How many people here are new to Ducati and came from Harley Davidson bikes?
Tell us your story and why you chose a Ducati as your next bike instead of buying another Harley or even another brand. [thumbsup]
I bought my first bike in 2001 and like a lot of people I was suckered into the whole H-D thing. I bought a silver 883c Sportster that looked fantastic.
Unfortunately, I never got comfortable with the bike. Having my legs out in front of me with a solid mounted engine and a rock hard suspension meant my back was destroyed in very short order. I was new to riding again, having been off a bike since high school, so I was also lacking in basic skills. Add in that I had to store it at my friends house since I lived in an apartment and it quickly became a pain in the arse rather than a joy to ride.
I sold it and used the money to pay my closing costs on my house in 2002.
Fast forward to 2005 and I've got the itch to ride again. This time I took the MSF course and learned to do it right and was looking for a street bike. I looked at an FZ1, a Buell XB-12 and a Triumph Speed Triple but my insurance company said I must be insane, so I started looking at smaller bikes to satisfy their lack of confidence in my capabilities. The smaller versions of the previous bikes I looked at didn't really appeal to me, however the bright red M620 did. The price was right. The insurance was right. And I loved the look.
I have always liked the look of the Monster since I first saw one back in 94 or 95. Until then I had only known Ducati for the then little known feelings that pictures of the 851 in Cycle magazine stirred in my teenage loins. In 2006, the Monster immediately reminded me of those days. I have yet to outgrow it. Even though I added a 900SS to the stable, I still love the Monster. It's familiar and it's easy to ride. It handles well without a lot of "Oh Shit" moments. In short, it my bike. And it always will be.
Quote from: flynbulldog on February 03, 2009, 04:05:56 PM
How many people here are new to Ducati and came from Harley Davidson bikes?
Tell us your story and why you chose a Ducati as your next bike instead of buying another Harley or even another brand. [thumbsup]
I am thinking about buying a Nightster but I also plan on keeping my S4R ;D
Quote from: flynbulldog on February 03, 2009, 04:05:56 PM
How many people here are new to Ducati and came from Harley Davidson bikes?
Tell us your story and why you chose a Ducati as your next bike instead of buying another Harley or even another brand. [thumbsup]
What about Ducati to Harley?
The M696 is my first motorcycle, and so far I am happy with it. However, I find it to be quite uncomfortable at times. As a result, I think my next bike might be a cruiser.
I came from a kawasaki mean streak to a ducati. Always wanted a monster.
I had an SV650S and sold it for the mean streak. Peer pressure to get a cruiser and off a sporty bike.
I freaking hated it, couldn't get rid of it fast enough.
I love the the monster, no regrets. Confortable, fast and handles great.
I have both Harleys and a Ducati. (small brag) I am looking at making it Ducatis this spring with an 1198. They are totally different bikes. I love my S4R in traffic and when I want to fly. If I'm travelling there is nothing like a cruiser to go cross country. I notice the sport bike owners say a couple of hundred miles is a long trip. I have drive that far for lunch on a nice Saturday on the Harley. Last year I put about 15K on the Harley and 5K on the ducati.
Last night we were chatting about the differences in the bikes. The Harley has a low center of gravity and is very heavy. It has solid bits that scrape when you turn. Compared to the Ducati it has no lean angle. But it also has nice soft shocks and a big wide seat that allows this fat old a$$ ride all day long.
I also get asked which bike I would choose if I could only have one motorcycle. The fatboy gets better mileage. The s4r goes faster. I'm glad I don't have to make that choice.
The reason there are so many motorcycles made is that people want different things out of their toys. My wife says Sportsters rule, but I love her anyway.
Oddly, I've been thinking a Harley wouldn't suck.
Quote from: Rambler1982 on February 03, 2009, 06:55:23 PM
What about Ducati to Harley?
The M696 is my first motorcycle, and so far I am happy with it. However, I find it to be quite uncomfortable at times. As a result, I think my next bike might be a cruiser.
Try the DP touring seat, that makes a big difference in "comfort"....
Quote from: Rambler1982 on February 03, 2009, 06:55:23 PM
What about Ducati to Harley?
