Hello from Chicago

6988 Views 40 Replies 14 Participants Last post by rebs, Sep 11, 2017

rebs

Discussion Starter · Aug 30, 2017

Hi!

I am a current 2014 VFR800 owner looking seriously at the Ducati Supersport. Oddly it's rather similar to the VFR800 with a different approach to a similar target of useable road sport bike and light tourer. I am curious about the impressions of those here who own them or are considering owning them.

Thanks!

Rebs

1 - 20 of 41 Posts

1uglybastard

· #2 · Aug 30, 2017

Everyone loves them. Haven't come across someone who doesn't like it, although there was one guy who thought it was just ok, but it's because he wanted a bike with superbike power.

rebs

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 30, 2017

Thanks-

I already have 1000cc track bike so the fear of being bored without that superbike power is not something I worry about.

I just want something for the road for commuting, light touring, and weekend riding and carving corners. The VFR is nice, reliable, neighborhood friendly and smooth but it's a bit, well, bland, hence my foray into the world of the Ducati Supersport and possibly a naked sport bike like a Triumph Street Triple RS.

FYI I have test ridden the Ducati Supersport and while I loved it, the vibration was a bit of an issue for me, but potentially not enough to stop me from owning one.

1uglybastard

· #4 · Aug 30, 2017

Not wanting a bland bike is the only reason why I have a Ducati Monster (I'm waiting to buy my SS). Although I enjoy performing the maintenance, it's still more time consuming and a little more costly than say a Honda, but it's worth it to me. I have a CB500X for touring and as a backup bike, however. I plan to always have a reliable Japanese steed for a backup.

DucColin

· #5 · Aug 30, 2017

rebs said:
Thanks-

I already have 1000cc track bike so the fear of being bored without that superbike power is not something I worry about. I just want something for the road for commuting, light touring, and weekend riding and carving corners. The VFR is nice, reliable, neighborhood friendly and smooth but it's a bit, well, bland, hence my foray into the world of the Ducati Supersport and possibly a naked sport bike like a Triumph Street Triple RS.

FYI I have test ridden the Ducati Supersport and while I loved it, the vibration was a bit of an issue for me, but potentially not enough to stop me from owning one.

Hi and welcome,
I was considering the Triumph RS but opted for the SS, I went for the SS because I commute on mine and wanted the fairing, I did also consider the Kawasaki Z1000SX but found that to heavy and the Ducati is so very sexy.
I'm surprised you found it vibrated that much for it to be an issue, my last bike was a Z1000 and I found that vibrated a lot more through the pegs and bars. I would like a bit more power but that aside I'm loving it, such a great handling bike.

rebs

Discussion Starter · #6 · Aug 30, 2017

1uglybastard said:
Not wanting a bland bike is the only reason why I have a Ducati Monster (I'm waiting to buy my SS). Although I enjoy performing the maintenance, it's still more time consuming and a little more costly than say a Honda, but it's worth it to me. I have a CB500X for touring and as a backup bike, however. I plan to always have a reliable Japanese steed for a backup.

If I decide to jump I'll likely wait until next year. I do not know much about Ducati's in terms of reliability or what their first model years are like, so I may wait to see how this new one shakes out. Also there are lots or rumors swirling that Ducati may jump away from twins and go to a V4, something I may be more interested in.

By the way, my track bike is an S1000RR, which I absolutely love, although it could be a bit narrower and lighter (about 430lbs wet in track plastics with all the street stuff off, otherwise stock).

rebs

Discussion Starter · #7 · Aug 30, 2017

DucColin said:
Hi and welcome,
I was considering the Triumph RS but opted for the SS, I went for the SS because I commute on mine and wanted the fairing, I did also consider the Kawasaki Z1000SX but found that to heavy and the Ducati is so very sexy.
I'm surprised you found it vibrated that much for it to be an issue, my last bike was a Z1000 and I found that vibrated a lot more through the pegs and bars. I would like a bit more power but that aside I'm loving it, such a great handling bike.

Thanks for your comment! I think I'm just spoiled by the turbine smoothness (and blandness) of the VFR lol. I originally came from the F800GT which I didn't really like for multiple reasons. I think I'm just accustomed to much vibration anymore. The Honda is like an appliance, it does what you want with a minimum of fuss, and not that much excitement. The Ducati is exciting in comparison. I had considered the Street Triple 675 initially before I bought the VFR and decided I was too accustomed to having a fairing for daily use.

I agree on the Kawasaki though. I test rode that also and did not like it. Despite the fact it was lighter than the VFR it felt bulkier, heavier, and less solid. The engine power and delivery was very nice, however.

