Wanna buy » New to the Ducati experience

[tedium]

I'm looking for advice on what potential problems lie with in Ducati ownership. I've heard many horror stories concerning the belts and electrical problems but having just got rid of my Suzuki SV1000S which was riddled with build quality and reliability issues the cati would have to go some to beat that. the bikes I'm considering at the moment are the Multistrada (which I've always liked the look of) Cagiva Navigator with the Suzuki TL motor and the Aprilia Pagaso Strada all are around the same price. service intervals, servicing costs and reliability are my main worries. Can anyone shed some light on these for me ?

[MichaelD 2007 1100S (Red)]

All bike have their Idiosyncrasies. Test ride to Duc. You'll never go back.

MD

[zimbo]

The belts thing is not an issue at all, they are very reliable indeed and cost about £40 a pair, replace every two years. Servicing costs are not too bad on the air cooled bikes at least, the liquid cooled bikes tend to cost a little more. 08 and later bikes cost much less to service than the earlier ones. Reliability is generally good, as good as most jap bikes, and warranty support is better than most japanese brands. Ducatis are branded with an unreliable electrics badge, which was justified in the '80s and early '90s, but these days they mostly use the same components as the other brands.
As suggested, go and try a few test rides, see how you get on!

[Admiral Nelson 2004 1000 DS (Gray)]

I have had 2 SV650S's and a Pegaso Strada Trail.


I got rid of my Pegaso Strada Trail for the Multistrada!

Great little bike but

Nowhere near as comfortable
Fi surging issues at around 3 MPH
Soon runs out of puff above 70mph
Doesn't really go off road but is a Trail style road bike. Moto version has nowhere near enough power to be a moto.
Build quality is not good.
Throwover panniers do not work as they will melt on the exhaust.

The build quality of the Duke is much better.
Much more power
Handling and low down power much better.

[tedium]

Well it certainly seems as if my worries were unfounded and as usual fuelled by the"expert" in the bike club. I've had quite a few TDMs & XT's in the past so the riding position of the Ducati really apeals. I'll try and get a test ride but since our local Edinburgh Ducati dealer closed this is quite so easy. Thanks for the replies

[Admiral Nelson 2004 1000 DS (Gray)]

I think my Ducati is the best bike I have ever had, (and I have had a few). For what its worth, I bought my bike in March, 04 Plate, 2000 miles on the clock, with 2 owners from main dealer, Ducati Aylesbury, for £4000. The bike was serviced, the timing belts were changed and they had changed the centre stand to an 05 stand.

[PaulV 2004 1000 DS (Black)]

I am in the Edinburgh area, and I have a Mult

Bought mine from Alvins before they shut, last one I saw for sale in the area was in Saltire Suzuki. Other than that Ducati Glasgow is only an hour away. If you really are interested give me a shout and you can always take a look over mine before you go hunting for a test drive.