Duke vs Jap: Perceptions

[LB]

I reckon it's " in the eye of the beholder". Like Harleys vs Jappers, or whatever. Really depends what you choose to measure. I've got a Ducati (an older one) and I love riding it. It's probably not as good a machine as a Japanese bike, and you get less bike for your dollars in terms of HP and reliability etc, but it has something a bit special about it that might be mostly in my mind, or not. I've also got a big bore Jap bike and I love riding it too. They're both different and both good. I'd hate to have to choose, and I'm happy to be lucky enough have them both. I've never ridden a Harley but they obviously get people passionate too. I say let's agree that there many kinds of bikes and bikers and types of riding situations, and that a narrow-minded adherence to " Ducati is best" or " Harley is best" or " Japanese is best" creates more heat than it does light.


HOWEVER I have ridden a Ducati 600 and a 750, and I'd have to say that you will get probably get more fun out of a Japanese bike for the money invested...the 600s are pretty under-powered. But they do make that lovely noise and they do come in that nice red colour.......

More or less sums up what I think. Though I've got two Ducs, not a Duc and a Jappa, but I've had many bikes over the years.

My Monsters suit me perfectly - got heaps of power for my riding style, light and handle like a dream, comfortable for touring as well as great for short day blasts, they sound magnificent, and have the word "Ducati" on the tank. I love them both to bits and at this stage I can't imagine having anything other than a Duc.

I'm not sure what year the 600 was that you rode, but my understanding is that the latest 620 engine with injection is more responsive than the old 600 engine.

As has been said before many times both on this site and elsewhere: all bikes are good, it's about "horses for courses" and whatever spins your wheels for you is the right bike. There is no such thing as a "bad bike".

Good luck!! Let us know what you decide to do.

[Sensei]

Yea riden a 600/750/900 & owned a 750 superlight & 93 907ie ,600 poor power / 750 not much better/ 900 great low down on a tight road but felt weak when on full load , 907 excellent ride & handled great but still no big HP Put your money into a sv650 with a Yosi pipe & you,ll get a great mid range bike for your buck. Happy buying Sensei NP

[FROSTY:Me]

That said guys there is NOTHING on gods little green earth like the sound of a duck with the throttle wide open.
Sometimes it aint about HP or numbers on a page -more about pure riding pleasure.
If it was me -living in auckland so near 2 possible service agents i would say fuggit to whats on the tank and see what I enjoy riding the most.
_ohh and for the record I'd suggest the sv650
They come with aftermarket seats to lower them as well as a rear end lowering kit if that ain't enough

[Two Smoker]

huh.... hows that?..... not that I'm worried about the Storm

Well wen you get the oppurtunity to ride with Deaht (if you can keep up ) you will understand the word "wheelie" very well......

[dangerous]

Well wen you get the oppurtunity to ride with Deaht (if you can keep up ) you will understand the word "wheelie" very well......

read between the lines TS (and that wont be a problem )

[DEATH_INC.]

huh.... hows that?..... not that I'm worried about the Storm

The Duke uses the engine as a stressed member,the cases taking the place of a bottom frame rail....

[Quasievil]

I had my first decent ride yesterday on my new 636R and I musy say it runs rings around the 750ss, I know the 750ss is only an entry Ducati, good looks and a name for sure but cutting edge technology and performance its not, but dont get me wrong, I loved the ducati it was great, however it didnt take me long before I needed something extra. I outgrew it quickly.The obvious next move would be a 748 which is what I wanted, but $$$$$ man for a decent post 98 model with lower Kms your big money, so I looked at the Kawasaki 636R WOW the difference is completely amazing, apart from the horsepower the bike handles beautifully it corners twice as better and does everything twice as better, my face is full on smile when riding it.
I am very excited at the moment

[dangerous]

The Duke uses the engine as a stressed member,the cases taking the place of a bottom frame rail....

Sorry I know we are a tad off topic, I thourght as much but most bikes now days use the engine as a stressed member so in your eyes is this a possibility with most bikes like my VTR or is it that the Duc's have weaker than norm cases?
Cos more likely the fork seals will go, the steering head and frame is more likely to crack before the cases IMO...... Oh all right I am worried about the VTR

[scumdog]

That said guys there is NOTHING on gods little green earth like the sound of a duck with the throttle wide open.
Sometimes it aint about HP or numbers on a page -more about pure riding pleasure.
If it was me -living in auckland so near 2 possible service agents i would say fuggit to whats on the tank and see what I enjoy riding the most.
_ohh and for the record I'd suggest the sv650
They come with aftermarket seats to lower them as well as a rear end lowering kit if that ain't enough

You're dead right,it ain't just h.p. or numbers, the sound of my Sporty when you change down from (ahem) a high speed will raise the hackles on your neck, not unlike a Duke doing the same.

[dangerous]

You're dead right,it ain't just h.p. or numbers, the sound of my Sporty when you change down from (ahem) a high speed will raise the hackles on your neck, not unlike a Duke doing the same.

Couldent agree more, The 1100 Guzzi had IMO the best sound and looks possible like the small Duc's theres nothing like a high compression 2 valve V2 with open pipes theres something about the B.E.A.R's bikes..... but would I have one again, dont no the Jappa is by far the better bike in just about all ways.