Decisions decisions decisions. [Archive]

Asher

17th February 2013, 18:50

Im currently entertaining the idea of what my next bike would be.
I was mostly looking at R1's, CBR's and daytonas, that was until i came across one of these:

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Ducati%20748R%2000%20%202.jpg

I had never really consider ducati's as i always thought they were out of my price range but i have found several nice examples for less than $9k

Reading so many good reviews made me really start to put them at the top of my list.

Im looking to hear from past or current owners about the typical service and maintenance costs and what their reliability is like.

Thanks in advance.

Edbear

17th February 2013, 19:11

Reliability for these is good. Riding position uncompromisingly sports and a literal pain around town. Servicing costs very high, esp when changing the timing belts. Lotsa fun on a track but not on the road at normal speeds.

Asher

17th February 2013, 19:24

Edbear

17th February 2013, 19:44

There are a few Duc's down your way. Prob best to call your local dealer and speak to the workshop manager, not the salesman, for tips and advice. The 748 was always a great track bike, excellent for learning how to maintain corner speed.

onearmedbandit

17th February 2013, 19:53

Talk to Duane at Duanes Bikes and Skis on Waterloo Rd.

carburator

17th February 2013, 20:02

had a duke, you need to be a tall fucker for most of them.. or atleast 6'
running cost's the r1 is way cheaper..

riding, well there are two r1's in the barn so that answers that question.

Asher

17th February 2013, 20:15

Im 5'11" so that shouldnt be a problem.

Whats the reason for the higher running costs? Do you just have to be over the top with preventative maintenance or are parts/servicing more pricey for duc's?

As much as i would love an R1, i really want it to be a no compromise buy, and that would be a 2009+ crossplane model as im in love with the looks and sound. Unfortunately they are a bit out of my price range at the moment.

But the 748R has all i want (well so does the 998, 848 and other duc's but they are all $$$), the only doubt in my mind is if i can afford the supposed high running cost associated with them.

Edbear

17th February 2013, 20:23

OAB has a good suggestion as I'm not up to date with the current costs which may vary a bit between dealers. I know Classic_Z has done a few who's owners balked at their dealer pricing, but it is an involved job. That's why I like the air-cooled motors which are a piece of cake to change the belts on. The 750/800 SS's are nice bikes.

Asher

17th February 2013, 21:21

I work near Duanes so i might pay him a visit sometime next week.

mulletman

18th February 2013, 03:11

Ive yakked to Duane bout servicing bikes and about dukes, he'll suggest stuff like remove your own fairings etc (if ya can) cause its less of his time and can pass on the saving to you.

Alot of the broken engined dukes in bits there are caused from slack maintainence from equally slack owners.

Asher

18th February 2013, 06:09

I found this write up: http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/Ducati-748-Guide?ugid=10000000008433882

It doesnt make them sound so bad, especially coming from an old 2 stroke.

Just need the valves and rocker arms checked every 6000miles and belts done every 12000 miles. Doesnt seem too bad to me.

300weatherby

18th February 2013, 08:13

Ive read the riding position can be a bit uncomfortable and the dry clutch can be a bitch around town, but saying that im looking at sports bikes, practicality is not really of consideration.

I probably will do a bit of commuting on it but it will be predominantly a weekend bike / occasional track day bike.

How often do things like cam belts need to be changed? and how much are the typical services?

A standard 748 would be fun, but the R will not.

The R was homologated for world supersport rules and is different to a 748 under the bonnet, and is much less forgiving in the real world, it needs to be ridden hard, or just parked and admired as it sits, nothing in between.

Commuting, you will hate each other, on the track, if you set it up properly, you will love each other. If you do go down this route, message me and I will give you a base track geometry and suspension setup to start from.

Belts and shims evey 20k in the real world-and if you use Casbolts, you will not see any change from a grand, make it a full service and you will reach even deeper in your pocket.

If you want a bike that will happily commute, and will fang along on sundays out, but is still able to hang with (beat) your mates on their R1's and similar on a track day, get a 675 Daytona.

