new here looking for bike

I looked at some of the same bikes - NC700x, VStrom, KLR. NC700x to me was a nice competent bike but underpowered - not a highway bike. VStrom - just seemed cheap - I admit I did not ride one just sat on it and that was enough. KLR reminded me of my Suzuki dirtbike from 25 years ago - old!
Put the Duc HS next to one of them - other than the sheer beauty factor you get ABS, TCS, massive brakes,
110 hp, fuel injection (not on a KLR). Then start it up - even with stock exhaust the HS sound great. Whats the KLR or Honda sound like in comparison? A Duc is a different class of bike altogether. Compare it to say a BMW and the HS is actually good value for what you get. And as my dealer said - at the end of a ride you will park the bike in the garage, get a beer from the fridge -- if you have a BMW?KAW?SUZ you wont think about it until the next ride - with a Duc you will take that beer and sit in the garage just looking at your bike!

If it didn't have The Ducati Safety Pack (ABS, DTC, Power Modes), I'd say $13K is too much. But the level to which you can tune the riding dynamic is very trick. The motor is also amazing. I was a little worried about the smallish displacement (for a twin) but it's a technical masterpiece. Plus they saved us a bunch of money with extending the valve job interval way out.

I would hunt for a left over 2013. Some new members have been getting those for $10K or less. That is truly a bargain.

It's been a year and 6500 miles. I still stare at mine a lot.

check out the classified section here - there are several for sale.

I'd hold out for slightly used if price is the obstacle. We've had half a dozen listed on this site over the past year. I remember one going for sale in the 11's with less than 700 miles on it.

I love my Strada, it does everything I want. But it really depends on what you're going to use it for? A couple guys on here mentioned they wished they had gotten a regular hypermotard and added the SW Motech, blaze saddle bags. But again it depends on what you use it for.

cndctrdj said:

Just checked the classified and the only cheap ones are way too far away

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I'm selling my 13' white HS, 450 miles, no stories and nothing wrong with it. I live in the NH seacoast and will save you ALOT from dealer pricing. Let me know if you are interested.

Pretty sure they are identical. HS has different seat, bar risers, wind screen, bags,

there's more: wheels, weight, power ports, suspension (adj front), tires

But wait there's more!

Remote reservoir and hydraulic preload adjuster on rear shock, centerstand, rear rack, and only the Hyper SP comes with any adjustments on the forks.

I found the HM seat excruciating. The Strada fits me perfectly. The HM forks have 20mm more travel, but both could use some help.

And someone once said, "The sting of a high price never lasts as long as the pain of poor quality." Other than a few details, the Ducati certainly delivers on quality.

ah yes, the centerstand, which is one of my favorite features.

All we can advise is read up on the recalls and updates if you are serious about taking one home. You'd want that done before it leaves the shop.

If you'll be using it to commute a lot, I'd just work a deal on a touring screen. I bought one on my 600 mile service.

the HM and HS are mechanically identical the fenders are smaller on the HM, no engine guard on the HM BUT the HM comes in black with a red frame and I wish the HS did! the SP model gives you adjustable front shocks. If you take the HM and want to add bags, seat, wind screen, power plug -- it adds up quickly. The bags on the HS I personally like - they can hold a full face helmet and come on/off easily (IF you have them greased as the dealer is supposed to do before you take delivery). If you want the 'ultimate' get the SP and add HS encoutrements.
But now I'm confused as to what you are looking for - good value or a custom set up? The HS is better value IF you want those extras. If you don't want those extras get the HM. It all comes down to what type of riding you will be doing.
I bought the HS because I wanted a bike that was versatile - and it is! People who want a sport bike will complain the shocks are too soft and the tires are not right for pure street so if you expect a sport bike buy a sport bike!. If you want to go off road there isn't enough ground clearance but the shock travel is long enough to absorb bumps (not massive rocks or pot holes!). You can pick the bike up on your own - try that with a 1200GS but if you want a pure adventure bike BUY an adventure bike (KTM/BMW).
I ride the paved roads around Phoenix and a few dirt roads - nothing drastic. The bike does well in any situations that I personally would ride in but it is not a cruiser, it is not a pure sport bike, it is not a pure adventure bike.