Some questions for those who own a Hypermotard - Ducati.ms

polizzio · Feb 3rd, 2009, 8:43 am

First off greetings to you. Like many, I have been lusting for a Hyper since the initial concept pics several years back. Just sold my vrod and am now without a motorcycle. The nearest Ducati dealer to me is in Houston TX, about 350 miles away. My questions for current owners and preferably long time Hyper owners is how mechanically reliable is the Hyper? After puchasing a new Hyper, what is the service frequency or when is the first service due? At what mileage is the first valve adjustment required? I'm trying to guage just how difficult it will be to own and properly service a standard Hypermotard with the dealer 350 miles away from me? Never owned a Duc, is the Hyper proving very reliable? Any critical TSBs or issues to deal with on a new 2008 Standard? I have always done my own oil/filter changes in the past. Any thoughts on owning a Hyper with the dealer 350 miles away are very much appreciated.

**motomfg** · Feb 3rd, 2009, 9:15 am

I wouldn't worry about the dealer being 350 miles away. You can buy oil filters online cheap or stock up when you pick up the bike. As for the first major service a valve adjustment is fairly easy. There are some good "how to" videos online That walk you right through it. I recommend this bike to everyone!!!!!!!!!!

josephvman · Feb 3rd, 2009, 9:30 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by polizzio

First off greetings to you. Like many, I have been lusting for a Hyper since the initial concept pics several years back. Just sold my vrod and am now without a motorcycle. The nearest Ducati dealer to me is in Houston TX, about 350 miles away. My questions for current owners and preferably long time Hyper owners is how mechanically reliable is the Hyper? After puchasing a new Hyper, what is the service frequency or when is the first service due? At what mileage is the first valve adjustment required? I'm trying to guage just how difficult it will be to own and properly service a standard Hypermotard with the dealer 350 miles away from me? Never owned a Duc, is the Hyper proving very reliable? Any critical TSBs or issues to deal with on a new 2008 Standard? I have always done my own oil/filter changes in the past. Any thoughts on owning a Hyper with the dealer 350 miles away are very much appreciated.

Personally if I lived that far from the dealer I would pickup the bike in Houston and head to the Austin hill country, knock out 600-700 miles of fun riding, and then have the first break-in service done before I went home. They don't touch the valves at the first service, so the dealer can probably take care of it in a half-day if you schedule it with them in advance.

93Octane · Feb 3rd, 2009, 9:50 am

i have to be honest, if the nearest ducati dealership is 350 miles away pass on it. when something goes wrong that a 4hr ride there and a 4hr ride back. then to pick up the bike another 8hr ride. you need the first service @ 600 miles and then you are good till 6000mi.

polizzio · Feb 3rd, 2009, 9:53 am

Great suggestions but how reliable has the Hyper proven? Whats the likelyness I'll need to return to the dealer for a warranty issue or problem down the road? Any known or obvious issues?

polizzio · Feb 3rd, 2009, 9:57 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93Octane

i have to be honest, if the nearest ducati dealership is 350 miles away pass on it. when something goes wrong that a 4hr ride there and a 4hr ride back. then to pick up the bike another 8hr ride. you need the first service @ 600 miles and then you are good till 6000mi.

This is exactly what has stopped me dead in the past from catching a plane to Houston and buying the Hyper. Knowing that if something does go wrong, the dealer is 350 miles away.

MarksFriggin · Feb 3rd, 2009, 11:38 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by polizzio

Great suggestions but how reliable has the Hyper proven? Whats the likelyness I'll need to return to the dealer for a warranty issue or problem down the road? Any known or obvious issues?

The chances of a Ducati needing warranty work? Let me shake my Magic 8 ball... "Signs Point to Yes"

Mine, an early build 2008, had to go to the dealer 4 times for stalling. There are no major issues with most of the Hypers. The stalling issue is kind of random.

Dallara · Feb 3rd, 2009, 12:10 pm

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I, too, live a long way from my Ducati - 230 miles. And oddly enough, that dealer just happens to be in Houston - Lunsford's Northwest Honda/Ducati on I-45-N.

For me it was a no-brainer, and I've bought TWO Ducati's from Ronnie Lunsford. No real problems with either, and Lunsford's has been outstanding. The couple of exceedingly minor issues I had they bent over backwards to solve, and in such a way I didn't have to take the bike back to them.

BTW, you do NOT have to take the bike back to the dealer for service. As long as you are mechanically proficient and do the maintenance according to the manufacturer's specs and schedule your warranty coverage is not effected. Even valve adjustments are not that tough on Duc's. I used to do them myself on my 1980 900-SS bevelhead without a problem. However, I do take my current Duc's to Ronnie for valve adjustments simply because I don't have the shim selection. Service prices there are reasonable, they have truly great techs, and they do the work fast and on time.

My Ducati's have been as reliable as just about any other bike I have ever owned, and that includes brands like Aprilia, ATK, BMW, CZ, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, Norton, Suzuki, Triumph, Yamaha... And more reliable and dependable than most.

For reasons I simply can't fathom, some harbor negative points of view about just about any subject here... And it would serve you well to check a few posts in their history from each poster in the thread. That might help you with how much weight you place with each poster's suggestions.

IMHO, I wouldn't worry about the 350 mile distance. And if you need some help with more info about Texas Ducati dealers please drop me a PM. I have frequented many, know a few pretty well, and maybe can help you with your decision. Be happy to help if you would like me to...

Hope you join the Hyper Club!

Dallara

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breakdown · Feb 3rd, 2009, 12:29 pm

The Hyper is a great bike, you'll love it.

Mine has been into the dealer twice now for warranty work. The first time was because a few of the valve cover bolts had faulty o-rings and were seeping oil. The second time was because of a bent shift return spring that would cause the shifter to stick in the down position from time to time.

To be honest, the bent spring was probably my fault as I ride the bike very hard, wheelie, and shift without the clutch all the time. They replaced it under warranty though. I consider these things to be minor and, so far, it's been a very reliable bike.

Maybe see if you can buy a lightly used bike that already has the first servicing done. That would save you a trip to the dealer. I work all the time so I'm lucky if I get enough miles in a single season for a major service once a year. That, of course, varies from person to person.

PJ St. Fern · Feb 3rd, 2009, 12:32 pm

Perhaps this will ease your mind. I live in Charleston, SC and my dealer is NPR Ducati in (near) Athens, GA, a full five hours away. Do your own oil changes. The twin-spark 1100 motor has years of development, and is as reliable as one can hope for. I've had NO issues with the HM. Don't let this keep you from owning one of the very best street bikes I've ever ridden. You will not be disappointed!

PJ St. Fern