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

[dbran1949]

Warning physics nerd comment

I have ridden a number of Harleys and presently ride an 07 S4RS. Everyone else hare has described the differences so I don't need to reiterate. Just a comment on harley's low end torque which is always what you hear said about the venerable 45 degree v-twin.

What people are really experiencing is conservation of angular momentum, or flywheel inertia. Although it is true that Harleys typically reach  their torque peak at lower RPMs that really doesn't equate to "Plenty of low end torque" Plenty of torque results in acceleration, so plenty of torque more correctly describes the Ducati V=twin, which twists so hard it rotates the bike back over the rear wheel

[DucHead]

Than what?  A Ferrari?

My Camry Hybrid is way less expensive to operate than my Ducati.

You must be doing something wrong.

[Kev M]

Warning physics nerd comment

I have ridden a number of Harleys and presently ride an 07 S4RS. Everyone else hare has described the differences so I don't need to reiterate. Just a comment on harley's low end torque which is always what you hear said about the venerable 45 degree v-twin.

What people are really experiencing is conservation of angular momentum, or flywheel inertia. Although it is true that Harleys typically reach  their torque peak at lower RPMs that really doesn't equate to "Plenty of low end torque" Plenty of torque results in acceleration, so plenty of torque more correctly describes the Ducati V=twin, which twists so hard it rotates the bike back over the rear wheel

I'll accept your physics as you obviously know it better then do I.

However, one point of order, if you glance down the performance specs page of Motorcycle Consumer News you see the 30-something Ducatis tested over the past decade or so are rated at peak torque figures ranging from 37-86 ft lbs, with an average in the 50-60 ft lbs range and only the Diavel, Panigale, 1098S, and StreetFightet S even breaking into the 70+ range.

Now perform the same exercise for the Harleys the range is a slightly higher 42-86, with all but 3 bikes at 60+, and more then half at 70+.

And I wager those peaks are generally higher in the rpm range than with Harleys.

So I'm asking, aren't you ACTUALLY feeling that generally greater low rpm torque on the Harleys cause it's there?

[SDRider]

You must be doing something wrong.

Let's see, my Camry Hybrid averages about 38mpg, the Ducati around 35mpg.  I've done 6 oil changes on the Camry in 34,000 miles costing me a whopping total of $125.  I have 15,000 miles on the Ducati and I'm on my 3rd set of tires, 4th oil change, second valve adjustment and first belt change.

Yeah, I'm going to go ahead and stand by my statement.  Feel free to try to pick it apart if you want... good luck with that.   

[Bill in OKC]

So I'm asking, aren't you ACTUALLY feeling that generally greater low rpm torque on the Harleys cause it's there?

I can't think of a better way to describe it.  Something about the weight of the Harley's front end - that torque pushes the bike forwards at low RPMs instead of lifting the front end (the dyno numbers don't count when you need to back off the throttle to keep from flipping an S4Rs)

[koko64]

I made the move in 1996 and never looked back.

[Kev M]

I can't think of a better way to describe it.  Something about the weight of the Harley's front end - that torque pushes the bike forwards at low RPMs instead of lifting the front end (the dyno numbers don't count when you need to back off the throttle to keep from flipping an S4Rs)

Well that's reasonable. I mean both the dyno readings AND the 1/4 mile times tell us the differences and results of the motor (and chassis) differences in the end. But there is that PUSH, that locomotive feeling of a Harley, which is part of the fun. It's completely different than the feeling of a Duc, and that's great too.

I like variety.

I don't eat the same thing every day, and I don't want to ride the same thing every day either.

[SDRider]

Well that's reasonable. I mean both the dyno readings AND the 1/4 mile times tell us the differences and results of the motor (and chassis) differences in the end. But there is that PUSH, that locomotive feeling of a Harley, which is part of the fun. It's completely different than the feeling of a Duc, and that's great too.

I like variety.

I don't eat the same thing every day, and I don't want to ride the same thing every day either.

Would be nice but I can't afford a garage full of motorcycles so I only have one.

I guess I'd rather eat pizza every day than hamburgers. 

[Kev M]

Would be nice but I can't afford a garage full of motorcycles so I only have one.

I guess I'd rather eat pizza every day than hamburgers. 

I love pizza - mmm, two of the ones we make on family pizza night would be:

Mushroom, caramelized onion, and bacon

and

Red pepper, garlic, and smoked Chorizo (sometimes with a Queso Blanco instead of Mozz).

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

But man, I also like my burgers too.

Often make them with a blend of meats including hot Italian sausage or a fresh chorizo.

You can add spices, cheeses and lots of other things to them.

As such, I don't want to give up my Pizza or Burgers...


...or HOT WINGS.... mmmmmmmmmm


Damnit - hungry now.

[Bill in OKC]

I need some beer after reading that 

[DarkMonster620]

I need some beer after reading that 

+2 and . . . I'm hungry now . . .

[HotIce]

I love pizza - mmm, two of the ones we make on family pizza night would be:

Mushroom, caramelized onion, and bacon

and

Red pepper, garlic, and smoked Chorizo (sometimes with a Queso Blanco instead of Mozz).

Just to be clear, as far as Italy/USA compares. What you are describing here, has nothing to do with Italian pizza 

[SDRider]

I love pizza - mmm, two of the ones we make on family pizza night would be:

Mushroom, caramelized onion, and bacon

and

Red pepper, garlic, and smoked Chorizo (sometimes with a Queso Blanco instead of Mozz).

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

But man, I also like my burgers too.

Often make them with a blend of meats including hot Italian sausage or a fresh chorizo.

You can add spices, cheeses and lots of other things to them.

As such, I don't want to give up my Pizza or Burgers...


...or HOT WINGS.... mmmmmmmmmm


Damnit - hungry now.

I can almost hear your arteries hardening through my computer monitor. 

[Kev M]

Just to be clear, as far as Italy/USA compares. What you are describing here, has nothing to do with Italian pizza 

Right, what I'm describing is better than what you'd get in Italy... at least that's what I remember from the last time I went.

Now if you want to talk about a nice traditional Risotto that's a different thing.

I can almost hear your arteries hardening through my computer monitor. 

Meh, a little Simvastatin and a couple of 5k runs per week should help... 

[koko64]

With the Monster, be ready to turn at a thought. I came off luggin' Harleys around and went onto an M900. Nearly crashed on the first turn on the inside!