Buying one. Some questions around HM796 - Ducati.ms

nethern · Aug 10th, 2011, 10:20 pm

I am going to buy a second-hand HM796. Having been look around in this forum, I realize that there are some concerns/defect with it. I have some questions below:

1. The infamous small tank and short mile range can be fixed by installing a larger tank designed by Chris. I can see it achieves more capacity by sacrificing the air box and replaced with some simple filters. Does it affect the performance or future maintainance of the bike? Or even damage the engine at all?

2. Related to the tank again. Does it always need to have the tank remove for adjusting the valve? I saw some threads talking about the screw holes get loosen when replacing the tank for too many times. Is that true?

3. Leakage on the cylinder bolt tends to happen for a lot of users in this forum. Is it a design problem/defect? How to fix it when it happens? Can it be DIY?

4. For inspecting a second-hand HM796, where should I look for problems?

Thanks.

4.

RichardU · Aug 10th, 2011, 10:45 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by nethern

1. The infamous small tank and short mile range can be fixed by installing a larger tank designed by Chris.

Range is not as big a problem for the 796 as it is for the 1100. I can easily get 120 miles to low fuel light. I think 1100 riders are typically less than 100.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nethern

3. Leakage on the cylinder bolt tends to happen for a lot of users in this forum. Is it a design problem/defect? How to fix it when it happens? Can it be DIY?

This is a warranty item. Ducati will fix it, and it's a good thing because I'm sure it would not be cheap or easy.

hoveyh · Aug 10th, 2011, 11:38 pm

I have a fairly stock 796 gets 50mpg ..... Why a larger tank?? Man just stop and fill the tank after 130miles ... I am at 45mpg now with many mods and a unability to stay OUT of the throttle.

7K on mine and no leaky Anything.... I know Mr Mike sufered else wise but that Is Not the norm... Close to my first valve check and a belt change .... winter project.

For problems on a future purhcase on a Duc I will pass as this is my first ..... little to worry about I suspect as they are fundemellentally bullet proof like any other Duc.

H

Nginear · Aug 11th, 2011, 12:14 am

I get over 130 miles before the low fuel light comes on.

4k on mine and no leaks yet either.

Issues I've had so far were the seat tearing towards the front edge where it wraps around the gas tank. That was replaced under warranty.

Broken vacuum line causing check engine light. Hoses replaced under warranty.

Brianvega · Aug 11th, 2011, 7:48 am

The guys that have designed and built the 796 hypermotard new how to make a fabulous bike, just like the 1100 big cousin. If you think you have to muck about, fiddle this fiddle that, then maybe Ducati is not for you. Take it or leave it. Bologna needs some respect.

stryder · Aug 11th, 2011, 9:31 am

I know this is an issue often discussed for any model HM, ie "bigger tank/extended range." Constructing a new, bigger one seems a very complex undertaking, not to mention relatively expensive to buy. But, I'm wondering why one can't simply add an auxilary tank to the pillion/tail piece like LD rider do?

Seems an easier/less expensive way to go when range is an issue, and probably much easier to get on take off the bike, depending on need.

Decreasing Dave · Aug 11th, 2011, 9:38 am

I suppose it's possible but personally, I like the "sleekness" of the bike without bolting up auxilary tanks, bags, cup holders, etc...

Additionally, the tank would have to be mounted at seat height or above thereby jacking up the handling as well.

I guess it depends on how "utilitarian" you want your bike to be.

Dave

johnnymotocros · Aug 11th, 2011, 9:50 am

Nethern, man, I have to be honest, is the way I am..... You are about to buy a Hyper and you are concerned with the Tank size ? !!!!!! I must say you are definitely looking a the wrong bike !!!!! A Hyper is not a cruiser, a Hyper is not a bike where you worry about little leaks or how easy is to adjust the valves !!! A Hyper is a bike for riders, a bike for fun, a bike for quick turning, wheeling, endos, and racing on the curves. You should start looking at cruising bikes with self adjusting valves and shafted drivetrain.
A Hyper is a bike for "hyper" riders who want to go fast and have fun !!!
Forget the simple things, get one, stop worrying, and just go riding !!!!!!
I just simply can`t understand this Ego thing................

Rango · Aug 11th, 2011, 11:21 am

I'm shopping too. Good idea to go in with your eyes open.

One comment up front - why not go 1100? I don't know where you are but in California - used bike sales are VERY slow and a 796 could be a tough resale if you don't like it.... I've been looking at 1100's that have been for sale for months. My riding "season" is Sept. to June (Desert) so I've been waiting and watching for a "deal". Be careful not to overpay...

I've been digging and have not really come up with any real "issues". This motor is pretty well sorted. Know going in that your going to have to do some valve adjustments and replace the timing belts.

I've talked to a couple of guys AFTER their bike sold and the responce has been
Pro: funest bike ever!
Con: Tickets and tires every 2k

I don't really see the fuel range as an issue. This isn't a long range cruser... gas stations are everywhere and price is less of an issue when you're only buying 3 gallons!

Only reservation I've had is someplace to put my "stuff" - I want to use the bike as a commuter. Duc does sell a bolt on parcel shelf that could handle my concern...

Quote:

Originally Posted by nethern

I am going to buy a second-hand HM796. Having been look around in this forum, I realize that there are some concerns/defect with it. I have some questions below:

1. The infamous small tank and short mile range can be fixed by installing a larger tank designed by Chris. I can see it achieves more capacity by sacrificing the air box and replaced with some simple filters. Does it affect the performance or future maintainance of the bike? Or even damage the engine at all?

2. Related to the tank again. Does it always need to have the tank remove for adjusting the valve? I saw some threads talking about the screw holes get loosen when replacing the tank for too many times. Is that true?

3. Leakage on the cylinder bolt tends to happen for a lot of users in this forum. Is it a design problem/defect? How to fix it when it happens? Can it be DIY?

4. For inspecting a second-hand HM796, where should I look for problems?

Thanks.

4.

nethern · Aug 11th, 2011, 5:41 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnymotocros

Nethern, man, I have to be honest, is the way I am..... You are about to buy a Hyper and you are concerned with the Tank size ? !!!!!! I must say you are definitely looking a the wrong bike !!!!! A Hyper is not a cruiser, a Hyper is not a bike where you worry about little leaks or how easy is to adjust the valves !!! A Hyper is a bike for riders, a bike for fun, a bike for quick turning, wheeling, endos, and racing on the curves. You should start looking at cruising bikes with self adjusting valves and shafted drivetrain.
A Hyper is a bike for "hyper" riders who want to go fast and have fun !!!
Forget the simple things, get one, stop worrying, and just go riding !!!!!!
I just simply can`t understand this Ego thing................

NO offending mate, but you are really out of the topic.

Maybe people is just not clear of my context of this thread. I have thought about HM for a loooooong time, reading the reviews and looking at the pictures then dreaming about it. Now I am going to pull the trigger. I feel exited.

I did not go for a sportsbike, because the riding position too bad for me.
Didn't pick other bike because I just like the style.

So, bottom line, I WANT ONE! I would like to pick 1100, but I am too short to ride on. However, I can ride a 796. So, only choice.

This topic is about understanding more about the bike from owners and heads up what needs to be done in the future. Not about "why do you want to buy if you think...blah blah..." or "I can't decide buying a HM, but I am concerning....blah...blah". Please calm down. I understand the passion you have, i have the same, and thank you for your opinions. But passion does not cover the real life problems we have to deal with. I just want to be clear about what I will deal with.

Again, no offending.