For those who considering upgrading their superbike, a Yamaha R1 and Ducati must in in most of their list. Of cause, these two superbikes are awesome, fast and powerful enough to attract attention from girls as well. But what happens, if you in serious consideration, about either to take Ducati, or Yamaha R1. Here some info and feedback for your guide in choosing superbike.
To me, no one bike is the best at everything, Certain bikes do certain things very well, which is why there are so many different types and styles of motorcycles. The first thing you have to do is decide what you want the bike you are going to get to do. Will it be an on road or off road bike? Do you want handle better, or do you want it to be somewhat forgiving? Do you want high top end speed, or do you want low end torque? After you decide what you want a bike for, you then start looking for a bike that does what you want it for well.
The 2 bikes you mentioned are full on street bikes, sport bikes at that. The R1 carries an inline 4 cylinder engine, this allows that bike to have a higher rev limit and a very good top end speed. The Ducati carries a V-twin, actually an L shaped twin with different valves. The Ducati will generally have a better low end take off, but a slower top end than the R1.
The Ducati is more of s specialized bike, it is mostly hand made and will require more service than the R1, also servicing will be more expensive. The R1 will blend in with other sport bikes, the Ducati will stand out. The R1 will have more of a shriek to it, the Ducati has the famous rumble of Ducati. The Ducati will costs more to buy and more to maintain, but it will better hold it's value.
The Ducati is more of s specialized bike, it is mostly hand made and will require more service than the R1, also servicing will be more expensive. The R1 will blend in with other sport bikes, the Ducati will stand out. The R1 will have more of a shriek to it, the Ducati has the famous rumble of Ducati. The Ducati will costs more to buy and more to maintain, but it will better hold it's value.
Here is the spec of these to superbikes:
- DUCATI (Based on 2012 model)
- Yamaha R1 (Based on 2009 model)
To me, I like Ducati more than Yamaha R1. But both gives you pleasure to ride and cruising no matter which bike you choose. But since I rode both bike, I came with my own opinions,
- For daily use, Yamaha R1 for daily use, and Ducati for weekend. Even I am not recommend any superbike for daily use.
- Yamaha won top speed, but low end torque belongs to Ducati.
- Ducati cost you more money in maintaining, but R1 easy to taking care of. But you know that no such thing as 'cheap' in maintaining superbike.
- Yamaha R1 is TOP 6 in world superbike 2014. Ducati is TOP 10.
- Handling is much easier with Yamaha R1.
- Ducati produces better engine sound than R1, since Ducati is using V-twin engine system, and Yamaha R1 is 4 inline.
- In Malaysia, spare parts for Yamaha R1 is much easier to find than Ducati. Also much cheaper.
- Ducati is much smaller chassis size than Yamaha. So Yamaha is for taller rider and Ducati good for Asian average size.
- Yamaha R1 has better fuel consumption.
- In Malaysia, girls loves guys who owns Ducati, even Yamaha R1 is much more cute face lift.
- Ducati price could be RM129,000 and Yamaha R1 is around RM80,000 to RM95,000. Ducati has higher trade in value.
- Yamaha R1 much heavier than Ducati.
- Most people might disagree with me, but Ducati very uncomfortable, unforgiving and harder to ride than Yamaha R1.
- Conclusions: The Yamaha represents better value for money: Similar performance, lower cost, less expensive to maintain, much larger dealer network.
But one chooses a bike with one's heart, not one's brain.
"You buy the one that speaks to you."
All images are from Google Image. See you next ride...
