Ducati 748e or CBR600RR?

[UnknownStuntm...]

So, I'm bored with my CBR600F4-4. It does everything it should, but nothing grabs me about it any more. I've had a go on a couple RRs and they're worlds apart as far as handling and brakes, and even the 'similar' engine feels like a totally different bit of kit. More revs, sounds ace, etc, etc... So I thought I was gonna get one.

Then I had a random message from a mate who wants rid of a Ducati 748e, 2003, 4k miles, standard and in very reasonable condition, but just not used for a while.

I know the Duke isn't as 'new' as the RR, but I don't want to be forever chasing number plates, I would like to own something a bit more involving and rewarding than my current bike, but I'm feeling that the issues I could possibly have with the Italian would be many more than the ones with the Jap bike. I 'know' Honda reliability, and frankly I love it. Are the Ducatis really that bad? Is it going to turn into a money pit? Is it any better than the CBR I'm looking at, and if so how?

[bacon]

[Rowey]

I think I'd prefer the CBR, if I was to be honest.

Ducati's are good bikes. But comparing the two, It seems the only benefit over the CBR would be the name.

All I can suggest is have a go on it. That'll make your mind up.
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[Whosthedaddy]

[Robby]

The ducati will feel like more of a change. The RR doubtless feels very different now, the same as any bike will feel different to your own - even someone else's F4 will feel different based on slightly different tyres, suspension settings, brake pads etc.

The ducati is likely to cost more to keep on the road, but not massively more. If you look at the costs over the year and want to go for the cheapest option, then go for the one with new tyres.

[robbieguy2003]

The cbr should handle better and go quicker than a duke of that age/spec.

The only thing the duke will do better is pull from low revs, although the 2007 onwards cbr does have good low down grunt for a 600, the earlier ones were a fair bit worse.

Reliability is good and you can abuse them a fair bit, although that 'Honda' build quality is certainly poorer than it used to be, my 600F and 2003 RR were faultless, the 2007 does seem a bit poorer in terms of finish, but it does ride a bit better.

I can only really give you the backgrounds on the Honda, I must say i've been tempted to go for an 848/999 ducati, especially as my needs from the bike have changed, less commuting being the main one. But give the option of the 748/600rr I think i'd stay put.

It'd be more impressive down the pub to say you have a duke, but in terms of riding it, the RR can still put a grin on your face.
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Current Bikes: Honda CBR 600RR - '07, Suzuki GSX1250 FA ST '11
Old Bikes: Suzuki Intruder 125 LC - '2001, Honda CBR 600F - '92, Honda CBR 600RR - '03

[hmmmnz]

i'd go for the ducati, not because i particularly like ducatis,
but they are pretty simple to work on, the 748 has a fairly decent water cooled 4v dohc engine,
its basically a sv650 with a cam belt, a few more beans, and a whole lot more sex appeal.

as for cbr's well, im biased, i fucken hate hondas, i hate there shitty top ends and their dodgy big ends,
its beyond me how honda has managed to get such a good rep.

but the honda, is the faster,more powerful and definitely better equipped bike.... zzzzzzzz

if thats what your after then honda all the way,
but if you want a bike that can pull birds, and have guys wishing they were you,
then it really has to be the duc'
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[Jayy]

Personal preference but from a reliability perspective, I'd go with the RR over the Ducati. I love the look of both bikes but the RR would swing it for me, they look more agressive and sound awesome too.

[Welshd1k]

[Mord]

Of the two mentioned I'd go for 748. Pure porn on two wheels. Real head turner.

Besides I'm not into Hondas at all.

[hmmmnz]

[rac3r]

Dukes are reliable, they just can't take as much abuse as Japanese bikes. Such as not servicing them etc.

