Anyone gone from Honda to Ducati?

anonomous · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Karma :

hi all, basicly ive got a cbr400rr. dont get me wrong i love it to bits and its bloomin brilliant, possibly the most reliable honda ive had. i really fancy a ducati 748 but am a bit dubious of how reliable they are? are they really just a weekend toy or can it be used all week long? from peoples experiences will i kick myself? all opinions appreciated. cheers Luke

pwntifex · World Chat Champion Joined: 23 Aug 2006 Karma :

I dont know if reliability is a problem so much as the price of parts.
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feef · Energiser Bunny Joined: 11 Feb 2002 Karma :

neither reliability nor parts prices are an issue now with Ducatis.. they are so common place these days, and I've seen some parts on some Ducs cheaper than their kawasuzihonaha equivalents..

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G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Much to my disdain, I know of someone that did exactly that and was very happy with the choice. Though it never did get used for the commuting which the CBR was as far as I know.

They're in Reading and may well be looking to sell the Duke after a few years of ownership (thanks to going back to being a student soon and lack of money etc). If you do decide you're interested, gimme a shout and I'll make enquiries Thumbs Up

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I'd definitely be disappointed if I got a duke over something like an early r6 (for a fun bike, a zx6 for an every-day bike), but I don't like twins or paying extra for the sake of having a specific word on my tank.

Pte1643 · Nearly there... Joined: 07 Aug 2006 Karma :

There's still a lot of Piss Taking around (esp' on the forum) regarding Ducati (or anything Italian) reliability.
In general they are still trading on their old image.

To be fair though, their not too far behind the Jap "Big Four" these days. Mechanically fine, but yes, they sometimes suffer electrical "Niggles", and Yes, you might end up with the Friday Afternoon one, but then you could do that with any make.

My Bro'-in-Law has an '99 (newer shape) SS, and yes, it's a pain in the arse sometimes, but only when he's left it standing. Problem is, he don't use it much, so it's a pain quite often. But it's NEVER let him down when we've been out.

But hey... My Hornet is not only made in Italy, it also uses Ducati electrical components. I'm sure Honda, with their reputation for reliability, wouldn't put their name to something they weren't confident in.

As Feef has said, what with them being fairly commonplace nowadays, the parts availability and cost isn't extortionate.
Servicing can be a bit high, depending on what model you get, and where you get it serviced. A 748 will be fairly high servicing costs (esp' when the belts need doing) compared to some, but if you can find a good independant place, then cost shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Anycase, you can always sell it later if your not totally satisfied.

FreshAL · Sir Crashalot Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Karma :

colin1 · Captain Safety Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Karma :

the only bike i have seen fail to start after a bike meet was a ducati 748
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skida · Trackday Trickster Joined: 15 Jul 2004 Karma :

Most modern bikes these days (including Ducati) are very reliable if they are looked after.

I have never ridden the 748, but in my opinion it is a sports thoroughbred and probably not ideal for commuting. I have heard that the sports Ducatis should be serviced specifically by Ducati Dealer workshops.

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

Where's CRM when you need him?

Ant · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Feb 2003 Karma :

crm250 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 13 Sep 2003 Karma :

i am here but keeping quiet on this one. i spent all afternoon on the back of a recovery truck with my 916 but would i rather ride my new CBR600RR or any of my Honda V4's ? no chance, its ducati every time for me. it aint that fast but it handles and is a real riders bike.
Mine was recovered today for the 4th time in 5 years. this time was a punctured Radiator so hardly a reliability issue, just bad luck, could have happened on the 600RR or RC30

What i will say though if a blade cost £300 a year in servicing and parts then a ducati will be £600 for the same mileage, parts are often cheaper, but they are made from dog poo quite often and need replacing more. If even slightly skint and struggle to run a superbike in terms of cost then forget it

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And the cause !!!

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Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

I remember that Ant. Failed starter relay. Not an uncommon Honda problem.

I have bought some Ducati spares in the past where they are shared with other bikes. I have been quite surprised how cheap they are (eg, Ducati Paso front indicator lenses ~£3.50).

All the best

Keith
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