Author Topic: what is the best ducati forum?  (Read 6341 times)

Offline spmoto

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 711
  • Location: Unity, Maine
what is the best ducati forum?
« on: October 24, 2017, 04:46:28 PM »
I would like to join just one good Ducati forum, you know, like Wildguzzi. Specifically, I'd like to learn more about the ST3. If there are any ST3 owners on here I'd appreciate your impressions, particularly with regard to it's two-up capabilities and passenger comfort. My wife and I are 65 and 68 respectively and are very comfortable on our '91 Lemans but would like something with better wind protection and some bags.
Thanks,
Steve M

Offline spmoto

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 711
  • Location: Unity, Maine
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #1 on: October 24, 2017, 04:48:15 PM »
P.S. The Norge and Stelvio are just too tall and heavy.
SM

Offline clubman

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 552
  • Location: South Georgia
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #2 on: October 24, 2017, 04:53:42 PM »
search "Ducati.MS" . Some very experienced folks there. Covers every model from the very first. I bought a '00 M900S about 6 months ago and they helped me get it sorted, now an excellent bike.
V7C (gone to a good home),'04 Coppa Italia (Oh my!), OSSA Explorer Street Tracker,'17 KTM 690 Duke, Monster 900S,  KTM 790S Adventure, Speed Triple 1050S (yow!)

Online Chuck in Indiana

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 29445
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #3 on: October 24, 2017, 07:00:02 PM »
A ST3 is considered to be the best of the lot by many. I had an ST2. Nice SPORT touring bike. If it were me, I'd look at a Norge instead. <shrug> Your wife will prefer the cushy ride in comparison. I wouldn't consider the maintenance hassle of the ST4.
Chuck in (Elwood) Indiana/sometimes SoCal
 
87 AeroLario
95 Skorpion tour
22 Royal Enfield Classic 3 fiddy
 "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."
Albert Einstein

Wildguzzi.com

Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #3 on: October 24, 2017, 07:00:02 PM »

Offline spmoto

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 711
  • Location: Unity, Maine
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #4 on: October 24, 2017, 08:33:58 PM »
Appreciate the feedback Chuck, but... The Norge is up on the ST by 100+ lbs. ,and, having had a Stelvio, I just really don't like that motor. It sounds like a bucket of rocks and runs like crap out of the box. Guzzidiag etc. be damned (sorry Pete Roper et.al.). I just don't have the patience nor the aptitude for such, nor do I think it should be necessary.

oldbike54

  • Guest
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #5 on: October 24, 2017, 08:49:03 PM »
 Absolutely no snark intended , but if you aren't mechanically inclined , a Ducati probably isn't a good choice .

 Dusty

Bonaventure

  • Guest
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #6 on: October 24, 2017, 09:08:57 PM »
Ducati.ms

I'm over there since 2013, same username ad here.

Offline dsrdave

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • Posts: 856
  • Location: wisconsin,an sometimes las vegas
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #7 on: October 24, 2017, 09:13:46 PM »
 I've been looking for an affordable norge and ended up buying an st3.  I've only put a few hundred miles on it but so far so good.  It definitely is more sport than touring !
It handles great, feels light at all times and has a LOT of power, even compared to my griso.
2-850T, 2-1000 convert/hacked, V11 sport, V50, centauro, '97 sport 1100, '71 V7 ambo, '76 850 Lemans,CX100,"83 LM III,1000SE, '91 LM V, '07 Griso, '53 super alce,moto parilla, zigolo, Lodola 175, Lodola 235,  '07 norge, '67 stornello, 57galletto, Nuovo Falcone, stornello ISDT, 52 Airone sport

Offline spmoto

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 711
  • Location: Unity, Maine
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #8 on: October 24, 2017, 09:32:08 PM »
Hey Dusty, no offense taken. I've owned Guzzi's for 35+ years so it's not a question of Mechanical inclination. I guess I'm just one of the rare few that doesn't care for the 4V motors. I can turn a wrench, and enjoy it, but, my laptop is not my friend when it comes to tuning. To me, the CARC bikes were a necessary evolution, but, very poorly executed and delivered. Not bashing, just expressing my opinion and frustration. I really wanted to like these bikes, especially the Stelvio.

