Commuter Duc Recommendations - Ducati.ms

CanAm1 · Sep 27th, 2011, 10:16 am

Hi all, it's a rainy day in Chicago and I'm dreaming about what bike to get next spring. I'm thinking Ducati because, well, the engines just sound so great and they look so good. Call me crazy.

I've been riding (my first and only bike) a stone cold reliable 1988 BMW K75S for the past 6 years. I'm about 6 to 7 miles from work and would be riding twice per week in spring, summer and fall. One route is 4 miles highway and 3 miles surface roads, the other is 6 miles surface roads.

I'm also at the track twice a year and go on an annual 600 mile round trip three day weekend. I might get out a couple weekend afternoons for a couple hours too.

Not a lot of miles but that is my current situation, and likely will be for the next few years.

I'm planning on keeping the K Bike, and doing the Duc service myself. I'm about average on the mechanical scale, but have a bunch of moto friends who can advise on general topics (few own Ducatis)

My budget is 5k to 6k, and if I'm at the lower end I can get a lift too.

Braintrust - what do you suggest? Thanks!

Spitfire · Sep 27th, 2011, 10:21 am

You could get a monster.
Easy to ride, looks good, sounds even better, and just commuter friendly.
Make sure you get frame-sliders to protect it.

A multistrada is even nicer. You can throw some bags on it, and do some serious touring.

But 6-7 miles isn't really a good distance. It's not enough time to warm the engine up, the tires, and so on.
It's like starting a car just to go to the grocery store. It does more harm over time than long distance highway trips.

Just my $0.02

Bob92 · Sep 27th, 2011, 10:23 am

Get a 2-valve monster, preferably one with fuel injection like a 900ie. You can get one in your budget that should be in excellent condition. I have a 750 that has carbs, I ride it 12 miles each way every day of the week. (I'm in California) Gets great mileage, everybody keeps telling me it's "cute", but aside from that it's a fun ride.

DUCeditor · Sep 27th, 2011, 11:59 am

If classic bike vibes do anything for you at all consider a GT1000. It really is the equivalent of a Ducati "standard" style bike. Upright ergos, comfy seat, and a super torquey motor. No plastic to get in the way of seeing all that desmo goodness either.

-don

JackN · Sep 27th, 2011, 12:05 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spitfire

But 6-7 miles isn't really a good distance. It's not enough time to warm the engine up, the tires, and so on.
It's like starting a car just to go to the grocery store. It does more harm over time than long distance highway trips.

Just my $0.02

+1 on Spitfire's comments. You need to leave the house earlier and take the long way to work!
Better for the bike and better for you.

**Chuckracer** · Sep 27th, 2011, 12:09 pm

Don't buy any Ducati with a plastic fuel tank.

DesmoDog · Sep 27th, 2011, 12:52 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuckracer

Don't buy any Ducati with a plastic fuel tank.

I was about to say the same thing.

I'd agree with finding a two valve, air cooled monster (with a steel tank). I've had a few two valve Ducatis and they've all been good bikes. If you are into a more sporty bike, the carb'd 900ss from '91 - 98 has always been a favorite of mine. Ergos aren't as good for the street but for a less than 10 mile commute who cares? I used my '95 900ss for a 65 mile commute and it was fine...

AshyLarry · Sep 27th, 2011, 12:52 pm

S2R 800 monster would be nice for the job. Although if I was only going 7 miles a day, a superbike wouldn't be that bad!

CanAm1 · Sep 27th, 2011, 2:59 pm

Thanks for your thoughts so far guys. I have been leaning towards a 2 valve motor because it is more simple.

**wwahl** · Sep 27th, 2011, 6:49 pm

I disagree on your distance comment. What the heck do you have a motorcycle for if you can't use it? If 6-7 miles is your deal, go with it. My ST-4s has 40,000 miles on from such trips and it works for me!
Ciao!
Willie

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spitfire

You could get a monster.
Easy to ride, looks good, sounds even better, and just commuter friendly.
Make sure you get frame-sliders to protect it.

A multistrada is even nicer. You can throw some bags on it, and do some serious touring.

But 6-7 miles isn't really a good distance. It's not enough time to warm the engine up, the tires, and so on.
It's like starting a car just to go to the grocery store. It does more harm over time than long distance highway trips.

Just my $0.02