Making the move from Harley to Ducati - what to expect?

[muskrat]

As any good racer knows part of every lesson on riding well should include a lesson on getting off as well..........   

well played Sir.   

[DM426]

Rode the Monster 1200S today. Unfortunately, the dealership is downtown in the middle of a major city, and traffic in that area is frequently bumper to bumper throughout the day. And that's the way it was today, so it wasn't the most ideal conditions for testing a new bike. Still, I was able to ride around some of the streets down there for a little while, enough to at least make an initial impression.

The brakes are excellent. Nothing much I can add to that. I was able to stop with one finger and I didn't find the brakes to be grabby or over-sensitive in any way. This was the S model, so I'm not sure how that compares to the standard 1200 model.

Stiff clutch. The clutch was kind of stiff compared to what I'm used to, but I'm told that will likely loosen up a bit as everything breaks in. I was in stop and go traffic for about 30 minutes (barely moving, but not stopped), and it was really starting to kill my left hand. Riding in those conditions always sucks, so I won't hold that against the bike. However, I did tell the dealer I had a hard time finding neutral at the lights and so I just ended up holding the clutch the whole time, which was not fun in that traffic. And he told me that several people have complained of the exact same problem on many of the new Ducatis they have in stock and that it should go away after the bike gets a few miles on it.

The seat was fine. The seat was nice and wide and I was reasonably comfortable the whole time, so no problems there.

Balance is superb. I was perhaps a tiny bit unbalanced trying to hunt for those rear pegs every time I started rolling from a complete stop, but remember that's an entirely unfamiliar riding position for me. All things being equal, it was fine and I didn't have any problems riding the bike. If I had one comment here, it's that once you're actually on it and moving, the riding position on the Monster is perhaps a little more pitched forward and aggressive compared to how I thought it would feel just judging from pictures. It wasn't bad or anything, but I kind of did feel like I was looking down at the front tire. Another thing I noticed is that it is most definitely more work to keep your head lifted up and to turn and check traffic in adjacent lanes compared to the cruiser seating position, where everything is relaxed. I didn't dislike it, but there's no question it makes riding a Monster considerably more involved than riding my Dyna. Could I ride it more than an hour or two? That's a damn good question, and I wish I knew the answer. My guess is this bike would start to get pretty cramped and uncomfortable after about two hours. But that may be a wash because I start to feel beat up on my Dyna after two hours. The softail I used to ride was comfortable for longer periods.

The display is hard to read. I found I could barely see it half the time and ended up just ignoring it mostly. It's high tech and cool, especially for demoing it on the showroom floor. However, I didn't find it especially well designed for real world use.

The modes work. There is a tremendous difference between the various modes, and the Urban mode seems invaluable in stop and go traffic. However, I'm baffled by the way the display changed for Urban mode so that it essentially shows, well, nothing of any importance. Touring mode is much better in that respect. Overall, I thought the display detracted from the modes a bit. A gear indicator would have been a welcome addition, even if it was just for Urban mode.

Exhaust note was excellent. Honestly, I generally hate the way many non-Harley bikes sound. They may be powerful and well designed, but they sound like a sewing machine on steroids to me. And personally, I hate not being able to HEAR what gear I'm in. Well, I'm happy to report that's not a problem on the Monster 1200S. This particular example was equipped with a Termi exhaust, and it was loud and powerful. In fact, I would say it was actually a bit louder than my Dyna with V&H Big Radius pipes. THIS is what a sporty-type bike ought to sound like! Very cool.

Bike was very light. In fact, it turns so amazingly well that I was really trying to be careful because it was such an unfamiliar feeling. My Dyna is one of the most maneuverable, best handling bikes in the HD lineup, but it's a truck compared to this. Overall I found it pretty easy to ride, at least for the limited amount of riding I actually got to do.

So will I buy it? Hmmm, good question. My guess is that the R Nine T is a little easier to ride. However, I like some of the advanced options that the Monster offers, like traction control, riding modes, etc. The bike is big, powerful, and reasonably comfortable, but I disliked the instrument display. I just thought the display was fairly underwhelming for such an otherwise high tech bike. But motorcycles aren't about displays, they're about the riding experience.

So...I need to think about it a bit more.

P.S. There is a ton of information and opinion online from guys making the transition from sport bike to cruiser, but hardly anything from the opposite perspective. Hopefully, these observations may be of some benefit to someone considering a Ducati who comes from another type of motorcycle.

[Curmudgeon]

Since there aren't many 1200S owners here quite yet, why don't you PM a few to get some feedback.

No BS, they take a few miles to break in and mostly should operate as slick as anything you'll find. Neutral gets pretty easy actually if you grab it just before you come to a stop.

