Wot's the Ducati difference?

**Badcat** · 29th April 2009, 16:30

Originally Posted by Winston001

My experience so far is very good. My 2001 ST4 is a Japanese import and was first owned in NZ by Badcat. He found it a little short for his height and traded to a Buell. I bought it from Kerry Jeffs at KTL - good straight deal.

The bike had 8600k on it and new belts - full Haldanes service done by Badcat which cost about $1000. It now has 19,000k. I've spent money on a tyre, brake pads, oil change and bits and pieces. The bike has been totally reliable. It is due a service at 20,000k which will include valve collets. Shouldn't need new belts yet.

One head gasket is weeping slightly and I'll consider having that fixed at 30,000k which is when the belts should also be replaced. To be honest, a small oil weep doesn't bother me.

From what I can gather on Ducati MS forum and talking to people, keeping up the service intervals is important. If that is done these machines are as reliable as similar Japanese bikes.

So in summary, there is a cost to owning any large motorcycle. Ducatis probably need servicing a bit more often that an equivalent Japanese, but it depends on who you talk to.

hey winston.
glad the bike has been a good one.
all the best.
ken

**Winston001** · 29th April 2009, 19:31

Originally Posted by EJK

I was watching this video and came to a question "Hmmm is it easier to stall with dry clutch?"

Is it just that guy a poser or is operating dry clutch is no different to wet clutch? Sorry I never used dry clutch before.

Nah he's just a tool.

Ducatis have a very high first gear and if you aren't used to it, easy to stall.

They are tall geared to pass European noise regulations although the standard mufflers are pretty effective anyway.

As for the dry clutch, no different to a wet clutch. Just adds character.

:

Normally one of the first mods is to put on a larger back sprocket. 43 tooth for an ST4. I run 15:43. Much better around town.

**2wheeldrifter** · 29th April 2009, 22:41

or put a 14tooth on the front.....

**Elysium** · 30th April 2009, 04:47

Originally Posted by Winston001

As for the dry clutch, no different to a wet clutch. Just adds character.

:

They do wear out faster then a wet clutch.
.

**LBD** · 30th April 2009, 05:31

HOW DID I MISS THIS THREAD?

Its is a fall in love thing, or was with me...My first Duc was an S4 with 10K 5 years ago, after a few years of dirt and trail bikes. I saw this S4 and fell in lust. The dealer asked if I wanted a ride, I said no, it has been a few years since I had ridden a decent road bike, I would not know a good from bad bike I just knew I needed a road bike again, and this one was it come hell or high water. I went and bought it on the spot and rode it out the shop a hour or so later. 3 1/2 years later and with 35k on the clock I traded in on the S4Rs before that model was no longer available...

Most memorable moment? 5 minutes after picking up the first bike, on Hagley ave, in 2nd only, I gave the throttle a wee twist...Oh shite and was I scared of that throttle for a while or what. It was a respectful love from then on.

Now with the new bike, there has been lots of sensible bling added...its not a bike anymore, shes my bike!

Ride one and you will understand why Italian twin owners are obsesed with their bikes...

**Bend-it** · 30th April 2009, 15:15

Originally Posted by LBD

Ride one and you will understand why Italian twin owners are obsesed with their bikes...

I did, and hated it! Test rode a 916 a couple of years back and didn't like it at all... I'm gonna get abused for this... but I rode a cbr1000 straight after the 916 and absolutely loved it in comparison!

So there...

Having said that, I am currently riding an italian bike with a jappa twin... best of both worlds if you ask me...

**Oscar** · 30th April 2009, 15:45

Originally Posted by Bend-it

I did, and hated it! Test rode a 916 a couple of years back and didn't like it at all... I'm gonna get abused for this... but I rode a cbr1000 straight after the 916 and absolutely loved it in comparison!

So there...

Having said that, I am currently riding an italian bike with a jappa twin... best of both worlds if you ask me...

Makes prefect sense to me...

