Which is better?

[Foobin]

So im probably going to Melbourne later this year, and they got the LAM laws etc being on my restricted here, i think i still wont be able to get any bike i want.

So im having a hard time deciding what bike to get but are thinking of either the Ducati 620 or Suzuki GS500F.

I have heard the Ducati's are expensive to maintain, get new parts. On the other hand im not sure if GS500F has enough of a punch.

Which bike is better for both performance, comfort and general overall use?

Thanks.

[McJim]

Well since the Ducati 620 is a Desmodue aircooled engine with a 10,000 km service interval I would say the Ducati will be your cheaper servicing option. I still have no idea where people get this idea of Ducati services being expensive? that stopped in 1989....
Powerwise the Ducati might have a wee bit more - torque wise (where it really counts) the Ducati has bags more. Handling on the Ducati will be better (better brakes and suspension) and finish quality will be better.

However they will both be fairly economic on fuel.

For me it would be a no brainer. If we were looking at the new GSX650F however I would probably give that a go since the Monsters are all too small for me to sit on.

[Foobin]

its ok i need a smaller bike since im not exactly a very big person.
So you reckon its a myth that Ducati's are more expensive to maintain than the average Japanese bikes?

[Pwalo]

I haven't owned a Ducati so I really can't comment on the 620. I have owned two GS500s and they are good bikes if you are a bit smaller. Perofrmance wise I don't reckon there'd be a lot in it. Economy wise again they would be similar, and as far as servicing goes there isn't anything bar a single that's cheaper to get work done on. (Single cam chain, two valves per head, and that's it). Of course you'll just be another Jap bike rider.

From memory the Duc has a slightly lower seat, but a longer reach to the bars which can be a bit awkward. Service costs MAY be slightly more expensive due to the slightly more complex VTwin layout. And it is a Ducati, and much more likely to impress your non riding mates.

[James Deuce]

Well since the Ducati 620 is a Desmodue aircooled engine with a 10,000 km service interval I would say the Ducati will be your cheaper servicing option. I still have no idea where people get this idea of Ducati services being expensive? that stopped in 1989....

Well, actually, it stopped after a few years of TPG ownership in the mid-late '90s.

Pwalo's right, if you're built like et al (another KB Ducati owner) you're good. But you do need to be rather chimpanzee-like.