Ducati Monster Forum

So the new job will likely have me in San Mateo 3 days a week. I generally hate the idea of commuting, and I'll definitely be trying to weasel my way into having more days at the SF office. But for now, I need to figure out a way to keep the miles off the Ducs so I'm considering a commuter. That's why I'm turning to the wisdom of the crowd. Please cast your vote above, post any comments, etc. My basic requirements:

• Bulletproof, low-maintenance motor, low cost/long interval to maintain
• Sportbike ergos are perfecly OK by me...25 miles ain't bad, and other than maintenance the Supersport is a superb commuter. I'm not afraid of clip-ons and rearsets.
• Bike will be kept on the street, so it can't be an exotic brand/theft target.
• V-twins get preferential treatment over V-4's. V-4's get prefferential treatment over I-4's. But these aren't hard-and-fast rules.
• I need to be able to put high-mileage (e.g. sport-touring or touring) tires on it. Burning through a rear every 3k miles ain't gonna cut it.
• Compact size is preferred...might have to stash it in the garage, and lane-splitting is a daily affair.
• Fairly low acquisition cost.
• Capable of converting to GP Shift

I'm really leaning towards the SV1000s, but I'm interested in your opinions.

This one: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/1389284006.html (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/1389284006.html)

I think you forgot one criterion - it should have a top box or hard bags. You want to be able to throw your briefcase in the box and not have it on your back. You also want to be able to toss your helmet in the box when you go to work.

Hmm...I thought of that, but you can mount a top case on virtually anything these days. Thanks for the CL post as well. Them VFRs are a bit front-heavy though :)

Actually, I think I need this one:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/1389289061.html (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/1389289061.html)

Hmm...or maybe an FZ1:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/1388797599.html (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/1388797599.html)

If you're commuting get something with a fairing and a buncha power (which will get worse gas mileage).  A premium will be something that has cargo space or comes with a Givi bag and has electrics.

Any of those bikes listed are a theft target, particularly if its a supersport with intact fairings.  Just like Honda Civics are theft targets.

I'd prolly get a VFR.  I might go with an SV if I wanted it to double as an occasional twisties bike.  I'd also think about a Busa or a Zx-14 except that I don't know what they're like for splitting or in stop-n-go and if their gas mileage is really dumb.  Everyone reports that they're really comfy.  What about an FZ?  People seem to rave about those (I don't get it) as commuters.  Edit:  oh, you just said that. 

Fz-1 isn't a bad idea.

The reason I like VFRs is, like many Hondas, they are bulletproof and go forever. You can still find many late 80s models used as daily drivers. Plus they hardly depreciate at all, are generally owned by adults with more than two brain cells to rub together, and have lots of options for luggage. And the ergos aren't too bad. I know you're down with commuting with clipons, but I tell ya, it'll get old. Plus it's nice to be able to see over the cars. (Plus column for the 'Strom, even though they're fugly.)  

Oh, and don't let the VTEC thing put you off - you'll not be hitting 6 grand on the cloverleafs.

I'm wondering what the service intervals are on VFRs and FZ1s? I hear great things about the FZ1...the VFR is pretty much a known quantity to me, except for the service intervals.

Added a GP Shift requirement...I know some bikes are painful that way.

FZ1 or even a FZ6.  Reliable, power, range.  Neked.  Avoid V-tec VFR's. You can get a SV/Strom with ABS and people rave about 'storoms, too (don't get it).  Vespa GT250ie or other maxi-ish scooter but it's not on your list.
Consider insurance.

I'm not familiar with the FZ's, but I think a Wee-Strom with ABS is a nice bike for the money.  Luggage options are plentiful and the tank capacity is decent at 5.8g.  Weighs 485 pounds.  Lots of V-Strom info here http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=5 (http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=5) and http://www.stromtrooper.com/ (http://www.stromtrooper.com/)

'Busa fer sure. 

The VStrom seems to get high marks on everything but looks.  If you can resist gouging your eyes out while looking at it, get it. 

My MotoNation rep rides one and he's doing crazy miles, 30k/yr. or something.

You know anyone who can?  Speaking of ugly bikes, what about that Versys thingy?  It's a twin.  I think they're too new to get one really cheap though.  

my vote for Boobies/Turbo 'Busa should only be counted as a vote for Boobies ... and NOT include the 'busa. [roll]

OH yeah, a Busa, you need a bike that does 180 mph for that 20 mile commute  [laugh] [clap]

I have a co-worker who commutes from Pleasanton to Sunnyvale on an FZ-6 and he's been freeway commuting on it for years, seems quite reliable.

