Question for you Ducatistas

[Dusty]

I'm strongly considering the new 1098 but I've never owned a Duc. I've always had Japanese liter bikes and they are virtually "bullet-proof"...never a problem and require very little service. How are Ducati's servicewise? Do they require a lot of service over time? I'd certainly appreciate any input, such as average cost of maintenance, etc.

[Rocky]

Supposedly all the new 2007 Ducatis have longer maintenance intervals than before. I think 7500-miles now instead of 6000-miles. Something like that.

The thing with the Ducatis is that the valves require more often adjustments than other bikes of other makes. When you wring out that much oomph from a V-twin, something's gotta give.

[Craig]

I plan on getting the 1098 Tri in March.

It's a love affair with a Ducati .. you have your ups and downs .. but in the end it's all worth it.

.. the good days make up for the bad days.

If money is an issue get an R1 ...


I'm strongly considering the new 1098 but I've never owned a Duc. I've always had Japanese liter bikes and they are virtually "bullet-proof"...never a problem and require very little service. How are Ducati's servicewise? Do they require a lot of service over time? I'd certainly appreciate any input, such as average cost of maintenance, etc.

[jason70360]

If you have the money and are looking for a true sportbike, there are no better. You get the looks, the history and the performance. Ted has said it before "There is nothing like an Italian." I think that goes for bikes, cars and women.

However, I have always, as a rule, waited until the second year of a model change. The extra time gives them time to work out any bugs, more parts in the aftermarket and you can normally talk down the price better than first year models. That price thing won't matter in this case, you'll pay sticker either way.

I always wanted a 916 Ben Bostrom replica with the american flag paint scheme. It is the most beautiful bike ever made.

[scootertrash]

With anything in life, if you take care of it.... It will take care of you....

DISLAIMER
Does not apply to women... atleast from my experiance!

[Fitty]

I only know what I've read about them, and I've never really wanted one, but I'll admit the 1098 has got my attention. A "reasonable" price for that bike. In one of the recent bike mags they mentioned the routine maintenance costing $750. How hard IS it to adjust the desmo valves? Craig, do you do your own?

[blkhalo996]

I bought my '01 996, new in April of '02,,,so I got a sweet deal on mine, since the 998 was already out sitting on the floor next to the left-over 996. Sometimes it's good to wait once something new comes out, like said above, they can work the bugs out. I haven't had any big issues with mine,,,I have had a bolt or two begin to vibrate loose, but this is common in big v-twins. And as for the servicing side of things,,,,never had to put out much dough though, since when I bought mine they threw in a my break in service (600 mile) and my 6000 mile service for free. But I know for some people they say that the costs of getting a DUC serviced is high, but then again, look at the prices at any sport bike shop. Just my 2 cents.

I would have to say, if you haven't ever heard one in person,,,,you'll just drool over the note the exhaust on these things make. It a real head turner.

The new 1098 does look awesome,,,,,,and its also got me going,,,,hhhhmmmm!

[Craig]

I've checked the valves "with help" on my 2-valve air cooled monster. It takes a couple times of checking the valves to completely understand the process of checking the clearances. I plan on doing the next valve check myself. The belts are very easy to change.

On the 1098 I would take my bike to Dallas for service work while it's in the warranty period. Then tackle the job myself after the warranty ran out ...



Craig, do you do your own?

[silas]

Just got my Motorcyclist mag in...with the Duc 1098 on the cover. Talk about sweet. If I was in the market for a sleek, powerful non-Japanese sportbike, this would be it! Liked the BMW K1200R when it first came out, but this Duc looks a little sweeter. Do me a favor, Dusty. Get one so I can live through you vicariously!

[Dusty]

I appreciate the responses... The Ducati website states that maintenance costs are 50% cheaper on the '07s. I guess it's a trade-off of sorts. I've had as much as 50K miles on a bike and it never needed the valves adjusted. Fact is, the only things I've ever done to any bike is the routine maintenance...tires, plugs, oil/filter, chain/sprockets, brake pads/fluid.

[Juice]

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[Dusty]

Not the 1098 but I think this will be better suited for my weekley commute from Texas to Louisiana. I am looking forward to making some rides with you guys this year. I am to pick her up this weekend. My life is kinda in turmoil at the moment but when you are at the bottom the only way to go is up...... Cya guys on the road.

[Juice]

Congrts dude. I really like the Multistrada. What year is it? I have never seen one in the flesh. You need to come out to the Thursday nite meet and greet and let me check that baby out.

[JayD]

Sweet,
congrats Dusty

[Save-the-Manatee]

My little brother back home in Louisiana has an 05 with almost 50k on the clock. He informed me just the other day that he found another 05 with only 200 miles on it. So now he has two red 05's in the stable.

[jason70360]

My little brother back home in Louisiana has an 05 with almost 50k on the clock. He informed me just the other day that he found another 05 with only 200 miles on it. So now he has two red 05's in the stable.

Do I take the red one or the red one? Must be nice!