Everyone is different and has their own opinion. Mine is based on ownership and lots of mileage.
My Ducati history: 600ss, 900ss, 748, 748/853, 916, 996SPS, ST2, 999. Last is current aquisition as race bike.

Dave-

18th February 2013, 08:20

re: running costs, ducati parts are silly expensive. I priced out a brake light switch (the one on the lever) for a dude when I worked at hamptons, it was like $400, I priced out the same part for a similar honda and it was like $40 or $50 which I thought was up there for what is essentially a "switch", I expected the ducati part to be like $90 or $100 but $400 was silly.

Asher

18th February 2013, 08:27

Thanks, that's the type of advice I was after.
Honestly $1k every 20k kms doesn't sound too crazy, and I've read the belts aren't too hard to do your self.
So obviously you wouldn't recommend the R but what about the S? From what I've read the only major difference is the S has ohlin suspension.

YellowDog

18th February 2013, 08:43

Once you know what you need, you can get a lot of parts a great deal cheaper off eBay etc. If you find a good guy, who knows the bike well, he'll know where to get everything at a more reasonable price.

Though do take care. Sometimes the dealer is by far the cheapest option. Repairing the problems that others have already 'Fixed' is great business for main dealers :yes:

Banditbandit

18th February 2013, 13:32

It's a very very pretty bike .. but ...

A standard 748 would be fun, but the R will not.

The R was homologated for world supersport rules and is different to a 748 under the bonnet, and is much less forgiving in the real world, it needs to be ridden hard, or just parked and admired as it sits, nothing in between.

Commuting, you will hate each other, on the track, if you set it up properly, you will love each other. If you do go down this route, message me and I will give you a base track geometry and suspension setup to start from.

Belts and shims evey 20k in the real world-and if you use Casbolts, you will not see any change from a grand, make it a full service and you will reach even deeper in your pocket.

If you want a bike that will happily commute, and will fang along on sundays out, but is still able to hang with (beat) your mates on their R1's and similar on a track day, get a 675 Daytona.

Everyone is different and has their own opinion. Mine is based on ownership and lots of mileage.
My Ducati history: 600ss, 900ss, 748, 748/853, 916, 996SPS, ST2, 999. Last is current aquisition as race bike.

I've never owned a Duke - because I hear they are fiddly, temperamental .. and great track bikes lousey road bikes ... as above ...

I'd love one - but it would be an expensive shed/lounge ornament ...

Asher

18th February 2013, 14:25

It's a very very pretty bike .. but ...

I've never owned a Duke - because I hear they are fiddly, temperamental .. and great track bikes lousey road bikes ... as above ...

I'd love one - but it would be an expensive shed/lounge ornament ...

well that's what this thread is sort of about, im trying to sort through the hearsay and rumours to find out what they are really like to live with.

Honestly nothing has been said has really put me off, the idea of riding a uncomfortable, loud, asshole of a bike around town doesn't really scare me

silver_duck

18th February 2013, 14:38

I've owned a few bikes (just short of 10 I think) and two of them were/are Ducati's.

One was a 2000 750 Super sport and the other a 2002 900 Sport Tourer (my current ride)

I've never experienced any over the top servicing or parts costs but I've also never had a serious mechanical failure... (touch wood) :tugger:

As with most reputations, there's always an ounce of tuth to it, but if the bike you WANT is the Ducati then it doesn't really matter because you'll pay whatever it takes to own it.
If later on the love fades, then the costs will make for an easy excuse on why you must sell it and move on to the next toy.

They are really great bikes on the open road and they're not great bikes around town. (except to look at)

All things are forgiven for love (read as lust)

sharp2183

19th February 2013, 02:50

You dont have to be tall to ride a 748! I'm always surprised when people say that. The dukes are comparatively small when compared to other bikes of a similar age, despite looking large. I found my R6 to be larger than my 748 and 996.

Belts need to be replaced every 20k but a major service is required every 10. Depends who you use but 1000 is cheap for a big service.

