Why not a Ducati?

[MadDuck]

JohnnyDucati

great post

That post, from JohnnyDucati, illustrates a bit of the narcissism that seems to affect, to some degree or other, those of us who own Ducati's. Some identify it as being snobbish and for some folks the shoe fits. However, not for the majority of Duc owners that I know. We do seem to have a bit different level of pride of ownership character though. They are beautiful machines, they make a great sound and they get lots of attention (sometimes embarrassingly so).  If all of that is important to you then by all means have at it.

On the con side they are still relatively rare machines with a pretty sparse support network. Not so bad on the east coast, I suspect, but still.  Service outlets are rare and good quality service outlets even more rare. There are aftermarket parts to be had but nowhere near the amount and availability of the major brands. While reliability has improved they are not necessarily the rock solid machines some make them out to be. There are those lucky folks who have had no problems but there are many more that have more than the average share of problems.  You never know until you get one and live with it for a while. If it's good, great. If not, then it can drive you crazy. It is possible that your bike could have a problem that takes months to sort out. All part of the Ducati mystique I suppose. I've owned them for over three years. Not long by some peoples standards but certainly long enough to get a proper taste.  My carby Monster has been mostly great. My 999, not so much. It's been an interesting journey and it still goes on. Get one. You'll see.

[sbrguy]

the service intervals of 6k or 7.5k miles for the bikes is more often than a comparable bike from any other company, these costs if you ride a lot ie, 6k-10k miles a year will add up quicker than other bikes from other companies.

the dealer network in some areas is harder to find but usually you can find them with some effort, but its more effort than finding a honda/kawasaki dealer that knows those bikes.

basically if you are looking for a powerful, cheap, low mantainance bike the ducati is not it.  basically they keep theirvalue better than some other bikes but the problem is that finding a cheap ducati that has been well maintained and such is hard if not impossible for that same reason, otherwise how can people ask for 6k or more for a 2001 748 superbike? you can get a faster, lighter, r6 that is 1 year old with more modern technology and easier srvice intervals for that amount.  now you see why not to get a ducati?


you get a ducati for the simple reason of you like it, and its usually irrational and makes no sense except to you.

[brickdogg]

Thank you all for your comments.  My mind was already made up, and much for the reasons that JohnnyDucati listed.  I don't like common, I don't like what everyone else has.  This was more of an attempt at playing devils advocate. So thank you all for indulging me and I can't wait to get done school and get my bike, my Monster!! Glad to know I will be becoming part of such a great community!

[ryandalling]

JD .... didn't chuck say a bunch of girls flashed him when he was on his monster? I think thats a good reason to get a Ducati. 

[Wanwo]

Why would I not buy a Ducati?

Here's a few reasons that come to mind:

Reliability. Generally it's very good but if rock solid reliability is a priority for you then you're better of to go Japanese. My 800 has been trouble-free but this hasn't been the case for all models. The surging issue has been the most prevalent problem I've seen reported. It's not incurable but just be aware of what models it can affect. And part of the story with reliability is because the monster is so modable, people are making changes to their exhaust systems without, in some cases, the ability (or desire) to correspondingly modify their EFI settings. Thus performance issues.

Modding. It's a thing that's loved about the monster. The ease of and number of customizing options are impressive. That can hit your wallet at times but of course that's up to you. What you may resent however is having to spend more money after purchase to get the bike you thought you were buying in the first place. The sound of the stock exhaust may leave you a little underwhelmed. Of course most stock exhausts don't sound too impressive but you probably have an idea in your mind about how a ducati should sound, and to get that sound it's very likely some modding will be required. The other 'essentials' are better looking and more effective mirrors, replacing the front sprocket with a 14t (almost everyone agrees it should have come stock), new seat (I think the stock is atrocious), and possibly a different bar or clips-ons to fix up the ergos how you like. So, the bike can be improved enormously with just those few changes. But you might ask, why should I have to make those changes? Can I find a bike that comes ready-to-ride just how I like it? Maybe you can.

Ducati Mystique. This sounds like a nice thing and depending on your personality it may be an appealing factor of owning a Ducati. But there's a degree of unreality about it that gets old. People, often those with little or no knowledge of motorcycles, will react to the fact that you ride a Ducati as if you're some kind of superhero. In most cases it's a reaction to the name alone. It's as if you're carrying a bag and someone comes up to you and reads the label on it and says, 'Ooooohhh Guchi!'. Maybe that wouldn't bother you but after two years I'm tired of it. Now if people ask me what kind of bike I ride I just give them a stupid answer like 'Samsung'. I really feel that. Ducati are just another bike company. No greater than Honda or Harley Davidson.

Riding Style. I can't speak for other Ducatis, but I feel that a Monster suits a particular riding style and that may not be the style you want. If you're after smooth and slippery power delivery at all speeds, particularly lower speeds, you might be better off going with a smaller engined Asian bike. I'm not saying the monster can't handle lower speeds. It can and it will pull hard from low revs. But it doesn't like to live down there. The monster begs to be pushed harder. If you've seen that Tomb Raider movie (the first one I think) when she's tearing thru the streets on that bike - that's the kind of spirited riding the monster wants. If that's not you at least part of the time, maybe look elsewhere. I'm serious. That kind of riding may not be for you.

