Ducati GT 1000

[Retro]

Originally Posted by Bert

Test ride scheduled for Saturday. Oh shit.

What's up Bert, late life crisis?

I love the looks of the bikes. Are you buying a friend for the wing? That would be a sweet combination.

[dave1068]

Not sure if you looked at Moto Guzzi, but I also looked at the gt1000 but wanted a shaft drive but still a sport/touring bike and heard some of the same problems you did about tank spreading and suspension and bought a mg breva 1200 sport. Many dealers can get the 2008 leftover for about 9-10k and it listed for 13500. Comes in red or black
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...givirack-1.jpg

[Bert]

Originally Posted by Retro

What's up Bert, late life crisis?

I love the looks of the bikes. Are you buying a friend for the wing? That would be a sweet combination.

If I do it the Duc will replace the Wing. I just might be nuts.

[Retro]

Originally Posted by Bert

If I do it the Duc will replace the Wing. I just might be nuts.

I wouldn't say that's nuts.

It's a big change though.

[Bert]

Originally Posted by Retro

I wouldn't say that's nuts.

It's a big change though.

Less than half the size. The test ride will be interesting I think.

[Duck_Pilot]

Originally Posted by Bert

........I'm interested in the handling, comfort (suitability for touring), power delivery, reliability, quality, maintenance frequency/cost, special issues, strengths/weaknesses. Just about anything you can tell me would be new information.

Handling: Confidence-inspiring, neutral, composed. I wouldn't call Her 'flickable' (unless you are accustomed to countersteering to initiate a turn), but She's hardly a slouch. Brembo brakes are strong, with great feedback.

Comfort: Of course, that's an impossibly subjective item. At 6'-1" and 225#, She fits me very well, just as She is. The suspension on mine is rather stiff at both ends, while some other owners claim the opposite on their machines. I have no explaination. The seat is comfy enough for a 400-mile + day, although the cover is a bit slick - grab a handful of brake, and yer future children will bounce off the fuel tank. The clutch pull is a little stiff, but the feel is progressive - you'll get used to it after a few months.

Power delivery: Addictive. There is enough horsepower and torque to keep you grinning like the husband of an insatible Miss America. No need to downshift above 3K RPM - just roll it on. There's plenty enough zoot below 5K for 99% of my riding miles, but She still pulls smoothly up to the rev-limiter (9800) whenever I want. The solidly-mounted engine is absurdly peaceful at any steady-throttle RPM, from idle on up. You'll feel pleasant vibrations under accelleration, but smoothness when you level out. The 6-speed gearbox is as slick as they come, and 4K on the tach means 75 MPH in top.

Reliability: Just fine. There were a few issues, all taken care of by the dealer under warranty. I bought mine new with the DP ECU/Termi/Airbox option installed before delivery. The ECU was eventually replaced, curing a hesitation under hard throttle @ 3K, that they couldn't tune out with mapping. (The OEM ECU and oh-two sensor were installed while awaiting the new DP unit, and I got over 58 MPG consistently on the highway, with high 40's commuting.) The wiring harness was replaced, curing a disconnection to the air temperature sensor. The fuel tank DID spread a bit, but a few shims to the tank mount fixed that. Because there is no leaking involved, nor any other distortion of shape, I never claimed a warranty replacement - although the dealer would have gladly covered that for me as well. There's been nothing in 14,305 miles so far, that threatened to leave me stranded, nor gave me any cause to worry at all.

Quality: I'm very satisfied. Fit and finish are excellent, and I can't find a sloppy weld anywhere. It seems that no corners were cut on 'Lil Miss Duckie.

Maintenance: The 7500 and 15,000 mile services will cost you a bit, especially if done at the dealership, but there are a lot of very good independent Ducati mechanics around. First one gets throttle-bodies to sync, Desmo valve lash set, and a close inspection all over. The 15K gets all that, and timing belts, too. This engine is actually quite uncomplicated, once one gets into the Desmo mindset.....not difficult, just different. I haven't had to turn many wrenches on mine, but there's no hesitation if need be.

Fueling: I'm averaging upper 40's in town, and mid 50's on the highway, with the DP kit installed. If topped to the equalizing holes in the filler neck, the tank holds 3.9 gallons.... and the low-fuel warnings kick-in with about a half-gallon left. When intentionally being easy on the throttle, I've reached 178 miles before the lights come on. I wouldn't hesitate to tour on Her, although I haven't done so yet. Maybe next summer?

In short, if YOU like the GT-1000, and trust the dealership, then consider a purchase if the price is right. If not, that's OK, too. Ride what you love to, and screw anybody who tells you otherwise!