R.e. Difference between the base model and the S, often there isnt any! Ducati were in financial trouble in the late 90s and were slapping bikes together with whatever parts they had on the shelf. My base model 748 and base model 996 both had ohlins shocks, which were supposedly a S model upgrade. If you get one with Termis and ohlins then you are away.

Great bikes. Try for the new model if possible (generally distinguishable by the lightweight 5 spoke wheels).

Asher

19th February 2013, 06:13

Whats typically involved in a 10k service?

The grey framed, 5 spoked wheeled ones are the only ones im considering. I hate 3 spoke wheels.

Asher

19th February 2013, 12:06

Anyone have any opinions on aprilia rsv's?
Other than they are sexy wee things with inappropriately large mufflers.

Should I stop trying to be a Guido and just buy a jap

onearmedbandit

19th February 2013, 13:15

Your money.
Your life.

Do what makes you happy, what spins your wheels. Good or bad, life is about experiences.

ducatilover

19th February 2013, 13:18

I'm almost 5 ft 7 and I rode a 748 just fine.
It was an S, it wasn't silly fast in a straight line (any 600 Jap will have it) but it was one of the most entertaining rides I've had on one of my favourite roads. When you're getting a bit of a wriggle on, they work. If you get in to the rhythm of it all, they're seriously fun.

Then there's the noise and the dry clutch, yum!

I never got to ride it around town much though, but it was set up on the stiffer side of things.

The chap who owned it never really had any issues with it, he kept the servicing up to date and it wasn't hugely expensive, it'd cost me around the same, or more to send my ZX to a dealer for a valve clearance check and general service (not that I need to, I am god)

I say, go ride one and see how you like it

The RSV are cool, also seem a bit on the extreme side if you're commuting.
If you go a Jappa, it'll have to be a TL, because they rule and SP1 etc are expensive

slowpoke

19th February 2013, 13:46

Anyone have any opinions on aprilia rsv's?
Other than they are sexy wee things with inappropriately large mufflers.

Should I stop trying to be a Guido and just buy a jap

Nothing wrong with being a guido (916 in my past and 749R in my shed) but you're all over the shop like a mad woman's poo and comparing apples with oranges. There is no right or wrong, and asking people you don't know and have never met their opinions on bikes is just a waste of pixels. There is actually some really informed opinion here but in your position you've absolutely no way of separating the wheat from the chaff. Even the reputable 748 write ups online aren't relevant these days as they are usually written from the perspective of testing an expensive "exotic" bike, not something 12 years old from the bargain bin.

All I'll say is this: on the right bit of road all the inevitable angst and compromises of owning a 748 will be forgiven....compare that with a newer 600/1000 where nearly every road is the "right" road. There will be highs and lows, not just the same experience everyday.

Now go buy the Jappa (nothing wrong with 'em, I've a GSXR too). If you are trying to "logic" your way out of your quandary I'm thinkin' an older Duc probably isn't going to be your cup of limoncello.

Asher

19th February 2013, 14:18

I think you have hit the nail on the head. I'm just not the sort of bloke who window shops and buys things on a whim, I do hard research.

I think I like the idea of owning a duc more than I would actually like owning one.
Much like my relationship with my rgv, when its running well im in love, but when its in pieces in my shed (which is far too regularly) im not a happy person. In fact my bike currently in pieces has sparked my quest for sometime else.
I will still consider a 748, it may just have to be a price i can't refuse.

Unless i ask my rgv to only break down when the ducs running well but it likes to play hard ball

Asher

20th February 2013, 12:20

I'm going to visit the bank this week to beg for some money to buy a 636cc zx6r.
There are a few on trademe that have tickled my fancey.
Hopefully I will be posting a pic of a new here in the future.

ducatilover

20th February 2013, 15:01

Good choice bro, only bike in that category I'd prefer is the 675. The Kawasaki is an addictive rev-spaz :D

imdying

22nd February 2013, 09:40

Yeah as your current ride is an RGV, I'd be looking at a 636, then some pasta machine that may or may not go.

Asher

22nd February 2013, 09:43

I have decided on the 636. I have been talking to a guy with one in Auckland. I will find out on Monday if the bank will approve the loan, and will fly up and ride it back on Saturday.

