CB1100 and Ducati Owners

[LongRanger_imp]

Here's my '06 Monster 620. It's the baby brother to camoto's 1000.

[Macduff_imp]

I had a 2005 Monster 1000 i.e. in Senna. It was a fantastic bike and was rock solid. Valve maintenance was a bit more work than other bikes but not so complex that it was unusual by any means. I truly loved the bike and really enjoyed riding it. I loved that it was air cooled (the water-cooled monsters were just starting to take over at the time) with one less thing to worry about.

Ducati of today is a very different company. The cost-savings corporate bandits have hit hardest in manufacturing and quality has suffered. I've seen more and more people complaining about electrical gremlins and other really odd problems. (The poly tank issue has affected other manufacturers (KTM in particular) that are using them and I think this is due to ethanol fuels more than quality, but that's just my opinion).

I would not buy another Ducati because of the recent quality issues. They were never rock-solid but of late I seem to read and hear so much about their problems.

Anyways, seeing as we're talking about it, here's a pic. It was a gorgeous bike!

That was indeed a gorgeous bike. Thanks for your insights. Much appreciated.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I used to own a Ducati Paul Smart Sport Classic. It was a lovely bike to look at but it was the most uncomfortable bike to ride that I've owned and that list includes a 916. They also suffer badly with plastic fuel tank swelling. Mine was starting to get a little out of shape and that is on uk unleaded. I traded it as I didn't really enjoy riding it and ended up buying a 94 900 Superlight whilst I still owned the Paul Smart as that was more fun to use. The PS has the ohlins suspension and whilst it was supposed to be a lot better than the lesser plain sport classics they still weren't that good and the aging Showas on my 94 Superlight were better (I still have the superlight) . The sport classics seem to be going up in value these days (darn sold mine when they weren't that loved) but I think there are better ducatis out there for riding than these (if not looking at).

So I am interested in the Sport Classics myself and am aware of the tank swelling issue due to the material. The PS is definitely out of the question for me because of the riding position... looks amazing stationary but esp for someone with inseams my length, the torture rack just won't work for me.

Thanks for sharing with me your insights and perspective.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think the only Sport Classic that didn't require arms longer than your legs was the GT, this one had bars attached to the top of the top yoke/triple. The others the Sport Classic Mono (same as the PS but without the fairing and badge, usually coloured yellow?) and the Sport Classic Biposto, same bodywork as the PS (but in red) which had a dual rear swingarm and dual seat. These models all had same /similar rider ergos with a long reach to the clip-ons. I did fit the popular at the time mod of using ST4S clip-ons but even with the extra height and pull back of these the ride position was still extreme. I think Ducati offered a higher bar clip on kit but it wasn't much of an improvement imo.
Pic of mine with a Zard exhaust and ST4S wheels which I used in place of the oem spoked wheels (I hated cleaning those).

[use2b_imp]

ferret your a world of knowledge , friend had a Ducati 150 when we were both 14 and i pulled him home with a rope tied to my Super 90 . he rides a Harley now and we laughed about that last week at Harley Bike night.
50+ years of friendship and motorcycles , Life is Good

[Cormanus]

I had a mate who had a Ducati Monster 690. He loved it at first, but it developed an intermittent fault. The Ducati dealer insisted there was nothing wrong with it until, conveniently or otherwise, the warranty expired. He sold it and bought a Honda.

I rode with him one day when he first had it and thought it a great little bike.

On the subject of ropes and towing, back in the 70s my Suzuki 250 blew a spark plug out of the head in the middle of the night on the top of a hill in the middle of nowhere. A mate, who didn't have an open license, lent me his Honda CB350 and, with his girlfriend on the back, he towed me to our destination.

[Lord Popgun]

Cormanus, how does your licensing work in Oz?

[COCB1100_imp]

I had a 2005 Monster 1000 i.e. in Senna. It was a fantastic bike and was rock solid. Valve maintenance was a bit more work than other bikes but not so complex that it was unusual by any means. I truly loved the bike and really enjoyed riding it. I loved that it was air cooled (the water-cooled monsters were just starting to take over at the time) with one less thing to worry about.

Ducati of today is a very different company. The cost-savings corporate bandits have hit hardest in manufacturing and quality has suffered. I've seen more and more people complaining about electrical gremlins and other really odd problems. (The poly tank issue has affected other manufacturers (KTM in particular) that are using them and I think this is due to ethanol fuels more than quality, but that's just my opinion).

I would not buy another Ducati because of the recent quality issues. They were never rock-solid but of late I seem to read and hear so much about their problems.

Anyways, seeing as we're talking about it, here's a pic. It was a gorgeous bike!

