugs and did 151bhp on the dyno.

White trash had his k7 and had about 3 bhp more until he had Ray Clees Work the engine upto NZ Superbike specs ( i think! ) and found an extra 21hp

Robbie bugdons 07 bike made 168hp


I'd love to quote magazine stats but they aren't real mate... ;)



ENJOY bike hunting ... :D

[Drew]

White trash had his k7 and had about 3 bhp more until he had Ray Clees Work the engine upto NZ Superbike specs ( i think! ) and found an extra 21hpNa bro, the trash bike was always done on ponies from the Suzuki backed bikes.


Robbie bugdons 07 bike made 168hp Not if it's the same bike he ran this season just gone bro, had quite a few more horses than that I hear from a reliable source



I'd love to quote magazine stats but they aren't real mate... ;)





Don't say that round here bro, they still believe the shit they read.

[boomer]

Not if it's the same bike he ran this season just gone bro, had quite a few more horses than that I hear from a reliable source



Season ago bro

[2wheeldrifter]

Riding hard with the stock closed clutch cover and a slipper will probably be very hot for the clutch. No oil and no ventilation.

It's quite common to see the race bike with open clutch cover and a vented engine cover like the pic below, that will make sure the clutch cools down.

I'm not sure why Ducati insists on putting dry clutches on most of their street bikes. I'm not sure what the benefit is, or if it's just a tradition they'd like to keep? The 848 doesn't have the dry clutch if I'm not mistaken.

But it sure is handy to be able to service the slipper at the track without having to deal with draining oil etc. Here it serves a purpose.

cheers

True for on the track for sure... even these bling bling covers....

[crazyhorse]

Yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss: niceone:

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[sondela]

mmmm which one.... I'd go for the hot looking red one anyday!


Of course!... It's gotta be red.. :niceone:

[Wannabiker]

Best in red...

[sondela]

snap! (10 chars)

[SPP]

If its twins you like, what about this one? Not a Ducati but would be a blast.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=104376

[lankyman]

How about a compromise? get the V-twin but keep the suzuki badge? Get a TL dude

[v8s&2wheels]

If its twins you like, what about this one? Not a Ducati but would be a blast.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=104376

Nah couldn't do it. When for 20k could get a 1098. Sadly thats out of my range.

[v8s&2wheels]

How about a compromise? get the V-twin but keep the suzuki badge? Get a TL dude

Nah the TLs are getting too old, like to sort of stay 03/04 onwards. Prefer to stay 07 onwards.. but i cant get a ducati 07 onwards with my money

[grantnz]

Nah the TLs are getting too old, like to sort of stay 03/04 onwards. Prefer to stay 07 onwards.. but i cant get a ducati 07 onwards with my money

As per PM, only listen to people who own, or have owned one. A Hyosung is not a Ducati, either is an SV650.

[grantnz]

Buy the Ducati and be done with it.
They are Sexy to look at, Awesome to listen to, and get plenty of heads turning when 1 goes pass.
Even If you dont end up enjoy owning it at least you can say you have owned 1 which is 1 thing you can say that I can't.

You forgot to mention that chicks throw their undies at you when you roll into town and that they want to have your children. (Yawn) I'm awake now.

[kit]

IIII LUV MY MONSTER!!!!! go on buy one!!!!! The maintanence issue is bullocks!

[hospitalfood]

you could almost buy a new 1125R Buell with full fairings for 20 K.
might be worth a test ride

must say i am still dreaming of an old 900 SS

[StoneY]

The 750 ss I just traded in was real nice bro (shit im missing it)- dont let the capacity fool you Ducati's from around the 750 up are more than enough for NZ roads and they all sound nice (debaffed mmmm) and deliver great riding power- really REALLY usable

having said that the ST is a 916- and for a sport tourer (in all honesty more a tourer) its pretty dam fast too and corners ok, as well as curing my RSI while riding (yay)

Yep- get a Ducati- you HAVE to own one its true
:done:

[Dafe]

I was a V-twin rider, then went to the Inline for a year.
When I tried to go back to a twin, I quickly learnt that although the twin is nice for a change, the inline is by far the better feeling bike. I disliked the Ducatis even more than the Suzuki twins due to the horrible seating position with high hips. You'll notice how much nicer the Gixxer seating position is.

[boomer]

If its twins you like, what about this one? Not a Ducati but would be a blast.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=104376

Sup' Supe !


Good Race on Sunday bro thankyou, i do like a good CoroGP!

[LBD]

If its twins you like, what about this one? Not a Ducati but would be a blast.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=104376

Doesn't come in red.....

[boomer]

Doesn't come in red.....


it goes in a flash though.... :blip:

[DMNTD]

If its twins you like, what about this one? Not a Ducati but would be a blast.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=104376

Only poofters have 'em :shifty:

[AllanB]

How about a compromise? get the V-twin but keep the suzuki badge? Get a TL dude

Too expensive!!!!

