Possible to make a Ducati Sportclassic comfortable? - Page 2

DiabloADV · 01-05-2011, 06:14 PM

I think it's kinda funny...hipsters are going nuts for cafe racers. Old, underpowered bikes with crappy suspension. They spend into 5 figures restoring and tricking them out. Simply to sit out in front of Starbucks in West LA...

Ducati makes a modern cafe racer that is a state-of-the-art machine...and can't sell enough to keep the line in production.

Strange world...

optimum_malarky · 01-05-2011, 08:26 PM

I go around and around with this one. I love the look of the Triumph line -- Bonnies, Scramblers, Thruxs -- but I just want more motor, more performance. I tried the Thunderbird Sport, but didn't connect with it, especially with the S3 in my garage. Maybe the sport classics aren't the way to go...

mammal · 01-06-2011, 04:42 AM

I'd suggest the GT if you like the looks of the SportClassic but hate the position. I've done a couple multi-day rides on my GT (to Lake Placid,NY and Deal's Gap, from Ohio) with an aftermarket windshield, and the position was just fine. It's no Goldwing, but anybody who buys one of these knows that.

James Adams · 01-06-2011, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by optimum_malarky

Been loving the looks of the Ducati Sportclassic 1000 recently, but only read about how uncomfortable the bike is. Anyone owned and modified one to make it less of a torture rack? I know about the GT 1000, but there's something about the SC1000 that speaks to me a little more. Then again, I don't know if Ducati is even making these bikes anymore...

mammal · 01-06-2011, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drcoopster

Yeah, I know, but figured it was worth pointing out. From photos, I think, the GT doesn't have quite the sexhay that the SC does, but I do still get a lot of admiring questions for my GT from everyone from mohawk-helmeted CBR riders to greybeards on vintage Harleys. To me, it's got enough of the cafe-styling of the SC with much better ergonomics.

lousgoose · 01-09-2011, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by optimum_malarky

I go around and around with this one. I love the look of the Triumph line -- Bonnies, Scramblers, Thruxs -- but I just want more motor, more performance. I tried the Thunderbird Sport, but didn't connect with it, especially with the S3 in my garage. Maybe the sport classics aren't the way to go...

It really depends on what your purpose for the bike is. Just for in-town riding only and such, yes, the SC is a sexy beast, but it's limited greatly in other applications. Warts and all, the GT is absolutely the best motorcycle I've ever owned and truly the best all around street going bike I've ever driven. Get the GT, you will not be disappointed. I have touring bars, Hepco-Becker luggage, touring shield, comfort seat, steering damper, and Termis. I can basically go anywhere anytime on mine. No offense, I've driven the Bonnies and Thruxtons - great and fine motorcycles - but except for the retro moniker they share, these bikes do not even belong in the same comparison class with the GT. You can find a barely used GT for less money than a new Bonnie, and you'll get way more motor, better chasis, better brakes, more comfort, capability, and character. But obviously, I've got a bias streak about a mile wide

68deluxe · 01-09-2011, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by optimum_malarky

Been loving the looks of the Ducati Sportclassic 1000 recently, but only read about how uncomfortable the bike is. Anyone owned and modified one to make it less of a torture rack? I know about the GT 1000, but there's something about the SC1000 that speaks to me a little more. Then again, I don't know if Ducati is even making these bikes anymore...

I would stay away from the GT unless you plan on replacing the suspension. It is about the cheapest setup on any modern Ducati. You can put helibars on the SC that pull the bars back about an inch, raise them a bit and change the angle (the really bad part about any ducati stock bars). You can also pull the pins in the stock bars and raise them up about 3/4". I passed up a new Paul Smart back in 2007 and am still kicking myself. Get the newest duck you can afford, more reliable and a greater parts availability.

runpasthefence · 01-10-2011, 05:43 AM

I just went through this very same issue and ended up buying a 2009 Sport 1000s.

