ducati reputation

[angivodka]

a few years ago when we were looking at bikes my husband heard some bad things about ducatis. particulary that they have lumpy clutches and can be very tempermental. i was wondering if anyone has found this a problem or if they have improved over the last few years. if anyone can tell me about their pros and cons generally then that would be great

[pintslayer]

Pros: True racing heritage. Beautiful styling. Superb handling. Proof that a V-Twin can be used for something other than a boat anchor.

Cons: Price. Maintenence cost. Self-retracting side stand.


As you can see, the pros far outweigh the cons. Anything Italian, be it car, bike or woman can be tempermental. But, if you want to play, you have to pay. I love them.

WARNING: BROAD GENERALIZATIONS AHEAD!!! I'm sure you got cold in Italy and sunburned in Germany, but please, bear with me and you'll understand.

Look at Italy, It's a beautiful country with a fairly mild climate. You can build a high-spirited, tempermental vehicle there, because if it breaks down, you sit in the Mediterranean sunshine and wait for someone to come by and give you a hand. As long as your car is beautiful and fun to drive, you can sacrifice some reliablity.

Now look at Germany. Pretty harsh winters and more unforgiving terrain. In those conditions, you want a vehicle that will start, run and stop with no trouble. A night alongside the road in Germany in the winter can mean death. German vehicles are staid and solid, with a beauty all their own, but it's obvious that business comes first with these machines.

Where you live determines what you'll build.

[jibaless]

ducatis are pure adrenaline to me. I think the monster is a beautiful bike and as pintslayer said, anyone italian can be tempermental. I have friends and a brother that drives ducati's (1 monster s4, one monster 695, and then a norm duc 1098). They are wonderous bikes and would never leave my livingroom floor as a mantlepiece (sarcastic). They are built pretty good, probably not as good as a good jap bike, but looks and sound IMO cannot be compared

[jrflanne]

I don't think you should lump Ducati's with Italian bikes. That is just an excuse. I have a Ducati ST4 and an Aprilia Tuono. There is absolutely no comparison of build quality, reliability, and maintenance costs between the two. The Duc costs at least 10 cents per mile, with valve adjustments and stuff. Great ride though.