That was indeed a gorgeous bike. Thanks for your insights. Much appreciated.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I used to own a Ducati Paul Smart Sport Classic. It was a lovely bike to look at but it was the most uncomfortable bike to ride that I've owned and that list includes a 916. They also suffer badly with plastic fuel tank swelling. Mine was starting to get a little out of shape and that is on uk unleaded. I traded it as I didn't really enjoy riding it and ended up buying a 94 900 Superlight whilst I still owned the Paul Smart as that was more fun to use. The PS has the ohlins suspension and whilst it was supposed to be a lot better than the lesser plain sport classics they still weren't that good and the aging Showas on my 94 Superlight were better (I still have the superlight) . The sport classics seem to be going up in value these days (darn sold mine when they weren't that loved) but I think there are better ducatis out there for riding than these (if not looking at).

So I am interested in the Sport Classics myself and am aware of the tank swelling issue due to the material. The PS is definitely out of the question for me because of the riding position... looks amazing stationary but esp for someone with inseams my length, the torture rack just won't work for me.

Thanks for sharing with me your insights and perspective.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think the only Sport Classic that didn't require arms longer than your legs was the GT, this one had bars attached to the top of the top yoke/triple. The others the Sport Classic Mono (same as the PS but without the fairing and badge, usually coloured yellow?) and the Sport Classic Biposto, same bodywork as the PS (but in red) which had a dual rear swingarm and dual seat. These models all had same /similar rider ergos with a long reach to the clip-ons. I did fit the popular at the time mod of using ST4S clip-ons but even with the extra height and pull back of these the ride position was still extreme. I think Ducati offered a higher bar clip on kit but it wasn't much of an improvement imo.
Pic of mine with a Zard exhaust and ST4S wheels which I used in place of the oem spoked wheels (I hated cleaning those).

I think the only Sport Classic that didn't require arms longer than your legs was the GT, this one had bars attached to the top of the top yoke/triple. The others the Sport Classic Mono (same as the PS but without the fairing and badge, usually coloured yellow?) and the Sport Classic Biposto, same bodywork as the PS (but in red) which had a dual rear swingarm and dual seat. These models all had same /similar rider ergos with a long reach to the clip-ons. I did fit the popular at the time mod of using ST4S clip-ons but even with the extra height and pull back of these the ride position was still extreme. I think Ducati offered a higher bar clip on kit but it wasn't much of an improvement imo.
Pic of mine with a Zard exhaust and ST4S wheels which I used in place of the oem spoked wheels (I hated cleaning those).

Yeah, I know the GT would be the only one that would work for me with respect to ergos. It's why I love the CB. Your PS was beautiful. Why did you sell? Hopefully you were able to cash out for a good windfall given what the PS has done in terms of resale of late.

Don't you miss the throb and thrum of the motor though? Or do you prefer the CB's sound at this point in your life?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Macduff_imp]

I had a 2005 Monster 1000 i.e. in Senna. It was a fantastic bike and was rock solid. Valve maintenance was a bit more work than other bikes but not so complex that it was unusual by any means. I truly loved the bike and really enjoyed riding it. I loved that it was air cooled (the water-cooled monsters were just starting to take over at the time) with one less thing to worry about.

Ducati of today is a very different company. The cost-savings corporate bandits have hit hardest in manufacturing and quality has suffered. I've seen more and more people complaining about electrical gremlins and other really odd problems. (The poly tank issue has affected other manufacturers (KTM in particular) that are using them and I think this is due to ethanol fuels more than quality, but that's just my opinion).

I would not buy another Ducati because of the recent quality issues. They were never rock-solid but of late I seem to read and hear so much about their problems.

Anyways, seeing as we're talking about it, here's a pic. It was a gorgeous bike!

That was indeed a gorgeous bike. Thanks for your insights. Much appreciated.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I used to own a Ducati Paul Smart Sport Classic. It was a lovely bike to look at but it was the most uncomfortable bike to ride that I've owned and that list includes a 916. They also suffer badly with plastic fuel tank swelling. Mine was starting to get a little out of shape and that is on uk unleaded. I traded it as I didn't really enjoy riding it and ended up buying a 94 900 Superlight whilst I still owned the Paul Smart as that was more fun to use. The PS has the ohlins suspension and whilst it was supposed to be a lot better than the lesser plain sport classics they still weren't that good and the aging Showas on my 94 Superlight were better (I still have the superlight) . The sport classics seem to be going up in value these days (darn sold mine when they weren't that loved) but I think there are better ducatis out there for riding than these (if not looking at).

So I am interested in the Sport Classics myself and am aware of the tank swelling issue due to the material. The PS is definitely out of the question for me because of the riding position... looks amazing stationary but esp for someone with inseams my length, the torture rack just won't work for me.

