A second bike...

[Birch71]

Well, I'm really getting the itch for a second bike. Not that my Griso 1100 is boring by a log shot, but you know the drill.

I'm thinking of either a Ducati Super Sport or Hypermotard. Same engine in principal since I'm looking at the 1000ds and the 1100 HM. I'm also tall with shorter legs and long body arms for the modern gorilla look.

Haven't ridden either, but used prices for both are becoming attractive.

Any one have a go on either of these Ducs?

[oldbike54]

While Ducati makes some lovely MCs , the used prices may reflect the cost of the upcoming first major service . Might be wise to factor that in when negotiating . Good luck .

  Dusty

[lrutt]

Oh God, here we go with Duc service costs again. 

The 2v air cooled motors are easy to do, and maintenance can be minimized with a few strategic updates.

Belts every few years are cheap and extremely easy. Valves are easy as well, not Goose easy but a hell of a lot easier than some water cooled Jap beast with acres of plastic and plumbing to deal with. At first check, put in MBP collets instead of the crappy split rings, buy an EMS shim kit, baseline your valves, and will likely not have to make any adjustments again for 20k miles or so. I did mine at 6k miles and at 20k are still well within spec. Checking is easy to do when you change the belts out.

[Peter from Sch'dy]

A known documented service history is always a good reference. I'd think the SS might fit you better than the taller HM. I had a '93 900 ss which was great fun, very comfortable (6-1, 34" inseam) and nearly appliance like for reliability. (I've been told by reliable sources that the later DS SS's are not as comfortable but no personal knowledge.) They have decent showa adjustable forks but the shock can be iffy, although mine was good until I sold the bike at 20000miles. Lots of performance parts available. Check frame at steering head for weld/tube failure, a known thing on '96-97 vintage I believe. Most frames were replaced under warranty. 15-20,000 miles wouldn't scare me away. $3-4000 should get a good one.

Best,
Peter

[oldbike54]

Oh God, here we go with Duc service costs again. 

The 2v air cooled motors are easy to do, and maintenance can be minimized with a few strategic updates.

 True , if one does the work themselves . However , official Ducati service can be a bit pricey , as can official service on Japanese brands , but the question was re Ducs , not Honda .

  Dusty

[Birch71]

And the question had nothing to do with maintenance.  I was more thinking about the bikes themselves.

[rocker59]

Personally, I really like the 1996-1998 Supersports.

Get an SP version.  It will have the aluminum swingarm and adjustable suspension.

The 1998 model 900FE would be my top pick.  Limited edition of 300. 

Both the 1997 and 1998 benefit from updated oil lines in the engine.

If you can find one with FCR carbs, a 944cc kit, and nice exhaust, that would be the one to get !!!

Seat height is low, and reach to the bars is not bad.  The fairing works well.

They're great Italian sporty motorcycles !
 
 

[SteveAZ]

Personally, I really like the 1996-1998 Supersports.

Get an SP version.  It will have the aluminum swingarm and adjustable suspension.

The 1998 model 900FE would be my top pick.  Limited edition of 300. 

Both the 1997 and 1998 benefit from updated oil lines in the engine.

If you can find one with FCR carbs, a 944cc kit, and nice exhaust, that would be the one to get !!!

Seat height is low, and reach to the bars is not bad.  The fairing works well.

They're great Italian sporty motorcycles !
 
 

+1 and going up in price for a nice specimen. Love those bikes....

[Perazzimx14]

True , if one does the work themselves . However , official Ducati service can be a bit pricey , as can official service on Japanese brands , but the question was re Ducs , not Honda .

  Dusty

A very well respected Ducati dealer in the area charges around $300 to do a valve check on a 2 valver. Price goes up/down depending if and how many shims that are needed. The closers unless under extraordinary circumstances never go out of spec as there is no/little pressure on them and once the openers "bed" in shims rerely need to be changed. This does not apply to track bikes. Belts cost about $90 and 20 minutes to swap.

To the OP I had a 2009 Ducati 848 then bought a 2007 Griso and when it came time to add a 3rd bike I bought a 1996 900ss/cr. The 848 and the Griso are long gone and I don't miss them at all. The 848 was too high strung for road duties and the Griso felt like like you were driving an aircraft carrier around compared to the Ducati. I have since bought and sold many bikes but the 900ss isn't going anywhere. The 900ss carbed motor is to me the perfect street motor.

[oldbike54]

 Geez fellas , only mentioned the service cost as a negotiating tool 

  Dusty

[Perazzimx14]

Geez fellas , only mentioned the service cost as a negotiating tool 

  Dusty

....and that's typically all it is. I know I use it against a seller when I can

[Lannis]

Geez fellas , only mentioned the service cost as a negotiating tool 

  Dusty

And with Ducs, it IS a negotiating tool.   Ducatis are notorious for being up for sale with the next major service still pending.