Zaphod

· #8 · Aug 30, 2017

I've come to Ducati after a string of Triumph Triples: Rocket, Street R and Speed R. All fabulous machines, glorious engines, not silky smooth, but raw and not too much vibration. All were nakeds that are tiring after a couple of hundred miles. The new Street Triple RS 765 is really great, quick shift upwards only, not down, and handles beautifully. Very capable machine but IMHO beginning to lose a bit of the edginess after the hooligan early Street and Speed Triples.

After that, yes the SS has a lot of vibration. I'm not used to twins. At first after each ride my hands were tingling, but it has so much character that you don't care, and now I don't even notice it. I've never cared for silky 4 cylinders personally. Carves like no other bike I've ridden, and instead of brute power you maintain momentum through corners. The fairing is effective. At highway speeds I feel I'm in a pocket of calm, no buffeting with the screen in the lower position. I've never been so sheltered from the wind.

I've got some teething problems selecting gears 5 and 6 with DQS like others here, and which I'm sure are going to be sorted soon, but it is a special bike and worth the effort. It's got character and is rewarding to ride. But don't take our word. Only a test ride will convince you one way or another. Enjoy.

Z

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rebs

Discussion Starter · #9 · Aug 30, 2017

Zaphod said:
I've come to Ducati after a string of Triumph Triples: Rocket, Street R and Speed R. All fabulous machines, glorious engines, not silky smooth, but raw and not too much vibration. All were nakeds that are tiring after a couple of hundred miles. The new Street Triple RS 765 is really great, quick shift upwards only, not down, and handles beautifully. Very capable machine but IMHO beginning to lose a bit of the edginess after the hooligan early Street and Speed Triples.

After that, yes the SS has a lot of vibration. I'm not used to twins. At first after each ride my hands were tingling, but it has so much character that you don't care, and now I don't even notice it. I've never cared for silky 4 cylinders personally. Carves like no other bike I've ridden, and instead of brute power you maintain momentum through corners. The fairing is effective. At highway speeds I feel I'm in a pocket of calm, no buffeting with the screen in the lower position. I've never been so sheltered from the wind.

I've got some teething problems selecting gears 5 and 6 with DQS like others here, and which I'm sure are going to be sorted soon, but it is a special bike and worth the effort. It's got character and is rewarding to ride. But don't take our word. Only a test ride will convince you one way or another. Enjoy.

Z

Hmmm! More food for thought! It's funny how so many of us have considered the same bikes! In the midweight category I guess there aren't too many bikes. When I got the VFR it was the only one really in the class, other than my F800GT, which is now long gone. I wonder if the Ducati SS was available if I would have gone Ducati instead of Honda, and I think I just may have. I did test ride the SS and the suspension was absolutely wonderful, it was well weighted with easy to use power at road velocities and beyond, but I am having my own internal struggle regarding the vibration. I wonder if I will become accustomed to it or if I will tire of it, which is why all the comments and experiences are so helpful to me!

Thanks!

klev

· #10 · Aug 30, 2017

Zaphod said:
I've come to Ducati after a string of Triumph Triples: Rocket, Street R and Speed R. All fabulous machines, glorious engines, not silky smooth, but raw and not too much vibration. All were nakeds that are tiring after a couple of hundred miles. The new Street Triple RS 765 is really great, quick shift upwards only, not down, and handles beautifully. Very capable machine but IMHO beginning to lose a bit of the edginess after the hooligan early Street and Speed Triples.

After that, yes the SS has a lot of vibration. I'm not used to twins. At first after each ride my hands were tingling, but it has so much character that you don't care, and now I don't even notice it. I've never cared for silky 4 cylinders personally. Carves like no other bike I've ridden, and instead of brute power you maintain momentum through corners. The fairing is effective. At highway speeds I feel I'm in a pocket of calm, no buffeting with the screen in the lower position. I've never been so sheltered from the wind.

I've got some teething problems selecting gears 5 and 6 with DQS like others here, and which I'm sure are going to be sorted soon, but it is a special bike and worth the effort. It's got character and is rewarding to ride. But don't take our word. Only a test ride will convince you one way or another. Enjoy.

Z

The vibrations are something that im still adapting too as well. Some days i have the tingling fingers, other days not so much. One thing I would like to correct somehow, maybe the way i ride, is the feeling that the bike is going to stall at really low revs.

Reactions: 1

Hugg727

· #11 · Aug 30, 2017

I have owned 2 VFR's and was actually thinking of getting a new one before I found the SS. This bike has exceeded my expectations from a performance, riding position and electronics standpoint. Yes the brand is expensive and only time will tell if the reliability will be a good experience, but I will tell you this. In the 12 weeks that I have owned this bike, i have had more people comment, stop me at a red light,etc. than in the total of 12 years of owning the VFR's. Its much different.....noisy, buzzy at times but after a day out I am far more satisfied than I was with the Honda. It wants to carve / lean into corners all day, it makes it easy to ride and thus, more enjoyable.

