OK, I've always said I would never ride a bike. I now, for some reason, must. I went to a Ducati dealership and realized my life will not be complete without one. I fell in love with the Monster series. I don't want a sport bike, nor cruiser. This seems to fit exactly what I'm looking for.

Financially this seems like a pretty reasonable idea. The depreciation value is about a grand per year. I bought a 2010 Lexus a couple years ago and am paying about $400 per month in depreciation. Gas consumption is obviously a plus as well.

I want this as a daily driver from March to December (I've relocated to Augusta, GA and the forecast for next week is the mid-70's- so it's warm as fuck here). I will have a beater for the rainy days or icy months.

I'm married with two kids. I don't have the need for speed as much anymore, so I do not plan on crazy racing or extreme riding. What do I do? If anyone had the same dilemma, let me know what you did and if you are glad/disappointed with your decision. Thanks!

 

While Duc service intervals have gotten better, I'd go with a Japanese bike. Plenty to choose from. Especially with the mileage you plan to pack on - I've put about 15k on my 919 this year, which would be 2 Ducati service intervals.
If you want new...CB1000R, FZ8, FZ1, SV, Z1000, Ninja 1000...maybe even a Triple.
My 919 is by far the cheapest to maintain, and I can still rip in the mountains, and do 500 mile days.

We've started a family, and I'm trying to squeeze rides (long rides are probably out) - so I'm going to try to just commute on the 919 now. I'm keeping the R6 for the track, however.

 

If you have the means to maintain a Duc, buy it, you will never regret it. Ducati are just as good at raking in highway miles as anything else out there.

 

My 999 has 14Xxx miles on her now. Bought her in July of last year.

Have been up and down and in and out with issues and both shops that worked on it let me down in one way or another and so left me to be a typical Ducati owner .. Erm mechanic.









Would not trade it for anything though..

Well maybe a desmo :P

 

Suzuki Gladius. Reliable, super affordable, and though I LOVE the shit out of Ducs, this is worry free. Not a dedicated sport, and not a cruiser

 

http://richmond.craigslist.org/mcy/2719176829.html

First bike right?


BOOM! I win..

 

+1

 

are Duc's really that maintence heavy?

I do love the looks of them thought. Them and buells

 

First 3,000 miles there are usually two - three services. One is more of a checkup than anything. Then the six thousand, oil change, then 12 thousand, then 18 and 20k.

First 3k - costs between 500-1000
6k - 500-7500 valve adjustments costs vary by shop (plus cost of timing belts)
12k - 300
18+20k - 1500-2000

None of those include if you fuck up the clutch plates, stuff starts going because of road wear (plugs/wires), tires, oil and filter costs.

I'm sure rollingstock will chime in..





The new bikes are better from what I hear though, unfortunately, the sports bikes look to japanese for my tastes so not worth the "unique" price tag.

 

same thing that came to my mind was a sv.