newbie

K

KLX213

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I'm a harley rider who is thinking of a ducati as a second bike. Can't seem to make up my mind between monster-620 or 695,ST3,848 or 1098! I'm 51yrs old in pretty good shape but have no experience on a sport bike.....any suggestions?? Thanks Greg
 
Well, that's a fairly wide range of bikes you've mentioned. What model of Harley do you have; sportster, softail, dresser? What kind of riding are you looking at doing on the Duc; around town/commuting, sport/light touring, track days or spirited street/canyon riding?

We need some more info to give you a more accurate opinion.



Oh, and BTW.....you're going to get the "don't buy a 848/1098, you'll kill yourself" crowd jumping all over you since you mentioned that you don't have any sport bike seat time.
 
I was recently at a Ducati dealer speaking to a certain, "Rock star", who will go unnamed. He had a similar question as to which bike to get. He felt that the superbikes were not what he wanted, so he test rode both a monster and a hypermotard. After this, he told me he was more confused than ever...

He bought the hyper, only to return it for the most beautiful monster I have ever seen.

I have an 848, and I am VERY happy.

Good luck and welcome to the Ducati family,
Brian
 
Hi people! Thanks for the responses. I have a 2005 roadglide....42,000mi so I do a fair amount of riding especially for mich. I guess I need to decide if I can afford 2 bikes....ideally I'd love to have a sportbike and a harley....if I had the st3 I may be able to do with just 1. I commute,take trips,mountain twisties etc. I've thought about a duc for a while and keep thinking no...not practical...(high maintenance cost and all) but always seem to be drawn back to them. They're just too cool! Thanks for any help you can give this newcomer to the ducati world.
 
Another question is the maintenance on these bikes.....is it excessive? something a back yard mechanic could do?I've heard the valve adjustments are best left to the dealership. Thanks
 
You had better start looking now if you want an ST3(think commuter, day trips or light touring), they've stopped making them. The monsters(think commuter, short trips) are great bikes with a fairly neutral riding position and good road manners but still sporty enough to be tons of fun in the twisties. If you're looking for a pure sport machine then the 1098 or 848(think toys) are the ticket. You could probably find a good deal on an older model like a 999, 749 etc. but would be subject to a more expensive maintenance schedule.

As a seasoned rider I'm sure you know the only way to know for sure which one "speaks to you" is to head to the dealer and get some seat time.
 
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