The M696 is my first motorcycle, and so far I am happy with it. However, I find it to be quite uncomfortable at times. As a result, I think my next bike might be a cruiser.
i rode a little cruiser style bike for a little while a month ago. HATED IT. couldn't get comfortable with my feet forward felt like i had to PULL myself up with the bars the whole time. really really felt like i was goignto crash the whole time. PLUS crap for brakes. ever compared what we have for a 355lb bike with what harley or anyone else puts on a 600+ lb bike?
Quote from: Tim on February 03, 2009, 09:57:42 PM
I've been riding Ducatis since 1986, but bought a Harley bagger in 2004. I now have an S4Rs and a Street Glide. Both are great bikes. Of course, I like all bikes, but these two are the best combination of streetbikes for my needs and desires that I've ever managed to come across.
If you are a Ducati fan, you might be surprised to find that you also (someday) like Harleys.
Good choice on the Harley - I like those Street Glides a lot. [thumbsup]
I own a Duc now, but I could easily envision adding either a Harley bagger or a BMW touring bike to my fleet. Especially in the current market - lots of lightly used Harleys on Craigslist these days...
Quote from: Drunken Monkey on February 03, 2009, 08:20:33 PM
Oddly, I've been thinking a Harley wouldn't suck.
Hit DuckStew up for a ride of his next time he's around - it's fun. Different to riding a Monster, but fun in a different way.
big
Generally speaking, if it's a bike I like it.
That said, I've been involved one way or another with Harleys for years. Built my first ground-up 'Harley' in the mid 90s, and have another nearing completion now after several years of on-again/off-again progress.
I had an obsession for a Monster since the mid 90s when a friend bought a barely used, black 1994 M900. I loved the design and how it rode and vowed to own one. I bought a minty red '94 M900 in 2004 and loved it.
Then in early 2007 I bought my '06 Harley VRSCR as a hold-over. Suddenly I found the M900 sitting a lot, as I found over time that the 'R is a much better all-around bike despite the weight difference. The Monster went down the road in spring of '08, to the fiance of a Harley engineer out in Milwaukee.
I plan to have another Duck though, but I'm thinking it's gonna have to be a 4V. I've been amazed at how most Harley enthusiasts also appreciate Ducatis.
Quote from: flynbulldog on February 03, 2009, 04:05:56 PM
How many people here are new to Ducati and came from Harley Davidson bikes?
Tell us your story and why you chose a Ducati as your next bike instead of buying another Harley or even another brand.
I made the addition (not a switch) to Ducati in 2000.
I had bought my Harley in 1993, and in 1995, I had considered a Buell, but living in flat land, I quickly discarded the idea. In 1996, I had moved from the flatlands to the mountainous area and finally realized why sportbikes were available to the public as I was dragging hard parts on the Harley routinely. My buddy had sold his Harley around '97, couldn't afford a replacement, and went to the other end of the spectrum with an FZR600 so he wouldn't compare the new bike to his old Harley. Anyway, I got the bug for a sportbike, but was in the mood for something a little different (originally when I bought my Harley in 1993, they were not EVERYWHERE, like they are today). I also had this strong desire for a yellow bike. I eventually narrowed it down to two bikes....a 2000 Ducati SS750F or a 2000 Honda CBR929RR (both yellow). I really liked the yellow 748 at the Ducati dealer, but wasn't going to shell out $13k for my first sportbike.
Eventually, I decided I didn't want a 100+ HP bike as my first sportbike and also was hesitant to go with a liquid-cooled bike. I wound up choosing the SS750 because I found a new, left-over '99 model for $7600 OTD with full fairing, but I also liked the idea of an air-cooled bike (more simplistic) and I thought 65-HP at the crank was something that would keep me out of trouble. Three months and three thousand miles later, I smacked the side of a mountain with the SS750....totaling the bike and breaking my right femur in three places.
Riding the SS750 had me get bitten by the sportbike bug pretty hard. I was still on crutches when I made the deal on my new, left-over '98 ST2, and the obsession has continued to grow. I still have the Harley. It now has over 102,000 miles on it, and other than using the bike for cross-country trips, it is now used as a daily commuter. I bet I haven't had the HD in teh mountains more than five times in the last five years.......it just isn't comparible to the enjoyment of riding a sportbike in the mountains.
