[davidkump]

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After about 15 years of riding and 7 Japanese bikes, I'm ready for my first Italian but I have some questions and wondering if it will fit what I'm looking to do?

I'm wondering how would a Sport Classic fair as a everyday commuter? I worried about the dry clutch not being very friendly in "stop & go" traffic. I've test ridden a buddy's 2000 996 and thought the clutch bite hard and quick. It's like either ON or OFF, no slipping. Anyone get used to this or is this always going to be a pain in the butt for everyday commuting? Also, can it be converted to a wet slipper clutch, is it common to do it?

I'm very much into cafe racer bikes and own 2 (73' Honda CB750 & 78' Honda CB550), but I'm not much of a wrench monkey so any work needed is tough for me and/or expensive. So I'm looking for the cafe / vintage look without the constant mechanical attention one would regularly require. So I thought the Sport Classic 1000 is the perfect balance along with its gorgeous lines and design.

How would it fair on the track? I'm looking to start doing track days and am going to take a Keith Code Riding School and wanted a bike that I could take to track days 2-3 times per year. Not looking to become a serious racer because I have a full time job, own my own business, have morgage and responsibilities (married, no kids), so I can't go out racing and come home with a broken arm or leg. But I'm worried that this bike will be too much of a bike being 1000cc and I've heard the suspension is bad on the sport classic which was one of the reasons it was discontinued. This information was told to me directly from a the owner of a local Ducati dealer shop.

Being a new track day rider (but veteran street rider) I was told the the Suzuki SV650 is the perfect track day bike because its so easy to handle, manageable engine, and low cost. I almost bought one but the two problems I have is I was told because I've been riding for a long time, I would quickly get bored of the SV because I'm not a completely new rider. Also, my other problem is that I hate the styling of the SV and would never want to be seen in public with it. I have an Yamaha R1 now, and was told that I would not have fun on it because it's a 4 cylinder 1000cc bike on a small track in NH. I'm also anti-600cc Jap sport bikes because I've gotten used to have multiple 1000cc Jap bikes. The 600cc now feel like scooters. I'm also afraid if I take the Keith Code Riding School I'm going to fall in love with the new BMW 1000RR.

There is a Sport Classic available to me at my local Ducati dealer which I've been told is the last BRAN NEW Sport Classic left in the world for sale. They want $11k. Is this reasonable?

Any thoughts, educated input would help. Is there such a thing as an everyday commuter and occasional track day bike combo, all-in-one bike? Is the Sport Classic the bike for me? A thorough response is much appreciated, thank you so much!

Part of the reason why I want a Ducati is because I'm hoping the family of Ducati riders are a little more respectful and educated that the typical "Rice-Rocket" rider.

[bkrochman]

I have a GT1K that I love riding, but I don't commute on it, I use the BMW R1150RT for that. BTW, the clutch on the SC is a wet clutch, but the lever seems far heavier than any other bike I own. In stop and go traffic, don't be surprised if your hand gets fatigued.

I think it would be a decent commuter bike if your commute included a reasonable stretch of highway.

[Peter Krynicki]

I have a 2007 S1000 which I use for commuting, but it's only a 19 mile round trip. It's fine for that with a not-too-expteme riding postion and is powerful enough and handles nicely. I put on a small Ducati tank bag which is good for an extra pair of gloves and a few other things, but I also throw a messenger bag over my shoulder for other, somewhat heavier stuff.

Pjk

[wilkson]

Originally Posted by bkrochman

I have a GT1K that I love riding, but I don't commute on it, I use the BMW R1150RT for that. BTW, the clutch on the SC is a wet clutch, but the lever seems far heavier than any other bike I own. In stop and go traffic, don't be surprised if your hand gets fatigued.

I think it would be a decent commuter bike if your commute included a reasonable stretch of highway.

I'm sure it's a dry clutch .

[spider_man912]

GT series (Touring version) are wet clutch; while Sport 1000, Sport 1000s and Paul smart are dry clutch.

[Pachuco]

I commute on my sc1000. I find it awesome in the city, and leave the big bikes for the weekend twisty's

[Duc_L_over_V]

If you're riding an R1, why are you worried that a SC will have too much power? SCs are air-cooled 2-valve twins that probably make just over half the power your R1. If a 600 feels like a scooter to you, forget about getting a SC and get Streetfighter. It's a great everyday bike (well, better than the 1198 anyway) and perfectly capable of tearing up the track. Plus it will give your R1 all it can handle power-wise.

[bkrochman]

Originally Posted by spider_man912

GT series (Touring version) are wet clutch; while Sport 1000, Sport 1000s and Paul smart are dry clutch.

Thanks for clearing that up!

[davidkump]

Hey everyone, thanks for all the great responses. Duc Lover, to answer your question, I'm looking for a bike that will serve the purpose of both street riding and track days. I'm concerned about the power of the SC1000 not on the street, but rather on the track. I'm comfortable on the R1 on the street, but the combo of a 4 cylinder, liter bike without traction control, on a small track like we have in NH, just doesn't make for a "not-so-serious, wanna have fun" track day bike. Based on the specs of the SC, I'm thinking with its lower power (compared to the R1), ease of a twin cylinder, and dry clutch, might make for a great track day bike. I'm thinking the suspension might not be great but down the line I was thinking of upgrading shocks. I'm also thinking the SC might not be a great everyday, city commuter bike because of its dry clutch cause I'm use the wet clutches.