OK That's it! 

[lauramonster]

"The monster begs to be pushed harder."

That's true.  Had her at the track, much faster than I usually ride - and she ran better. Like it blew out all the crap on the plugs (that I KNEW wasn't there - plugs replaced <2000 miles ago).  Monsters want to be taken on back roads and flogged. 

Get a monster.  Happy flogging!!

[KTMCHEESE]

Having had two Monsters (S4R and a S4Rs) the first totalled by a deer, the second most recently sold I think that I may be able to give you a perspective from someone who's been there, drank the kool aid initially, and then got a really big headache...

First, the bikes. Imo Ducati's are great bikes and it's true that they have character. They have the V-Twin motor nailed. They're good quality bikes with high grade components over most Japanese bikes. They handle, accelerate well, good low end torque and they brake really well too, all of them have Brembo brakes. The finish is really good too, good tight solid polished bikes. The range on most of them positively sucks though but I don't think that matters to most Ducati owners for the reason below...

Ducati sells image even moreso than the bikes themselves. I think it's really lame and I personally feel that it is the reason why Ducati isn't truely respected by real motorcyclists, just like Harley. This 'image' is what lures most potential owners into the dealership in the first place. Look at some of the hollow comments in this very thread. You will see more Ducs at coffee shops than you'll ever see in the twisties as most of the guys who buy them want the attention more than they want to ride the bikes. Sure they love them and their Termis when they're tooling around the neighborhood, to hear and feel the bark and torque of the motor but more than anything they bought a Ducati because of this image of urban chique, young and with it and successful and whatever else you want to throw into it, metrosexualism, whatever, but it's not MOTORCYCLING So I'll go ahead and say it, Ducati is the sportbike equivalent to Harley. Ducati, more than any other sportbike brand, has owners who bought into an image that they want for themselves as it's easier to buy into than to become. It's the very definition of poseurism lol. This is why many Duc riders feel a bit alienated from the rest of motorcyclists. It's not because the others can't afford it or any other pompous excuse for lacking true character. It's a shame really because they make really great bikes but because of their own marketing the owners, in general, are not respected. I know many Ducati owners who are into it for the right reasons but I know what the stereotype is and it's true...

[MTBryan]

Wow! I just finished cleaning all the bugs off my Foggy after a long Sunday Tennessee high speed twistie ride, and read this.

Guess anything less than pure track riding is posing?

Did you ever consider those of us that have been riding Ducati's for a long time like to ride the piss out of them, but also clean them up and show them off at Buckies? Nothing wrong with that in my book. In fact, most of the Ducati riders I know fall into this category.

Personally I am OK with people buying them, spending thousands on great goodies even though the bike stays in the garage, then dumping them for a bargin. That makes them much more affordable for me.

[KTMCHEESE]

If you are who you say you are than why would you take offense to what I posted? Good for you, you should be flogging your Foggy...

The negative connotation of owning a Ducati did, and still does bug the hell out of me.

[Statler]

Having had two Monsters (S4R and a S4Rs) the first totalled by a deer, the second most recently sold I think that I may be able to give you a perspective from someone who's been there, drank the kool aid initially, and then got a really big headache...

First, the bikes. Imo Ducati's are great bikes and it's true that they have character. They have the V-Twin motor nailed. They're good quality bikes with high grade components over most Japanese bikes. They handle, accelerate well, good low end torque and they brake really well too, all of them have Brembo brakes. The finish is really good too, good tight solid polished bikes. The range on most of them positively sucks though but I don't think that matters to most Ducati owners for the reason below...

Ducati sells image even moreso than the bikes themselves. I think it's really lame and I personally feel that it is the reason why Ducati isn't truely respected by real motorcyclists, just like Harley. This 'image' is what lures most potential owners into the dealership in the first place. Look at some of the hollow comments in this very thread. You will see more Ducs at coffee shops than you'll ever see in the twisties as most of the guys who buy them want the attention more than they want to ride the bikes. Sure they love them and their Termis when they're tooling around the neighborhood, to hear and feel the bark and torque of the motor but more than anything they bought a Ducati because of this image of urban chique, young and with it and successful and whatever else you want to throw into it, metrosexualism, whatever, but it's not MOTORCYCLING So I'll go ahead and say it, Ducati is the sportbike equivalent to Harley. Ducati, more than any other sportbike brand, has owners who bought into an image that they want for themselves as it's easier to buy into than to become. It's the very definition of poseurism lol. This is why many Duc riders feel a bit alienated from the rest of motorcyclists. It's not because the others can't afford it or any other pompous excuse for lacking true character. It's a shame really because they make really great bikes but because of their own marketing the owners, in general, are not respected. I know many Ducati owners who are into it for the right reasons but I know what the stereotype is and it's true...