SVboy

22nd February 2013, 10:25

Nothing wrong with being a guido (916 in my past and 749R in my shed) but you're all over the shop like a mad woman's poo and comparing apples with oranges. There is no right or wrong, and asking people you don't know and have never met their opinions on bikes is just a waste of pixels. There is actually some really informed opinion here but in your position you've absolutely no way of separating the wheat from the chaff. Even the reputable 748 write ups online aren't relevant these days as they are usually written from the perspective of testing an expensive "exotic" bike, not something 12 years old from the bargain bin.

All I'll say is this: on the right bit of road all the inevitable angst and compromises of owning a 748 will be forgiven....compare that with a newer 600/1000 where nearly every road is the "right" road. There will be highs and lows, not just the same experience everyday.

Now go buy the Jappa (nothing wrong with 'em, I've a GSXR too). If you are trying to "logic" your way out of your quandary I'm thinkin' an older Duc probably isn't going to be your cup of limoncello.

THIS-logic and common sense at a level rarely seen on KB!!

EJK

22nd February 2013, 10:57

I have decided on the 636. I have been talking to a guy with one in Auckland. I will find out on Monday if the bank will approve the loan, and will fly up and ride it back on Saturday.

Nice :-) <font color="1a1a1a" >asad</font>

Asher

22nd February 2013, 13:00

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8111/8494357454_6708c5bc24_o.jpg

Picking it up next weekend :eek:

ducatilover

22nd February 2013, 13:11

:niceone: Good pick, the prettiest of the lot and that tail unit is teh sex!!!

Asher

22nd February 2013, 13:19

Thanks. I hadnt really been looking at zxr's very much because i really dont like the look of new ones but one glance at that was all it took.

EJK

22nd February 2013, 13:46

Thanks. I hadnt really been looking at zxr's very much because i really dont like the look of new ones but one glance at that was all it took.

Me neither. I was sold by the colour.

Xsannz

22nd February 2013, 14:38

Bit late to the party.

But if looking at a ducati then look at a honda sp1 or sp2 also known as and rc51 they come up from time to time for 9 to 10k and they are reliable fantastic and make you smile with every mile.

They were built to take on the ducati and under aaron slight and colin Edwards they did just that and beat them.

Would own one again in a heartbeat if i hadnt just bout a 2011 r1.

Xsannz

22nd February 2013, 14:39

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8111/8494357454_6708c5bc24_o.jpg

Picking it up next weekend :eek:

What day are you riding back?

I am picking up my r1 in auckland on the 28th and riding back to chch on the 1st..

And for ferry book on blue bridge dont use interislander.

Pm me and we might be able to ride some or all of the way back.

Asher

22nd February 2013, 14:48

Funny you should say that because i was looking at this:
http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/full/252135115.jpg (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=563761931)

I was planning on flying up the 2nd and coming across on the ferry on the 3rd, but may change that depending on flight costs.

onearmedbandit

22nd February 2013, 16:40

Xsannz

22nd February 2013, 18:04

Very nice bike, proper HRC. SP2 would be a better bet, minor refinements that made some noticeable changes, critically the throttle response issues the 1 had. But I've never ridden either, I'm only going from what I've read. Definitely a bike on my list.

and this just listed.. so worth it you can click a button and change speedo to KM

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-565752936.htm

Ive had both,

i had one identical to that.

Sp2 had better throttle, and different swingarm.

sp1 throttle can be cured with a power commander.

both are a must ride before you die bike.. as said by MCN and sportsbike magazine.

Sound amazing pulls like a schoolboy till you hit the limiter then click and do it all again, and you hot the limit in 6th without even realizing the speed..

suspension on the sp1 and brakes where a tad more road orientated.. i changed the master on y sp2 to a sp1 master as it had less lever travel and more bite the sp2 master was for more feel ..

sp1 = better road suspension sp2 = still fantastic and was in production till 2006 with no changes but its suspension needed tweaking to soften it up a bit.

any way i am riding AKL to Welly on the Friday via the following route.

