Ducati S2R - opinions?

Please dont all shout at me at once, but Ive been thinking about trading my bike in for a while now, and was thinking about grabbing myself an 01/02 CBR600F - used to have a slightly older one but got pinched

Then got to thinking about how it would be nice to have something a little bit different as every bugger rides around on a sportsbike these days, and saw the ducati S2R in this weeks MCN (05/01/05) and this month's Performance Bikes

General opinions.....?

Originally Posted by Aaron

Please dont all shout at me at once, but Ive been thinking about trading my bike in for a while now, and was thinking about grabbing myself an 01/02 CBR600F - used to have a slightly older one but got pinched

Then got to thinking about how it would be nice to have something a little bit different as every bugger rides around on a sportsbike these days, and saw the ducati S2R in this weeks MCN (05/01/05) and this month's Performance Bikes

General opinions.....?

Looks nice and isn't too expensive. Should be a good town & fun bike, probably not so great for motorways. Ducati servicing is very expensive and they're not the most reliable bikes. My ST2 ended up spending more time being fixed than being ridden. They especially don't like wet weather.

sat on one at the NEC show....it didn't feel right.

i know it's not the same as moving but there was just something about it that wasn't quite....right

As far as I can see it is bigger and heavier than the SV but with the similar spec. brakes and less adjustment on the forks.

Allegedly Ducati will import an 800 Monster if you ask them which has nice adjustable suspension and four pot callipers. Might be worth having a look as I think the S2R is a poor substitute.

Also note that you can't compare the power figures of the S2R and the 800 Monster as the 800 spec.s are from last year when Ducati measured figures at the rear wheel compared to this year when they changed to measure them at the crank.

Why not consider the new 650 Raptor. The new version, due in July, has the fuel injected SV650 motor from the K3 along with all the usual Raptor toys.

Originally Posted by Mike1234

As far as I can see it is bigger and heavier than the SV but with the similar spec. brakes and less adjustment on the forks.

Allegedly Ducati will import an 800 Monster if you ask them which has nice adjustable suspension and four pot callipers. Might be worth having a look as I think the S2R is a poor substitute.

Also note that you can't compare the power figures of the S2R and the 800 Monster as the 800 spec.s are from last year when Ducati measured figures at the rear wheel compared to this year when they changed to measure them at the crank.

Why not consider the new 650 Raptor. The new version, due in July, has the fuel injected SV650 motor from the K3 along with all the usual Raptor toys.

I rather like the 650 raptor. Nice looking bike...great engine

Originally Posted by chutz

I rather like the 650 raptor. Nice looking bike...great engine

And you'll get spares from ????

The Ducati looks the business and modern ones don't suffer the reliability problems as bad as past bikes have done. But, as has been pointed out, servicing is not cheap and the performance isn't any better than the SV650.

If you want something different without breaking the bank, and something that is a real hoot to ride, look at a Falco. I had electriical problems with mine (starter switch) but I fixed it before I sold it (good old WD40). They can seem a bit "raw", but with fully adjustable suspension and really comfortable seat they make a great commuter and sports tourer. Not too slow either

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