Offline spmoto

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 711
  • Location: Unity, Maine
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #9 on: October 24, 2017, 09:39:51 PM »
dsrdave,

I notice there's a '91 LM in your gaggle. Rocker 59's via Chuck in Indiana if I'm correct. I also have a'91 (one of only 17 imported that year) and love it. How would you compare the ST3 to the LM. I know they're separated by 25 years but would appreciate your thoughts. Do you ride two-up at all? If so, how does your passenger like the ST vs. LM?
Thanks,
SM

Offline leroysch

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 336
  • Location: Neosho, MO
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #10 on: October 24, 2017, 09:52:16 PM »
Ducati.ms

I'm over there since 2013, same username ad here.

Ditto
'88 FLST
'95 Ducati 916
'04 V11 LeMans
'06 FLHX
'09 Buell 1125R
'17 BMW R Nine T
'19 H2 SX SE+
'22 Pan America

oldbike54

  • Guest
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #11 on: October 24, 2017, 10:17:58 PM »
Ditto

 Dawns that maybe I am the only WG'er who has seen your 916 Leroy . Got a pic to show these
guys ? Cool bike .

 Dusty

Offline dsrdave

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • Posts: 856
  • Location: wisconsin,an sometimes las vegas
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #12 on: October 24, 2017, 10:22:53 PM »
I very seldom ride 2-up. But that was one reason to get a touring bike as I'd like to take a passenger along sometimes.  I also like the LM, a LOT.  But comparing it to the st3 is apples to oranges in my opinion.  I like my tonti bikes but 25 years can't be ignored.  I find myself riding my newer bikes more an more. They just work better in all areas!! Push the button an go. To me the st3 is closer to the injected spine frame bikes but quieter, lighter an much more powerful.  The other day I grabbed a bit too much throttle an wow, the front wheel came up an I was 16yr old again, lol.
2-850T, 2-1000 convert/hacked, V11 sport, V50, centauro, '97 sport 1100, '71 V7 ambo, '76 850 Lemans,CX100,"83 LM III,1000SE, '91 LM V, '07 Griso, '53 super alce,moto parilla, zigolo, Lodola 175, Lodola 235,  '07 norge, '67 stornello, 57galletto, Nuovo Falcone, stornello ISDT, 52 Airone sport

Offline mgmuellner

  • New Egg
  • *
  • Posts: 3
  • Location: Sunrise, MN
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #13 on: October 24, 2017, 11:53:46 PM »
ducati.org has a forum with traffic & a lot of good info. 
83 Lemans 850
68 v700
73 850 Eldo
72 Norton Commando
74 Norton Commando
98 748
73 cb750
69 sl350
65 C110 (3)
65 m50s
65 125 stornello
73 rd350
73 rd60
00 sv650
52 motom 48cc (2)
07 smr450 (converted to dirt)
z50 (2)
suzuki hustler
honda 200S 3 wheeler converted to 2
xs650

Offline Perazzimx14

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 5974
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #14 on: October 25, 2017, 05:15:47 AM »
Absolutely no snark intended , but if you aren't mechanically inclined , a Ducati probably isn't a good choice .