Now, with six Ducati purchases under my belt and still owning five of them, I'm always looking for deals on more Ducatis and have even been looking at the possibility of buying a Bimota.......but the purchase of a Japanese liter bike is awefully appealing after riding my wife's R1 a few times......man, that is one sweet bike!
I bought my Duc as an addition to my Sportster. I had owned a SV650 before so I missed riding a sportbike. So when time to buy I was looking for an SV or preferably a Monster 620. Luckily, I found a good Monster for a good price. [thumbsup]
I prefer naked bikes, so I loved the fact that you can see most of the Harley engine and the way it oscillates back and forth. I also love the sound even with the stock exhaust. Use the Sportster for long trips and on leisurely cruises. Monster for short day rides.
Quote from: ryanracer on February 03, 2009, 09:22:17 PM
Try the DP touring seat, that makes a big difference in "comfort"....
I actually bought the seat with hopes that it would help make the bike more comfortable. But I found that I didn't like it, so I returned it. The DP Touring seat made me feel as though I was sitting on top of the tank. It was also much more narrow than the OEM seat.
I guess I didn't realize this at the time I purchased my bike, but I'd like to do some long rides. So when I say "comfort" I meant it in terms of spending 4 or 5 hours on the bike. I've heard that 200 miles is "pushing it" on the M696, so that's a bit disappointing.
I had an old pan head Harley and then a RoadKing before buying my Ducs. Truth be told I've lusted over Ducs since they started the Monster. I now have a Roadstar along side my Ducs and for me it's two worlds. Some days I want to go fast and lean into turns and others I go to Colorado on my cruiser. I sold my Harleys because I wanted torque so the Roadstar was a natural fit and that too is what made my decision to collect and keep anything Ducati. Although the riding styles are night and day the torque is the common thread I love about them both. For leisure and distance it will always be my cruiser but I have to remind myself that scraping floor boards is NOT good for too long. THe thing is you have to temper yourself when switching.
Most sportbike riders will never consider a cruiser because they love speed but as you age and want to see the scenery I believe everyone should have both.
I had a very similar experience to SuperJohn. Wife really wanted a motorcycle and I had no desire to ride 2up with her driving, so we took the safety course together. She had her heart set on a highend street bike and I knew that would have been a bad deal for both of us. The only other thing she would look at was a Harley. The neighbor is a Harley sales guys so we talked to him and he hooked us up with a couple of sportsters. Hindsight being what it is, this may have been a worse decision than going with a sport bike. Wife is short and the weight was an issue, coupled with a short trip on gravel to the main road, after a few tries and a drop on the gravel she was done. I plugged along on mine for a while, but the 35 miles to work on the freeway sucked on the sportster. I could barely get off the bike by the time I got to work, tried various things to make it more comfortable, no luck.
The next year I had hernia sugery and the bikes sat most of the year. Last year I was determined to get back on the thing. I started with short rides but I never felt comfortable. I had notice a monster or two around town and thought wtf is that? That is a really cool bike.
I did a little looking and found I like the naked bike look, so test rode a few and ended up with a new 696 last fall. In a couple of weeks I had put on more miles that I had on my Harley in almost 3 years. My wife replaced her Harley with a Spyder and she loves it.
Life lesson learned - Test drive.
Mike
Quote from: Rambler1982 on February 04, 2009, 07:00:12 AM
I guess I didn't realize this at the time I purchased my bike, but I'd like to do some long rides. So when I say "comfort" I meant it in terms of spending 4 or 5 hours on the bike. I've heard that 200 miles is "pushing it" on the M696, so that's a bit disappointing.
Depends on who you are, etc.
Took my S4R from Mass to Cali.
Can't say I 'd do it again, but I'd say it's doable.
Here's my comparison. '97 Monster 750 w/ clip-ons is my commuter bike. Neighbor baby-sat a Vrod for an extended period of time. I was in charge of keeping the battery charged on said Vrod.
