Italian VFR

I've never heard of any modern bike being unreliable. Honda's got just as many recalls, electrical issues, and engine failures as anyone else.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

If that new Duc doesn't have enough cylinders, or you don't like the parent company, or are worried that it's not a reliable as a Honda, Honda will gladly sell you their heavier, at least as unreliable, uglier, more boring version.

462 wet, 30,000 mile valve check, finally an exhaust that won't roast your leg and far from the rider...... sounds like I need to take a look at this thing.

Now we can go back to grumbling about stators, rectifiers, thermostats, fuel pressure regulators, rusty exhaust, etc.

 

You're joking, right? It only takes a 10 nanosecond search of the internet to prove otherwise - according to Consumer Reports Ducati's reliability rating is almost 3 times worse than Honda's.

Source: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/04/who-makes-the-most-reliable-motorcycle/index.htm

 

OOTV, same basic garage here! Though they differ greatly, the VFR and Duc compliment one another perfectly. My 900SS/SP also bought new in '95, ...maintenance a relative breeze. Recently broke a $6 shift shaft return spring....its only fault in 31K miles!

my '98 VFR had the usual stator/regulator issues, did a ZX10 mosfet 6 years ago....issue free.

The Duc light, great handler, effortless in twisty stuff, sounds/looks great...fun factor 11.
The VFR more comfy but weight differential obvious, comparatively an armload in the twisty backroads. The gear whine, my Wolf underseat exhaust...addictive.

Each has its own very special, unique attributes.

 

New 636's are still grenading.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

Just wait until the Duc needs to go in the shop, which it will. What has Italy made and sold that didn't perform well but require ridiculous maintenance costs? This includes Chryslers, with a shit for quality record. They're owned by Fiat.....such a quality car maker.....NOT. I'll stick with my oh so inferior Honda VFR that only goes 140mph or so. Gee, that just won't cut it in the twisties where I ride. Takes forever to get across places like Kansas too at 140. Such an impractical slow bike that seems to just wear tires on the outsides first. Must be a manufacturing defect or because it's so slow. I don't even know what the inside of my local dealer's shop looks like either. Such a disappointment....; )

 

30,000 km*

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

2W ADV got how far on his ride before the Honda puked? Zero problems with the Harley/Buell.

Yeah, I'll go study that report.

 

My Itillian built Honda 599 has a Ducati rectifier in it.
I'll post a pic this weekend. The 599 is standing guard at GF's house.

Honestly, how bad are Honda rectifiers, if they have to put a Ducati rectifier in their bikes?

Ducati has also put KTM radiators on some of their bikes.

 

Most motorcycle manufacturers don't actually make the R/R's, they just use Shindengen R/R's, but some manufacturers use older or cheaper Shindengens than others. Right now the Yamaha R1 is using a fairly new MOSFET Shindengen fh020 and the Suzuki vstrom 1000 is using the absolute top of the line series sh847. I'm not sure what the 8th gen vfr800 is using right now, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was an older Shindengen rr, hopefully it's at least MOSFET lol.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

As were CBR1000s.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

My real-world experiences have taught me to take Consumer Reports findings with a large grain of salt. I don't know anyone who cares what Consumer Reports has to say.

 

That's a common problem area on the 599. It seems like we researched it years ago, though, and found that it had nothing to do with Ducati motorcycles.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Those are very persuasive points you make - I now concede that Ducati's reliability is in fact equal, indeed superior, to that of Honda. :congratulatory:

 

Forgive me, I didn't realize your unreliable source is the Bible of motor vehicle reliability ratings. The fanboy is strong in you, I'm far too weak to argue.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

SOW


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Keep rubbing my nose in it.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Meh, not a bad bike by ducati standards, just doesn't have enough cylinders for my liking. but I bet it would fit in nicely in the market share. Hint, news flash, all bikes are subject to some sort of Failure, they're man made. Now the big deal here is the support. I'd love a Tuono, but there's only really one dealer 80 miles north of me and 80% of the line up is scooters. doen't give me alot of faith, then reading even dealers are having a bad time getting parts, so???? yea I'm liking my VFR, still though.......OMG 185 hp @ 460lbs wet, yea baby.

 

My 95 900SS has less than 100HP (~90HP on paper) but the torque and lightness of the bike makes it so much fun to ride! You'd be surprised at what just two cylinders can do, RC-51 anyone? I agree with what you say though about vehicles, some last a lifetime, some don't! I will say that other than the stator/RR and wiring issues on the VFRs, Hondas have been some of the most reliable machines I and family/friends of mine have owned. Their engines seem to be bullet proof, well with the certain exceptions of some VFR1200 owners on this forum but otherwise a very reliable engine. Although I like the specs of this new SS, I definitely would have a hard time parting with my 95! (Right Duccmann?)

 

Pretty bike. Not going Duc though. I want the V4 pretty Italian girl.... Tuono.