 Dusty

If your talking about bevel head Ducati's I might agree. Anything later and I don't agree at all. Heck my 900ss is easier to work on than my DL650
2021 Moto Guzzi V85TT Guardia D'onore
2017 V7 III Carbon Dark #0008 of 1921
2017 Road Glide Special
2020 Kawasaki KLX300SM
2016 Suzuki Van Van 200

Offline jpv7

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • Posts: 408
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #15 on: October 25, 2017, 07:44:42 AM »
I've been looking for an affordable norge and ended up buying an st3.  I've only put a few hundred miles on it but so far so good.  It definitely is more sport than touring !
It handles great, feels light at all times and has a LOT of power, even compared to my griso.
I sold my ST4S to get my V7ii.  Nothing wrong with it- I just wasn't into the comfy touring bagger thing.  Sold it to my buddy and he's put another 40,000 km on it.  When you buy a used one, you will basically do 1 good valve clearance check and adjustment.  If you do it properly, you won't need to do it on the broken in engine for many, many miles.  Mine had quality suspension (ST4S) and was as solid a bike as I have ever owned.  Mine was a 2003, but the 2004+ have much better ergos.  You will probably find more ST4S to be available, but don't be afraid of the 4 valve.  If it's clean and the price is right go for it.

Rough Edge racing

  • Guest
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #16 on: October 25, 2017, 07:47:21 AM »
If your talking about bevel head Ducati's I might agree. Anything later and I don't agree at all. Heck my 900ss is easier to work on than my DL650

  Yup, my 96 900M requires a bit of patience for some stuff but generally straightforward...S tories of difficult maintenance is passed on by by those with little mechanical ability or understanding...
  I'm on the Ducati MS and Ducati Monster Forum, different screen names than here...Like any forum, the help you get depends on who answers the posts and your own understanding of the situation...Step one is always the same, ignore all the BS and wives tales ....

Online Chuck in Indiana

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 29445
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #17 on: October 25, 2017, 08:18:43 AM »
dsrdave,

I notice there's a '91 LM in your gaggle. Rocker 59's via Chuck in Indiana if I'm correct. I also have a'91 (one of only 17 imported that year) and love it. How would you compare the ST3 to the LM. I know they're separated by 25 years but would appreciate your thoughts. Do you ride two-up at all? If so, how does your passenger like the ST vs. LM?
Thanks,
SM

Correct. You've obviously been paying attention.  :smiley: Dorcia liked the LM considerably better than the ST2. It's hard to compare the bikes, though.. they are *completely* different. The LM is an elemental "freight train" with relaxed ergos compared to the "Sport bike with bags" Duck. The Duck will out perform the LM everywhere.. handling, braking, acceleration, as you might imagine.
I, personally, have made my choice. Gimme a Guzzi.  :wink:
Chuck in (Elwood) Indiana/sometimes SoCal
 
87 AeroLario
95 Skorpion tour
22 Royal Enfield Classic 3 fiddy
 "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."
Albert Einstein

Offline jpv7

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • Posts: 408
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #18 on: October 25, 2017, 09:00:16 AM »
Correct. You've obviously been paying attention.  :smiley: Dorcia liked the LM considerably better than the ST2. It's hard to compare the bikes, though.. they are *completely* different. The LM is an elemental "freight train" with relaxed ergos compared to the "Sport bike with bags" Duck. The Duck will out perform the LM everywhere.. handling, braking, acceleration, as you might imagine.
I, personally, have made my choice. Gimme a Guzzi.  :wink:
Good points - the ST2s and early ST4/ST4s had a fairly aggressive seating position.  They needed bar risers and a better seat to be acceptable.  Did that to mine and it was fine.  ST3s and later ST4S, 2004+ have the ergos sorted but i think the seats are still junk.  i bought a Sargent ($450) for mine and it was great.

Online Chuck in Indiana

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 29445
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #19 on: October 25, 2017, 09:20:27 AM »
Good points - the ST2s and early ST4/ST4s had a fairly aggressive seating position.  They needed bar risers and a better seat to be acceptable.  Did that to mine and it was fine.  ST3s and later ST4S, 2004+ have the ergos sorted but i think the seats are still junk.  i bought a Sargent ($450) for mine and it was great.