I was looking at one today R model - 80,000 kms $9995 (but reduced to $9k) a bit 'scruffy' as well.

Buy a nice late model Monster for that.

[NighthawkNZ]

So far my ST4s has been cheaper to run and maintain than my VTR Firestorm... and has been just as reliable

[LBD]

it goes in a flash though.... :blip:

To hard, sharp and techy for my eye...but then so is the Streetfighter

[boomer]

To hard, sharp and techy for my eye...but then so is the Streetfighter

i realise its an ugly fookah but when you look at the bikes components and ride it.. you soon realise the package is greater than the sum of the parts.

I had fun on Sunday, doing the CoroGp.. i stayed glued to Beyond where as before on the gixxer i'd really have to fight to keep in touch.

the bikes not for sale, never was really. Not at the price i advertised. im quite enjoying it and she'll get traded on something in the summer... maybe 2 hookers and a crate of whiskey.

ps.. it handles MUCh better than teh ducatis S4R range... no lies

[Ducky848]

An 848. In white.

Ooooooh. Where's a tissue?


Been there done that :Punk:

[Ducky848]

Lol i dont mind people looking i just dont care if they do or dont.

The 848 is a nice bike, but too expensive for my wallet, and listening to some of them on youtube just now, not quite the same sound as the 999 etc

They sound similar to a 916/996 but without the clutch rattle and slightly less boomy. I prefer the sound of my 996 with its arrows.

[Ducky848]

Nah I havent, the sound is enough for me to want it. i know they wont handle like shit, its a ducati. Even if it breaks my wrists and hurts my ass after 5 minutes I'd still be happy with it, that sound is something else.


Rode with a mate (Akaroa GP) who has a CBR1000RR (2007) coupla weeks ago. Swapped bikes on the way home and if the GSXR is anything like the CBR you will like the 996/998. My mate is 6'4 and reckoned my 996 has more room and is more comfortable, he loved the way it cornered and asked why Ducati bothered with a 6th gear if it sits at 120kph and 3500rpm :laugh:

[Drew]

if the GSXR is anything like the CBR you will like the 996/998.

Not even a little bit!

The Gixxer feels like it makes three times the torque, doesn't feel so over the front, and gives a more confident ride.

[Ducky848]

Not even a little bit!

The Gixxer feels like it makes three times the torque, doesn't feel so over the front, and gives a more confident ride.


Good to hear. I had instant issues with the 'riding on a plank' feeling on it.
The torque in low to mids was a little sad, mind you once up top the fucking thing was scary.
Needed to be man-handled into a corner, it just really would have preferred not to go around them.

[SPP]

Only poofters have 'em :shifty:

well there is that...


i realise its an ugly fookah...

Hell no!!


...the bikes not for sale...

Thats good.

A Ducati would be cool. Following Mac (Ducati SL) and his mates (TLR and Buell) was certainly an ear opener.

[boomer]

Only poofters have 'em :shifty:

some so fookin ghey they have 'em twice huh au..



What's up Honkie..??!!!

[boomer]

well there is that...



Hell no!!



Thats good.

A Ducati would be cool. Following Mac (Ducati SL) and his mates (TLR and Buell) was certainly an ear opener.

thanks for a top day, Paul said to say thanks and see you next time !

next time we're down that way we'll invite the TGA poseur crew©Kornholio industries along, make us look even better :beer:

[DMNTD]

some so fookin ghey they have 'em twice huh au..
What's up Honkie..??!!!

Nah man...the second time I bought that bike negated the first therefore my gayness cleared up :shifty:

Working in a shop near you maori boy (read sig)

[bucket boy]

[QUOTE=boomer;1129424796]some so fookin ghey they have 'em twice huh au..
And didnt manage to wreck it either time he owned it

[modboy]

PS Miss Lohan is only a phone call away.......

does it have a wet clutch tho ???

[boomer]

Nah man...the second time I bought that bike negated the first therefore my gayness cleared up :shifty:

Working in a shop near you maori boy (read sig)

back to being a Jaffa huh?! that must be painful for the soul!?

if i get chance i'll pop in tomorrow say wazzzarp..?! i went in there a couple of weeks ago and the amount of stock made me think they were going out of business???!

[AllanB]

does it have a wet clutch tho ???

It's one of those fancy combo clutches - it's dry until you warm it up, then when wet, you can give it a good flogging:bleh:

[boomer]

And didnt manage to wreck it either time he owned it

that bike taught him a thing or two i suspect..??!!! not the other way around :kick:

[Voltaire]

Ducatis are rubbish
They are the most unreliable bikes on the planet
They cost lots to fix
You can't service them yourself
The clutches make more noise than the exhaust
No one knows how the valves work
They cost too much

don't buy one.

