I'll concur that the older, 2 valve per cylinder, air-cooled L twins are incredibly reliable...provided the (unique to Ducati) cam drive belts are changed every 3-4 years and (desmodromic) valves are checked/adjusted according to service manual schedule, in addition to all the normal maintenance. As I'm a DIY kinda guy, neither bike has ever been to a dealer!
39,950 miles now on my old, carbed '95 900SS, my FI '07 SS800 near 14,000 and both start, run, shift, brake, accelerate and handle impeccably while feeling "stuck" to the road. The newer, liquid cooled, 4 valvers obviously faster but much more complicated to work on. The latest Multistrada and Hypermotards have all sorts of complicated electronic doo-dads such as ride modes, on-screen service reminders, and even more. Great while covered under warranty, but thereafter...super expensive repairs.
No thanky, i'll take my old, outdated, air-cooled, DIY, simple in comparison 2 valve Supersports anytime.
|