I'd read all of the reviews and opinions that said the bike is a torture rack. This is my second road bike, and my first was a modern Triumph Bonneville.

First, keep in mind I'm 25 years old, 5'8", and have a 29" inseam.

So, I finally made up my mind that I'd jump in head first and buy one without riding or sitting on one. The bike was delivered almost a month ago while I was still overseas.

Anyway, I've been riding the bike for a few weeks and I'm happily surprised how comfortable I am on it. I'd bought taller clip on risers and 7* handle bars because I was anticipating an extremely uncomfortable riding position, but I still haven't put them on. I will eventually put the risers on, but I could totally live with the current riding position.

I find the seat uncomfortable. It is unreasonably wide, making the bike feel much taller than it already is. Having a 29" inseam makes this a pain at stop lights, but I'll likely have a custom seat made soon. Of course, if you aren't short you likely won't notice it.
Also, the seat is awful for two up riding...another reason I'll be making a custom one.

Another comfort issue for me is power delivery. There are solutions here, but I find the throttle unreasonably snatchy. This can be hard on the hands, wrists, and crotch as if you're not used to the nature of the throttle your junk will likely be forced into the tank under unexpected rapid deceleration.

On the Sport vs. GT argument....go with what turns you on. The GT didn't do it for me either. I like the fuel tank, clip ons, seat, and fairing on my 1000s better than any GT I'd seen. Furthermore, GTs come with steel wheels and coming from a Bonneville, that was something that I was trying to avoid.
The naked Sport1000 has a lot of options for raising the clip ons or even adding a true handlebar like the GT. The Paul Smart and 1000s models have limited room for adjustment due to the fairing.

My 1000s is exactly what I wanted and better (more comfortable) than I expected. Of course, your best bet is to find one and ride one. I'm not sure how I could justify a Sport 1000 with a Triple in the stable either...I'd imagine the Triple is more comfy and a better performer to boot.

...and because everyone likes pics even if they're iphone quality

ramon · 01-10-2011, 01:21 PM

I am convinced that any bike if it moves you enough, can be made comfortable.

optimum_malarky · 01-25-2011, 10:54 PM

What is a good source for locating a late model sport 1000? (besides craigslist)

Silver King · 01-26-2011, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by optimum_malarky

What is a good source for locating a late model sport 1000? (besides craigslist)

ducati.ms?

OBCPO · 12-08-2012, 07:07 PM

Howdy,
Just saw this thread. I have a Ducati Sport 1000s and I modified the bars and fairing to raise the bars up by two inches. Link to video below, but if that link doesnt work, its on ytube under Ducati Sport 1000S bar risers

http://m.youtube.com/index?&desktop_...?v=zknqoY4OqEs

BigDave75 · 12-10-2012, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikenpalsie

yep, just eat some valiums or alot of asprins , youll be fine. or maybe take up yoga and get real flexable

LOL, been there, done that!

01-05-2011, 08:26 PM	#17
optimum_malarky ^OP Premium nonsense Joined: Mar 2008 Location: Northern California.... twisty Oddometer: 326	I go around and around with this one. I love the look of the Triumph line -- Bonnies, Scramblers, Thruxs -- but I just want more motor, more performance. I tried the Thunderbird Sport, but didn't connect with it, especially with the S3 in my garage. Maybe the sport classics aren't the way to go... __________________ Current: 2003 Suzuki SV1000 N Past: 2003 R1150 GS,2004 Triumph Speed Triple (wrecked), 2001 Triumph Sprint ST, 2003 Suzuki SV650, 1984 R80 ST 1973 CB750

01-10-2011, 01:21 PM	#24
ramon weezin' the juice! Joined: Sep 2002 Location: California Oddometer: 1,016	I am convinced that any bike if it moves you enough, can be made comfortable. __________________ "...if you don't like the price then move on because I don't give a shit...it's my bike and I will sell it for whatever I want." Craigslist SF posting

