About to pull the trigger (some concerns)

No regrets here, I've had no electrical issues at all and as near as I can tell the forks work as advertised.

jerdog53 said:

No regrets here, I've had no electrical issues at all and as near as I can tell the forks work as advertised.

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I second that. I've had the ECU "no start" issue as have some others, but I have no gripes about the bike in general. I find that it handles beautifully - especially on the twisty roads that I think most of us had in mind when buying this bike. It can, and has, embarrassed some sport bikes on those roads.

The engine is, to employ that admittedly overused term, sublime. Perfect displacement, smooth but not dead, snappy without being harsh and it has a cadence that sounds like a freaking 426 Hemi. I simply can't find cause to complain in any of that mix. And yes, the forks *are just fine*. Are they as good as Ohlins? Lord no. Simply put, I'm not saying there aren't better ones out there any more than I'd suggest my Cayman is as good as a Carerra, but they're fine. Would I replace mine? Perhaps. Do I stress about it? No.

Go for the bike. It's awesome. I promise.

Of the 867 users we have, only about 100 actively post, and maybe 10 of those have had ECU troubles. The important thing to remember is they all got fixed readily by Ducati.

Yeah, front suspension could be better. But, if it were on par with higher end Duc's, we'd be paying $2K more.

OK, BMW's definitely have cool factor. But the F800 looks like a buzzard humping a slug. I can't imagine anyone describing it as "sexy", which is the word I use most often to describe mine.

And I see the Bimmer's engine only pumps out 85 hp. While 61 tq is very good, the extra 25 ponies on the Strada keeps me smiling every time I thumb the starter, even after a year and 6600 miles. I've said to myself if the engine had less than 100 hp, I'd probably be wanting more motor by now.

Great mileage and big tank, but it's quite a bit heavier.

gatdammit said:

But the F800 looks like a buzzard humping a slug.

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This, sir, made my Friday!


But to address the OP:

1- front suspension

Not bad, unless you are doing serious track days, IMO. I think this is where a lot of people are confused: a motard is supposed to be a dirt bike (soft, springy suspension) that runs on the road. It is not a Ducati superbike, so the springs are nothing of the sort. I'll admit that it is not the best front end I have ridden, but it is adequate for my 200lb frame, plus even with a passenger. I can drag parts on corners like anyone else, so it doesn't bother me one bit. If this will be a sore spot for you, get a Hyper SP, and Strada-fy it.

2- electrical problems.

A minor worry for me, as the bike is still new and I like long LONG trips. But as has been pointed out...only 1% of the users here have reported issues, and Duc has been problem free with fixing it. No bike is free from gremlins these days. A few friends of mine with BMWs have stories to tell that were handled quite poorly by BMW.

There just one other bike that I have consider (BMW F800GS).

More off-road capable than the Strada, but less cool. I can say, that the 17" front wheel of the Duc will have many more tire options than the BMW for any purpose you can imagine, especially on-road.

Will be using the bike mostly for commute around heavy traffic, so a bigger bike is not an option.

Same reason I got my HS. I was looking at a Multi, but the size and weight for commuting would suck (had a bigger bike before..). I commute with my HS daily, and it is wonderful. Flip the bike to Urban mode, and still have plenty of highway passing power, while also gaining more fuel economy. Why pay more to ride to work, right? the bike is very light and handles very well in the crowd at slow speeds, and depending on laws where you are is very narrow for splitting purposes. The sound is also delightful, and gets noticed in traffic.

I do not want to regret the purchase and have the bike most of the time at the dealer waiting for parts and warranty works.

Ultimately, take one for a ride and see what you like better. I always wanted a Duc, so even though the F800 was there, I totally ignored it. In the end, you are the one who has to want to ride it. For me, it was the Duc, for you....who knows?

Think long and hard

If I were to do it all again I'd go for the SP and then add the other bits to make it Strada like.

The front suspension is terrible. I get if they made it better Ducati would charge another $2K but other bike manufacturers can do it for less and much better. The SP has better adjustable suspension.

