Ducati reliability?

[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......

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

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

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

[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.

[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?