I would have thought the 748 would have been more of a change but I'm biased
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Bikes : 2006 CBR125R - 2004 Monster 620ie - 2004 ZX-6R B1H - 2005 Monster S2R 800 - 2011 Street Triple - 2009 Streetfighter 1098 - 2014 ZX-6R 636

[kt]

Personally I would stick to the Honda, dont know about modern Ducatis but I owned 2 Ducati models in the past 160cc monza junior and a 600cc Pantah both of which were the most unreliable poorly built bikes I ever owned. I would never go more than 20 miles at a time on the Monza Junior as it always broke down, the Pantah just shook itself to bits and ended up being returned to the dealer inside a year for a refund. I still own the Monza but have fitted a big bore 150cc Honda cg engine which has never let me down.

[hmmmnz]

[kt]

Yes the modern engines are a slightly differnet thing and I have never owned one although I watched the 748 racing in the 600cc class at the NW200 a few years back and they were well outpaced by the 600cc Hondas and in the last race (600 supersports) 3 bikes failed to complete the race and they were all the 748 model. The old Pantah engine was still made up to a few years ago in one form or another and may still be used in the Monster today(unsure). I have nothing against Italian bikes as Ive owned a few and really like Moto Guzzi but there are several Japanese V twins out there such as the sv650, firestorm, sp1/2 etc that i.m.o are better bikes than the Ducati. I bought a Hyosung gt650r last year from a friend who was emigrating plus it was very cheap and was very surprised how quick it was considering the price new, so there are other V twins out there with similar or better performance without the hassles of the Ducati But everyone to their own. I must say they are a beautiful bike to look at, very pretty indeed.

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

I think I'd probably buy the Ducati.
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[UnknownStuntm...]

I knew it. I'd get a pretty sensible answer out of the BCF massive! I am still as undecided as before really, although the general opinion is that the 748 will not be as bad to live with in terms of eating my wallet contents as I first thought.

I'm still swaying very close to the Honda side though, as HT said up there ^^ it's not an R or an S, so it's not really that special, and it's pretty much less power, more weight and less 'tech' than the Honday, so I reckon there's not much else to look at........

[rac3r]

[ram_doom]

Local mechanics view seems to be a belt change and valve check on a duke is cheaper and more straightforward than checking valves on a 4 cylinder jap bike.

That said, there's a fair few Ducati enthusiasts around here...

And a decent 748 will hold its value and have better brakes/wheels/suspension/paint.
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[Dipsy2]

deleted

[garth]

Ride the 748 before you buy it, you probably won't like it.

And find out if the rockers have been checked.
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[kestrel]

I've owned an '03 748E for the last 7 years, not as quick as a modern 600 by a long way, totally impractical as a commuter but for a bike that was discontinued 7 years ago it's still one of the best handling motorcycles on the road today.

Straight from the factory the front suspension is rock hard and needs to be set up for the road and personal preference. Tyres make a big difference to the handling of this bike. Braking is good with Brembos and 320mm discs on Showa front forks.

The 748 is much revvier than the 9xx series on the same chassis and needs to be 'ridden' much harder, revs need to be kept above 6k to get the best out of it. Beware of rocker problems with later 748's, the rockers in these came from a bad batch and were replaced during warranty services by Ducati, important to check they have been changed as it's an expensive job now the warranty has expired. They need regular oil changes and belt changes, a set of belts is not expensive and I tend to change them every year.

There's lots of talkdown about Ducatis, most of it from people who have never ridden/owned one. My personal experience has been good, the bike has been 100% reliable. It depends on what you want from a bike, if you want balls out straight line speed then get a jap 600, the 748 will only just about make 150mph, if on the other hand you want to throw a bike around you favourite twisties with a massive grin on your face then the 748 will win hands down.

[MonkeyKnuckle]

I went from a CBR600F-4 to a 2003 CBR600RR.

That's all I have to add really as it's pretty obvious what my choice would be.
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[instigator]

How much is the 748 going for? I may be convinced to try a Ducati if the pricing is right. Don't want a monster - what's the point in htaving a Duke if it's not the best looking one?