Author Topic: Ducati vs. Triumph (Read 5476 times)

SHREDDER · « **on:** November 22, 2006, 01:45:07 AM »

I've been thinking about buying a new bike, either the Ducati Monster S2R1000 or the Triumph Speed Triple. Does anyone have any experience with either one of these bikes?

solman · « **Reply #1 on:** November 23, 2006, 04:39:52 AM »

The only problem that I would have with a Ducati, would be the reliability issues. Duc's are a great riding bike from all the reviews that I have read, but I have heard too many maintenance issues with them from people and one article that I read. In the article they took a pair of Duc's for a cross country ride, and they had issues with their bikes.

Bazza · « **Reply #2 on:** November 26, 2006, 05:19:07 AM »

At least where I live you will run into dealer issues (and a lack of them). Ducati replacement parts are through the roof, as you will find out when you try to insure one!

I have a friend who has been a motorcycle mechanic for 25 years & works at a Triumph dealership. He also rides one. Says there ok, and he is not really a brand specific kind of guy.

A friend of mine owned a Triumph sprint and his biggest complaint was waiting for parts to come in, and lack of aftermarket parts availability.

aussiebandit · « **Reply #3 on:** November 26, 2006, 11:19:31 PM »

My wife (The Treasurer) rides an M750 and as far a reliability goes it has never let her down - although if you use standard ULP and not PULP it 'plays up'.

The only 2 complaints she has are, it's not the most comfortable bike for touring on, and finding a mechanic that is capable and willing to work on the desmo head.

For us the M750 is actually cheaper than the B12 for insurance.

Servicing is a more expensive than the B12, but has a 10,000km interval compared to 6,000km for the B12 - so depending on how long you own it for it probably evens itself out.

doublenaughtspy · « **Reply #4 on:** November 29, 2006, 03:25:55 AM »

I had a Triumph Speed Triple a couple of years ago and I can only say I hope they got the idle-to-low rpm fuel injection worked out. The bike was a blast as long as you were throwin the coals to it. I rode the piss outta mine, but ended up letting a friend have it for a song cause I couldn't get over the hiccup in the fueling. I'd never own a Ducati in this area because of the dealer issue, but Truimph is quickly losing market around here too. One of my favorite Triumph dealers has decided to keep dealing, but will only order with a deposit. He's no longer stocking the new bikes. I'm back on Zuki now...a nice "driven only on Sunday" SV1000. Good luck with the decision, but whatever you decide...decide to RIDE!

SHREDDER · « **Reply #5 on:** December 02, 2006, 12:53:55 AM »

I found a good deal on the Ducati and I prefer it's overall looks and reputation. It's definitely more $ than a Japanese bike but I do all maintenance myself so I would save dough that way. I like how the Ducati is lightweight, less than 400 lbs dry!

solman · « **Reply #6 on:** December 02, 2006, 01:10:42 AM »

Just to let you know, labor isn't the only thing that is expensive with Ducati. Parts are outrageous as well. Someone I know has a friend who has a Ducati. His fuel line went bad and cost of replacing it is $124. For a stupid fuel line!

aussiebandit · « **Reply #7 on:** December 03, 2006, 02:30:07 AM »

Quote from: "solman"

Just to let you know, labor isn't the only thing that is expensive with Ducati. Parts are outrageous as well. Someone I know has a friend who has a Ducati. His fuel line went bad and cost of replacing it is $124. For a stupid fuel line!

Cost of a stupid front brake lever $120 - no not a Ducati, not a Triumph or any other 'exotic' bike - for my 02B12 - yes thats right $120 for a brake lever -

Cost of aftermarket brake lever $40.00 - difference - the aftermarket one is slightly shorter and only has 4 way span adjustment.

It's the same for any brand - buy OEM and pay $$$$$ - buy aftermarket and save $$$$

solman · « **Reply #8 on:** December 03, 2006, 07:38:40 AM »

Quote from: "aussiebandit"

Quote from: "solman"
Just to let you know, labor isn't the only thing that is expensive with Ducati. Parts are outrageous as well. Someone I know has a friend who has a Ducati. His fuel line went bad and cost of replacing it is $124. For a stupid fuel line!

