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Hello Ducati & Hypermotard community. My name is David, I live in SoCal, and this is my first post! Of course it's a question, hopefully a simple one.
Brief background, I last owned a Triumph Speed Triple (loved) and Aprilia RSV 1000 R (not so much - another thread). I have been off bikes for ~8 years until my son recently came home with a bike, Honda CBR 500 - perfect beginner ride for a 22 yr old. So he is heading to the Navy at the end of the year and see this as a chance to ride with him and teach what I know. So last weekend I rented a 2008 HM and was smitten immediately with the dirt bike ergo and fun sounds with open dry clutch. Did a Sunday ride with my son for 120 miles and came away with big smiles.
Ok to the question, I recently looked at a used 2008 HM with 17K miles. Lots of upgrades and bling (carbon fiber), full Termignoni exhaust, Power commander, etc... new chain, good tires, very clean looking. Though, the seller is a recent owner, so no real history on the bike. After looking stuff over for 30 minutes I was thinking to make an offer the next day. But the seller also added that bike has K&N filters (his words they look awesome with the kit off). So that was a red flag - IMO that brand is 100% marketing hype, makes more noise, but lets in dirt unless cleaned religiously. I am now on the fence with this, leaning to walking away because I am worried about how much crap/dirt/debris the motor has injested. I did start the bike, but not cold as he just rode it (another red flag), but the sounds and throttle response was crisp. Brakes also looked new.
Long question, haha, would you shine off a bike with K&N, or am I being unreasonable? Any other concerns about what I posted that would make you walk? I am new to the brand, only heard that maintenance is critical which I am good with. I just came away thinking the bike could be a pig with really good lipstick. Yes I know you only have what I have posted to go on. If any of my words above triggered any red flags feel free to chime in to this Ducati newb.
Apologies in advance for starting my time here with a community ask. Looking forward to posting pictures of my new ride once settled.
Brief background, I last owned a Triumph Speed Triple (loved) and Aprilia RSV 1000 R (not so much - another thread). I have been off bikes for ~8 years until my son recently came home with a bike, Honda CBR 500 - perfect beginner ride for a 22 yr old. So he is heading to the Navy at the end of the year and see this as a chance to ride with him and teach what I know. So last weekend I rented a 2008 HM and was smitten immediately with the dirt bike ergo and fun sounds with open dry clutch. Did a Sunday ride with my son for 120 miles and came away with big smiles.
Ok to the question, I recently looked at a used 2008 HM with 17K miles. Lots of upgrades and bling (carbon fiber), full Termignoni exhaust, Power commander, etc... new chain, good tires, very clean looking. Though, the seller is a recent owner, so no real history on the bike. After looking stuff over for 30 minutes I was thinking to make an offer the next day. But the seller also added that bike has K&N filters (his words they look awesome with the kit off). So that was a red flag - IMO that brand is 100% marketing hype, makes more noise, but lets in dirt unless cleaned religiously. I am now on the fence with this, leaning to walking away because I am worried about how much crap/dirt/debris the motor has injested. I did start the bike, but not cold as he just rode it (another red flag), but the sounds and throttle response was crisp. Brakes also looked new.
Long question, haha, would you shine off a bike with K&N, or am I being unreasonable? Any other concerns about what I posted that would make you walk? I am new to the brand, only heard that maintenance is critical which I am good with. I just came away thinking the bike could be a pig with really good lipstick. Yes I know you only have what I have posted to go on. If any of my words above triggered any red flags feel free to chime in to this Ducati newb.
Apologies in advance for starting my time here with a community ask. Looking forward to posting pictures of my new ride once settled.