Riding position:
The Vrod's riding position was quite stretched out with drag bars and stock footpeg positions (no extenders/highway pegs etc). Granted, I'm only 5'8" but I was stretched to my comfortable operating limits to operate the rear brake & shifter. Mostly comfortable, but the stretched out riding position made my lower back unhappy, mostly because I was shifting my hips forward to make the reach to the foot controls easier. Arms were ok. VERY different to being wrapped around the tank on my Monster, it's completely opposite. I'm folded up and clamped in place on the Monster, and I really enjoy that riding position.
Handling:
Can't speak for other Harleys, but the Vrod handled VERY well for a cruiser. It's length made tight maneuvers iffy and a pain. Semi-tight turns weren't a problem though. Brakes were very good too. Reasonably stable in corners. You don't really notice you dealing with a 700lb bike unless you're barely moving like in a parking lot.
Power & delivery:
WAY smoother motor than my M750 & 900SS. Silky smooth power without surprises. You can tell Porsche had their fingers in this motor during development. It had no problem launching the big bike forward with authority in all by the tallest gear.
JM
Quote from: MrIncredible on February 04, 2009, 08:40:18 AM
Depends on who you are, etc.
Took my S4R from Mass to Cali.
Can't say I 'd do it again, but I'd say it's doable.
Anything is doable. But enjoyable is a different story. Same goes with woman, too.
First and only Harley has been my Wide Glide. Love the bike and very comfortable out cruising (Daytona and Milwaukee 2x from Dallas) or commuting to work (14 miles). A buddy of mine was getting his Ural Wolf (Russian) cycle fixed at a dealer. The dealer had a '97 Monster 900 in the showroom - had a salvage title. I had heard/read about Ducati a little bit and LOVED the sound of the bike. Had the dealer start up the bike and I was bitten by the Monster. Was looking for a sportbike...something like an R1 that a buddy of mine had. Just wanted something different to rip it on the freeway (100+) when I want.
Love both bikes and they serve different needs. There are a few other Harley owners that I know that also have a Ducati. Probably never will give up my Harley though...maybe, but most likely for a geezer glide. [laugh]
Quote from: Goat_Herder on February 04, 2009, 09:13:25 AM
Anything is doable. But enjoyable is a different story.
Exactly... I don't wanna just "do it" I wanna love every minute of it. ;D
Quote from: Rambler1982 on February 04, 2009, 02:01:27 PM
Exactly... I don't wanna just "do it" I wanna love every minute of it. ;D
One loves it more when one is done with it and in the hot tub.
I've been thinking about getting a Harley in addition to my two Italian bikes. They are starting to look more reasonable with Ducati crowding the $20K range.
Quote from: the_Journeyman on February 04, 2009, 09:00:50 AM
Here's my comparison. '97 Monster 750 w/ clip-ons is my commuter bike. Neighbor baby-sat a Vrod for an extended period of time. I was in charge of keeping the battery charged on said Vrod.
Riding position:
The Vrod's riding position was quite stretched out with drag bars and stock footpeg positions (no extenders/highway pegs etc). Granted, I'm only 5'8" but I was stretched to my comfortable operating limits to operate the rear brake & shifter. Mostly comfortable, but the stretched out riding position made my lower back unhappy, mostly because I was shifting my hips forward to make the reach to the foot controls easier. Arms were ok. VERY different to being wrapped around the tank on my Monster, it's completely opposite. I'm folded up and clamped in place on the Monster, and I really enjoy that riding position.
Handling:
Can't speak for other Harleys, but the Vrod handled VERY well for a cruiser. It's length made tight maneuvers iffy and a pain. Semi-tight turns weren't a problem though. Brakes were very good too. Reasonably stable in corners. You don't really notice you dealing with a 700lb bike unless you're barely moving like in a parking lot.
Power & delivery:
WAY smoother motor than my M750 & 900SS. Silky smooth power without surprises. You can tell Porsche had their fingers in this motor during development. It had no problem launching the big bike forward with authority in all by the tallest gear.
JM
You should try an '06-'07 VRSCR - if you liked a standard V-Rod you'd love the 'R. Taller suspension, different de-raked frame altogether with inverted forks, mid controls, same engine with another 5 ponies due to better exhaust. Surprisingly chuckable for a 600+ pound machine.