I used to make a bolt on for the early ST2/ST4 out of billet that allowed the use of tubular bars. You could put apes on it if you wanted..  :evil:
My manufacturers liability carrier said, "You are making something that affects the steering of a motorcycle??" "Stop that."  :smiley:
Chuck in (Elwood) Indiana/sometimes SoCal
 
87 AeroLario
95 Skorpion tour
22 Royal Enfield Classic 3 fiddy
 "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."
Albert Einstein

oldbike54

  • Guest
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #20 on: October 25, 2017, 09:43:42 AM »
 Funny how we progressed from a gentle warning about maintenance on a motorcycle brand to a full blown "they are the greatest most reliable bikes ever built and if you can't see that ..."  :laugh:

 Dusty

Online Chuck in Indiana

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 29445
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #21 on: October 25, 2017, 10:30:26 AM »
Well, Dusty.. my ST2 *was* quite reliable. I only had it for 12K miles, though.. so I don't know how well it would have done in the long run. Maintenance mostly involved cleaning and lubing the chain every 300 freekin miles  :evil: and the normal fluid and tire thingys. Getting the plastic off was a PITA. Did I mention Dorcia didn't particularly like the pillion seat? That, and the ergos made it go away.
I still wouldn't particularly like working on it, and really can't work on the new ones. <shrug> Gimme a Guzzi..  :smiley:
Chuck in (Elwood) Indiana/sometimes SoCal
 
87 AeroLario
95 Skorpion tour
22 Royal Enfield Classic 3 fiddy
 "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."
Albert Einstein

Offline Perazzimx14

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 5974
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #22 on: October 25, 2017, 12:14:26 PM »
Funny how we progressed from a gentle warning about maintenance on a motorcycle brand to a full blown "they are the greatest most reliable bikes ever built and if you can't see that ..."  :laugh:

 Dusty

Was it a gentle warning or an opinion?

2021 Moto Guzzi V85TT Guardia D'onore
2017 V7 III Carbon Dark #0008 of 1921
2017 Road Glide Special
2020 Kawasaki KLX300SM
2016 Suzuki Van Van 200

oldbike54

  • Guest
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #23 on: October 25, 2017, 12:17:53 PM »
Was it a gentle warning or an opinion?

 Both . Look , even Chuck said basically the same thing . Ducatis are cool , but if you can't do your own mechanical stuff they can be expensive .

 Dusty

Offline JeffOlson

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 1643
  • Location: Oregon & Washington
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #24 on: October 25, 2017, 12:47:43 PM »
Ducati.MS is good.

Interestingly, I traded in my Ducati ST2 on my first Norge. My wife and I miss the ST2, but the Norge is far better for us for traveling any distance.

Here's a little comparison of the two bikes:

   Moto Guzzi Norge   Ducati ST2
Dry weight (lbs.)   566   467
Wet weight (lbs.)   641   540
Saddle height (in.)   31.9   32.3
Wheel base (in.)   61   56.3
Tank capacity (gal.)   6.08   5.55
Fork diameter (mm)   45   43
Engine size (cc)   1,151   944
Horsepower   102 @ 7,000   83 @ 8,500
Hp / dry weight lb.   0.1802   0.1777
Hp / wet weight lb.   0.1591   0.1537
Torque   76.7 @ 5,500   62 @ 6,500
Ft. lbs. / dry weight lb.   0.1355   0.1328
Ft. lbs. / wet weight lb.   0.1197   0.1148
Top speed (mph)   130   138
Front wheel   3.5x17   
Front tire   120/70 ZR17   
Rear wheel   5.5x17   
Rear tire   180/55 ZR17   170/60 ZR17
2018 Vespa GTS 300
2016 Moto Guzzi Norge
2015 Vespa Sprint 150
2015 Vespa GTS 300

Offline spmoto

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 711
  • Location: Unity, Maine
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #25 on: October 25, 2017, 12:53:36 PM »
Thanks for all the feedback and especially the opinion of the passenger ergo's. That is of paramount concern. Thanks Chuck. So, if I'm wise and rule out the ST, where to now? Hmmm.

