Ducati Reliability?

[rapom]

I've noticed a couple people on here with ducs and thought that this would be as good a place as any to ask this.
How is the reliability of a Ducati, More specifically the 2/4v water cooled ones? I'm looking into getting a monster S2/S4/S4r/S4rs over the summer mainly as a commuter bike, good mpg's!
Also what kind of costs can i expect for basic parts? I don't mid doing things like oil etc myself as I will be buying used so no warrantee to f up :-(
Thanks in advance!

[TonyN]

if your a DIY guy then you will be fine. I owned a 748R Superbike for 3 year a bit a ago and it was just fine, more required maintance due to the rocker vavle setup. Keep your chain adjusted, lube it, change your oil, and just be proactive. You dont always need to buy OEM parts but you can, the "Ducati" tax is not what "Supra" taxes are lol. Changing the clutch in my Ducati took me 5 minutes, love that dry clutch setup lol.

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/61219_158418864174290_100000185311704_538752_4697877_n.jpg

[rapom]

Yea I have been looking at some vids on how to do timing belts, valve adjustments etc, not to bad really
The "Supra" taxes made me roll man.
Also beautiful bike man! love the polished temis!

[TonyN]

yeah i miss that mike, esp the magnesium wheels! man they were light and made a night and day difference. Good luck on your duck

[Mark 2JZ]

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p43/adiaz316/Ducatifunny.jpg

jokes aside, like most things, if you keep up on the regular recommended maintenance intervals, you should be fine. my 996 has been running tip top for three years already. the only thing i had to replace that was unexpected was the starter solenoid. the cambelt changes and valve adjustments aren't too bad.

having my duc apart like that picture on the bottom right was a little unnerving, but once you know your way around the bike its all downhill. :)