I know that Ducati experts are all like "The air-cooled 2 valvers are EASY, just get a shim kit and cobble up a belt tension tool and it's a doddle compared to doing a DOHC shim-under-bucket four from Jap'."

But everyone doesn't do their own work and they're not all air-cooled 2-valvers and the latest ones will take $1500 for the dealer to service ... and you SHOULD figure that in the price ....

So it's a fair comment.

Lannis

[oldbike54]

 Thanks Lannis .

  Dusty

[Guzzistajohn]

A Tonti frame Guzzi would be the logical choice for someone that owns a Greece-o already wouldn't it?

[canuguzzi]

And with Ducs, it IS a negotiating tool.   Ducatis are notorious for being up for sale with the next major service still pending.

I know that Ducati experts are all like "The air-cooled 2 valvers are EASY, just get a shim kit and cobble up a belt tension tool and it's a doddle compared to doing a DOHC shim-under-bucket four from Jap'."

But everyone doesn't do their own work and they're not all air-cooled 2-valvers and the latest ones will take $1500 for the dealer to service ... and you SHOULD figure that in the price ....

So it's a fair comment.

Lannis

True words. When I was looking, nearly every Multistrada listed needed or was going to need a major service within a short time. Most sellers would also be willing to drop the price to cover the cost of the service too.

[Perazzimx14]

Personally, I really like the 1996-1998 Supersports.

You sir have impeccable taste.

[lucydad]

Birch,

Adding the new Triumph 675 STRX to my beloved V7R has been a hoot.  My riding skills have improved, and I actually enjoy and treasure the Guzzi more for its unique characteristics.

Guess which bike gets rolled out tomorrow morning around 7 AM?  Guess? 

Veloce!

[blakebird]

True , if one does the work themselves . However , official Ducati service can be a bit pricey , as can official service on Japanese brands , but the question was re Ducs , not Honda .

  Dusty

I had a first gen Multistrada, with the same 1000DS 2V motor mentioned above.
Local shop quotes the book rate for doing the valve lash check - $215
Cheap to do, and it's a honey of an engine, one of my favorite street motors ever....good stuff.

[Perazzimx14]

I'm glad I don't have money burnin a hole in my pocket because I'd be on the way to VT tomorrow:

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/1997-ducati-900ss-for-sale-in-vt-mono-posto-seat-racetech-vortex-heli-bar-sp-goodies.1086674/

[Birch71]

You sir have impeccable taste.

I always thought the pre-1998's were prone to frame cracks at the headtube?

[Birch71]

I'm glad I don't have money burnin a hole in my pocket because I'd be on the way to VT tomorrow:

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/1997-ducati-900ss-for-sale-in-vt-mono-posto-seat-racetech-vortex-heli-bar-sp-goodies.1086674/

What a fantastic ride!!!

[Perazzimx14]

I always thought the pre-1998's were prone to frame cracks at the headtube?

By 1996 most of the frame cracking issues were gone, but some still did/do. Not a big deal (unless you are a perfectionists) it can easily be repaired. Lift up the gas tank remove the ground wire off the battery and TIG the crack shut. Then spray over w/ some gold colored paint and you're done. There are also weld on gusset kits if you desire. The cracking frame issue is also a negotiating tactic along w/ service and service records. I'd have no issue buying a 900ss w/ a cracked frame but I'd offer 30 to 50% less because of the frame damage . 

For the record the SS/SP aluminum swing arms are prone to cracking at the weld by the pivot bolt. Again an easy fix. 

[fotoguzzi]

I'm glad I don't have money burnin a hole in my pocket because I'd be on the way to VT tomorrow:

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/1997-ducati-900ss-for-sale-in-vt-mono-posto-seat-racetech-vortex-heli-bar-sp-goodies.1086674/

maybe Mpls is closer,

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/mcy/5168124168.html

rather have yellow?
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/mcy/5120048631.html

or black?
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/mcy/5152800350.html

[Chuck in Indiana]

You sir have impeccable taste.

Agreed.

[Perazzimx14]

maybe Mpls is closer,

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/mcy/5168124168.html

rather have yellow?
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/mcy/5120048631.html

or black?
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/mcy/5152800350.html

I already have a red 900ss/cr and also had a red 900 ss/sp and a white frame 1992 ss.

I don't like the Terblanche designed Super Sports in any color.   

I don't have the funds if I were interested. However if I were the ADV Rider bike is here I'd spend my money.