AKL - POKENO (for Breakfast)

Pokeno - Otorohonga.

Otorohonga - Taumaranui

Taumaranui - Waiouru

Waiouru - Bulls

Bulls - Paraparaumu (stay night with a mate)

Saturday - Para - Welly and nab 2:45pm ferry

feryy - picto - blenheim. - find a motel to kip in...

Sunday Blenheim - Chch

so if you caught me up on the sunday morning in BM we could do the last leg together...

Asher

22nd February 2013, 18:41

Xsannz

22nd February 2013, 19:10

Its looking more like i will try and get up on friday. $60 tickets vrs $200+ tickets. But that is assuming i get friday off work.

Although this is my planned route:

278915

With staying in wellys over night then morning ferry then back home

my route has less scenery and travel, traffic wise going your route there will be a bit more... also i wanted a few more fuel stops on the way.

if you make it up on friday then you'll probably catch me on the ferry on saturday arvo.

personally i like the ferry saturday arvo as it gives me time to breathe if i need too... depending on how i feel after sitting on the ferry for 3 hours i may just push for home on the saturday.

Xsannz

22nd February 2013, 19:14

my route has less scenery and travel, traffic wise going your route there will be a bit more... also i wanted a few more fuel stops on the way.

if you make it up on friday then you'll probably catch me on the ferry on saturday arvo.

personally i like the ferry saturday arvo as it gives me time to breathe if i need too... depending on how i feel after sitting on the ferry for 3 hours i may just push for home on the saturday.

google says this...

auckland - wanganui to welly as shortest 636km

my route is 648km

yours is about 712 km

Asher

22nd February 2013, 19:20

Yeah going through taupo looks to add only 20 mins and i plan on turning off at ashhurst so i can hit up the rimutakas.
I want to make the most of the ride since i dont know when i will next be up those ways on a bike.
I was also thinking of going inland through culverden on the way home, only adds 30 mins to the trip.

Marmoot

22nd February 2013, 19:39

Add a little bit more and you can get an 848.
Riding position and handling is miles ahead of 748, and reliability is a lot better too.
Not to mention the power is a lot nicer with bigger engine and different technology.

It is more hassle than the Japanese bikes, but the riding enjoyment is divine.

Warning: may take quite a bit to get used to. Don't be surprised when you test ride it if you find the handling is "crap". It takes a very different approach to riding it, and once you know how it actually handles a lot better than the japs.
Expect to spend $500-$800 for normal service, and $1000 - $1200 for anything involving cam belt.
Also plan about $2000 for suspension revalve/respring. Definitely worth the money and totally changes how the bike handles/feels. At the very least, do it for Safety reasons.

Having owned both, I have to say Ducati is a lot more enjoyable than SP1, for commuting, backroad riding, and the track.

EDIT: ah, you have decided to buy an inline 4. Too bad. Oh well, maybe next year?

Xsannz

22nd February 2013, 20:09

Marmoot

22nd February 2013, 20:12

6 years more advanced, but not $6k more expensive than SP1.

Xsannz

22nd February 2013, 20:24

6 years more advanced, but not $6k more expensive than SP1.

true and good feedback.

moot point now.. but he was looking at a 748 so i was only mentioning the other more maintainable twin of the time.. as the TL1000r was a joke,, compared to the duke and the honda

Xsannz

27th February 2013, 18:31

Picking it up next weekend :eek:

what Flight did ya get?

Asher

27th February 2013, 19:01

I plan on going to the airport on friday morning and trying to catch a standby flight.
Im meeting the seller in the afternoon, staying in Auckland overnight and heading to wellys in the morning.

Edbear

27th February 2013, 19:59

true and good feedback.

moot point now.. but he was looking at a 748 so i was only mentioning the other more maintainable twin of the time.. as the TL1000r was a joke,, compared to the duke and the honda

But the TL-R was easy to fix and could be made a really effective weapon with not a lot of trouble. A mate's son-in-law had one and tuned it into a very nice ride!

silver_duck

27th February 2013, 20:32

But the TL-R was easy to fix and could be made a really effective weapon with not a lot of trouble. A mate's son-in-law had one and tuned it into a very nice ride!