01-25-2011, 10:54 PM	#25
optimum_malarky ^OP Premium nonsense Joined: Mar 2008 Location: Northern California.... twisty Oddometer: 326	What is a good source for locating a late model sport 1000? (besides craigslist) __________________ Current: 2003 Suzuki SV1000 N Past: 2003 R1150 GS,2004 Triumph Speed Triple (wrecked), 2001 Triumph Sprint ST, 2003 Suzuki SV650, 1984 R80 ST 1973 CB750

12-08-2012, 07:07 PM	#27
OBCPO n00b Joined: Feb 2011 Location: Connecticut Oddometer: 5	Yes Howdy, Just saw this thread. I have a Ducati Sport 1000s and I modified the bars and fairing to raise the bars up by two inches. Link to video below, but if that link doesnt work, its on ytube under Ducati Sport 1000S bar risers http://m.youtube.com/index?&desktop_...?v=zknqoY4OqEs

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01-05-2011, 06:14 PM	#16
DiabloADV Semi-Occasional Joined: Oct 2010 Location: Nor Cal, USA Oddometer: 1,534	I think it's kinda funny...hipsters are going nuts for cafe racers. Old, underpowered bikes with crappy suspension. They spend into 5 figures restoring and tricking them out. Simply to sit out in front of Starbucks in West LA... Ducati makes a modern cafe racer that is a state-of-the-art machine...and can't sell enough to keep the line in production. Strange world...

01-06-2011, 04:42 AM	#18
mammal Adventurer Joined: Dec 2009 Oddometer: 85	I'd suggest the GT if you like the looks of the SportClassic but hate the position. I've done a couple multi-day rides on my GT (to Lake Placid,NY and Deal's Gap, from Ohio) with an aftermarket windshield, and the position was just fine. It's no Goldwing, but anybody who buys one of these knows that.

01-10-2011, 05:43 AM	#23
runpasthefence Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Sep 2009 Location: Charleston SC Oddometer: 234	I just went through this very same issue and ended up buying a 2009 Sport 1000s. I'd read all of the reviews and opinions that said the bike is a torture rack. This is my second road bike, and my first was a modern Triumph Bonneville. First, keep in mind I'm 25 years old, 5'8", and have a 29" inseam. So, I finally made up my mind that I'd jump in head first and buy one without riding or sitting on one. The bike was delivered almost a month ago while I was still overseas. Anyway, I've been riding the bike for a few weeks and I'm happily surprised how comfortable I am on it. I'd bought taller clip on risers and 7* handle bars because I was anticipating an extremely uncomfortable riding position, but I still haven't put them on. I will eventually put the risers on, but I could totally live with the current riding position. I find the seat uncomfortable. It is unreasonably wide, making the bike feel much taller than it already is. Having a 29" inseam makes this a pain at stop lights, but I'll likely have a custom seat made soon. Of course, if you aren't short you likely won't notice it. Also, the seat is awful for two up riding...another reason I'll be making a custom one. Another comfort issue for me is power delivery. There are solutions here, but I find the throttle unreasonably snatchy. This can be hard on the hands, wrists, and crotch as if you're not used to the nature of the throttle your junk will likely be forced into the tank under unexpected rapid deceleration. On the Sport vs. GT argument....go with what turns you on. The GT didn't do it for me either. I like the fuel tank, clip ons, seat, and fairing on my 1000s better than any GT I'd seen. Furthermore, GTs come with steel wheels and coming from a Bonneville, that was something that I was trying to avoid. The naked Sport1000 has a lot of options for raising the clip ons or even adding a true handlebar like the GT. The Paul Smart and 1000s models have limited room for adjustment due to the fairing. My 1000s is exactly what I wanted and better (more comfortable) than I expected. Of course, your best bet is to find one and ride one. I'm not sure how I could justify a Sport 1000 with a Triple in the stable either...I'd imagine the Triple is more comfy and a better performer to boot. ...and because everyone likes pics even if they're iphone quality