Riding impressions: Ducati Streetfighter vs Aprilia Tuono (lots of reading)

[burnham]

My valves on my race bike were in spec at 12k miles. Hate and anger is all that engine gets from me. And synthetic oil.

[Kurlon]

I'm guessing the Aprilia is like modern Ducs... might need one actual adjustment at the first or second valve check, no movement after that.

[Manny]

Well, I greatly appreciate all the input, feedback and PM's.

While I'm sure the Brutale is a killer machine, the nearest (and only) dealer that I could find is about 60 miles away from me. I'm looking for a little more accessibility should hell freeze over and I actually need something directly from the OEM.

One thing that took away a bit from the Tuono is the 6000 mile suggested valve clearance check. I'm used to going 20,000+ and, me being someone who does my own work, I'd rather not be doing motor work every couple months. Buuuuuuut it is nowhere near being "out" because of that.

The reliablility of the FZ1 has been noted by a few here and I completely agree on all counts. This current bike has never let me down and has continued to deliver right up till now.

I've done alot of thinking and I'm going to first try to fix the FZ1. I say "try" because State Farm tells me my claim is all or nothing as far as damaged parts. Basically what they're saying is, "anything damaged in the crash will appear on my claim and I don't have much of a say in it". That apparently leaves me two choices: 1) fix it on my own dime (or) 2) total it, in which case my rates go up for 3 years. Either way, I say that's bullshit and I'm going to level with the adjuster before he/she even sees the bike.

If nothing can work out with respects to my claim then I suppose I'll have some more thinking to do.

Why would you rates go up on an incident you are not at fault for?

[butcher bergs]

Why would you rates go up on an incident you are not at fault for?

Because I didn't get the license plate number of the dark blue Escalade that ran me off the road.

:

[R1]

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I am officialy "out of the loop".

Oh well.

Good luck Paul

I hope all goes well. As for the exhaust sheild from the reading I did on ducati.ms after I rode the sfghter I have to say you still have options. Check it out before you count It out completely.

From what I read there is a bunch of nothing behind that shield.

[DucDave]

Paul...notice that most of the positive Tuono posts are posted by Tuono owners. Surprise.

And that there is no one here that owns a Streetfighter posting up about how great they are. Why is that? I think you know.

I would buy the Streetfighter in a heartbeat. I love the narrow gas tank and the riding position. I didnt experience the problem with the heatshield either.

And all the nonsense about relative reliability is just that...

Thought someone should chime in with something positive to say about Ducati.

[Kurlon]

I have a Duc, it's been perfectly reliable. I've ridden the streetfighter, DID notice the heatshield, but still lust after one badly... now that my wife is getting here license I might be allowed to trade the ST3... : )

Then again, the ST3 proved that it's still got a decent amount of 'superbike' dna in it still this weekend, so maybe I'll just gussy it up a touch instead?

[brewmaster]

I witnessed a new Street fighter pull a 137 HP at the wheel dyno run at BCM Saturday. BCM's dyno is conservative so this is a very real number, not to mention it was as flat a torque curve as you could want.

[dhawks]

Paul,

I was doing the same thing: I was at Seacoast from 2:00-5:00 on Saturday test riding the Streetfighter, 848, and 1198, and working with John. Must've just missed you.

Quite apart from the generous test-riding experience and exceptional hospitality of Seacoast -- as a total package, the Streetfighter was not for me.

The right foot-peg/heat-shield was nearly a deal-breaker in itself. The bike reserves, presumably for reasons of heat, a solid inch between the exhaust and heatshield. While riding, I eyeballed where my foot was coming to rest on the shield, and I wasn't convinced that there would be enough room even with a shield flush against the exhaust. (But I'm glad to hear that others are reporting acceptable work-arounds.) Riding with my heels on the pegs was awkward. Also, I found myself being pitched forward even more than on the superbikes. Even in neutral throttle/non-braking situations, I was sliding down the seat and smashing into the tank. Braking was worse. John admitted that I was not the first person to mention this.

But here our experience diverges: I didn't ride the Tuono, and I loved the superbikes! Both of which I found more comfortable than my '08 1000RR.

Good luck with the decision.

[Eddie]

Because I didn't get the license plate number of the dark blue Escalade that ran me off the road.

:

Exactly...however you can appeal the charge.

[DuncanMoto]

Bergs..... OH BERGSIE..... whistle whistle........
Come visit me. What's wrong? Did you forget about me?
Komaki said if you come buy the 1098 she'll make you brownies for a year.

BTW. 1098 is insured and ready for test pilot Bergs.

[Eddie]

I'm not a streetfighter person myself, however, I look at the Aprilia RSV 1000 and that seemed like a monster of a machine. Granted the RSV 1000 comes with Ohlins, brembos, etc. it just seemed to big for me.

I am unsure if the Tuono and the RSV have the same chassis ( although from the looks of it it looks like an RSV without the fairings).

Nonetheless, Aprilias are beutifull machines and if you to like it like you stated then go for it.

As for the insurance part, I would probably find out the ACV (actual cash value) of your bike and do a cost benefit analysis. I am not sure what your driving record is like but consider that you pay insurance for these kinds of incidents.

[Eddie]

Bergs..... OH BERGSIE..... whistle whistle........
Come visit me. What's wrong? Did you forget about me?
Komaki said if you come buy the 1098 she'll make you brownies for a year.

