| Author | Message | ||
     Avc8130 |
Yeah, I spoke the the regional Ducati rep and he said they encourage all dealers to give test rides. I am pretty sure Buell is the same way. ac | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
It's the first thing I offer. I can't get bikes out the door if I can't bet buts on the seats. | ||
| Bigblock |
I don't know about the streetfighter, but I rode my friends 1098 with the "S" pipe on it, and what a wonderful machine. It had the ecm too of course, and man, this thing is BUTTERY smooth. And what a sound! A quite noticeable HP increase over my stock "08 R, too. THe ergos are really not that far from the 1125R, either. However, do you want to deal with the extra maintenance? Will you get a "good" 1125? These all are valid questions, I think you should ride every machine you can, and thoroughly, if possible, before you decide! | ||
| Avc8130 |
Wait a second. I rode a buddy's 848 and I couldn't ride 20 minutes on the thing! The seat was so sloped it was constantly CRUSHING my manhood. The bars were much lower than the R. The pegs were higher. I rode my R home from Indy to NJ (750 miles) in 1 day. I do not think the ergos are even comparable. ac | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
The seat was so sloped it was constantly CRUSHING my manhood.  "Anthony found the effort of locating a comfortable motorcycle a challenge."  | ||
| Avc8130 |
LOL. Nice. It was tough actually. The R with Uly pegs and the select seat is close. I am still considering a CR bar setup. ac | ||
| Blake |
I don't understand choice of what seems like different class motorcycles, an 1125R and a Duc Streetfighter. Seems you'd want to consider one or the other versus it's most similar counterpart. In that case you'd either want to consider the Streetfighter versus the Buell 1125CR or the 1125R to the Duc 1198. | ||
| Avc8130 |
Blake, Do you think the 1125R compares to the 1198 or the 848 better? I think the 1198 has significantly more HP, but the 848 is closer. ac | ||
| Dentguy |
"However, do you want to deal with the extra maintenance?" Don't let the maintenance thing scare you. There isn't that much extra maintenance and right now Ducati includes the first 2 services (600 & 7500 within the first year) if you buy a new one. If you reach 7500 miles in the first year, that 7500 valve adjustment check is also included. I would ride them both, along with the 1125CR and pick one. Sometimes one bike will just do it for you as soon as you ride it. | ||
| Avc8130 |
Dentguy, That logic only really works if you plan on selling the bike before 15k. If you hit 7500 in the first year, you will be doing valve adjustments yearly. In 5 years at $1000 each that would be $4000 (including 1st free). On the 1125 that would be 3 valve services at $800 each = $2400. BIG difference there. ac | ||
| Chadhargis |
It's $800 for a valve adjustment! HOLY CRAP! I figured $300 or so...but $800....I'll be doing it myself for sure. | ||
| Avc8130 |
I am pretty sure people were saying $600-$800. Of course if I used $600 for my example I would be crucified. ac | ||
| Spectrum |
I paid $480 for my first 12k service. | ||
| Avc8130 |
Well, then let's update my math! Buell 5 years, 37,500 miles, $1440 for valve adjustments. Ducati 5 years, 37,500 miles, $4000 for valve adjustments (including 1st free although I cannot find any info about this online). ac | ||
| Dentguy |
Here is the info you couldn't find. http://www.ducati.com/od/ducatinorthamerica/news/detail.jhtml?newsId=28681 ac, Understand your point. Do you know for a fact that a Streetfighter valve adj service is $1000.00? Some Ducati dealers (like Buell dealers) overcharge for things. Don't think the one here is that high and it was rated one of the best in the country last year. As for your logic, it is based on a 5 year and specific mileage situation. Assuming everyone does 7500 miles a year or more consistently. I'm sure many do, but the average Ducati Streetfighter owner probably doesn't keep it for 5 years and put 37500 miles or more on it. I was just trying to put some info out there. Ducati has a reputation for being very expensive to maintain and it's not always true. Similar to some of Buell reputations that have followed them that aren't always true. I don't care what Djz buys. But, I hate to see someone get told things or base a purchase on things that may not be correct. We could always start talking about fun factors or resale values, along with time in the shop and juggle some more numbers, but it's not worth it to me. Just for some personal info. I've had a Buell and a Ducati. The Buell was in the shop more and cost me more in maintenance than the Ducati. But, I like them both and a Buell is on my short list for my next purchase. Enough about the 1125 vs Streetfighter for me. Hopefully he buys what makes him happy. I gotta go add up the times my Buell was in the shop and for how long, put a dollar figure on it and see if it was really worth it. Just making some fun. Enjoy.  (Message edited by dentguy on September 10, 2009) | ||