I'm curious (but not in THAT way), what did he do to "fix" it?
I mean besides the rotary rear shock, did he do anything else?

I used to have one... loved it, except when we had to go around corners :crazy:

ducatilover

27th February 2013, 20:36

Edbear

28th February 2013, 06:23

I'm curious (but not in THAT way), what did he do to "fix" it?
I mean besides the rotary rear shock, did he do anything else?

I used to have one... loved it, except when we had to go around corners :crazy:

Easy, make it boom. Then nothing else matters :2thumbsup
I thought the R was fine, but the early S was the scary one?

Personally I think the boy is nuts! A likeable larriken who likes fast bikes and cars. He races a Civic in the Honda racing scene and not long ago sold his ZX10 because it was only getting 180hp at the wheel...

I'm not sure the full extent of his mods to the R but included suspension, pipes, dyno tuning and possibly gearing. He loved it but in the end it wasn't powerful enough... I

Xsannz

28th February 2013, 09:40

I plan on going to the airport on friday morning and trying to catch a standby flight.
Im meeting the seller in the afternoon, staying in Auckland overnight and heading to wellys in the morning.

So welly on friday... I am leaving auckland on friday headed for welly.

We might be able to catch up.

Pm me.

Xsannz

28th February 2013, 09:44

Personally I think the boy is nuts! A likeable larriken who likes fast bikes and cars. He races a Civic in the Honda racing scene and not long ago sold his ZX10 because it was only getting 180hp at the wheel...

I'm not sure the full extent of his mods to the R but included suspension, pipes, dyno tuning and possibly gearing. He loved it but in the end it wasn't powerful enough... I

They always had the power but tended to go straight in corners... They developed a bad rep after a journo killed himself test riding it and then they recalled and fitted a dampner.

But compared to the rc51 and the 996 they were heavy tanks that didnt corner.

At at stage susuki and kawasaki had more ponies and no handling they always went fo hp numbers.

Where as recently they have gone the othwr way with the exception of kawasaki who now handle like a dream and still have they highest hp numbers.

Asher

28th February 2013, 09:45

No no. I'm headed to welly on sat, im staying in Auckland Friday night

Edbear

28th February 2013, 10:00

They always had the power but tended to go straight in corners... They developed a bad rep after a journo killed himself test riding it and then they recalled and fitted a dampner.

But compared to the rc51 and the 996 they were heavy tanks that didnt corner.

At at stage susuki and kawasaki had more ponies and no handling they always went fo hp numbers.

Where as recently they have gone the othwr way with the exception of kawasaki who now handle like a dream and still have they highest hp numbers.

I haven't heard any other complaints about their cornering per se. The issue was with the rotary damper being inconsistent and locking up through lack of flow. Also the rake and trail was too quick and exacerbated the damper upsetting things. The accident was, if I recall an owner of an original 'S' who tankslapped himself off the road, and bike mags began universally panning the damper. The 'R' was intended to compete with Ducati in the race class but was deemed underpowered and too heavy, and they still hadn't fixed the issues with the damper enough.

As a road bike, though, they were fine once the rear damper was replaced with an Ohlins and the forks set up right. And they sounded sweet. Yes, still a bit heavy but not really an issue unless you were competing with GSX-R's and ZX10's, etc. And owners can always reduce weight if it is a problem.

Xsannz

28th February 2013, 10:26

I haven't heard any other complaints about their cornering per se. The issue was with the rotary damper being inconsistent and locking up through lack of flow. Also the rake and trail was too quick and exacerbated the damper upsetting things. The accident was, if I recall an owner of an original 'S' who tankslapped himself off the road, and bike mags began universally panning the damper. The 'R' was intended to compete with Ducati in the race class but was deemed underpowered and too heavy, and they still hadn't fixed the issues with the damper enough.