BTW. 1098 is insured and ready for test pilot Bergs.

Now that's an offer I'd take in a heartbeat

[Eddie]

Paul,

If you do get another bike...consider the 2008 CBR 1K. Not sure if you really want to go with an exotic Italian bike but the CBR was the bike of the year for 2008 and 2009. Lightest bike it its class, very powerfull, great handling etc etc.

Like I said you can get a great deal on a 2008 CBR1000RR at Naults Windham.

Best of luck

[DuncanMoto]

There is also a 1,000 mile 2009 R-1 trade in at Brockton for around $10k.

[FriskyDingo]

I would buy the Streetfighter in a heartbeat. I love the narrow gas tank and the riding position. I didnt experience the problem with the heatshield either.

And all the nonsense about relative reliability is just that...

Thought someone should chime in with something positive to say about Ducati.

heat shield fix info:
http://www.ducati.ms/forums/showthread.php?t=70348

free maint for the 1st year with the Ducati Forza sale promo:

An alternative benefit to those purchasing a new Ducati is the ability to incorporate the “Full Factory Support” service promotion; which enables a Ducati owner to simply ride and enjoy their new bike. This covers the costs for the first year of regularly scheduled maintenance for 2008 and 2009 Ducati models.

I love my Duc, only 5k miles, but the 1 minor ECU issue was taken care of quickly with no issues.

The one potential negative I see may be the mileage/range of the streetfighter compared to your FZ1, looks like it holds 4 gallons and around 125-150 miles per tank being reported. No idea what your FZ gets, just a bit more info.

[patricia929]

OK, so 2 of you came in on Saturday and didn't even say HI. Thanks.

I've got an '07 Tuono and although I don't have a lot of miles on it, I really do love the bike. I think the Rotax motor is VERY reliable - Ken has almost 30K on his Falco and has had absolutley no problems. He's done all the required valve checks and they have never been out of spec.

[DucDave]

Read MC News this month...Ducati Street fighter got last place...Speed Triple got first place.
Check this one out:
http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/...no-7000-a.html
Beautiful bike, excellent price..I am not sure if he is still going to sell it. The Tuono is great bike.

Read this months Motorcyclist...Streetfighter got Naked Bike of the Year...

[butcher bergs]

I am officialy "out of the loop".

Not at all Keith. I have been going through some insane shit on the homefront over the last couple weeks. Please don't take it personal.

And that there is no one here that owns a Streetfighter posting up about how great they are. Why is that? I think you know.

I would buy the Streetfighter in a heartbeat. I love the narrow gas tank and the riding position. I didnt experience the problem with the heatshield either.

And all the nonsense about relative reliability is just that...

Thought someone should chime in with something positive to say about Ducati.

After seeing your ST go 70-something-thousand miles before you traded it, I'm not really concerned at all with the reliabilty of Ducatis. It never even crossed my mind, actually.

...as a total package, the Streetfighter was not for me.

The heat shield was the sole deal breaker for me but you should check out that Tuono if you have a chance. It's a very surprising experience, IMO.

Bergs..... OH BERGSIE..... whistle whistle........
Come visit me. What's wrong? Did you forget about me?
Komaki said if you come buy the 1098 she'll make you brownies for a year.

BTW. 1098 is insured and ready for test pilot Bergs.

I didn't forget about you Teddy and, well, don't I get brownies anyway?

As much as I'd love to spring on that beautiful 1098 of yours, it is, in reality, not an ideal street machine for me.....or maybe it is and I don't know it yet. Whaddya doing this Sunday?

Like I said you can get a great deal on a 2008 CBR1000RR at Naults Windham.

Not exactly what I'm looking for although it is a very nice machine.

The one potential negative I see may be the mileage/range of the streetfighter compared to your FZ1, looks like it holds 4 gallons and around 125-150 miles per tank being reported. No idea what your FZ gets, just a bit more info.

It very easily returns 150+ during spirited riding with a one-time-high of 220 and an avg of about 180-ish.

Thing is, I'd really hate spending $16,000+ on a bike and the first thing I have to do is bash and cut a heat sheild in order to fully appreciate it. I'm totally smitten with that Streetfighter but Ducati needs to improve that area before I can commit to a purchase.

OK, so 2 of you came in on Saturday and didn't even say HI. Thanks.

I was there on a Friday.

[600rr0504]

I was there on a Friday.

What time on Friday? I was their on Friday and am curious if I saw you since their weren't many people their.

[butcher bergs]

What time on Friday? I was their on Friday and am curious if I saw you since their weren't many people their.

I think I showed up around 10:30 or 11 and left by 1:30-ish.

[600rr0504]

I think I showed up around 10:30 or 11 and left by 1:30-ish.

I either saw you or just missed you. You an older guy? Were you looking at gloves?

[butcher bergs]

No and no.

Showed up in shorts and flip flops, changed into acceptable riding garb, test rode the two bikes then changed back into my shorts, etc. If you saw a blue Ranger in the parking lot, I was there.

[600rr0504]

Must have just missed you by seconds. I was their at 10 then they worked on it for 45 min and I farted around for a bit in the shop for another few minutes and then I left. Not that I would have known it was you but I like to put a face to the name.

[patricia929]

Bergs, I do remember seeing you on Friday but didn't know who you were.