| Smoke4ndmears |
interestingly enough i've ridden one of these. other than the aforementioned sloping seat issue the only other complaint i had (as does its owner) is the extremely snatchy throttle response at low rpms. sure, the race ecu will solve that but at a very high cost. while it isn't in the same category as the 1125r it is a nicer bike overall. i like the buell better  | ||
| Dirty_john |
I rode both and have owned both Ducatis and earlier Buells, I bought the 1125R - nuff said, cheaper and with a higher grin factor. | ||
| Bigblock |
To me, the 1098 is not the torture rack it is made out to be, however, I enjoy an athletic riding position (and if yer nuts are gettin' crushed, use yer legs more...) I expected the 1098 to be much more uncomfortable from what I have read, and was pleasantly surprised by my riding experience. Mind you, I only rode the bike for a half hour, so I can't give you an "all day" riding impression. I feel the smoothness of this 1098 kind of made up for the slightly more aggressive riding ergos, as far as comparing comfort levels of my particular 1125R, and this 1098. Ride the bikes, and buy what moves you! | ||
| Toomanyhobbies |
My 2 cents. Given the same choice I'd probably get the 1125r. Only because you said you want a fun weekend bike. The 1125r handles good, has a lot of power and has a lot of power. Others have said Ducatis have better resale value but I argue other wise because of the higher initial cost and maintainance. So the 1125r has the best bang for your buck. On the other hand, the Duc looks and sounds good, easy to find aftermarket parts and will turn heads. | ||
| Pizzaboy |
It's $800 for a valve adjustment! HOLY CRAP! i paid about $50 in parts plus two afternoons and a 6 pack of newcastle for my valve check+oil change. | ||
| Pizzaboy |
BLAKE this is a stupid thread, please close it. i cant believe you even gave into replying!!! OF COURSE we all prefer the 1125.. if we did not prefer it, we would not be on this forum, in this thread!!! | ||
| Lemonchili_x1 |
This earlier comparo includes the Street Triple (and S4R, Tuono R, Z1000, FZ1) for those who are interested: http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/8/558/Motorcycle-Art icle/2007-Streetfighter-Comparo-II.aspx Also Brutale, Speed Trip, Tuono R, S4R: http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/8/595/Motorcycle-Art icle/2006-Streetfighter-Comparo-I.aspx | ||
| Zac4mac |
I'd say if you're even asking the question, get the Duc. Last thing we need here is more sour-grapes-bitching. I love my 1125R and am proud to have one of the very first ones built. my 2¢ | ||
| Avc8130 |
Dentguy, I was strongly considering a Ducati before I bought the Buell. I did a ton of research on the maintenance costs. I got all excited when I was reading that the newer Ducati have "less" maintenance costs. Ducati America published that 7500 mile services should be around $500. Sure enough a few hours of internet searching and calling the 2 dealers are reasonable distance showed that $1000 was pretty much universal. I understand that most street fighters won't be ridden 7500 miles/year, but I was refuting the "1st years maintenance free" propaganda. If you ride enough to get a free valve adjustment in the 1st year, it is going to be 1 very expensive long haul. I didn't even get into the $200+ chain and sprockets every ~15k. I was so close to buying a Ducati, until I realized that for me it would be an average of $1200/year to maintain it (including tires, ammortized chain/sprockets, oil/filter, valve adjustment). I do all of my own work, but the Ducati valve adjustment requires a host of special tools. I don't have a "harmonic belt tension gage". Obviously asking this question on a Buell board is silly. If the same question was asked on the Ducati board every answer would be: "Get the streetfighter, it is a Ducati. The Buell is ugly." I try not to sip the Kool Aid from ANY brand. ac | ||
| Tbenson |
This is by no means a stupid action or thread, go to the source! You don't look for an answer, you look for little tidbits of information on the bike in question, as supplied. Gather the information from both sides of the fence, sift through the nonsense, make a comparison! It seems to have worked on the Buell side? | ||
