[61658]

Just got my oogata license (in japan you need a separate license for big bikes) and looking to get a new bike. I realize such open ended questions are bound to trail a mile of cruft, but I'm going to open myself up to it. I'm looking at the monster s2r, hypermotard, compared to the ktm superduke or the upcoming aprilia shiver. I'd like to hear what experienced duc riders have to say about the general characteristics of duc vs ktm's vs aprilia in terms of build quality, reliability of bikes, and maintenance costs. I have a friend who has a ktm 950SM and a smaller 450ex motocross bike, and swears by ktm reliability, but I don't like the plastiky feel fo the bike. Never seen an aprilia in the flesh, but I hear that they are all of top quality and finish. I know that Duc's carry the most 'sexy factor', but that aside, how to the manufacturers measure up?

any opinions?

 

[61658]

thanks zenjim, that helps!
Yes, I'm looking for european bikes because I think jap bikes are good for 4-bangers, but I'm looking for a twin for my next bike. I have a CB400SF Honda, and its great for commuting, but the smooth 4 cyclinder is a little lacking in inspiration and vibes. And if you gotta go twin, its gotta be european. (sorry HD fans)

 

[61658]

I'm leaning towards the monster, but avidly awaiting Nov when Ducati is supposed to unveil the next monster model with the hypermotards engine.

Gotta start test riding!

 

[61658]

G'day from sunny Australia,I own a 2003 749s and my wife owns a 1998 750 Monster.I've done just over 30000kms on the 749 and the Monster's almost up to 55000.Reliability is not an issue,nothing has broken,fallen off or stuffed up on either of the bikes in the years we've owned them.I do the oil/filter changes myself and leave the valves and cambelts to the dealer.The build quality and paintwork (red of course!) is first class and both bikes still look like new.If I sound like a Ducati tragic then it's the ownership experience that has made me so!My wife is foaming at the mouth waiting for the new Monsters to be released in November and I'm more than a little interested in the rumoured 848.Even with summer temperatures here getting over 40C we have never had any problems with overheating.Buy one,you'll love it!KTM's have a pretty average build quality ,Aprilias look like **** and BMW's.........why would you bother?

thanks, I guess it was just some random glitches with the 1098. I have 2 friends with them, and they reported some bad electrical issues (like the bike showing in neutral when it was really in 1st!)

I test road the hypermotard and the s4r on the weekend, along with the ktms, and I gotta say, the ducs sound a lot better. I'm very impressed with the build quality of the hyperM, but the monster was a tad dissappointing in the mirrors were cheap plastic and practically falling apart (I could pry open the front and back face of the plastic molding just by adjusting the mirror! The bikini fairing also vibrated like a loose tooth at speed. Other than that, the monster was very solid, and a great bike. clutch was a little heavy vs the hyper though.

I'm sold on ducati now, I just have to decide WHICH ducati! S4R? Hyper? New monster?