Harley to Ducati

[bluemoco]

Looks like  a fun garage to me!

[McMahon]  You are correct sir! [/McMahon]

[Speedbag]

I see an M900 in the background of this photo.  Must be an old pic.   

Yessir, taken not quite a year ago.  

[Clickjack]

Tell us your story and why you  chose a Ducati as your next bike instead of buying another Harley or even another brand. 

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.

[Desmo Demon]

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.

[Raux]

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.

[greenohawk69]

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. 

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.   

[flynbulldog]

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 

[mrplease]

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!

[SaltLick]

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.

[Speedbag]

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. 

[nats]

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. 

[Mojo S2R]

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?

[openroad]

Generally speaking, if it's a bike I like it.

I've been amazed at how most Harley enthusiasts also appreciate Ducatis.

Right on

[Travman]

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.

[burn2110]

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.