Making the move from Harley to Ducati - what to expect?

[DM426]

I've been riding Dynas for a few years and am considering making the move to a different kind of bike. I've owned three Harleys, so I've ridden enough to know no one can make the choice but me. That said, getting input from others can still be useful in helping to make more informed choices.

At the moment I'm considering either a Monster or a BMW R Nine T. I would like to test ride both -- which is the best way to buy a motorcycle -- but in this case it's not really practical. The R Nine T is impossible to get a test ride on as you have to pre-order it 6 months to a year in advance, and the local dealer has no Monsters for Demos. So...

I'm not a super aggressive rider, so I know I don't want something like a Panigale. I like to zip around the back roads here, but sometimes I also like to relax and enjoy the scenery a bit. My Dyna actually does both of those things, but the brakes are crappy and I'm really just ready to try something different.

I've looked at the Monster 821, Monster 1200, 1200S, and R Nine T in person. I have (briefly) had an opportunity to sit on all of these bikes, and each seemed pretty interesting in its own way. I'm 6'1" and 220lb, and I have been a little concerned the R Nine T might be too small for me as it's about the size of a Harley Sportster, and I'm a tad large for a Sportster. I do like the looks of that bike a lot, and I also like that it can be easily modified if necessary.

Of the Monsters I sat on, the 1200/S seemed to be the most comfortable. To be honest, here is where I'm a little out of my element as these bikes are so totally different than anything that I've ever ridden in the past that I sort of don't know how it ought to feel, other than in a very general way. The R Nine T felt okay too, but the seat felt very thin and narrow compared to what I'm used to on a Dyna. However, the seating position is so different maybe that's not an issue? Not sure.

The same questions I'm asking here I've asked of the R Nine T guys on a different site, and (predictably enough) they all said the Monster is an okay bike, but I'll probably be happier on the BMW. The reasons: A) Seating position is less aggressive and will be easier for me to adjust to. B) More forgiving brakes. C) The R Nine T has a lot of low end grunt and doesn't need to live in higher revs, making it vastly more manageable at low speeds, in the city, or for a rider new to this kind of bike. D) The BMW will be more reliable and less expensive over the long run. Bear in mind this is the feedback I received, not my own thoughts.

That last point is of particular concern to me. My Dyna, with stage one and V&H pipes, puts out a solid 80hp and tons of low end torque, so it never flounders and dies in the middle of a traffic light, and is totally forgiving in that respect. It will certainly move with a purpose if you hammer the throttle, but it's a manageable, predictable type of power that isn't going to pull your arms out of the sockets if you get a little more aggressive than you perhaps intended to. The BMW guys I talked to were of the opinion the Monster would be a much more difficult transition for me. They also seemed to feel the Monster would be good for tearing up the back roads, but not very enjoyable for those times when one wants to tone it down some and just enjoy a bit of more casual motorcycling.

Neither the Monster nor the R Nine T is a cruiser, and I get that. So now that I've heard from the BMW guys, I would like some feedback from the Ducati guys.

Any and all feedback is welcome. The thing is, these bikes are so different than the Dynas I'm used to that I'm not entirely sure what's important and what isn't.

[Speeddog]

We've got some folks with Harleys here, and at least one guy with an R9T.

They'd be the ones who could give you the benefit of FHE on comparing to Monsters.

I'd recommend making a road trip to a dealer that has both Monsters available for demo rides.

[Autostrada Pilot]

There are a few guys here that either own of have test ridden the Beemer-I'll let them chime in.  I haven't ridden the 2 Ducatis you're considering, but I have ridden my brother's Sportster 1200 with pipes/chip/air cleaner and I can tell you the Ducatis have WAY better brakes, feel much lighter and nimble, and have plenty of torque to get you going.  

On both of my Monsters I would be really itching to stretch my legs after about 1.5-2 hours, but I've heard from dozens of folks that a $300-$400 aftermarket seat will increase that distance quite a bit.  

I'm sure more folks will pipe in.  I also have found that Ducatis really are quite reliable (as long as you do a little maintenance along the way), and it really isn't very expensive unless you like to put tons of miles of your bike each year.

[SDRider]

I have the Monster 1100 EVO which puts out 100hp, probably around 85hp at the wheel but is a lot lighter than your Harley, and I have ridden the MV Agusta Brutale 1090R (which puts out close to 160hp) and honestly, I never felt that the Brutale was unmanageable in any way.  Low speed fueling isn't the greatest on that bike but otherwise it is pretty easy to ride.

I haven't ridden the new Monster 1200 but I have ridden the Diavel (which some say the new Monster is more closely akin to than the older air-cooled Monsters).  The Diavel is an easy bike to ride with excellent brakes, tons of power and an excellent chassis but more of a cruiser riding position.  My 1100 EVO has a more aggressive riding position so you are leaning a but more forward than the newer Monsters.  I prefer that position but I haven't ridden the new Monsters either so I can't really comment on how they compare.  I have sat on one but that doesn't really give you much of a clue as to how it will ride.