I dunno why every is being sarcastic about the 'busa (or the ZX-14).  They supposed to be comfy and decent commuter bikes.  Hell, Kawi even made a sport touring rocket version of the Zx14. 

'Cuz it's a 'Busa. 

I mean other than that. 

Exhibit 1:
(http://www.twowheelforum.com/photopost/data/502/83busa_sort_of.jpg)

Exhibit 2:
(http://www.northbaysportriders.com/forums/uploads/monthly_10_2008/post-834-1225444374.jpg)

Exhibit 3:
(http://images.superstreetbike.com/custombikes/0507_14_z+2003_suzuki_hayabusa+rear_side_view.jpg)

Exhibit 4:
(http://www.kliktronic.co.uk/Busa1.jpg)

Exhibit 5 (Steve's secret desire):
(http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/NLRLLC/DSCF0935.jpg)

Yeah, I mean other than that. 

FZ1: Big I-4. Robust, Reliable, it's what you want/need for commuting.
that said, I don't really see why you want a non-Ducati... a MS1000 or even a Monster 1000 would do it too...

2 Valve Ducati Service Interval: 6,000 miles
2 Valve Ducati Valve Service Cost: $600 or so

FZ1 Valve Service Interval: 26,000 miles
FZ1 Valve Service Cost: $300 or so

Buddy had an SV-650 and eventually bought a 650 V-Strom. He likes the Vstrom mo betta.

I vote Wee-Strom.



Have you test driven/sat on any of these?


An old GS100 would go about forever, you know.



Also fugly. Fugly cuts down on theft though.

If we're talking fugly, he'd never have to worry about someone kypin' the 'Strom. 

DQ
When I started the new job in Napa I went on a two month long research project to find a commuter bike. The best value for money bike was the FZ1. If you shop around you should be able to find a gen 1 in the 3500 to 4500 range with about 13 to 18k on the odo.
But after all my searching and thinking I came to the conclusion that it would be cheaper to pay for the maintenance on the Duc, over 3+ years, than spend the cash on a commuter bike. 

Good luck with the search.  [thumbsup]

:o
Whoooo... Didn't know... So this is why people buy Japanese bikes!!!!

  DQ -

My Hawk is sitting patiently at Desmoto for a little rubber glove treatment.
It does need a new home....

I know...I had thought about that. Still an option in the mix, though Hawks are getting a bit long in the tooth compared to the FZ and SV platforms.

Yea but nobody wants to rip off a Hawk. I was going to suggest a CB400 or V65. An old RD400 would be cool but those are "wanted" bikes. If your looking for a newer platform how about a thrashed 919? your just slabbing it down there aren't you?

Mostly slabbing it...either 101 or 280 depending on time of day.

The 919 came under consideration, but I'd much rather have an FZ1 if I go the I4 route. I think this is coming down to FZ1 vs. VFR.

Well then, go with the V4.

It's a toss-up. The FZ1 looks like a lot of fun, and a better long-distance mount.

You should ride both and then decide.  [moto]

I vote the VStrom

sure, it is ugly as hell, but you can throw a top bag on there for your laptop, groceries, etc.


They appear to be rather bullet proof too.

You can throw a top case on the SV, the VFR, and the FZ1 too.

Also, just read this (http://www.motorcycle.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1631):

Fully adjustable suspension...that's pretty compelling.

 [thumbsup] [moto]

The Stock Hayabusa is comfy as hell and an amazing sports touring bike. I dont understand either why they get so much hate.

Much more comfortable than the S4R that I commute on a daily basis.

(http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/jpg/200810/suzuki-hayabusaw.jpg)

Ahem...

(http://www.northbaysportriders.com/forums/uploads/monthly_10_2008/post-834-1225444374.jpg)

But seriously...too big to keep in the garage, too valuable to keep on the street.

You sure the FZ1 is fully adjustable? I remember reading an article complaining that it wasn't.. Could be wrong.

On the MTS 620 thought.. I got a nice one for ya!

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/1389985336.html (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/1389985336.html)

I'll double check.


Would love a Ducati commuter, but I'm not considering them. Valve adjusts + Replacing sportbike tires add up to a lot of cost.

I didn't know you could throw one on the SV, that's pretty cool.


Those are functional bikes.

Honestly, DQ, doing valves on a 2v isn't bad at all.  And if it's broken in, you'll likely only have to check clearances rather than replace shims.  Belts are $60-110 every 12/15k.  That's really not bad at all.  Still, I don't know that I'd get a Duc as a commuter. 

I put Pirelli Diablo Stradas on my KTM 950sm and they've gone 6k and sill have a few thou to go.  They're heavy, but they're drama-free.  I'd get another set to commute/twisty on in a heart beat.