Do you plan to ride in traffic A LOT?  If not, once moving the wind will lift you out of that "cramped" position. It should also be easy to fit the Rizoma bar I'm using for more rise and a more comfortable sweep / wrist orientation. Looks better than stock too while not looking "aftermarket". I'm using MA008A, check out the dimensions. http://www.motovationusa.com/mvstore/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=562

[DM426]

Do you plan to ride in traffic A LOT?

I sure hope not. I don't live in the city, but that's where I had to go for the test ride as that's where the dealership is.

I ride mostly on the country roads and try to avoid the major highways as they're just too busy, with too much construction. A lot of crazies here.

They had an 821 sitting there as well, but I only had time to ride one so I chose the 1200S. I'm wondering whether I should go back and ride it as well. I sat on it and it felt almost the same, but the sales guy said I would be switching gears a lot more with the 821.

[SDRider]

  Sounds about right.

I think you'll find that the BMW probably won't turn in as easily nor will the chassis be as good as the Ducati.  That has been my experience anyway.

The question is, are you going to buy it?

BTW-If you want a bike that is better equipped for long distance riding I'd suggest the Multistrada but that's a completely different riding position altogether.

[DM426]

[thumbsup]BTW-If you want a bike that is better equipped for long distance riding I'd suggest the Multistrada but that's a completely different riding position altogether.

I was checking out the new one they had sitting there, and I have to say I'm not in love with the looks. That said, looks aren't everything and it does seem like a very nice bike. I'm debating going back and riding that as well. I wonder how the power and response of the Multistrada compares to the Monster, not to mention the overall feel.

[Curmudgeon]

The dealer was probably right about the 821. It might do me fine but maybe not enough torque for your tastes. I don't mind shifting my 796 because the clutch is feather-light and the trans is slick.

If you ride mainly backroads, the 1200S should be dandy. Bear in mind that out-of-the-box, the suspension wasn't even set up for you riding solo, BTW. In the crate the preload in the rear is usually right for a youthful Italian and a lighter passenger.

Multi? It's like a BMW RT with more edge and a Ferrari engine.  I'd need a ladder to get on one... 

[SDRider]

I was checking out the new one they had sitting there, and I have to say I'm not in love with the looks. That said, looks aren't everything and it does seem like a very nice bike. I'm debating going back and riding that as well. I wonder how the power and response of the Multistrada compares to the Monster, not to mention the overall feel.

I just traded my Monster in for a 2014 Multistrada 1200 S yesterday.  The Multistrada is a heavier bike and you fill feel that weight moving the bike around under your own power but once you are under way that weight all but vanishes.  The Multistrada is very easy to ride at slow speeds (and at high speeds too).  I think it is easier than the Monster in fact, probably owing to the wide bars and upright riding position.  The power is similar but I would expect the Monster (1200 S) to feel faster because it is lighter.

That upright riding position gives you a commanding view of the road and if you're going to spend time on freeways I'd say get the Multistrada.  That wind protection sure is nice. 

Only reason I made this change right now is that Ducati has changed the Multistrada for 2015 and dealers are trying to move their existing stock of 2014 models.  I got mine for $3,100 under MSRP. 

[El-Twin]

I just traded my Monster in for a 2014 Multistrada 1200 S yesterday. 

SDR - Say it ain't so! 

On the other hand. congratulations on the deal and many more miles ahead. 

[SDRider]

SDR - Say it ain't so!  

On the other hand. congratulations on the deal and many more miles ahead.  

Thanks man.  And it is so.  Would have been nice to keep the Monster but trading it and putting that money toward the new purchase made this whole deal more wife friendly.

Horrible garage pic.

[Skybarney]

So what did they give you for the trade in?

[SDRider]

So what did they give you for the trade in?

$7500.  I thought it was fair enough.  My bike had just under 16,000 miles on it.  I've seen similar bikes sitting on craigslist for months at $8k but not as nice as mine.

Better pics.

[kopfjäger]

 

[Curmudgeon]

You need to replace the horn with something which makes snorting sounds throught that nose. 

Is that the model with the electronic suspension? A 796 pal of mine commutes on one of those when the traffic is cooperative, but he also has an R1200RT with heat and a Bonneville. (NO wife of course... )

[SDRider]

You need to replace the horn with something which makes snorting sounds throught that nose. 

Is that the model with the electronic suspension? A 796 pal of mine commutes on one of those when the traffic is cooperative, but he also has an R1200RT with heat and a Bonneville. (NO wife of course... )

If I buy any more motorcycles I might have no wife too. 

Yes, it has the electronic suspension.  I think after she rides on it with me she'll change her mind about it.

I might ride it to work tomorrow.  I need to get the break-in done so I can open her up.  Dealer threw in the first service for free help to entice me into doing the deal.