Tuono Factory vs Ducati Streetfighter

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Thanks, Dave! That was really encouraging.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Here's a few nit's form some other observers suggesting to those of us having experience with the Tuono, that it is superior in execution and refinement, or more adaptable.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In the July/August issue of Men's Journal, in the column “The Drive's Seat” by Ezra Dyer, he notes, after riding the Duc, that (without disparaging your neck-of-the-woods, Dave):[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] “The lack of bodywork leaves me feeling like [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] Miss Gulch riding her bike to Oz in the [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] tornado.”[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Also noted:[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] “. . . the motor's low-rpm vibrations rattle [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] your skull below 20 mph, and the dry [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] clutch's satisfying definitive engagement comes [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] at the expense of a shift lever stiff enough to make [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] Popeye wince."[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]And again:[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]
". . . And, dear God, the wind." [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The June issue of Cycle World observes;[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] “steering lock is somewhat limited”[/FONT] (Oh, well . . . a draw, there!)

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Regarding exhaust silencers: [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] “the single-mounted system interferes [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] with your right heel, forcing your[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] ankle to an awkward angle if you [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] ride on the balls of your feet”[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In Motorcyclist, June issue:[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] “...unlike other naked bikes, steering[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] is heavy, with noticeable resistance[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] from the non-adjustable, top mounted[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] steering damper."[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]I've thrown a leg over the bike at my dealer and have felt that there is going to be a real issue in adapting wind protection to this model (for those of us w/o a fleet of specialty bikes), and the dash, for me, was hard to read: very exposed and subject to glare. For many potential buyers in my income bracket, those Desmo tune-ups in frequency and price are going to be the biggest comparison issue where the Tuono comes out ahead.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Thanks again, Dave for this fresh meat! (You have Tuonos, not tornadoes in your Oz, right?)[/FONT]

Hi Chunkylad and Jonnyallover. Does it matter what the press say about any anything. Here in the UK Bike mag did a test that covered the Streetfighter S, Tuono, Street T and various others. Why didn't they test the factory tuono against the Duc? My mate's got the Streetfighter S and he say's the wind blast keeps him sensible. As yet he hasn't said let's swop for a run. IMO it matters FA what they say, I'm over the Moon with mine.
Aldo.

Yes, Aldo, it ultimately doesn't matter. I'm bowled over with mine. I was just coming home tonight from the market and my Tuono gave me deep satisfaction in so many areas. I congratulated myself and felt deeply blessed.

The journals are a starting point for elimination. If I really liked something, I would still give it a test despite an overall, negative article. These articles can really be helpful in their enthusiasm or, by shining a light on concerns. Then, at least I have some idea what I am getting into and, perhaps, if I am willing to deal with the remedies upon ownership.

I look forward so much each year for the Cycle World International Motorcycle Convention coming to my area. For me, over the course of two full days, I usually get an opportunity to ride exactly what interests me. This is where I really come to terms with my feelings about a bike. I am often times surprised. Last December, the Tuono stood out decidedly and I had one in my garage two weeks later (at a substantial discount what with the winter season). There are limits, of course. One goes out on group rides and it is rare to get a chance to accelerate or corner hard (but, once in a while it happens). With a decent riding background, I can really narrow it down. Then, it is not so hard to go to the dealer and request a test ride.

Aldo, these events can be canceled by weather, so if this ever interests you, go to the southern California event, usually around the 4th of December. Over the last 3 years, I have not seen a day of riding missed. Give yourself some relief from the winter if it is feasible.

My boys and I get there promptly at 8 am and race around booking test rides from the manufacturers for the day. We even skip lunch and take advantage of no-shows (those whose hunger alarm overcame their motoring passion). After , we head across the street to the many, substantial restaurants along the harbor. After good food and some brewskies, its over to the convention floor where, at this hour, it has thinned out. Most everything is still there to view. Then, to bed and start all over the next day. Joy!

But yea! No critic could diminish the satisfaction and pleasure I now enjoy. This was derived after making an educated guess reading journals, researching chat boards, riding at the convention followed up by a nice sprint on a dealer's bike. All the best!

Ducati's are ****. Their you go I said it and I feel better now.

Hee Hee.

Their good bike as we know. BUT Prillas ARE better.

You're really not the bad boy on this one, Naughty Nobist. I got my September '09 issue of Consumer News Saturday, and the full article places the Streetfighter S last. For those of you out there not familiar with this journal, it is like Consumer Reports: they take no advertising. It's chocked full of practical, conscientious material on every aspect of motorcycling.

(at least) One weird thing though about this article: They got top, high end mpg out of these bikes, the T. in particular, that I've never seen and, I don't seem to hear anyone out there on this forum getting.

