Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I'll throw in my opinion.

The biggest maintenance issue with Ducatis are the valve check intervals of every 6,000 (newer ones are 7,500) miles. If aftermarket MPB collets are installed it extends the interval for the valve checks to around 12,000, which is when the belts need to be checked.

It sounds like he racks up a lot of miles, so I would recommend that he do his own maintenance, and install the aftermarket collets. The valve checks take about 5-8 hours. depending on the person. I'd just break it up into a weekend job, do the check the first day, and if it needs adjustment, adjust it the next. This site details most of the maintenance for dukes: http://www.buschandbusch.com/ducatisuit ... nance.html

The ST4 (or an ST3, it looks like Ducati is only selling the ST3's now) is a very comfy bike, and he should have no problems adapting it for long trips. What he should avoid are the superbikes (999, 1098, 749, etc..) These are focused on track use, and are not really a viable touring option.

If you are buying new, and can afford it, definitely go with the ST3 S ABS version. The S comes with a nicer suspension setup, as well as the ABS. They both have a nice 5.5 gallon fuel tank (4 gal main with 1.5 gal reserve), and should get between 40-50ish mpg. They also have factory hardbags available, which, indeed, will help with touring. Personally, I like the ST4 better...but that is just me.

Also, the ST3s have a wet clutch, instead of the traditional ducati dry clutch... so it would be just like any other bike's clutch.

In general, Ducatis have excellent fuel injection systems, mine never misses a beat. It is crisp and smooth, with no dead spots. Their bikes handle superbly, and I really enjoy the power delivery. The maintenance is a bit more than japanese bikes, but it is worth it to me. Each person has to make that decision for himself. Parts aren't hard to obtain, especially if there is a dealer close to you... Service is a bit pricey if you don't do it yourself, and if he plans on putting that many miles on his bike, I would highly recommend doing his own work.

I hope everyone here will forgive the amount of time it has taken to respond to this thread.

I have been having a battle with pneumonia and it is ready taken its toll on me but I am now finally recovering in time for my birthday which is today. It has been a long journey from 1925 to now. My grandson gave me a party and told me he was paying for his own motorcycle. Now that is a nice birthday, smile.

Just as soon as the weather lets up, he is going to go to Atlanta and ride a Ducati and I would not be surprised to see him come home riding a Ducati.

Now I'm going to ask everyone here for a birthday present. I would like to ask everyone to compare a norge to a Ducati. I know this is a Ducati site but I feel that most of you here really know your stuff. I am just wondering what the real differences are in what the machines was meant to do, the differences in maintenance and what you feel would be the differences in handling.

I know that everyone here prefers a Ducati but I feel all of you would give an honest opinion and that all of you know what you talking about .
Thank you very much
time

I can't help you with your questions (This isn't a ducati specific site. any kind of bike goes! ) but wanted to wish you Happy Birthday.

Sorry, I can't help you either..I ride a cruiser. Just had to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY! My better half will be 65 this May and we just started riding in June last year. Take care and enjoy every minute!!

I like the sound of a Ducati when they pull the front wheel up while passing me on the highway
Just wanted to say, glad your felling better and Happy Birthday!

time wrote:I hope everyone here will forgive the amount of time it has taken to respond to this thread.

I have been having a battle with pneumonia and it is ready taken its toll on me but I am now finally recovering in time for my birthday which is today. It has been a long journey from 1925 to now. My grandson gave me a party and told me he was paying for his own motorcycle. Now that is a nice birthday, smile.

Just as soon as the weather lets up, he is going to go to Atlanta and ride a Ducati and I would not be surprised to see him come home riding a Ducati.

Now I'm going to ask everyone here for a birthday present. I would like to ask everyone to compare a norge to a Ducati. I know this is a Ducati site but I feel that most of you here really know your stuff. I am just wondering what the real differences are in what the machines was meant to do, the differences in maintenance and what you feel would be the differences in handling.

I know that everyone here prefers a Ducati but I feel all of you would give an honest opinion and that all of you know what you talking about .
Thank you very much
time

this would be better asked on a forum like ducati.ms

As the Moto-Guzzi Norge is a relatively new bike there doesn't seem to be a lot of coverage on it state-side. What I have been able to find indicates that it's a good to great bike at what it does (sport touring) and I think it looks pretty classy to boot. It was apparently designed to compete with BMW's R1200RT which is another able bodied tourer.

That being said, I know even less about the Ducati, though based upon the reputations of both companies as motorcycle producers I would say you cannot go wrong with either. There is however a good review of the ST4 ( I assume that's the Ducati you were talking about) here,here, andhere. and there are many more floating around your nearest search engine.

So what should be the final deciding factor? To me... the "O Ring" test. You have more fun on a bike you feel comfortable sitting on. So which ever feels the best to sit in is the one you should go with.

Having said all that, I fully expect that as the season starts to develop, and the riders get to writing there will be more and more reviews of Moto Guzzi's offering. You might just need to wait a little while for this one.

Nalian wrote:I can't help you with your questions (This isn't a ducati specific site. any kind of bike goes! ) but wanted to wish you Happy Birthday.

I wish to thank everyone for the nice birthday wishes and apologize for the Guzzi specific comment ( can we call that a senior moment--smile).

The reason for the inquiry about the Guzzi is someone commented that the Norge had a more upright seating position. I also remember someone saying the resale of a Ducati was better but that is not important to me.

I want to thank everyone for the great help and it has taken us from 7 choices to 2. That saves a lot of time and money since we have to go 100 miles each time.

I'll break it down:
Norge is about 100 lbs heavier than the ST series.
The Norge has 95hp with 1151ccs, the ducati has 107hp with 992ccs. (Plus, with the Ducati weighing that much less, it will feel much quicker than the numbers suggest)
Torque specs are almost the same (around 75 ft-lbs), but the Ducati makes its torque higher.

The Ducati is a sportier sport-tourer, the Norge is a heavier tourer, like a BMW. If he is interested in spirited riding, I highly recommend the Ducati.

Also, has he considered the Triumph Sprint ST?
It has a 3 cylinder 1050cc engine that makes 125 hp, and 77ft-lbs of torque. It is fairly light, like the Ducati, and also has ABS and luggage available. It is also a couple grand cheaper than either of the other two. I would highly recommend he look at it if he has not already.
http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa/4517.aspx

Both the Ducati ST3/4 and the Triumph are good sporty tourers. I would easily pick them over the heavier Norge. My last bike before my Ducati was a Honda Interceptor, which was around 550lbs wet (the Norge is 542 dry... so even more with fluids), and the difference between my Ducati and that bike is like night and day! The handling is surreal compared to my Interceptor. Assuming he is a pretty young guy, like myself, I would bet that he would enjoy the Ducati or the Triumph much more.