The front brakes can be problematic with warped rotors, Ducati have replaced some and not others. I had mine replaced and also put in EBC pads but now there is another problem with the rotors.

I did have one ECU failure but I think thats early bikes. Software upgrades all fixed it in my case.

I'd also consider the BMW S1000R and the KTM 1290 Duke, maybe even the Triumph Street and Speed. The new Yamaha MT-09 is fabulous for way less money.

Good luck with your decision

I had an F800 and like my HS better. Much more fun to ride, and if you've always wanted a Ducati it's a no brainer.

I have not had any problems in the year I've owned my HS. The front suspension issue is not an issue for me, and I have not had any electrical problems. I love riding on the tight country roads around here, as well as in the "cities" we have here about. Go for it!

Several of us on the forum have bought our bikes from the dealer in Daytona Beach FL. and got a hell of a deal. Even after shipping several thousand less then the best price I could get locally. If you google BMW of Daytona you will find it. Hawkeye was my salesman and it was a smooth transaction.

Arreola said:

suprphreak - Thanks for all the info and the time to explain all about the bike.

I already talked to local dealer, and they do not have bikes available at this time, but they have a demo Hypermotard. I will try to get a test drive tomorrow and go from there.

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Not a problem!

The base Hypermotard is in essence the exact same bike, minus the windsrceen and more comfy seat. It would definitely give you a very good sample of what the bike is about!

I did compare a HS with 800GS, finally i bought one and joined here. First of all these are having two different usage. The long front forks and high seats (only if you have height issues) causes a little bit problem in the normal road for the 800GS. But there are plus points like, ESA, hard bag option, huge after market support, resale value etc for the 800GS, but is never sporty as a HS. If it is only a street usage then consider a 700GS. If you can put a bit more money then look for an Aprilia Caponord and MT-09, Versys650 are some cheaper options.

I just got on the Forum to look around a bit . I saw my first HS at Daytona this year . I had a '08 Hyper a while back and liked it but started looking for something more Dual-Sporty and ended up with a BMW 1200 GSA . I like it but it's heavy as hell . I was thinking of trading for a HS but would also like to ride some gravel roads in the Mountains . What do y'all think . The lighter weight sure wuold be nice .

frank33m said:

I just got on the Forum to look around a bit . I saw my first HS at Daytona this year

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Was it a white Strada parked in the dirt lot on a Saturday?

No saw them at the Ducati Shop . They were on sale for $10,995.

frank33m said:

I just got on the Forum to look around a bit . I saw my first HS at Daytona this year . I had a '08 Hyper a while back and liked it but started looking for something more Dual-Sporty and ended up with a BMW 1200 GSA . I like it but it's heavy as hell . I was thinking of trading for a HS but would also like to ride some gravel roads in the Mountains . What do y'all think . The lighter weight sure wuold be nice .

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I've been down a few gravel roads, played in some unpaved construction zones, jumped a few curbs, and other off pavement shenanigans without problem. I'm sure if you put a set of tck 80 tires and a proper skid plate to protect the bike it could be fairly good at it.

As far as I am concerned it is a duel sport motorcycle!

you don't know what you don't know

The front suspension is terrible, and you won't know how bad it is until you try one that has been fixed. Fortunately it does not take $2k to do this, and you can put up with the stock setup until you have the bucks if that is a problem.

Seriously - $500 plus shipping to and from Corona, CA will make you change your mind about how 'adequate' the stock setup is. I found mine to be so harsh that it made long rides very tiring. Not any more!

I took my HS on a 25 mile dirt washboard road yesterday - enough to rearrange internal organs. I thought the shocks did a good job - I'd want to ride a 800GS down the same track for a comparo.

I can also add that my dealer sells BMW and Ducati. I asked the parts guy if there was much difference - he said yeah - BMW is not as good! Remember since Ducati was bought by Audi they have greatly improved the supply chain. BMW apparently implemented a new parts distribution system last year and have had some hicups although it is improving. I don't think you would have any more/less concerns with either manufacturer.