please convince me...

[picard]

Hi All,
I may or may not become a newbie here depending on what I decide to do on Tuesday...

I'm in my mid 40s and have ridden all kinds of bikes over the last 30 years or so. Today I have been out shopping for a "sundays" fun bike as the touring with the wife will probably be reduced quite a bit over the next few years at least. Wow, "naked" sport bikes have come a long way (my last bike of that kind was a 99 ZRX1100)

Long story short it comes down to a "new" zero miles '08 FZ-1 or a '04 Monster S4R with 6500 miles, "recently serviced". Both to be had for about the same $$.

I rode both bikes twice for about 20 minutes each and came away very impressed with the FZ-1, sneaky fast, very elastic motor, smooth, but the handling wasn't perfect - tendency to fall into the corners a bit (just like my old FJ1200 used to do) and a little loose rear end on bumpy stuff.

The Monster of course with Ohlins all around was planted and nimble like, well, a bike with top-notch suspension. The engine is more brutal in response, less refined and therefore may feel a bit faster but I don't think it actually is. Coolness factor of course is 10:1 for the Duc.

The FZ-1 is the more 'resonable choice' but the Ducati would be the emotional choice. I'm just a little afraid of maintenance and cost of ownership. This may become my only bike if the touring becomes too infrequent (using a V-Strom for that) and then mileage may accumulate more quickly. I do my own basic maintenance but I would probably not touch the valve train in the S4R.

Any input, including what to check for on the Duc, will be appreciated.

[ducpainter]

Welcome

The 996 in the S4R is pretty raw...I like that.

Maintenance on the Duc will be more expensive. I won't lie to you. The need for adjustment does become less frequent as the miles accumulate though...and I wouldn't be afraid to tackle the valve adjustment yourself. You'll find all the support and help you need right here.

Check to make sure the Duc has had a set of belts within the last two years...and buy it. You won't regret it.

[JEFF_H]

The FZ-1 is the more 'resonable choice' but the Ducati would be the emotional choice

this sums it up nicely.
you understand the difference...no need to 'convince you'

our household has 4 ducatis and one yamaha
08 Hypermotard 1100
01 M900Sie
97 M750
95 900SS/SP

06 Yamaha Vino 125

[1KDS]

The FZ's are very good bikes but lacking, like you said you are after a fun bike...no comparison.  I assume the recent service included valve adjustment and new timing belts, other than that not too much to look for on a bike that new.  You are not going to get too many votes for the yami in here.

[stopintime]

The FZ-1 is the more 'resonable choice' but the Ducati would be the emotional choice.

I join Jeff. When it comes to riding a motorcycle, what do you really want to be? Reasonable Emotional? [moto]

You will have a great group of lunatic friends here

[muskrat]

follow the member to which the blood runs fastest; my bet is the Duc will do it 

[Scottish]

I look at it this way. If both bikes are going for about the same $ then you are getting more bang for the buck with the Duc, this will help offset the more expensive maintence. 

Seriously, the Duc, and DP is right the valve maintence sounds way more intimidating than it actually is.

Besides, visually speaking do you need two bikes that tickle the same spot?


Or do you want to add some of this to your stable....

The defense rest your honor.

[justinrhenry]

what makes the yamaha a more reasonable choice? 

[patorojo]

+1 on what others have said.  Since I have both a Vstrom and a Duc, I can say, if you can have two bikes, don't buy two "pratical" bikes, you need at least one that stirs the passion.  And if you live someplace where weather sucks occasionally, its a lot more therapeutic to look at and clean an Italian piece of machine art in your garage than the alternative when you can't ride 

[picard]

what makes the yamaha a more reasonable choice? 

larger dealer network, closer shop
cheaper (and less frequent) maintenance
two-up capability in case I ditch the V-Strom down the road
(at least perceived) reliability
new bike for the same $

[picard]

Besides, visually speaking do you need two bikes that tickle the same spot?


The defense rest your honor.

Never thought of it this way... 

[justinrhenry]

you can ride two-up on the monster.

maintenaince isn't really that much more frequent.

the yamaha dealership near me will work on any bike.  it doesn't have to be a yamaha.

i looked at yamaha's before i bought my monster.  i made the choice to get a monster because (1) i wanted something more unique than what most people have and (2) the riding position of my monster is more comfortable.  granted i helped make it that way with risers and a new seat.  

plus, most people are impressed just by hearing the word ducati.  

[picard]

The FZ's are very good bikes but lacking, like you said you are after a fun bike...no comparison.  I assume the recent service included valve adjustment and new timing belts, other than that not too much to look for on a bike that new.  You are not going to get too many votes for the yami in here.

I will check on the belts and valve adjustment. Hopefully that was done as it is due at 6k, right?

Did I mention the bike had a full Arrow system (CF) and I will get the stock pipes.

[picard]

 granted i helped make it that way with risers and a new seat.  

I felt the bars were a tad low for me (6'2" with 34 inseam). Can you add risers to the S4R without replacing brake lines etc? It looked like it was pretty tight in there. The brake lines were neatly tucked to the upper triple clamp.

[ducpainter]

I will check on the belts and valve adjustment. Hopefully that was done as it is due at 6k, right?

Did I mention the bike had a full Arrow system (CF) and I will get the stock pipes.

Depends when the 6K was done.

Belts are a time/mileage item.

The bike could have been sitting for a few years.