I've seen fewer Ducs at bike events centered around not riding than one would think given your spin on it, but they were certainly over represented at the track events I've been to. 

It might be geographical.

It might be that I just don't hang out where the posers are so my overall view of Duc riders has been scewed.   Easily more than 2/3 of the Duc owners I have met have done some track time....and the others want to.

The owners in general are not respected?  haven't run into that yet....at least not due to brand of bike (versus biking in general).
Is it that bad where you are?

[KTMCHEESE]

You make a HUGE negative generalization on a DUCATI board and expect people to be ok with it? 

You basically said that everyone on this board is a poser. Thats a really awesome thing to do.

Furthermore, I'd say that maybe 5% of the Ducati owners act like you say. I've met and talked to a ton of people on this board and none of them are posers. The alienization you talk about is non-Italian owners thinking that Ducs are prohibitively expensive and only rich people own them. We all know its not true.

Not at all, I'm simply bringing up a statement of fact that many, very many motorcyclists see Ducati's owners as being this way. If you're offended I apologize but this is an image that Ducati has perpetuated in its marketing. And I don't think you're giving owners of others bikes any credit for their own intelligence. Ducati's are priced above many bikes they compete against, but if you're buying one of their competitors bikes than Ducati isn't prohibitively expensive, they're a mere few thousand more. As I have already said, the reason isn't because they're the rich guys and everyone envies them, that's ridiculous. The bikes aren't priced out of the stratosphere for anyone to come to that conclusion.

[GLantern]

I love my ducati........and she loves me , she never talks back except when i am not giving her more gas.  

I really have only heard of two instants that involved "poser"/"asshole" ducati owners and that was someone on this board pregnant doging about what an jerk the poser was.  And they had every right to be pregnant doging.  You want to see posers?  Go to port jeff, ny one night, or bald hill and watch how long guys with beautiful bikes sit there just showing off and then take the straightest line home.  I rode with that crowd once and they couldn't wrap it around their small brains why the hell i took the twisty way to port jeff instead of the expressway.  I never rode with them again after that.......

[KTMCHEESE]

I've seen fewer Ducs at bike events centered around not riding than one would think given your spin on it, but they were certainly over represented at the track events I've been to. 

It might be geographical.

It might be that I just don't hang out where the posers are so my overall view of Duc riders has been scewed.   Easily more than 2/3 of the Duc owners I have met have done some track time....and the others want to.

The owners in general are not respected?  haven't run into that yet....at least not due to brand of bike (versus biking in general).
Is it that bad where you are?

I wouldn't say they're overrepresented here in Portland anymore than any other area. I know a few Duc owners who ride them very well and many at the track too. But I would say at least from my experience that the stereotypical Ducati owner is the butt of a lot of jokes. A lot of disrespectful jokes lol...

Hey I've never meant to be disrespectful to any Duc owners here or elsewhere but I do feel that it is a well known fact that there are quite a few that bought Duc's for or were heavily swayed by the image alone. If you are not one of those people than there's no reason to be offended. It sucks to have to deal with it, that you by being an owner alone, reflect that image to many people whether you like it or not, but that's the way it is. It's the baggage that comes with being an owner, maybe that's why Tumi makes luggage for Ducati lol...

[MTBryan]

If you are who you say you are than why would you take offense to what I posted? Good for you, you should be flogging your Foggy...

The negative connotation of owning a Ducati did, and still does bug the hell out of me.

Sorry Randy. I wasn't really taking offense with your comments. It was more of a discussion. That's what is so frustrating about the 'net. It doesn't show context or tone.
Truthfully, I really do find attitudes with riders from other bikes when I try and strike up a chat. So, either they are jelous, or really do think I am a poser. But at this point, I don't really care.
Last Saturday (at the end of the bug ride) a guy on a Kawasaki struck up a conversation and it sort of threw me off guard since it is rare. He even ended up taking pictures of the Foggy. If I see a bike that I think is even remotely cool, I'll ask all sorts of questions and chat it out.

In my dirt bike days, I judged a rider on the condition of his/her equipment and bike. If it wasn't completely trashed and scraped up, I knew they weren't riding at a pace I would enjoy. At least if they had a pristine new dirt bike, their gear should be all crapped up. Now that I am back into the street bike, I am on the other end of the judgement.

[MTBryan]

And, maybe it is different in other areas of the country. I've heard that San Fran has 1/3 of all Ducati's sold in the US (or something like that). More room for posers.
But here in Central Tennessee there is one dealership but most don't like them. There is also a guy that JUST wrenches on Ducati's, and he is a racer. His shop is in a not so good part of town (he keeps his shop doors locked during the day unless he hears knocking on the door, or the sound of Termi's outside), and his reputation is steller. So, people here that have a Ducati have to jump through a few extra hoops to own them. So, maybe more real riders have them here.
Just a lame-o theory of mine.