Going from Tuono to HM - feedback - Ducati.ms

sl10002001 · May 19th, 2008, 2:01 pm

Hey Guys

New to the forum, looking at HM's as my next bike. I've got a 04 Tuono and love it, but its a lot different riding here in FL compared to the New England roads I recently moved from. I've gone from a 2hr highway drone to the mountains for day rides to basically streetlight/city riding in Gainesville and weekend rides in the country, unfortunately most of which is straight and flat.

The Tuono is great on the backroads but in the city it gets to me; it wakes up at 6k rpms and is a beast after that. But the low rpm grunt of the HM is what really is attracting me. I have a Vstrom for extended riding so this bike is really just a "fun" bike that also I hope to take to the local track a few times a year.

Just a few questions looking for comments and/or advice. I did search the forum for Tuono posts as well as maintenance/reliability posts so I do have some info.

As I said I'm new to FL. I've never owned an aircooled bike. And I've never sat at streetlights in traffic as I have since I've moved to Gville. Is there any concern here with the HM? My Tuono the clutch gets very heavy and tedious in the traffic and it gets really hot with the fans running constantly. Is there any concern with an aircooled bike in the traffic in FL summer heat? Any clutch issues?

Is this a bike that will deal with the local traffic commute etc, but still be fun on the open back roads?

I don't use the Tuono's power by any means esp when in the city, so I'm hoping I won't miss that - and again, i like the idea of the low RPM power for sure. Any comments on anyone thats gone from a twin like the Tuono to the HM?

Based on what i've read and can find so far it seems to be the ideal play bike - it seems lke its fun factor can help fix the lack of curvy roads here by making a city ride fun too.

Just hoping for some comments.

sm171 · May 19th, 2008, 2:39 pm

You should consider the Hyper based on the other criteria you specified but it’s not any better in traffic than the Tuono. To me the bike is very frustrating in traffic. When I owned my Buell I actually preferred it to the Hyper for city driving. Thankfully I don’t ride much in the city. Welcome and Go Gators!

sl10002001 · May 19th, 2008, 2:45 pm

Thanks and thats what i was worried about hearing

The Tuono is a bit of a pain in town; I'm sure if I had it smoothed out with a PC and a lighter pull on the clutch I'd be happier. But I am really ready for something new and don't want to spend any more on it - I was hoping the HM may be a bit better in town!

But I don't think I'd let that discourage me totally. Right now, I work from home so I'm not forced to deal with the traffic but at soem point I'm sure I'll be commuting again and would like to do it on the bike for sure.

Right now, I almost always grab the Vtsrom to do anything in town as its just so much friendlier.

Just looking for a new fun bike that entices me to take it for whatever reason - i lovve the looks of the HM, and everything i've read about it. I just was worried most about hte in town driving, and also how it handles the heat etc of sitting in traffic in the summer here.

sm171 · May 19th, 2008, 2:51 pm

Best to make your own decision. Take a trip down to the Ocala dealer. They have a Hyper you can demo and then you’ll know for sure if it’s a good fit.

yota · May 19th, 2008, 2:51 pm

welcome to flat and straight florida.

The hyper works fine in traffic IMHO.

sl10002001 · May 19th, 2008, 2:54 pm

sm171, you answered my next question lol - i was picking up the phone to melillimoto in ocala to see if they had a demo!!

thats how the Tuono came to me...farking evil dealer demo rides....

yota · May 19th, 2008, 3:43 pm

I've heard good things about melillimoto, let us know how they treat you.

sm171 · May 19th, 2008, 3:51 pm

One of the best dealers in the south east. My Hyper is there now getting the 7500 mile service and a dyno tune.

CAlexio · May 19th, 2008, 5:08 pm

so, what do you guys do for fun on your bikes in FL? I'm not trying to be a dick, I feel very lucky to be 30 min away from the n.ga. mntns, but what's the point of owning a bike if you don't have curves?

yota · May 19th, 2008, 5:23 pm

ya got me. its better than not riding. mostly I ride dirt (read sand). 2008 KTM 200 XC and 2006 YZ 250f.