[AllanB]

Ducatis are rubbish
They are the most unreliable bikes on the planet
They cost lots to fix
You can't service them yourself
The clutches make more noise than the exhaust
No one knows how the valves work
They cost too much

don't buy one.

So, you like them then?

Care to elaborate on your comments as I presume they are from personal experience and I'd be interested to hear the stories. :corn:

[Coldrider]

Ducatis are rubbish
They are the most unreliable bikes on the planet
They cost lots to fix
You can't service them yourself
The clutches make more noise than the exhaust
No one knows how the valves work
They cost too much

don't buy one.Yes, but they are red, you get undies thrown at you, and they like working with concrete, the more you stir the wetter they get.
That is what I have gleaned from this thread.

[NighthawkNZ]

Ducatis are rubbish
They are the most unreliable bikes on the planet
They cost lots to fix
You can't service them yourself
The clutches make more noise than the exhaust
No one knows how the valves work
They cost too much

don't buy one.

no not just one buy two or three...

[Insanity_rules]

Ducatis are rubbish
They are the most unreliable bikes on the planet
They cost lots to fix
You can't service them yourself
The clutches make more noise than the exhaust
No one knows how the valves work
They cost too much

don't buy one.

I beg to differ, the only thing I haven't attempted to do on my Ducati is a belt change. Every job I've done on mine so far has been relatively easy and the parts are pretty reasonably priced if you know where to look. And do you mean to tell me you own two Duc's and you don't know how a desmodromic head works? I'm not even a mechanics asshole and I keep mine on the road no problem.

To add insult to injury you own one of the sexiest classic bikes of all time (your SD). Thats it hand over your Ducatista title right now young man.

Please tell me you were being sarcastic.

[Voltaire]

I beg to differ, the only thing I haven't attempted to do on my Ducati is a belt change. Every job I've done on mine so far has been relatively easy and the parts are pretty reasonably priced if you know where to look. And do you mean to tell me you own two Duc's and you don't know how a desmodromic head works? I'm not even a mechanics asshole and I keep mine on the road no problem.

To add insult to injury you own one of the sexiest classic bikes of all time (your SD). Thats it hand over your Ducatista title right now young man.

Please tell me you were being sarcastic.

I was being sarcastic....:msn-wink:and just trying to get into the KB sprit of fact based opinion.
Yes the SD is a sexy bike...I've had it for 23 years and it would be the last bike I'd part with.
I have done the belts and set the desmos...easy enough.
As for the discussion on Yamahonsuzwaki vs Ducati....I can't comment as I don't need to more than 80HP to enjoy motorcycling and I could not tell one jap bike from another.

[timetoride]

I was in a similar position as you, had il4's most of my life and a couple of triples, had the chance to buy a Ducati and did so. Previously before that I was of the same ilk as others on here. They are expensive to maintain, uncomfortable blah blah blah.
They very quickly make sense in the real world of riding. No they dont like being in town as they have very tall gearing (easy fix with 1 off the front sprocket and 3 on the back sprocket) Mine has cost me no more to maintain than any of my inline 4's or the 675 i had and is a much more involving motorbike to ride. See if you can test ride one for a while. Not once round the block, but a decent ride and you will probably find that you can live with the hopeless mirrors (999) and rock hard seat (which is an easy fix too by the way) just because of the grin it puts on your face everytime you wind on the throttle exiting a corner or start it in the garage with the pipes booming in your ears.
And regarding the power/torque argument realisticaly how much of the gsxr's power do you use most of the time? The duc's are deceptively fast and in my opinion you do get the high rpm surge of the il4, just constant and predictive grunt wherever and whenever you need it or want it.:Punk:
I too have been converted to owning Ducati's as road bikes and hopefully will be changing my race bike to one when I can afford it.

Just my 2c worth!

[Insanity_rules]

I was being sarcastic....:msn-wink:and just trying to get into the KB sprit of fact based opinion.
Yes the SD is a sexy bike...I've had it for 23 years and it would be the last bike I'd part with.
I have done the belts and set the desmos...easy enough.
As for the discussion on Yamahonsuzwaki vs Ducati....I can't comment as I don't need to more than 80HP to enjoy motorcycling and I could not tell one jap bike from another.

Oh thank god, I couldn't imagine someone with such immaculate taste in bikes be so anti what he rides. Actually I have to admit two things. One is I haven't set the valves on mine but have had a pretty big education on how to and two I own a jappa as well but its also a v-twin. The Honda is a good little city hopper and ultra reliable, really good for its purpose.

As the old saying goes jappas move the body but italians move the soul. PS I want a good SD to add to the collection. I've looked at a couple but they were a bit ropey.