Does Ducati deserve their reliability reputation?

[Cortez]

Seems to me like the 2V stuff is bullet proof, and you're on your own
with everything else + electronics. Can be great, can be a nightmare.

[MotorCade]

Originally Posted by DesmoDog

2000 996 in 2000. I also fear the rockers may flake eventually.

don't worry too much, the factory put a lot of attention on this in 98 or 99. The issue is pretty rare after that.

[MotorCade]

Originally Posted by limeymike

The last Duc gathering I was at had a good selection of models but the one that got the most attention had 49K miles on it without major work being done. That tells you right there. They are the Ferrari of the bike world, look great, sound great but should be only be brought out occasionally and sold before major service work is needed.

Do you own one? What you just said was pretty much 'the myth' as far as I'm concerned. I put 10K miles on a 748 in one year with no major - electrical only. The 4V is as robust as the 2V, most problems are due to owner neglect over service costs.

I own two Elefants (900ss motor) and just crossed 100K kms on one, and am at 35K on the other. I ride one or the other every day. They're like two-wheeled tractors. No problems yet.

Cade

[ferrix]

Originally Posted by Moronic

Corroding electrical connectors, failing voltage regulators, low-current wiring on high-current circuits, seem to have persisted over decades, for example. Depending on your usage and storage situation, these can lead to won't-start failures.

Beneath all that, the bikes seem very solid.

LOL, your definition of 'solid' is certainly different to mine! That probably is the key: expectations. My ideal of reliability is based on white goods, which is why for me there is no higher praise than comparing a motorcycle to a fridge. You know, you turn it on and never touch it again while it keeps on working for the next 10 years... to me, that is solid. Something tells me I would not call Ducati 'solid' :)

[kpt4321]

Originally Posted by ferrix

You know, you turn it on and never touch it again while it keeps on working for the next 10 years... to me, that is solid. Something tells me I would not call Ducati 'solid' :)

I. for one, would not be content to sit on top of my fridge for hours on end.

Sometimes the visceral experience of a motorcycle requires tradeoffs.

[Hog Rider]

Originally Posted by CanyonRider

My experience has been as others have posted - the 2-valve, air-cooled, fuel-injected ones from the 90s are bullet proof. The only issues I've had in 10yrs have been electrical (as others have noted). Timing belts and valve adjustment aren't bad. I tore it down prior to the TAT in 2008 (top pic) and replaced all wheel and swing arm bearings, upgraded wiring and generally greased and adjusted everything. I really haven't done anything to it since.

If you're not afraid to work on them . . .



They'll take you anywhere . . .

OK I can ask you about the Multi

I am currently running a Buell Ulysses in IBA events, I am at what seems like a Ducati level of preparation keeping my Buell running. Do you think a M/S could go 11,000 miles without breaking.

I have yet get that out of the Buell .

So, with no issues in the wrenching dept for me, do you think one could finish the Iron Butt Rally, Because I think it is the only bike to be close to the Buell's handling and feel. I like big twins . The S10 is boring to me, The G.S. is to sanitary. It might be time to have some italian in the garage.

[ferrix]

Originally Posted by kpt4321

I. for one, would not be content to sit on top of my fridge for hours on end.

Based on my brief experience with an old Monster, I think top of the fridge would be more comfortable :)

[Anorak]

Originally Posted by Hog Rider

OK I can ask you about the Multi

That's the Multi's uncle, the Cagiva Gran Canyon.

[Hog Rider]

Originally Posted by Anorak

That's the Multi's uncle, the Cagiva Gran Canyon.

Then let me modify the question, Does anybody think a MultiStrada could do 12-13,000 miles without a major failure ?

And since I have not followed Ducati that closely over the years, How is the reliability of the water cooled models.

Last year I did The Beast in the East rally, most of the big bonus points were in the deep south in August, I really want a liquid cooled bike. For my next rally mount.

[Moronic]

Originally Posted by ferrix

... My ideal of reliability is based on white goods, which is why for me there is no higher praise than comparing a motorcycle to a fridge. You know, you turn it on and never touch it again while it keeps on working for the next 10 years... to me, that is solid. Something tells me I would not call Ducati 'solid' :)

Sure, but if only devices that run non-stop for 10 years with no maintenance are solid, then you won't be calling any motorcycle solid. "LoL"

[Coloradorider]

From what I've gathered by investigating this quite exhaustively, is that all bike will have problems but some more than others. To generalize is to say a A Chevy blazer is no different than a Toyota pickup. It's a fact that some bikes have more problems than others.

Japanese bike have fewer issues and tend to be more consistent. Hondas in particular can sit for years and fire right up with a new battery and feel like new.

European bikes, be it BMW/KTM/Triumph or Ducati need more TLC and preventative maintainence and seem to be far more enjoyable to ride, but they do tend to give more headaches.

As far as the "I got a buddy on his 3rd engine" like-comments, like everything on the internet, take it with a grain of salt.

[DesmoDog]

Originally Posted by stretchmoney

Get some pictures up of these ducati's so we can see what you are talking about-especially the old ones!

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=521288

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=520081









Sorry, I haven't got a small one of the Wee 'tard online.

Originally Posted by limeymike

The last Duc gathering I was at had a good selection of models but the one that got the most attention had 49K miles on it without major work being done. That tells you right there. They are the Ferrari of the bike world, look great, sound great but should be only be brought out occasionally and sold before major service work is needed.

All that tells me is you don't go to the right gatherings. The last major Ducati gathering I was at, there was a Hypermotard there with over 100k on it. yeah, it got attention but certainly not the most attention. then again, the $100k+ bikes displayed near it did offer a bit of competition there.

The last part of your statement is pure bullshit. Brought out occasionally? I've owned nothing but Ducatis for the past ten years or so. If I go out it's on a Ducati. I've never been stranded by one except for something I screwed up. What do you consider "major service work?" Adjusting valves? Changing belts?

Granted, people who want a bike to be an appliance should NOT own a Ducati. They absolutely are not for everyone. They don't try to be. With production numbers of 40,000 per year, they don't need to be. My experience has been they are reliable. They are NOT low maintenance. They are also not nearly as hard to work on as some would have you believe.

[limeymike]

Motorcade:.QUOTE:>Do you own one? What you just said was pretty much 'the myth' as far as I'm concerned. I put 10K miles on a 748 in one year with no major - electrical only.

Nope, don't own one, but MY myth is still standing after your great Ducati defense. Don't motorcycles need "electrical" in order to run?

[Coloradorider]

Let me guess, you don't have a vagina either but you still know everything about them, including the myths, right?

[oalvarez]

i think Hillybilly nailed it. i've owned both new and old (early and mid 90s), and all i can say is that the newer bikes (especially the air cooled ones) have less problems (minus the MTS12) than those of yesteryear.

i think they're pretty darn reliable today.