[Guest]

I am debating between getting the 2007 Ducati Monster 695 and the 2007 Buell Lightning City Cross (about 980cc). Both are streetfighter style which is what i am looking for. And both are about the same price.

I hear from a lot of people that Buells are not well built bikes. True?

I am a new rider, any opinions on the two bikes? Anyone ever own either or both bikes?

Thanks for your input.

 

[TeeTee]

Get the Monster. Buells are fun bikes but they have far too many warranty callbacks or just shed parts at the most awkward times. Last I heard this had gotten better but still happens far too often.

 

[Tengu]

Every Buell owner i've heard of has had some annoying mechanical failures.

Lots of recalls on them for safety issues as well.

If Harley made planes, would you fly in them?

 

[CorvetteBoy]

People may joke that Kawi = Junk but for Buell that equation really is true.

 

[radmtrbkr]

neither, buy jap scrap.

 

[Little One]

I own the Lightning 1200cc XB12S, and I say go with the Ducati if you can, they sure are pretty.
Don't get me wrong I love my buell, I don't care what people think, but still I haven't had a serious problem with it mechanical or otherwise, but I only got this one in Febuary. I had the Blast before and it was crap and was breaking down all the time.
But I would test out the Buell first cause all my guy friends are very uncomfortable on my bike and if you’re really tall it's just not going to fit you well.

 

[J_Scott]

don't compare a 695 and a lightning. Obviously I'm going to say Ducati since I own one, but I'd go with a 2007 Monster S2R or S4RS. And Ducati is trying to make a commitment for 07 and newer bikes to have half the service as normally required.

I have an 05 S4R and absolutely love it. Tough bike.

 

[Guest]

If Harley made planes, would you fly in them?

on a related note.. kawasaki makes helicopters. choppers=junk now too.

 

[SpideRider]

Are they green?

 

[Purplekawi]

Ducati cause it comes with a bowl of Mama Tortelli's Spaghetti and meatballs!!

 

[BMR]

One response from a person that actually owns a Buell / Harley.

Why not find a website forum with more knowledge of the actual bike in question? This isn't the best place to get relevant info on a Buell. It might be a good bike (the model you have interest in) and should be looked into.

 

[Vili]

Either one will do fine as long as you have plenty of cash to spare for maintainance.

Want something that you dont need to maintain as much? Go for SV650 or SV1000 and remove the fairings, add sliders/cage, and a streetfighter headlight

 

[Bluepill]

yeah get the Ducati!!!

If you can't afford S2R 800 Dark, then yeah just get the 695. S2R is a very good beginner bike, too!

you can get it from the states....i think you can save like about $4000. i am not sure about warrenty though.

naaaa if you can afford a Ducati, don't go for japanese!! you will sure love your v-twin! make sure you get aftermarket exhaust to uncork that monster though!

 

[Vili]

naaaa if you can afford a Ducati, don't go for japanese!! you will sure love your v-twin! make sure you get aftermarket exhaust to uncork that monster though!

make sure you tell him about the maintainance factor.

Its not just buying the bike, you are looking at almost twice more maintainance as japanese bikes, and if you do not know where to service it for decent price, and cant do it yourself, then you will get raped!

 

[Vili]

now all that said and done, if you can afford it, always go for an italian mistress, they tend to pur and grunt real nice

 

[Guest]

it's comparing the special olympics to the real ones.

 

[Guest]

I would suggest the Ducati S2R 800 as well. It is a very well mannered bike that will not intimidate you as a new rider but has enough power to enjoy over several riding seasons as your skill level and confidence level improve.

If you are inclined, you can add all sorts of toys and mods to the S2R to take the bike from mild to wild.

Service Intervals for the Monster are:

1st Service at 1,000km @ ~ $340

Subsequent service intervals are every 10,000km @ ~ $475 - $630 depending on interval.

Depending on how much you plan to ride your bike will determine how much you spend on service for it (obviously).

If you are interested in finding out more about owning a Monster specfically then there are a few Ducati specific boards available that will provide a wealth of information.

I can also forward you the name of a friend who owns two monsters and a 749 Dark and will be happy to give you the straight deal on the S2R and the 620 he owns.

Ducati Boards:

Ducati Monster List http://www.ducatimonster.org/

Ducati.ms http://www.ducati.ms

Speedzilla http://www.speedzilla.com/forums/

I hope this helps in your decision on your bike purchase

Cheers!

 

[mli35]

Is there even a comparison? I don't think its even fair....apples and lemons is what your comparing. Go red!

 

[Saint Nick]

I am debating between getting the 2007 Ducati Monster 695 and the 2007 Buell Lightning City Cross (about 980cc). Both are streetfighter style which is what i am looking for. And both are about the same price.

I hear from a lot of people that Buells are not well built bikes. True?

I am a new rider, any opinions on the two bikes? Anyone ever own either or both bikes?

Thanks for your input.

Regardless of reliability/durability issues, the Buell Lightning
with it's steering geometry (21 degrees/85mm trail)and short
wheelbase (52in) does not make a good beginners bike (imho)

 

[Little One]

Regardless of reliability/durability issues, the Buell Lightning
with it's steering geometry and short wheelbase does not make
a good beginners bike (IMHO)

I agree. I ride my bike hard and it's not a beginners bike at all. It does corner like a dream no matter what all the other people say. Yah they have had problems in the past, but mine is fine so far. But i have the backing of the dealer if anything does go wrong. They treat me like a Queen now a days when i go there.