As a road bike, though, they were fine once the rear damper was replaced with an Ohlins and the forks set up right. And they sounded sweet. Yes, still a bit heavy but not really an issue unless you were competing with GSX-R's and ZX10's, etc. And owners can always reduce weight if it is a problem.

True.

Honda based the rc51 on the tlr and refined everything that wasnt working as the basis for the sp1 then revised the sp2 based on swigarm and throttle bodies from the racing season sp1 edwards rode.

The tlr was designed in 98 so honda did 2 years r&d till 2000 when the sp1 was released.

And most of that was around handling and suspension.

Even said the sp1 had rock hard suspension and had to be softened for the road.

Xsannz

28th February 2013, 10:28

No no. I'm headed to welly on sat, im staying in Auckland Friday night

What ferry are you grabbing on saturday?

I am on the 245pm blue bridge ferry.

Bluebridge are better imho than inter islander.

Are you heading to chch saturday nite or bunking in blenheim...

I am bunking in blenheim at a back packers and riding home sunday.

Mooch

28th February 2013, 21:53

You wont be dissapointed with the Kawa , they are a great bike.

Owned a 748R for 11 years now and have no plans on replacing it yet. Great bike in its day and plenty of mods were avaiable from the factory. In terms of riding they are a bum up head down bike. Im 5 10 and it could really do with 20 - 30 mill bar risers for road riding as the weight on arms and shoulders in 50 kmh zones arent great. The R engine revs out very well for a twin and is probably similar to an il4 600 in many regards. I owned a Kr1 beforehand and thought of keeping it for rev factor , but the 748R was more adictive in that regard. Mind you , mine is running race cams from the 748RS and suitable engine mods that sees a 12,500 redline Maintainace wise a standard 748r requires cam belts every 20,000 km and this is largey due to valve lift. With RS cams I do cam belts at 10,000 kms as an insurance policy due to notiable wear on the belt at that point and shims are checked also at this interval.

Maintaince wise , it has cost more than maintaining two bmw cars and the wifes bike over it 36,000 km, but Im one of those over servicing types with oil changes done every 5000 km or annually.

As a ride , for me I havent found anything that I can get the same level of riders satisfaction out of. It is a good but challenging ride, a great sounding twin, light alloy wheels and a narrow tank. Cornering is a joy and super stable (with the way I ride) I've commuted on it , toured on it , track day and Cliffhangered it. It's not a great bike to commute on due to riding position but the rest are fine.

Asher

3rd March 2013, 06:55

I'm sitting on the ferry after riding the zx636 down yesterday. What a bike! It really makes my rgv feel like a heap of crap.
It has a full aftermarket exhaust that's unbelievably loud, if my head phones moved at all my ears would quickly feel like they were bleeding.

Speedo is out by heaps too, 20% I think although I set off a speed van when I thought I wasn't speeding, it may have had the 1 down 2 up sprocket change.

Asher

3rd March 2013, 19:07

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8522796719_ceca36ff59_o.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8371/8522796435_703fea6062_o.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8384/8522796323_90e988f071_o.jpg

ducatilover

3rd March 2013, 19:38

Well done man, it has some neat bits on it!

EJK

3rd March 2013, 20:33

Nice accessories

Asher

4th March 2013, 08:49

thanks guys, not sure what the stock suspension is like but the ohlins is amazing.
As nice as the exhaust looks and sounds im going to have to invest in some better noise cancelling head phones

Fast Eddie

4th March 2013, 16:20

had a duke, you need to be a tall fucker for most of them.. or atleast 6'
really? that would be ideal.. I'm 6foot 2 or something, I'm pretty good at folding myself in half and tucking into the old fireblade. But a bike for tall riders would be mint one day..

I hate 3 spoke wheels.

good man, same here

Funny you should say that because i was looking at this:
http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/full/252135115.jpg (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=563761931)

I would choose that myself.. toit!

chur on the 636 asher, what are you doing with the old RGV then?

The fella who bought my old zxr750 off my later bought a 636 like you have now.. He said the 750 was better ;) I'll have to agree.. loved that old 750 :cool:

enjoy the kwaka!