Good news for you Brits, what with national pride and all; they loved the Speed Triple - just felt it was getting a bit dated, long-in-the-tooth, thus holding it out of first place. Nice turnaround on a seemingly lost company (and, the Street Triple really gets kudos).

Nobist. You suggested getting decent mpg on the camping trip, despite strapping on the gear and the little lady (or was it strapping the little lady?). What are the critical numbers at the end of your weekend?

Critical numbers are as follows,

12 cans beer per day.
Numerous J/D per evening.
2 bacon and sausage butties per day.
2 cheese burgers per day plus chips.
Crisps and sweets as required.
Tonnes and tonnes of b ****.

All figures are approximate.

Ne then.

I actually achieved 122 mpg before I stopped. And then it was only because my arse was dead. I did think the reserve light had packed up.
I'm a biggish lad, our Maud is average. We took Ventura Brathurst ? bag with 2 large Spinnex panniers,all loaded to the max with 2 chairs strapped to the bag. Not aerodynamic!!
Mostly filtering [fast] and quick blasts when I could. The T [growl] handled fantastic and the quickest comfortable speed when I could was 90mph with hardly any wind blast. After that it was a bit poor but 85-90 was ok.
In total the first leg was 260 miles done in 3 stops.
Dont know about the return cause I was wrecked and just wanted to get home.

Summary-- New seats front and rear. Everything else was perfect. And much better than I thought it would be on my first longish ride.

Ironic thing is I ordered a Ermax screen and it didn't arrive in time for the trip and I dont really think it needs it now.

By the way the Bsb at Brands was excellent.

:cheers Ollie.

Ollie;
Many thanks! Sounds like you & the missus need no schooling in the subtle techniques of dispensing with recreational moments. Me thinks you fueled yourself a bit more often than the bike, which is very encouraging for the grin factor blokes in this crowd.

(Got to let you off the hook on the growls, now. You definately know your way around the zen of the T-Zone, so demo time is over. Thanks!)

Nobist said:

Hee Hee.

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that made me laugh glad you feel better : )

Nobist said:

Ne then.

I actually achieved 122 mpg before I stopped. And then it was only because my arse was dead. I did think the reserve light had packed up.
I'm a biggish lad, our Maud is average. We took Ventura Brathurst ? bag with 2 large Spinnex panniers,all loaded to the max with 2 chairs strapped to the bag. Not aerodynamic!!
Mostly filtering [fast] and quick blasts when I could. The T [growl] handled fantastic and the quickest comfortable speed when I could was 90mph with hardly any wind blast. After that it was a bit poor but 85-90 was ok.
In total the first leg was 260 miles done in 3 stops.
Dont know about the return cause I was wrecked and just wanted to get home.

Summary-- New seats front and rear. Everything else was perfect. And much better than I thought it would be on my first longish ride.

Ironic thing is I ordered a Ermax screen and it didn't arrive in time for the trip and I dont really think it needs it now.

By the way the Bsb at Brands was excellent.

:cheers Ollie.

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What seats did you get (and where)? I don't find the T too bad, get the usual numb bum, but the wife hates it and doesn't want to go for more than about 40 miles.

Advice appreciated:thumbup

I got a dead arse and the missis got a dead wotsit so she's sanctioned a purchase.
I'm gonna get both seats changed to gel and get the rear trimmed like the rear pod. Might get a bit of the italian flag piped in thier to.

Chunkylad said:

Ollie and Jon et al: I think you chaps will earn your Aprilia badges after all (they're like Mickey Mouse badges, but much more difficult and expensive to obtain. One must first actually buy an Ape, then develop a passion for it which usurps the desire for any other marque). I think you're well on your way boys, congratulations.

Dave

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Badges! I've got a ruck sack. And a *** bag. And a little *** bag for me waterproofs just in case we get a bit of rain in Manchester.The wifes even got an Ape T shirt. We look a right pair of **** when we go on holiday.

Ape- Falco, T1, Rsvr, T2. All track dayed. 10 years + in total. I like twins. :thumbup

Correction, the new T is about to be track dayed soon as I get some decent sliders on. Probably do Oulton Park in about a month if anyone else fancies it.

Chunkylad said:

Ollie and Jon et al: I think you chaps will earn your Aprilia badges after all (they're like Mickey Mouse badges, but much more difficult and expensive to obtain.

Dave

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Dave;

I thought I already had my badge: it's that big grin on my face when I ride the brute. Still, it's not bad imagining ol' Ollie coming home with his liver working harder than the T. after the past day's bottle of Jack all squeaky clean; what with him focusing on keeping the front end down with his 15/40, the sacks & the pretty lady with a sore bum on the pillion.

If there's a real badge to be obtained, you set the standard, old man. I can't think of anyone more generous to the new lads that sign on to the forum. -Cheers!