I think the argument surrounding maintenance holds true for any brand. If you can't or don't want to do your own work you are at the mercy of your chosen repair shop. I had a Duc 750 F1 and valve adjustments were very involved requiring head removal and at least a half day to perform. I accepted it as part of the deal but I also think I rode it less as a result. A fun bike in my 30's but not something I'd tackle now.

Thanks again, All!

Offline Perazzimx14

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 5974
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #26 on: October 25, 2017, 12:58:52 PM »
Both . Look , even Chuck said basically the same thing . Ducatis are cool , but if you can't do your own mechanical stuff they can be expensive .

 Dusty

So can Honda��s, Suzuki �s, Kawasaki�s, BMW�s, Guzzi�s and every other brand of motorcycle. It isn�t  an exclusivity to Ducati ownership  even though many like to portray that it it.

If you can�t or don�t what to do the work yourself and rely on a dealer to do the work, no matter what brand it�s going to be expensive.
2021 Moto Guzzi V85TT Guardia D'onore
2017 V7 III Carbon Dark #0008 of 1921
2017 Road Glide Special
2020 Kawasaki KLX300SM
2016 Suzuki Van Van 200

oldbike54

  • Guest
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #27 on: October 25, 2017, 01:34:22 PM »
So can Honda��s, Suzuki �s, Kawasaki�s, BMW�s, Guzzi�s and every other brand of motorcycle. It isn�t  an exclusivity to Ducati ownership  even though many like to portray that it it.

If you can�t or don�t what to do the work yourself and rely on a dealer to do the work, no matter what brand it�s going to be expensive.

 All true in some cases , but there are cheaper and simpler alternatives . There are more dealers and independent mechanics who are familiar with the Japanese brands than with Ducati . For me , sorting out a Norge would be a simpler solution , but the OP already ruled that out , seems that dealing with another Italian bike would present the same issues . That was my point all along .

 Dusty

Offline Perazzimx14

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 5974
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #28 on: October 25, 2017, 03:56:48 PM »
All true in some cases , but there are cheaper and simpler alternatives . There are more dealers and independent mechanics who are familiar with the Japanese brands than with Ducati . For me , sorting out a Norge would be a simpler solution , but the OP already ruled that out , seems that dealing with another Italian bike would present the same issues . That was my point all along .

 Dusty

So by the reasoning in you second sentence the OP should defiantly stay away from Moto Guzzi, correct? The Ducati dealer network is probably 10 or 20 times what Guzzi is.

Look I get it but it galls me when people arbitrarily throw out Ducati's are "expensive to maintain" (and someone always does) when that truly isn't the case.
2021 Moto Guzzi V85TT Guardia D'onore
2017 V7 III Carbon Dark #0008 of 1921
2017 Road Glide Special
2020 Kawasaki KLX300SM
2016 Suzuki Van Van 200

oldbike54

  • Guest
Re: what is the best ducati forum?
« Reply #29 on: October 25, 2017, 04:18:19 PM »
So by the reasoning in you second sentence the OP should defiantly stay away from Moto Guzzi, correct? The Ducati dealer network is probably 10 or 20 times what Guzzi is.

Look I get it but it galls me when people arbitrarily throw out Ducati's are "expensive to maintain" (and someone always does) when that truly isn't the case.

 Just curious , did you read what I actually wrote ?

 Dusty

***Wildguzzi Official Logo High Quality 5 Color Window Decals Back In Stock***
Shipping in USA Only. Awesome quality. Back by popular demand. All proceeds go back into the forum.
http://www.wildguzzi.com/Products/products.htm
Advertise Here
 

20 Ounce Stainless Steel Double Insulated Tumbler
Buy a quality tumbler and support the forum at the same time!
Better than a YETI! BPA and Lead free.
Advertise Here