| Xbswede |
"I paid $480 for my first 12k service." Who id it for this price. Surely not a dealer? | ||
| Dentguy |
ac, Thanks for your post. Ducatis don't work for everyone. Also, just to be fair when comparing dealer maintenance service numbers, I don't think you included the in between valve adjustment services that the Ducati doesn't have (around 6200 on the Buell). I think some have been quoted at around $300-$325. I think it will make those maintenance numbers may be a little closer. Tires and chains? Buells wear tires just the same and some break belts. I try not to sip the Kool Aid from ANY brand. Glad to hear that. Me too. (Message edited by dentguy on September 11, 2009) | ||
| Avc8130 |
Dentguy, Not riding the Ducati 7500/year miles doesn't get you completely out of the maintenance. Ducati has services based on time also. Both require 2 services before 7500 miles. Ducati wants a valve adjustment at 7500, Buell just another oil change. Both require 3 services by 15k miles. Buell 1 valve adjustment and 3 oil changes. Ducati 2 valve adjustments and 3 oil changes. Bottom line: Ducati requires more maintenance and is more expensive to maintain. Both are AWESOME bikes to ride. Ride them both. Refuse the Kool Aid from both BadWeb and DucatiSpot and make YOUR decision. ac | ||
| Chadhargis |
I loved my Ducati, but I have to admit, between the Buell and the Ducati, the parts for Buells are MUCH cheaper. I do my own service for the most part, so parts cost and availability are a big issue. Luckily for Ducati, the aftermarket is huge. MBP and California Cycleworks had a large number of parts in my Ducati. It's really hard to choose a bad bike these days (unless it's made in China or something). I enjoy great handling, and a fun "personality" in a bike. Ducati and Buell has that in spades....most Jap bikes don't. I think it's mostly a V-twin thing. Ducati is an expensive brand, and I am quite sure I couldn't have got as good a deal on a Ducati as I did on my Buell. Then there is the Buell "exclusivity" thing. Most people know what a Ducati is, but I've had to explain to people what a Buell is. The ZTL brake is a conversation piece, as is the fuel in frame and belt drive. Combine that with the story of Erik Buell, and the fact that I can hop in my car and in half a day be standing on the assembly line where my bike was made and to me that puts Buell over the edge. I've met Erik Buell three times. I've met the people who build Buells. People who engineer them. I've never one time met anyone from Ducati, Honda, Yamaha, etc. My local Buell dealer owner (Tom Bumpus) races and does track days. I've never seen any other dealership owners out there mixing it up on the very bikes they sell. I'm in the very fortunate situation to have a great dealer, who employees great folks, and take good care of me. The Ducati shop is about 4 miles from my house, but if I pulled in there on fire, I doubt they'd pee on me to put it out unless my wallet was in danger of catching fire. In the end, I support the brand that supports me. That's Buell. For those of you how don't have a great shop near by, or another brand lights your fire...then buy what works for you. Spec sheets are just paper. You can't ride them. Money is money, you'll make more. In the end it comes down to what makes you happy when you swing a leg over it and head off down a twisty road (or lean against it in a parking lot of you're into that sort of thing). To quote one of my favorite movies, "You don't buy Sony if you want RCA". | ||
| The_italian_job |
to be honest with you, there's no comparison here. I own 3 Buells and a 1098 S and even though the Buells will always stay in my garage because they represent a philosophy for me, analyzing both brands strictly under technical view, Ducati is the Ferrari on 2 wheels. I saw and drove the Streetfighter and I can tell you, it's such a great bike! I don't know if you'll go with the standard or the S version, but the S with the traction control is sick! Ohlins suspensions, Brembo monoblock calipers, carbon, 1098 desmo-engine, a huge aftermarket, reliability, a brand that's always innovating. you won't go wrong with the SF. the 1125 costs definitely less, it has a fair engine (if you never rode anything more powerful, it'll be fun and enough for you), suspensions could be much better, brakes could be better but it'll be enough for the overall performance of the bike, it costs less in maintenance. Ducati it's "the bike" my friend, even if my heart will always have the Buell in the first place... |
