Changing my bike. Yamaha and Ducati =)?

Minime

New member
I'm currently riding a 2003 R1 and it's time to change my bike. I've been riding sport bikes for 7 years now (including track racing) and want to change.
I was thinking about buying a Ducati Hypermotard 796.
Anyone any opinions on this or experience?

THANX
 
I agree with Jon, but change can be good.
I love to change up/down on occasion just to see which way the winds blow smoke up my panties.
Having a good time is the idea, if you get my drift.
 
Motorcycle USA website has many bike tests and forum comments on each bike, often by owners.

From what I have read this would be a fun bike, urban or twisties with the only limitations being a short range and uncomfortable seat.
 
Are you a competent mechanic? Or are you married to one? If not, do you have a mattress stuffed full of cash? If not, I'd steer clear of a Ducati because adjusting the desmodromic valve lash is very tedious and exacting. One guy told me that he could figure on a $600 bill every time his needed adjusting, which was way more often than he would have preferred.

The desmo valve train may of had advantages in the late 1950-60s, but today they won't rev any higher than an ordinary coil spring valve train. Ducati has painted themselves into a corner with the desmo system. It's more expensive to manufacturer and service and that hinders sales. And many people buy a Duck just to have bragging rights of owning a "desmo". If Ducati drops the desmo system to make a more affordable bike that more people can afford to buy, then their bikes have to stand against the competition on performance alone, something they'd lose at against the Japanese.

No offense to HD, but they're a lot like a Harley. More expensive to buy, more expensive to service, more unique, more of an attention getter and while their preformance is below than the competition, you do have the prestige of owning one. If the latter is more important to you than the former, then go for it.
 
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