I put a PC3 on mine, chucked the airbox lid (under the painted cover), punched out the stock exhaust, and it puts down a tenth or two over 120 HP at the wheel. I love this bike. 8)
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo118/Speedbag/newpaint.jpg)
I am seriously thinking of picking up a Nightster and Put a Heavy Breather, Progressive Shocks and Shorts shots on it [thumbsup]
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/2818801279_34a23c646c_o.jpg)
Hubby and I bought the Hogs for our 23 anniversary, yep we got the 105 Ann colors, me 1200 Sportster and him the Low Rider. I had just past my riding test and he had been wanting to get back into motorcycling so for us it was Harley from the get go. Yes he made me look at everything else and smaller sizes, but the Sportster Low felt the best.
A couple of months later he wanted to add to the stable so we went window shopping. In the end the sexy Duc caught both our hearts so he got one of the 2008 S4RS Tricolores and I got the white 2007 S4RS.
We love them both for the reasons why they are different from each other. We will take a ride on the Hogs then come back home and take the Ducs out. We hope to add to the stable, but are in no hurry as there is still much to learn on the Ducs. We still need to get my shocks replaced on the Hog to make it more comfortable for longer rides. And we need to get the suspension on the Duc tuned in for my weight as neither manufacture has any bike set for a 115 lb rider. Those mods take money and as right now I can still ride both with no problem so there is no hurry.
Don't know if that was the story you were looking for, but thanks for asking. Ride safe [thumbsup]
Quote from: Speedbag on February 04, 2009, 03:41:06 PM
You should try an '06-'07 VRSCR - if you liked a standard V-Rod you'd love the 'R. Taller suspension, different de-raked frame altogether with inverted forks, mid controls, same engine with another 5 ponies due to better exhaust. Surprisingly chuckable for a 600+ pound machine.
If I had a couple more inches in my legs, I most likely would be saving for one rather than buying the 900SS I just picked up... The only thing I didn't like was having to reach for the foot controls, made me a bit uncomfortable. Otherwise, I loved the time in the saddle of the V-Rod ~
JM
Quote from: Speedbag on February 04, 2009, 03:41:06 PM
You should try an '06-'07 VRSCR - if you liked a standard V-Rod you'd love the 'R. Taller suspension, different de-raked frame altogether with inverted forks, mid controls, same engine with another 5 ponies due to better exhaust. Surprisingly chuckable for a 600+ pound machine.
I put a PC3 on mine, chucked the airbox lid (under the painted cover), punched out the stock exhaust, and it puts down a tenth or two over 120 HP at the wheel. I love this bike. 8)
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo118/Speedbag/newpaint.jpg)
I see an M900 in the background of this photo. Must be an old pic. ;)
Looks like a fun garage to me!
JM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on February 04, 2009, 06:57:35 PM
Looks like a fun garage to me!
[McMahon] You are
correct sir! [/McMahon]
Quote from: bluemoco on February 04, 2009, 06:30:43 PM
I see an M900 in the background of this photo. Must be an old pic. ;)
Yessir, taken not quite a year ago. :)
Quote from: flynbulldog on February 03, 2009, 04:05:56 PM
Tell us your story and why you chose a Ducati as your next bike instead of buying another Harley or even another brand. [thumbsup]
Short answer: rode my 100th Anniv. fatboy for 5 years and got bored, our grew it I guess.
Long Answer: I'm 28. And I don't really identify witht the HD guys. Never did. Never owned a piece of clothing that said Harley in my life. Just not my thing. But I loved my bike. I loved to ride. Mostly alone, mostly around town. But I started taking trips with a close friend. Just all days trips out in the country. Run tell we were out of light. turn around come back. Lot of fun, but he rides a "sportier" bike and I started wanted more top end, and less lumbering. So I was going to buy a SV650, or a Honda CBR 995 when I discovered the Ducati. And I realized that I couldn't ride two bikes at once might as well sell the Harley, and buy what I really wanted. In addition I had a wreck back in July. Some one hung an unmarked chain across a parking lot. It was night. And progressive didn't give me enough to fix my bike. SHe still rode, she looked good. But all I saw was the scratches and bent stuff. SO I got 4 grand from insurance, and sold the bike for 12. Got a good deal on a new S4R T. And that's that.