Thanks for sharing with me your insights and perspective.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think the only Sport Classic that didn't require arms longer than your legs was the GT, this one had bars attached to the top of the top yoke/triple. The others the Sport Classic Mono (same as the PS but without the fairing and badge, usually coloured yellow?) and the Sport Classic Biposto, same bodywork as the PS (but in red) which had a dual rear swingarm and dual seat. These models all had same /similar rider ergos with a long reach to the clip-ons. I did fit the popular at the time mod of using ST4S clip-ons but even with the extra height and pull back of these the ride position was still extreme. I think Ducati offered a higher bar clip on kit but it wasn't much of an improvement imo.
Pic of mine with a Zard exhaust and ST4S wheels which I used in place of the oem spoked wheels (I hated cleaning those).

I think the only Sport Classic that didn't require arms longer than your legs was the GT, this one had bars attached to the top of the top yoke/triple. The others the Sport Classic Mono (same as the PS but without the fairing and badge, usually coloured yellow?) and the Sport Classic Biposto, same bodywork as the PS (but in red) which had a dual rear swingarm and dual seat. These models all had same /similar rider ergos with a long reach to the clip-ons. I did fit the popular at the time mod of using ST4S clip-ons but even with the extra height and pull back of these the ride position was still extreme. I think Ducati offered a higher bar clip on kit but it wasn't much of an improvement imo.
Pic of mine with a Zard exhaust and ST4S wheels which I used in place of the oem spoked wheels (I hated cleaning those).

Yeah, I know the GT would be the only one that would work for me with respect to ergos. It's why I love the CB. Your PS was beautiful. Why did you sell? Hopefully you were able to cash out for a good windfall given what the PS has done in terms of resale of late.

Don't you miss the throb and thrum of the motor though? Or do you prefer the CB's sound at this point in your life?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think the only Sport Classic that didn't require arms longer than your legs was the GT, this one had bars attached to the top of the top yoke/triple. The others the Sport Classic Mono (same as the PS but without the fairing and badge, usually coloured yellow?) and the Sport Classic Biposto, same bodywork as the PS (but in red) which had a dual rear swingarm and dual seat. These models all had same /similar rider ergos with a long reach to the clip-ons. I did fit the popular at the time mod of using ST4S clip-ons but even with the extra height and pull back of these the ride position was still extreme. I think Ducati offered a higher bar clip on kit but it wasn't much of an improvement imo.
Pic of mine with a Zard exhaust and ST4S wheels which I used in place of the oem spoked wheels (I hated cleaning those).

Yeah, I know the GT would be the only one that would work for me with respect to ergos. It's why I love the CB. Your PS was beautiful. Why did you sell? Hopefully you were able to cash out for a good windfall given what the PS has done in terms of resale of late.

Don't you miss the throb and thrum of the motor though? Or do you prefer the CB's sound at this point in your life?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk I bought this superlight whilst I still had the PS. I had originally got the Paul Smart (PS) as I was seeking a modern duc that reminded me of the fun I had on my 1st superlight that I owned in the 90s, I soon realised the PS was just an instrument of torture hence the 2nd go at superlight ownership. Not long after getting the 2nd SL the PS was gone, traded and no they weren't on the up when I traded it :/. I still have this SL though it doesn't get ridden as much these days given I'm older and it seems less comfortable than when it usurped the PS.

[camoto_imp]

^^Superlight and the S1. I like this guy!^^

[Cormanus]

Cormanus, how does your licensing work in Oz?

At the time of the event described, it was a wonderfully simple process. Once you were 16 or over, you went to the Transport Department, paid $1 and were issued with a learner's permit. There were very few limitations on what you could do. You had to display a yellow plate with a black "L" on the rear of the bike, you were not allowed to carry a pillion and there may have been a maximum speed limit, but I can't remember. Curiously, there was no test at all. You could ride on the road immediately.

As soon as you turned 17 you were eligible for a provisional license. To get one you had to sit a written test and a licensing officer would take you outside and ask you to ride around the block so he could pretend to get some idea of whether you knew what you were doing. For 12 months you had to display a white plate with a red "P" on the back of the bike and were not allowed to carry a pillion. After 12 months both those restrictions were lifted.

It's a completely different story these days. You can't get a learner's permit without:

(a) having held a provisional or open car license for at least 1 year
(b) successfully complete a pre-learner course which includes some riding
© pass a 'motorcycle knowledge test'*; and,
(d) be medically fit.

In some Australian jurisdictions, there's a period during which you must be supervised by a person who has held an open license and, unless they are in a sidecar, they must be on another bike or in a car. You are limited to riding what are known as Learner Approved Motorcycles (LAMS) which are restricted in size and power. You can then get a provisional license but you continue to be allowed to ride only LAMS bikes.

After a two years you can learn to ride an unrestricted bike. For one year you must ride under the direction of a person who holds an unrestricted licence. After that, if you get an unrestricted licence you can ride what you like.

There's information, including an explanation of bikes allowed under the LAM Scheme, and links to other pages [url=https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/motorcycles/licence-types]here. There may be slight variations in other Australian States.

* Don't ask me why the © appears as it does. It's beyond any ability of mine to stop it.

[the Ferret]

Strange... I couldn't fix it either Cormanus