**limbimtimwim** · 30th April 2009, 17:36

Originally Posted by EJK

Is it just that guy a poser or is operating dry clutch is no different to wet clutch? Sorry I never used dry clutch before.

They are fine. Both 748s I have ridden required a little more care than my 749 and 999 to operate, but nothing that someone paying attention while they get used to a new bike should have a problem with.

I know the new 696 monster and the 848 have wet clutches, so maybe Ducati have realised they were just a load a rattle-wank to attract attention.

**LBD** · 30th April 2009, 19:24

Originally Posted by limbimtimwim

They are fine. Both 748s I have ridden required a little more care than my 749 and 999 to operate, but nothing that someone paying attention while they get used to a new bike should have a problem with.

I know the new 696 monster and the 848 have wet clutches, so maybe Ducati have realised they were just a load a rattle-wank to attract attention.

Wear inside an oil filled compartment ie engine or transmission seperate or together is caused largely by contaminant particles...(The accepted figure are between 70% and 84% of wear, depending on which machine manufacturer you ask)

The quickest way to increase the life of a machine is use good clean oil changed on or ahead of time, good filtration and then to minimise contamination...

Be Patient I am getting there....

Contamination comes from outside the compartment, dirt and dust, it can be introduced when the compartment is opened for maintenance or when dirty oil is used from new(Thats another subject) or....

Contaminants are internally generated, from metal to metal contact when the lube barrier breaks down, or from friction material...Clutches! By having a dry clutch you are removing that contamination from inside the engine.

Then there is an oils greatest enemy..heat. Heat from friction which is mainly generated in the clutch, causes the oil to oxidize and break down and also affects the additive package. When this happens the effective lubrication of the oil is reduced again increasing wear and partical generation...vicious circle that one, wear rates increase exponentially with oil age/condition.

Lastly Oil selection opportunities (I have not delved into this but know they are there)...with a wet clutch the optimum engine oil is restricted in that, you cannot use any real friction modifiers in the oil because the clutch relies on friction, and would slip if there was not enough of it, with a dry clutch you do not have that restriction and can use the best sliperiest lowest friction generating oil, no worries.

**pritch** · 30th April 2009, 19:52

Most motorbikes are toys (eg sprotbikes), or tools (commuters and tourers).
Many Ducatis though are just fashion accessories.

And this from someone currently contemplating buying one?

**AllanB** · 30th April 2009, 20:11

Originally Posted by pritch

Most motorbikes are toys (eg sprotbikes), or tools (commuters and tourers).
Many Ducatis though are just fashion accessories.

And this from someone currently contemplating buying one?

Don't forget to accessorise, the Ducati catalogue has lots of goodies!

**johan** · 30th April 2009, 20:35

Originally Posted by Bend-it

I did, and hated it! Test rode a 916 a couple of years back and didn't like it at all... I'm gonna get abused for this... but I rode a cbr1000 straight after the 916 and absolutely loved it in comparison!

A 916/996/998 superbike is the last thing I would buy as a road bike.

At the track on the other hand...

**SixPackBack** · 30th April 2009, 20:40

My Ducati experience?

Bought a new 750 Monster in 1998. After 10000 km and a noticeable drop in power all the valves and valve guides needed replacing, the Ducati dealer in Nerang [Gold Coast] tried repeatedly over the next 30000km to re-seal the rear cylinder with new pistons/rings all with little success.

I sold the piece of shit, came back to N.Z and have only ever purchased jappers since.

If you want long term reliability, value packed motorcycling and have a tendency to rape your trusty stead stay well away from Ducati. They sure look pretty but like skinny chicks tend to break with little provocation.

**limbimtimwim** · 30th April 2009, 20:42

Originally Posted by pritch

Most motorbikes are toys (eg sprotbikes), or tools (commuters and tourers).
Many Ducatis though are just fashion accessories.

As much as I love to give them shit, I've never ridden a Ducati I didn't like. They are good fun, not the fastest, not the most reliable, not the most maintenance friendly, but still good fun.