Quote from: Clickjack on February 05, 2009, 09:05:46 PM
And I realized that I couldn't ride two bikes at once might as well sell the Harley, and buy what I really wanted.
You may not be able to ride but one bike at a time, but variety is oh so sweet. It's like with my bikes. The Harley is a terrific commuter because I have to ride on straighter roads and even 12 miles on the Interstate. The tires get 20,000 to 25,000 miles, and they are a bit cheaper than sportbike tires. Then there is the ST2. It's the pack-mule and I use it for long weekend rides or when the weather is variable and I want to take extra gear with me. It still rails and I have a lot of fun with it, but......it sure isn't a 748. The 748 is when I have full intentions of going out and having some really good fun. Plus, the 748 is better for trackdays than the ST2 would be. Finally, the Paso is a neat little nostalgia bike. I commute on it a little bit, but it is a good bike to go out and not dog to hell and back. It is better in the mountains than the Harley and less agile than the ST2 and the 748, so.....it has a nice little niche in the group and I usually ride it on the days when my wife wants to ride her more casual bike: the Monster.......If I had to drop down to just one bike, though, it would be the ST2. That is a really good "Do-It-All" bike.
Quote from: Desmo Demon on February 06, 2009, 04:34:02 AM
You may not be able to ride but one bike at a time, but variety is oh so sweet. It's like with my bikes. The Harley is a terrific commuter because I have to ride on straighter roads and even 12 miles on the Interstate. The tires get 20,000 to 25,000 miles, and they are a bit cheaper than sportbike tires. Then there is the ST2. It's the pack-mule and I use it for long weekend rides or when the weather is variable and I want to take extra gear with me. It still rails and I have a lot of fun with it, but......it sure isn't a 748. The 748 is when I have full intentions of going out and having some really good fun. Plus, the 748 is better for trackdays than the ST2 would be. Finally, the Paso is a neat little nostalgia bike. I commute on it a little bit, but it is a good bike to go out and not dog to hell and back. It is better in the mountains than the Harley and less agile than the ST2 and the 748, so.....it has a nice little niche in the group and I usually ride it on the days when my wife wants to ride her more casual bike: the Monster.......If I had to drop down to just one bike, though, it would be the ST2. That is a really good "Do-It-All" bike.
ok i officially hate you- you have a great collection (other than the harley-total bias-sorry).
before i bought the 696 i was seriously comtemplating an ST2. I like the idea of being able to use it as a commuter, fun and touring bike.
Quote from: Speedbag on February 04, 2009, 03:41:06 PM
You should try an '06-'07 VRSCR - if you liked a standard V-Rod you'd love the 'R. Taller suspension, different de-raked frame altogether with inverted forks, mid controls, same engine with another 5 ponies due to better exhaust. Surprisingly chuckable for a 600+ pound machine.
I put a PC3 on mine, chucked the airbox lid (under the painted cover), punched out the stock exhaust, and it puts down a tenth or two over 120 HP at the wheel. I love this bike. 8)
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo118/Speedbag/newpaint.jpg)
The VRod looks sweet with a 2-into-1 exhaust, which IMO, the current exhaust makes the one side look unbalanced. Took the VRod Muscle for a test ride at Harley's 105th and like the bike. Keep talking myself out of getting one. ;D
This particular Vrod with the rear-set foot controls would be on the top of my Harley list... now if they could only lighten it up a bit and get the geometry in check :-\
my wife eventually wants either a nightster or an iron 883. so if she ever gets one i might get a night rod to go with it.
definitely keeping the monster though!
i sold my harley cause i cant afford two bikes, its one or the other. I had to take a close look at what kind of riding i really enjoyed and had time for. Riding time i had about an hour a day, for commuting. Where i live it takes me about 45 minutes to get to work. I enjoy riding the hills to work...so more fun on a sportbike. On the weekends, i can spend about 2-4 hrs on a ride with all the hills here id rather spend that time doing the curves. I really dont take long rides on the freeways so the harley went and the monster was in. I havent looked back since. Now if i was into long drives like im sitting on a couch id be sad that i got the monster, thats not what its for.
