Ducati's new Vrod clone
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,789
Likes: 9
From: Double Oak, Texas
Been comments on here about Ducati maintenance costs. Yes in the OLD days they required pretty frequent maintenance to check their mechanical valves...which is why they can rev so freaking hi....no valve float. With the new bikes, come 15,000 mile valve check intervals. The cost of routine maintenance is probably on par or even a bit less than the 5,000 mile recommended service on Harleys at dealerships.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 834
Likes: 3
From: San Diego
I have 2 ducatis currently, and while it is mandatory that valve checks are done regularly every 6k or so. They are quite reliable.
I do like the old school no maintenance push rod. But there is no question that the mandatory cam activated closure of the valves on ducati's desmodromic valve is a superior design.
It does require maintenance to ensure proper gaps, but otherwise, very reliable. My 99 900ss has a big bore kit(944cc and 12.5/1 compression), it has 20k of pretty hard (read 50% track) miles on it and it runs like a top. I have not had to adjust the valves in 12k miles and most people don't have to adjust their valves to once they are settled. Otherwise, the maintenance is basically what a HD requires. Except less of a pita to change the oil (x1 vs x3).
That is not to say that some ducati's of the past are not problematic. Usually electrical problems. But then again, AMF didn't do so hot for the HD name either.
Ironically, they use magnetti marelli electronics - state of the art these days, not so hot in the past. But remember, HD has also used their stuff from time to time - and people have bitched about that too.
BTW, I also have a yamaha yz450. I ride what I ride, because it fits what I like and what I want to do.
Just like my HD
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 834
Likes: 3
From: San Diego
BTW,
Here is a little custom shop some of you may like.
These are Ducati custom choppers. From old skewl, to pro street, to hoodlum - pick it.
Just a couple of friends that I have done some track time with over the years.
have a look,
http://www.13choppers.com/index.html
Personally, I really like them, and Mat and Kris, the builders rail on their pro-street version and sportbikes both. They get up, and they most definitely, get down. The bikes, and the riders.
have a look and comment.
Here is a little custom shop some of you may like.
These are Ducati custom choppers. From old skewl, to pro street, to hoodlum - pick it.
Just a couple of friends that I have done some track time with over the years.
have a look,
http://www.13choppers.com/index.html
Personally, I really like them, and Mat and Kris, the builders rail on their pro-street version and sportbikes both. They get up, and they most definitely, get down. The bikes, and the riders.
have a look and comment.
Last edited by SloChicken; Nov 7, 2010 at 03:32 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 404
Likes: 2
From: SoCal, USA
+1 on SloChicken's post. I have a '99 ST4 (916 Desmoquattro). I have the valves checked every 6K, all's good. It's bone stock other than an upgraded clutch, Heli bars and carbon-fiber wheels...107hp factory spec. Bike is a kick in the *** to ride...but I definitely prefer the WG for the long rides. My legs start getting pretty crampy after about 150-200 miles on the Duc...which is still a lot further than on my son's rice rocket (Honda CBR600RR)...that bike goes like a raped ape but I'm not high on the riding position.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 168
Likes: 1
From: Elkhart, IN
Looks more like the Vmax.....but for brute bikes.........really.......there is only one Vmax. 200hp on 2 wheels probably should be illegal.
http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/...e/23/home.aspx
http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/...e/23/home.aspx
Last edited by 2005FLHPI; Nov 8, 2010 at 04:47 PM.
Stage III
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
I took the Duck out for a test ride and although it is very powerful I found it too tall. The engine is very strong but the pounding from the engine at low revs gets very tiresome. The V-rod with the same displacement is smooth and comfortable.
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 983
Likes: 1
From: Sydney
Been comments on here about Ducati maintenance costs. Yes in the OLD days they required pretty frequent maintenance to check their mechanical valves...which is why they can rev so freaking hi....no valve float. With the new bikes, come 15,000 mile valve check intervals. The cost of routine maintenance is probably on par or even a bit less than the 5,000 mile recommended service on Harleys at dealerships.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,789
Likes: 9
From: Double Oak, Texas
You don't operate a Ducati L-Twin at lo, near idle revs, they are very lumpy until about 3-4,000 RPM.
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