Reactions: 2

se7en

· #12 · Aug 31, 2017

I traded my Ninja 1000 for the SS, so I have a fair amount of experience to make a justified comparison. I've done that already on another thread. My summary was that the N1K beats the SS on practically every statistical category, yet the SS still is my bike of choice simply because of the Italian it factor. I'm not sure what that is because you can't put your finger on it, but it makes the SS somehow a better feeling bike than the N1K. BUT, I would have another N1K in a second...if not for the SS. It's a D4MN good bike! If you need more info on my thoughts, I'll go searching for that thread.

Reactions: 1

Bad Alice

· #13 · Aug 31, 2017

I've also gone from a Ninja 1000 to the Supersport. I loved the Ninja, it was comfortable enough, had a great engine and it was more than capable in the twisties, but it lacked the fun factor of the Supersport. From memory the Ninja makes bigger numbers re horsepower and torque, but it doesn't feel that way. The Supersport feels like it has more torque and usable power and it's better in the corners. The Ninja was quite heavy in the steering and wasn't as accurate as the Supersport.

Reactions: 1

DucMan

· #14 · Aug 31, 2017

Bad Alice said:
I've also gone from a Ninja 1000 to the Supersport. I loved the Ninja, it was comfortable enough, had a great engine and it was more than capable in the twisties, but it lacked the fun factor of the Supersport. From memory the Ninja makes bigger numbers re horsepower and torque, but it doesn't feel that way. The Supersport feels like it has more torque and usable power and it's better in the corners. The Ninja was quite heavy in the steering and wasn't as accurate as the Supersport.

I heard those Kawi's can lack having good ergo's, how do you like the ergo's on that Ninja compared to Duc's?

se7en

· #15 · Aug 31, 2017

DucMan said:
I heard those Kawi's can lack having good ergo's, how do you like the ergo's on that Ninja compared to Duc's?

I thought the ergos on the N1K were spot on...just like the SS. The difference is the weight.

amoslws

· #16 · Aug 31, 2017

Read the bike specs to ascertain whether it is for you. On the handling, it is highly nimble and yet stable, feels lighter albeit normal weight for its class.

Rizzo939

· #17 · Aug 31, 2017

A fellow Chicago rider! I love my SS so far.. The only real gripes that i have with it, is the weird vibration/rattle noise right around 3k RPM. Not exactly sure what it is. And then obviously the lack of aftermarket exhausts (which in time shouldnt be an issue). Other than those things, the bike is very responsive, handles great, and is super comfortable for daily riding. I've had it for a little over 2 months now and i have 2k miles on it already. I have experienced the tingling hands after a long ride on the highway up to the Madison, WI area, but it was nothing crazy. All in all, i am in love and ride every chance i get!

Hugg727

· #18 · Aug 31, 2017

se7en said:
I thought the ergos on the N1K were spot on...just like the SS. The difference is the weight.

I would agree with this as it pertains to my last 2 bikes as well. The VFR was comfy but it was a little heavy. My Honda VTR Superhawk was also very heavy with about the same HP numbers.

rz33v4

· #19 · Aug 31, 2017

rebs said:
Hmmm! More food for thought! It's funny how so many of us have considered the same bikes! In the midweight category I guess there aren't too many bikes. When I got the VFR it was the only one really in the class, other than my F800GT, which is now long gone. I wonder if the Ducati SS was available if I would have gone Ducati instead of Honda, and I think I just may have. I did test ride the SS and the suspension was absolutely wonderful, it was well weighted with easy to use power at road velocities and beyond, but I am having my own internal struggle regarding the vibration. I wonder if I will become accustomed to it or if I will tire of it, which is why all the comments and experiences are so helpful to me! Thanks!

Each of us must be effected differently with engine vibration. I can't stand the high frequency vibes on inline 4s (they put my hands to sleep). I've owned quite a few Ducatis and find the low frequency vibes much more acceptable. I've ridden two of the new SSs and fell in love - my next bike.

Reactions: 1

amoslws

· #20 · Aug 31, 2017

Bad Alice said:
I've also gone from a Ninja 1000 to the Supersport. I loved the Ninja, it was comfortable enough, had a great engine and it was more than capable in the twisties, but it lacked the fun factor of the Supersport. From memory the Ninja makes bigger numbers re horsepower and torque, but it doesn't feel that way. The Supersport feels like it has more torque and usable power and it's better in the corners. The Ninja was quite heavy in the steering and wasn't as accurate as the Supersport.

Exactly that...many other bikes lack the fun factor and that is typical of a characterless inline4 setup.

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