Quote from: flynbulldog on February 06, 2009, 12:10:24 PM
This particular Vrod with the rear-set foot controls would be on the top of my Harley list... now if they could only lighten it up a bit and get the geometry in check :-\
And if they still made it. The masses didn't take to it, which is a total shame. :(
I saw a Monster in 05 and instantly fell head over heels. It wasn't until 07 when I started bike hunting. Did not come by any that's good enuf used monster and partly due to peer pressure, settled for a HD883 - upgraded to 1200. Couldn't get my mind off the monster so finally sold the sportster and bought a brand new S2R1000. IMO both bikes are awesome rides, but very different. HD has lower center of gravity and can be lowered to flat foot while monster do not go that low for petite rider like me (5'1"). I used to be more relax on the HD than I do on the S2R now. HD is more upright seated (with the pull back handlebar) therefore less straineous on backs, arms and legs - much better on small roads with heavy traffic while Monster is more like riding a sportsbike without the fairings - more fun out of the city and awesome on twisties...very quick indeed.
In summary - both has its own characters. You either love or hate it. For me, I love em both! I guess that's why Duc lovers do not have many negatives to say about HD's. May someday will add a HD to my collection and that's all the bikes I will ever indulge in. [beer]
Quote from: Speedbag on February 06, 2009, 04:29:23 PM
And if they still made it. The masses didn't take to it, which is a total shame. :(
Can you get them as an option/add-on or aftermarket?
Quote from: Speedbag on February 04, 2009, 04:35:58 AM
Generally speaking, if it's a bike I like it.
I've been amazed at how most Harley enthusiasts also appreciate Ducatis.
Right on
Quote from: nats on February 21, 2009, 07:53:25 AM
I guess that's why Duc lovers do not have many negatives to say about HD's.
Stick around a while and you'll see some Duc lovers who are Harley haters.
while i've owned several different scoots over the years, my current combo allows my to customize to my liking and ride the twistys on saturdays and cruise on sundays. although my harley in its current form can handle pretty good for 675 pounds.
(http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo198/rscottfranks/bike5.jpg)
I like variety in my bikes, grew up riding Interceptors in the 80's and CBR's in the 90's. I have a 2006 Yamaha FJR, probably the best all around bike you can buy. You can go long distance on it, you can pack some luggage on it, it handles the corners and can keep up with sport bikes (once you take the luggage off). I also have a 2008 HD Road King classic. I wanted a nostaligia bike and whats more nostalgic than a Harley, especially the classic with the wide whites, spoked wheels, etc. They haven't changed much in general design for years, although I was not a fan until they finally put some decent brakes on them in 2008 (Brembo's). That's when I decided to buy mine. Wish I had waited one more year because the 2009's have a new frame, got to test ride one and they are solid, just like a Jap bike. I would not buy any other Harley except for the Touring line. I spent a couple years going to demo rides and riding all the different models, the touring line (Road King, Electra Glide, Street Glide) have the best ride by far of any of the Harley's. Also, even though they vibrate at idle, they are un-believably smooth above idle, one of smoothest engines I have ever had. That's because they balance them that way and they won't remove the idle vibration for fear of losing customers.
I've had a few other bikes over the last couple of years (VFR, FZ1, Tuono) but now have a deposit on a new Streetfighter. I looked at buying my friends S4rs, but loved the 1098 and said that if the came out with a naked version I would buy it, whether it was in the Monster chassis or something else. Can't wait for it to get here, but its going to be a while yet.
I like the variety of my bikes. The HD is like driving a pickup (my daily driver), the FJR is like driving a good performance sedan (wife's G8) and the Ducati will be like driving a sports car (my Corvette).
I enjoy both of the bikes... they just do different things. Nothing beats the rush you get with a Ducati in the corners with serious counter-steering; on the other hand I like the slow cruiser hot rod feeling you get while cruising on my Softail Springer. Both sound awesome. Both are two cylinders, both can be customized to the hilt. One is all about the chrome and the other is all about shaving pounds. It is fun to go to a Harley rally on a Harley and sometimes it is fun to do the back roads on the Duc. I think I will keep them both.
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/3288140075_3ed7601791.jpg?v=0)
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2544580090_c2361291fe.jpg?v=0)
I just recently bought a new Harley, another guy here with a Fat Bob :-[
Fine bike. When I ride it for a while and then get on the Monster, it's a scary thing. Been thinking on trading my S4RS for a Hyper S.