Cost of a stupid front brake lever $120 - no not a Ducati, not a Triumph or any other 'exotic' bike - for my 02B12 - yes thats right $120 for a brake lever -

Cost of aftermarket brake lever $40.00 - difference - the aftermarket one is slightly shorter and only has 4 way span adjustment.

It's the same for any brand - buy OEM and pay $$$$$ - buy aftermarket and save $$$$

Let's pay attention, please... I mentioned a fuel line, not a brake lever. Sure, some parts are interchangable with aftermarket stuff. But depending on the the design, some parts are not aftermarket available. Apparently this fuel line is Ducati specific and not just a piece of hose from the auto parts store.

aussiebandit · « **Reply #9 on:** December 04, 2006, 06:42:30 AM »

Quote from: "solman"

Quote from: "aussiebandit"
Quote from: "solman"
Just to let you know, labor isn't the only thing that is expensive with Ducati. Parts are outrageous as well. Someone I know has a friend who has a Ducati. His fuel line went bad and cost of replacing it is $124. For a stupid fuel line!

Cost of a stupid front brake lever $120 - no not a Ducati, not a Triumph or any other 'exotic' bike - for my 02B12 - yes thats right $120 for a brake lever -

Cost of aftermarket brake lever $40.00 - difference - the aftermarket one is slightly shorter and only has 4 way span adjustment.

It's the same for any brand - buy OEM and pay $$$$$ - buy aftermarket and save $$$$

Let's pay attention, please... I mentioned a fuel line, not a brake lever. Sure, some parts are interchangable with aftermarket stuff. But depending on the the design, some parts are not aftermarket available. Apparently this fuel line is Ducati specific and not just a piece of hose from the auto parts store.

Sorry, but ask your mate if that was the price of the fuel line or was that what it cost him to have it fitted. Now, I don't know about the 'states, but in Oz your lucky if you can find a decent mechanic that will charge less than $65.00/hr - so there's half the cost already.....

solman · « **Reply #10 on:** December 04, 2006, 09:42:45 AM »

That was just for the fuel line. Apparently they added special fittings to keep you from using just a piece of hose.

aussiebandit · « **Reply #11 on:** December 04, 2006, 11:51:45 PM »

I'll have to ask our local dealer how much they'd charge - could be a nasty surprise for The Treasurer

2005B12S · « **Reply #12 on:** December 07, 2006, 11:54:54 PM »

Quote from: "solman"

Someone I know has a friend who has a Ducati.

Not ragging on ya but that is some real first hand info.

The two bikes in question are 2 completly different animals. Never ridden a speed triple, but I would expect it to be close to an inline-4 in the power dept. Maybe a tad bit more low end, but an inline at heart. May as well buy a GSXR.

On the other hand, the 2v air cooled 1000 DS (dual spark) ducati motor is a breath of fresh air. I have a 900ss (carburated 1992 model) to compare even though the 1000DS is better all around.

The air cooled Ducati's, both SS and Monster, are light and extremely flickable but are not overpowered. It is a totally different ride. The 1000DS makes around 85-90 ponies at the rear but lives between 3500-7500 rpm. Linear useable power throughout this range. Effortless to ride. With premium rubber you will be thinking you are a Superhero in the twisties.

Maintence is very liveable on the 2v motors, belts and valves every 12,000 miles or 2 years runs around $350. Valves alone every 6000 run around $225.

The clutch is a little stout, after a few weeks you will be crushing walnuts with your left hand

Aftermarket parts galore for the Monster also. How many bikes sound like this:

http://www.arcfabrication.com/media/MOV00014.MPG

Thats a 2v air cooled SS sound clip.

BTW, NAPA sells fuel hose by the linear foot at a slightly better price than the quoted amount above.

Good Luck, Ed.

solman · « **Reply #13 on:** December 08, 2006, 08:41:02 AM »

Quote

Not ragging on ya but that is some real first hand info.

I have never owned one, so it is hard to get first hand info. I do know people who had Duc's, but got rid of them because of the cost of upkeep. This particular instance with the fuel line just came to mind at the time.

SHREDDER · « **Reply #14 on:** December 13, 2006, 11:02:17 PM »

I finally broke down and got the Ducati. Got a great price as the dealer is looking to get rid of them. Bikes are tough to sell in the winter. It even came with a couple of carbon fiber parts added on!