Relibility/Ease of Maintenance... European bikes

[SVTNate]

I figured I could ask this question here, because this site isn't specific to any of the brands I'd be considering.

I would like a European naked/standard bike as a secondary bike to complement my FJR, and I've considered several models.

Triumph Speed Triple

Aprilia Tuono

Ducati Monster 1100 (maybe Streetfighter but probably not)

KTM 990 Super Duke

Of course I've owned two Yamahas which are/have been 100% trouble free.

Of all the brands/bikes I mentioned which is easiest to maintain and most reliable as a general rule? I figure that maintenance and parts will cost more, and there will be fewer dealers around for any of those brands in comparison to Yamaha, but I accept that. I just don't want to buy anything finicky/problematic.

Whatever bike I bought, it'd be a new one, so figure 2009-2010 model year.

 

[Duezzer]

Speed triple - most like a jap bike maintenance wise

Duke a close second

 

[markjenn]

Nobody has any hard data, but I'd rate them all about equal and a notch below Japanese bikes, although I wouldn't classify any as "finicky" nor having terribly unusual maintenance requirements. Differences in reliability wouldn't be a consideration between these if I was buying. The quality of the local dealer would. My first pick for this sort of bike would be the new Ducati 796 HM. You don't need huge power in a naked unless you're really into yanking your arms out around town and keeping the front wheel in the air; at the speeds where big power starts to be useful, the windblast blows you off the bike.

- Mark

 

[exskibum]

at the speeds where big power starts to be useful, the windblast blows you off the bike.

That's an excellent and often overlooked point.

 

[topanga]

I have a 2007 Speed Triple as a 2nd to the FJR. No issues other than regular maintenance and chain upkeep. Plus, it's more fun than just about any bike i've ever had and the sound of the triple is just amazing.