*QUACK*

[Bert]

Thank yew Duck, very useful insights.

[High_Side]

Originally Posted by ThomasDa

Friend of mine owns one and can't be convinced to ride something else. He really loves that bike. :)

I had one and it sucked....go figure. To each their own but I haven't been more disappointed with any bike in a long time.

Try it and see if you like it. There seems to be plenty in here who love it so maybe the crappy suspension and coughing and sputtering holds some appeal....

[vnsfxr]

Originally Posted by Bert

If I do it the Duc will replace the Wing. I just might be nuts.

Maybe 1/2 nuts?

I kept my ST1300 when I bought the GT. While I think the GT is fun and a great bike it can not replace my 1/2 Wing

[Retro]

Bert, report back on your test ride today.

[Bert]

Originally Posted by Retro

Bert, report back on your test ride today.

Back to basics. I pick up one just like this next Tuesday.



The test ride was a mix of urban riding then into the hills west of Portland. Very agile. The 500 lb weight savings was notable and confidence inspiring. No, it's not the bike for 500 miles a day touring, and the barcalounger ride is now firm sporty. When it rains I'm gonna get wet, and there're no heated grips & seat to keep me toasty when the temperatures drop.

Very free revving motor, and terrific surge with an enthusiastic right wrist.

I think the fun is back.

[Duck_Pilot]

.......about the addictive power delivery. Yer soul just got captured by the Merciless Mistress of Bologna!

Congratulations, and welcome to the club. I often describe riding 'Lil Miss Duckie as being in love with Miss America, and discovering She's got a very kinky mean streak when ya get Her wound up. If this doesn't make sense to ya yet, it soon will. I like the all-black touring model.......beautifully understated. Who needs heated grips? There's plenty of room in the OEM tailbag for a rainsuit, and the Michelin tires work very well, rain or shine.

But now ya got 2-1/2 days of anticipation before picking Her up...... like a kid before Christmas. Gonna get any sleep?

[Bert]

Originally Posted by Duck_Pilot

.......about the addictive power delivery. Yer soul just got captured by the Merciless Mistress of Bologna!

Congratulations, and welcome to the club. I often describe riding 'Lil Miss Duckie as being in love with Miss America, and discovering She's got a very kinky mean streak when ya get Her wound up. If this doesn't make sense to ya yet, it soon will. I like the all-black touring model.......beautifully understated. Who needs heated grips? There's plenty of room in the OEM tailbag for a rainsuit, and the Michelin tires work very well, rain or shine.

But now ya got 2-1/2 days of anticipation before picking Her up...... like a kid before Christmas. Gonna get any sleep?

The Termignoni exhaust is on order to give me that full-throated Ducati howl. They tell me it changes the throttle response.

It was a challenge to get used to the size, everything is thisclose. After the Goldwing and the BMWs before it it seemed tiny, it's gotta be 2 feet shorter than the Wing.

[Duck_Pilot]

Originally Posted by Bert

The Termignoni exhaust is on order to give me that full-throated Ducati howl. They tell me it changes the throttle response.

It was a challenge to get used to the size, everything is thisclose. After the Goldwing and the BMWs before it it seemed tiny, it's gotta be 2 feet shorter than the Wing.

Are you getting the entire kit, or just the Termi's? With the DP ECU, airbox lid and mufflers, you WILL notice the change. The throttle becomes instant, and a bit less smooth. Getting around in parking lots may be a touch less pleasant, but the front wheel will loft much more easily.

Make sure the dealership gives you back all the OEM parts, including the Termi baffles. The bike is much too quiet with those installed (one screw each), but you can tune the sound later on by drilling more holes in 'em if you like. I've got everything in the large muffler kit box in the basement.

You've got the size about right! It feels awfully damn small for a literbike at first blush. After a while in the saddle, it just feels....good! Keep us posted, eh?

[Bert]

Originally Posted by Duck_Pilot

Are you getting the entire kit, or just the Termi's? With the DP ECU, airbox lid and mufflers, you WILL notice the change. The throttle becomes instant, and a bit less smooth. Getting around in parking lots may be a touch less pleasant, but the front wheel will loft much more easily.

Make sure the dealership gives you back all the OEM parts, including the Termi baffles. The bike is much too quiet with those installed (one screw each), but you can tune the sound later on by drilling more holes in 'em if you like. I've got everything in the large muffler kit box in the basement.

You've got the size about right! It feels awfully damn small for a literbike at first blush. After a while in the saddle, it just feels....good! Keep us posted, eh?

I don't know about the airbox lid but the Termignonis come with a new chip.