I'd go for simplicity and a proven record such as with an air-cooled 2V engined bike.
No it won't be my only means of transportation. I have a truck also. Just trying to save some gas on the school commute I'm anticipating this fall. I'd be doing city and highway/ back roads riding. I'm working in Yosemite park this summer and would like to have it to do some riding there. Most likely buying used. And currently don't know how to do the maintenance or what would need to be maintained but I'm a quick learner. I'd like the hyper for longer trips. But also just love the looks of the 10/1198 and the whole street bike thing. Local dealers that I know of are good times Ducati in Sacramento. Not sure of any others or how good that shop is.norcal, I use my ST3 as a commuter pretty much daily when the weather is nice. I've had no problems. My only wish is that I lived further from work!
Will this be your sole means of transport? City driving? Do you do your own maintenance? Buying new or used? The reason I ask is that the bikes tend to be geared a bit high...city driving can be a bit tough (the ST3 really isn't happy until she's doing 20–25 mph, there's quite a bit of clutch play in stop and go traffic).
Maintenance costs tend to be higher with Ducatis than other brands (particularly the Japanese brands). I do my own service and have other means of transportation (so if I'm stumped I don't have to stress out about getting somewhere). If you buy new, you would probably take the bike back to the dealer for the first couple services...before you buy, ask the service department for the service costs of the particular model you're interested in. This will give some heads up as to the cost of ownership (if you choose to go the dealer service route). If you buy used and opt for doing you own service, there are plenty of parts suppliers that offer the routine service parts (belts, shims, oil and air filters, etc.) that will help keep the costs down.
If the bike makes you happy...buy it. Ducatis have lots of character that you'll probably enjoy! Just my 2 cents worth.
Exactly. Depending on what you plan to do with it a Monster or Supersport would be options IMO.
No, it's not a daily rider - buy a Honda if you need a commuter.
2V Ducs are definitely daily riders. I've done it for 15 yrs. now. But, you do have to do the maintenance and it will cost more. Then again, if you are in a place where you might do 5K mi. a year (weather and all that) belts and valves will be done every two years. Not so bad really.
I don't know anything about Good Times Ducati, but don't overlook Hansen's BMW & Ducati. They're in Phoenix (south of Medford) Oregon. They have a great crew there, I think it's closer than Sacramento for you too.
I just hate seeing Ducatis treated like this and I see it all the time.
It's the little gold wing thing that bothers you isn't it?I just hate seeing Ducatis treated like this and I see it all the time.
I guess I just have more respect for them then other people do, but god man if this is how you're gonna treat a bike get something that nobody gives a shit about...
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+1 It is just a collection of parts. The connection gives it soul. It doesn't have soul if it is sitting around.I don't see what's wrong with this bike
Unless it's a collector item, they are made to be riden. Preferably hard!
Detailing is not for me, i prefer riding.
That just looks like you got caught in a storm on the way home from work. If you want to see real dirt and grime, you should see my bikes. I almost never wash them. To give you an idea, this is the front of my old Harley. Harleys are supposed to be spotless and shiney, aren't they?