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii13/CenterlineF4/Fat%20Bob/DSCN0144.jpg)
scary? explain.
(http://i541.photobucket.com/albums/gg377/cogg_2008/bikes/bikes1.jpg)
I traded a big bore 2001 Fatboy for my 07 s4rs but hung on to the 08 VROD. With a set of SuperTrapps it no longer sounds like a sewing machine and actually gives a nice counterpoint to the Termis on the s4. As other writers have commented, a Harley's a totally different bike and this one is getting on for half way to being a bagger with windscreen, rack, crash bars, lowers and bags. Also as others have said, there is fun to be had adding tasteful chunks of chrome. The s4 has acquired the full termis, a riser for the bars, frame and axle sliders, a tail bag, fairing braces and a steering damper. It also has a tail bag but just ain't nothing like a bagger.
The white Sportie is the other half's.
Now if the snow would just go away.
I rode a Harley for the first time a few months ago, it was one of those big touring ones...I can't remember which one. Once the bike was going, it was fun and it handle much better than I thought it would. The brakes sucked ass when compare to even the wooden ones on my S2R.
Authoritay
(http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/image.php?u=8339&dateline=1136481701)
Respect it.
Sorry, random thoughts again. [cheeky]
I could see owning a harley... or at the very least, a cruiser bike. rode my neighbor's sportster 1200. aside from getting used to a heavy, new bike whose brakes were nowhere near as good as mine, I had fun on it.
the one bike I had an absolute BLAST on was a buddy's old Vmax... oh dear lord in heaven! a couple of tweaks and some paint, I'd be a happy boy on one of those!
I've had many makes but the last few years have been HD's. I have a Road King Classic. A beautiful bike. It's brakes are weak but that's about it. I also have a 1098. One goes on day trips the other is for long trips...the best of both worlds.
Quote from: blue tiger on March 08, 2009, 04:01:51 AM
I've had many makes but the last few years have been HD's. I have a Road King Classic. A beautiful bike. It's brakes are weak but that's about it. I also have a 1098. One goes on day trips the other is for long trips...the best of both worlds.
Does your Road King have the Brembo brakes that are now on the touring bikes for the past couple of years? I'm curious if these make a difference or if they feel similar to the older non-Brembo brakes. I assume the Brembos will be better, but maybe not.
Quote from: Travman on March 08, 2009, 08:16:04 AM
Does your Road King have the Brembo brakes that are now on the touring bikes for the past couple of years? I'm curious if these make a difference or if they feel similar to the older non-Brembo brakes. I assume the Brembos will be better, but maybe not.
No It's a 2001 so it's a 5 speed (the newer ones are 6) and has the older brakes. Even those are FAR superior to the brakes on my first HD which was a mid 80's model with a whopping single piston single rotor stopping about 700 lbs.
Quote from: Travman on March 08, 2009, 08:16:04 AM
Does your Road King have the Brembo brakes that are now on the touring bikes for the past couple of years? I'm curious if these make a difference or if they feel similar to the older non-Brembo brakes. I assume the Brembos will be better, but maybe not.
i upgraded the brakes on my harley in the picture above to the brembos off a bagger, a big increase in stopping power and feel.
Quote from: burn2110 on March 08, 2009, 07:15:57 PM
i upgraded the brakes on my harley in the picture above to the brembos off a bagger, a big increase in stopping power and feel.
That looks like an upgrade I'll have to try soon. What brake disks are on your Dyna? What pads did you use? Thanks.
Quote from: Travman on March 09, 2009, 02:07:27 PM
That looks like an upgrade I'll have to try soon. What brake disks are on your Dyna? What pads did you use? Thanks.
the rotors are lyndall composites with red+ pads. had the brembo calipers with lyndall z pads prior to upgrading the rotors.
Came to Ducati because my old partner gave me a great deal on this bike. 600 miles he got a 1098 and did not want to let the dealer rip him off.
This is my first non Harley bike in 20 yrs my other non Harley was a 71 Honda CB 750 all original with Bates saddlebags and windshield.
My S2R is awesome, I'm enjoying riding again.