Are your KTMs, Ducatis etc expensive to service?

[2wheeldrifter]

That's what I got told at Budget Motorcycle Spares.

Ok.. Does pay to ring around, and the same as with the model of the bike,and if genuine or aftermarket etc... is open to alot more info needed really I guess.

Wasn't having as go at you, have no idea what is a Japa front sprocket is worth, for 600 to 1000cc bike? I have no idea.

[slowpoke]

I went into a bike shop today and they said the only sprockets that are more expensive than for Hondas are for Ducatis.

Certainly on the single side swingarm jobbies like the 748-998 they're expensive, because they aren't like your average sprocket as the cush drive rubbers are fitted to/through the sprocket rather than into the wheel. Get the right sprocket carrier though and you can change the rear sprocket without having to remove the wheel. You get what you pay for I guess.

[JMemonic]

Don't buy an imported Ducati, it will only end in tears.

Where did you hear that? And I was wondering where I could buy a non imported Ducati as they are all made in Italy, it does not matter what model you look at.

There are some models that are made for Japanese market like the M400 but on the whole they all carry similar parts.

Recently Ducati increased major service interval on a range of their bikes and it not that dissimilar to some Japanese brands. I have always enjoyed comments from riders of other brands saying to me oh why did you buy that it costs a lot to service yadda yadda then comparing service intervals and seeing they are not that different at worst I have 6 valve shims to replace, on a 4 valve per cylinder 4 cylinder bike well that potentially 16 shims. You can imagine there are other comparisons that can be made along those lines but it really is counter productive and a waste of time.

Get the bike you like and enjoy it, screw the knockers an brand loyalist idiots that clam my bike is better than yours because .......

[DMNTD:Me]

more expensive to get serviced than your more common Suzukis and Hondas, etc etc?

Recently I have been drooling over some reasonably priced Ducati's, more specifically, the relatively newer 696's .........beautiful bikes.
It got me thinking. my bike is a commuter bike, and I intend on owning it for a very long time as its my only form of transport.
In terms of reliability, and cost of parts/general serivicing would I be looking at a considerable expense on a Ducati? compared with my current Suzuki?

The cost of ownership is higher especially with the KTM's Superdukes I've owned. Ironically my Duc (1098S) wasn't bad at all.
Expect to pay +10% for parts....whoopy shit

The costs are usually well out weighed by the pure please of riding such machines though!

Re sprockets...if buying after market products, they costs exactly the same from my experiences.

The Duc 696+ is a superb well handling fun machine but in saying that I would personally have a 'shitter' to commute on as well as.

[AllanB]

[QUOTE=JMemonic;1129714566]Recently Ducati increased major service interval on a range of their bikes and it not that dissimilar to some Japanese brands. QUOTE]


Better than most.

Suzuki still stick to 6,000 kms - however I suspect this may be a NZ thing ..... must check the net.

Honda dealers will tell you 6,000 but if you check your service book and ask the importer it is actually 12,000 .......

You like it buy it.

I would not hesitate to buy a new Ducati.

[CookMySock]

The grin factor of hearing your V-twin Ducati with good aftermarket pipes going down the road mmmmm sweetest sound on earth!

hrm the cheapo 650 hyo will do similar with its' unbaffled shorty screaming demon pipe. Gotta love loud vtwins ay.

Steve

[miSTa]

Where did you hear that? And I was wondering where I could buy a non imported Ducati as they are all made in Italy, it does not matter what model you look at.

That was the first thought that came into my head as well!


Just as there's so many many ill-informed people out there perpetuating the myths of Ducati ownership, be kinda dull otherwise.

After nearly three years and 50,000km of Ducati ownership, my bike has been cheaper to keep on the road than some of the Japanese bikes I've had. I look forward to another 50,000km of worry free ownership.

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

so far my ST4s has been cheaper to run and service than me old VTR ???

[Insanity_rules]

My 2 cents, the two Ducatis I've owned have been about the same price to service has many of the Jappa's I've owned, been as reliable and a shit load more fun to own. First one was a jap import and he second (current) is a euro import and never had parts problems. Totally hooked on them!

[JMemonic]

Suzuki still stick to 6,000 kms - however I suspect this may be a NZ thing ..... must check the net.

Honda dealers will tell you 6,000 but if you check your service book and ask the importer it is actually 12,000 .......

You like it buy it.

I personally try and do oil and filter at 5000, although the manual says 10,000 on a Shell fully synthetic oil which has never been available here.

And I agree you like it, buy it don't settle for almost if you can afford what you rally want.

Just as there's so many many ill-informed people out there perpetuating the myths of Ducati ownership, be kinda dull otherwise.

Oh aint that the truth, I cant seem to find another bike in the current market I could replace the ST with, all the line up of sorts tourers are tourers and really seem to me to be unsuitable as a dual role bike.

After nearly three years and 50,000km of Ducati ownership, my bike has been cheaper to keep on the road than some of the Japanese bikes I've had. I look forward to another 50,000km of worry free ownership.

Lol and that 50,000 is too easy to get to.

[cheshirecat]

My 94 VFR has done over 100,000. Use it for everything, commute, hols, taking the dog etc. Been very cheap to run - no shimms needed for the last 60,000 and of course no cam chain. It's frequently sprayed with Bells 6 in 1 over the last 50,000km. Don't really suffer from lack of performance/cornering in the company of Dukes and Blades well certainly in real world (NZ back country road) limits. The only real performance limiter is my envelope. I don't think these numbers exceptional, the only real diference from my point of view is the absence of cam chains to deal with.

Bikes these days seem to like being ridden. I think it's more how they are ridden/ warmed up/ cleaned etc.

[Hitcher]

My Shiver has 20,000km service intervals and the frame doesn't need to be dismantled to get at the spark plugs, of which there are but two. Filter, oil, and a diagnostic computer. Couldn't be simpler really.

[AllanB]

Actually reading this most new bikes really only have a major service at 20 -24,000 kms (valve gear & plugs) and the rest is oil & filters.

Personally I do my oil/filter every 6,000 or annually.

Ducati recommend Shell oils I believe.

[EJK]

When you can't afford it, you can't afford it.
When you can afford it, you CAN afford it.

[miSTa]

Oh aint that the truth, I cant seem to find another bike in the current market I could replace the ST with, all the line up of sorts tourers are tourers and really seem to me to be unsuitable as a dual role bike.

You noticed the same thing too? There is nothing currently available I'd replace my ST with either (and the ST is far from perfect).

Lol and that 50,000 is too easy to get to.

Yeah it is, just too easy. The collection of used belts and tyres at the back of the garage is getting rather large!