I'm not sure what your concern is with the brakes on the Monster.  It comes with ABS which makes it pretty forgiving.  

Also, the Monster has tons of low end grunt.  It's a 1200cc L-Twin.

I think you need to ride them though before making a decision.  Find a dealer with demo models and take them for a ride.  Post back here with your impressions/concerns after.  We would all love to hear them.

[duccarlos]

I would probably never buy a bike without getting the chance to test ride it. There must be a dealer out there that will allow you the opportunity to test the Beemer.

[Bill in OKC]

I have a Monster and a Harley, never rode a BMW..  Like you, I really like the R nine T.  Make sure you know how they come std. and what accessories you would want to get it outfitted the way you like.  I was surprised how much extra the must-have bits cost on top of the bike.  TBH the Duc is probably the same kind of deal, haven't priced them in a while.  BMW has a great dealer support network.  I've heard that BMW will be ramping up production of the R9T so it might be easier to get one next year.  The Monster is a blast to ride, the handling, brakes and power are great.

[SDRider]

I would probably never buy a bike without getting the chance to test ride it. There must be a dealer out there that will allow you the opportunity to test the Beemer.

My local BMW dealer does allow test rides as does my local Ducati dealer (coincidentally, they are both within 1 city block of each other).  Whether BMW has the bike you want in stock on the other hand might be an issue.

I have only ridden one BMW and it was an R1150R a friend of mine owned.  Heavy bike but it didn't feel under powered, just... heavy.

[Skybarney]

What to expect that is different?

1. Chicks dig Harleys.
2. Dudes dig talking about Ducati's.
3. Italians take a month a year off.
4. Carbon parts look way better than chrome.
5. Despite what you hear you will likely spend less time waiting for a tow truck.


Have fun, great bikes with a ton of soul 

[muskrat]

I own both and can tell you that the Ducs you're considering are every bit manageable with respect to torque.  I've ridden Beemers but not the one you're considering.   My personal opinion is that the Duc will satisfy that torque need and be nearly as content riding a slower pace.   The S4's of old are not so friendly so stay in the 1100 or newer engines.   If I were you I'd keep the Dyna and add a stable mate.  Brembos are made to fit Harley's too ya know.  My Electra has them and stops on a dime.   

[HotIce]

The 2v Monsters are in need of more "shifting" compared to a high torque HD. At least with the stock front sprocket (like I have in my 1100 EVO).
The new 4v Monsters are much better in that, on top of having a lot more power.
But in general Ducatis are more "nervous" WRT HDs.

[DM426]

Thanks for all the replies.

I would probably never buy a bike without getting the chance to test ride it. There must be a dealer out there that will allow you the opportunity to test the Beemer.

With regards to test riding the R Nine T, that just isn't possible. This particular bike is a limited production run which is currently only available by pre-ordering one from the production line. And according to BMW, as soon as the last of the engines are gone, that's it. 2015 is the last year for the R Nine T. Hence, the huge waiting list for these bikes. I consider myself fortunate I had the opportunity to see a sold one when it arrived. Demo rides just aren't possible.

I'm not sure what your concern is with the brakes on the Monster.  It comes with ABS which makes it pretty forgiving.  

I know the brakes on both of these bikes are going to be way better than my Dyna. If I understood correctly, the BMW guys were implying there is a learning curve to these brakes, not because they're weak, but because they're so strong. How different the brakes would be from the Monster to the R Nine T I don't know.

The guys at the local dealership seemed to be steering me toward the 1200 over the 821. Just wondering if you guys have any input on that.

[Ducatamount]

Stop using your head and use your gut.
Motorcycles are visceral and make no sense.

[jmaddr]

Mentioned above, have you considered the Diavel?  The Diavel might be a better step for you than the monster.  More expensive I know, but better suited for what you are expecting out of your new bike, IMHO.  Brand new refresh too.

[DucHead]

If you think the BMW is too small, I doubt you'll find any Monster feeling bigger.

...
...Motorcycles are visceral and make no sense.

I never understood this sentiment.  Motorcycles are smaller, easier to park, overall more economical, less expensive to operate, easier to work on and more fun.  Makes perfect sense to me.  </shrugs>

[ducpainter]

If you think the BMW is too small, I doubt you'll find any Monster feeling bigger.

I never understood this sentiment.  Motorcycles are smaller, easier to park, overall more economical, less expensive to operate, easier to work on and more fun.  Makes perfect sense to me.  </shrugs>

Were you thinking about parking and economics when you bought your S4R?

hmmmm?